Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an evenly mixed additive enhanced gypsum slurry to a web. Calcined gypsum and water are inserted into a mixer through at least one inlet of the mixer. The contents are agitated to form a slurry. The slurry is passed from an outlet of the mixer into a conduit. An additive is introduced into the slurry along a length of the conduit to achieve a flow stream of a slurry/additive mixture. A cross section of the flow stream is expanded in the conduit while not changing direction of the flow stream and a direction of the flow stream is changed while not expanding the cross section of the flow stream and conduit, all prior to the flow steam exiting from an outlet of the conduit.

Abstract: A slurry distributor for use in a continuous manufacturing process includes an inlet opening and a shaped duct adapted to receive a flow of slurry provided at the inlet opening. The shaped duct has a parabolic guide surface adapted to redirect the flow of slurry. An outlet opening in fluid communication with the shaped duct is adapted to discharge the flow of slurry from the slurry distributor.

Abstract: Prediction of data values to be read from memory by a microprocessor for load operations. In one aspect, a method for predicting a data value that will result from a load operation to be executed by the microprocessor includes accessing an entry in a load value prediction table that stores a predicted data value corresponding to the load operation. The predicted data value is provided as a result of the load operation without waiting for execution of the load operation to complete based on a confidence parameter stored in the entry compared to a dynamic confidence threshold.

Abstract: Prediction of data values to be read from memory by a microprocessor for load operations. In one aspect, a method for predicting a data value that will result from a load operation to be executed by the microprocessor includes accessing an entry in a load value prediction table that stores a predicted data value corresponding to the load operation. The predicted data value is stored in a physical storage destination of the microprocessor to be available as a result of the load operation without waiting for execution of the load operation to complete. The storage destination is the destination for a loaded data value resulting from executing the load operation.

Abstract: A way to attach a trampoline enclosure to a trampoline frame is described. This process involving constructing the enclosure with a buttonhole at or near its bottom edge. This buttonhole is designed to receive a spring attachment feature located on the rebounding mat of the trampoline structure. Generally, this spring attachment feature will be the D-ring (or V-ring) that is used to attach the rebounding mat to the springs. The D-ring will pass through the buttonhole and, when connected to a corresponding spring, will securely attach the trampoline enclosure to the trampoline.

Abstract: A method of operating a computing device wherein said device is adapted to perform a supervisory and/or supporting role in relation to peers in a peer-to-peer network, the method including the steps of: a. the computing device establishing contact with a plurality of peers which are to be the subject of the supervision and/or support role; and b. providing said supervision and/or support.

Abstract: A way to attach a trampoline enclosure to a trampoline frame is described. This process involving constructing the enclosure with a buttonhole at or near its bottom edge. This buttonhole is designed to receive a spring attachment feature located on the rebounding mat of the trampoline structure. Generally, this spring attachment feature will be the D-ring (or V-ring) that is used to attach the rebounding mat to the springs. The D-ring will pass through the buttonhole and, when connected to a corresponding spring, will securely attach the trampoline enclosure to the trampoline.

Abstract: An improved canoe including a hull has sidewalls extending fore and aft and a gunwale on the sidewalls. The gunwale has longitudinal slot extending for a substantial portion of the entire hull. A canoe accessory has a thickened attachment portion for engagement in the slot to attach the accessory to the canoe. A method of canoeing includes inserting a thickened portion of a canoeing accessory into a slot at a canoe gunwale to retain the accessory in place and paddling the canoe on a body of water.

Abstract: An improved web accumulator with two arms where at least one arm is a swinging dancer arm and at least one arm is attached to a sliding carriage. Each arm has a set of rollers attached. A web is threaded alternately between the two sets of rollers. The arms are mechanically connected to move simultaneously towards or away from each other. The arms are initially position at their maximum separation to accumulate a maximum length of web. When web infeed is interrupted while web outfeed or draw persists, the arms are first rotated in towards each other to pay out the stored length of web. As the demand persists and the dancer arm is rotated beyond some predefined position, the sliding carriage begins to slide to a least storage position. As web infeed returns to normal operational speeds, the dancer arm and the sliding carriage are returned to their original position to again accumulate a maximum amount of web.

Abstract: A super absorbent distribution system for homogenous distribution throughout an absorbent core is disclosed. A super absorbent material is injected into a stream of absorbent fluff at an opposite direction to that of the stream of absorbent fluff. The super absorbent is blasted into the peak and outer surface of a cone shaped super absorbent barrier. The oncoming absorbent fluff also contends with a similarly shaped absorbent fluff barrier. The super absorbent material slows down as it hits the super absorbent barrier and oncoming fluff, then stops, then reverses direction and flows with the absorbent fluff as a homogenous distribution of super absorbent material and absorbent fluff. The combination of super absorbent material and absorbent fluff may encounter baffle members to further distribute the super absorbent material and absorbent fluff.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating transactions involving the sale of goods or services. A standardized product rating system allows the subjective characteristics of a product to be evaluated and objectively rated based on generally accepted levels of quality. The products and factories of suppliers are also evaluated and rated in accordance with the standardized rating system. In one exemplary embodiment, a network of product buyers and suppliers are connected via a computer network. Through remote terminals, buyers submit requests-for-quotes, and suppliers submit bids, both of which specify objective and subjective aspects of a product using the standardized ratings. A network of independent, third-party service providers is also provided. The third-party service providers may place bids, via the computer network, to perform services necessary to execute purchase/sales transactions between the buyer and supplier.

Abstract: A rotational control apparatus includes a first rotatable assembly and a second rotatable assembly. The first assembly is rotatably mounted to a first support mount. The second assembly is rotatably mounted to the first assembly and is axially moveable relative to the first assembly. The first and second assemblies have respective coaxial surfaces adjacent to and spaced from one another and further have respective axial surfaces that frictionally engage one another when the second assembly is in a first axial position and disengage when the second assembly is in a second axial position. The second assembly is capable of rotation independent of the first assembly when the second assembly is in the second axial position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the down pressure exerted by an actuating device on a seed channel opener of a planting implement in order to maintain the seed channel opener at a predetermined depth. The method and apparatus includes a depth control device which senses the load on the depth control wheel of the planting implement and transmits a sensed load output to an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit includes a micro-controller which receives, monitors and analyzes the sensed load output and compares it to the predetermined depth value. When the micro-controller detects a change between the predetermined depth value and sensed output value, a signal is transmitted to a regulating control valve which adjusts the down pressure exerted by the actuating device on the seed channel opener to maintain the proper cutting depth.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for application processing. The present invention receives a request to process an application. In response to the request, the system validates the application data and requests a reporting bureau to provide report data associated with the applicant associated in the application data. After receiving reporting data from the reporting bureau, the system submits the application data and reporting data to a decision engine. The system is capable of interfacing with one or more of a plurality of decision engines. The system receives a preliminary decision from the decision engine. If the preliminary decision indicates approval, the system issues approval documents. If the preliminary decision indicates rejection, the system issues rejection documents. If the decision engine is not able to issue an approval or a rejection, the system directs the application to a pending application queue.

Abstract: A method of operating a computing device wherein said device is adapted to perform a supervisory and/or supporting role in relation to peers in a peer-to-peer network, the method including the steps of:

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating transactions involving the sale of goods or services. A standardized product rating system allows the subjective characteristics of a product to be evaluated and objectively rated based on generally accepted levels of quality. The products and factories of suppliers are also evaluated and rated in accordance with the standardized rating system. In one exemplary embodiment, a network of product buyers and suppliers are connected via a computer network. Through remote terminals, buyers submit requests-for-quotes, and suppliers submit bids, both of which specify objective and subjective aspects of a product using the standardized ratings. A network of independent, third-party service providers is also provided. The third-party service providers may place bids, via the computer network, to perform services necessary to execute purchase/sales transactions between the buyer and supplier.

Abstract: A fan assembly (10) which incorporates variable pitched blades (152), is driven by the engine of a vehicle and is used in cooling the engine. A control system (248) is provided which is responsive to at least one signal representative of an operating parameter of the engine and a second signal indicative of a desired cooling requirement to establish an efficient pitch for the blades of the fan assembly. In one embodiment, the speed of the engine is sensed and used in combination with a cooling requirement signal developed by the engine control module (205) to regulate the pitch of the fan assembly. In a second embodiment, engine charge air temperature and coolant temperature signals are utilized in establishing the desired pitch. Furthermore, fuzzy logic controls (290) can be utilized to anticipate the cooling needs of the engine based on variations in the overall dynamic system as derived from information available through the engine control module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a winterfront composed of a porous material which restricts cold ram air but provides a continuous and uniform air flow across the full frontal area of a vehicle's grill and to its cooling system. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a porous winterfront bound within a frame suitable for mounting to the grill of a vehicle. In a second embodiment, the winterfront of the present invention is a composite structure having inner and outer screen layers secured to a mountable frame and a porous fibrous web disposed in a pocket between the two screen layers.

Abstract: A fan assembly (10) includes first and second housing sections (70, 72) which, when mated by a first set of fasteners, define a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings (162) that lead to an internal housing chamber (82). The fan assembly (10) also includes a plurality of blade units (140), each of which includes an integral support stem (142) having a journal portion (148) rotatably mounted within a respective one of the openings (162), an enlarged flange portion (144) and a radial post portion (138) rotatably supported by a hub member (106) within the internal chamber (82). Each blade unit (140) preferably has a thrust bearing (156), bushing sleeve (158) and fan blade (152) integrated with the support stem (142), with the fan blade (152) being preferably molded to the support stem (142) following positioning of the thrust bearing (156) and bushing sleeve (158) to form an integral component.

Abstract: A system for customizing the operation of a vehicle/engine control computer includes a memory card having control computer customizing information stored thereon and a memory card interface unit having at least one signal line connected to at least one existing input signal line of the vehicle/engine control computer. In one embodiment, the memory card interface unit includes a control device operable to control a number of switches each connected to one of a corresponding number of switched input signal lines of the vehicle/engine control computer. The control device is operable to read the control computer customizing information from the memory card and control the states of the number of switches to thereby transfer the control computer customizing information to the vehicle/engine control computer.