Abstract: A building structure comprising a first film and a second film. The first film and the second film are each impregnated with L-Dopa. The building structure further includes regolith bulk material between the first film and the second film.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar monitoring system for monitoring one or more conditions associated with a railcar comprises a railcar controller and one or more sensors disposed throughout the railcar and communicably coupled to the railcar controller. The railcar controller is configured to exchange data with the one or more sensors and transmit data from the one or more sensors to a remote location. An amount of data exchanged between the railcar controller and the one or more sensors is controlled based on a railcar context. The railcar context is based on a location and/or activity associated with the railcar.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance for treating laundry items according to an automatic cycle of operation can include a cabinet defining an interior and having an access opening providing access to the interior. A tub can be located within the interior and can at least partially define a liquid chamber. A drum is rotatably mounted within the liquid chamber and at least partially defines a treating chamber. A clothes mover is located within the treating chamber and rotatable about a vertical axis. The clothes mover can include a base and a barrel.

Abstract: A wireless hoist system including a first hoist device having a first motor and a first wireless transceiver and a second hoist device having a second motor and a second wireless transceiver. The wireless hoist system includes a controller in wireless communication with the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless. The controller is configured to receive a user input and determine a first operation parameter and a second operation parameter based on the user input. The controller is also configured to provide, wirelessly, a first control signal indicative of the first operation parameter to the first hoist device and provide, wirelessly, a second control signal indicative of the second operation parameter to the second hoist device. The first hoist device operates based on the first control signal and the second hoist device operates based on the second control signal.

Abstract: A self-basting rotisserie is a rotisserie unit which fits within the confines of a conventional smoker style grill. A selection of meat is placed in a tray or on a spit and travels into and out of the hottest part of the smoker via a motor drive. As the food reaches the bottom of the travel path, it moves through a second tray which holds the user's choice of basting liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring computer applications comprising an application component table comprising a plurality of applications and application functions, wherein the applications comprise data identifying a functional status of the applications; a processor adapted to analyze the functional status of the applications based on the data; and a single status board user interface adapted to display the functional status of the applications, wherein the processor is adapted to predict when a running time of an application will be completed. The processor is adapted to determine whether the application functions fail when the applications are running; diagnose a cause of failure of the application functions; and indicate the cause of failure to a user. The processor is adapted to reconciliate information across processes supporting the applications. The system and method is adapted to send alerts to the single status board user interface of errors found in the processes.

Abstract: Systems that distribute map data and related map services are vital to companies in many industries, for example, telecommunications, trucking, and national defense. These systems typically comprise a computer, known as a server, which retrieves the map data, and a computer, known as a client, which electronically requests and receives map data from the server over a computer network, such as the Internet. Servers in these systems often suffer from at least two problems: first, the slow delivery of the map data and related services to clients, and second, the inability to operate in different modes with different types of clients. Accordingly, the inventors devised servers, systems, and related methods for rapidly delivering map data to many types of client, ranging from mobile telephones and personal digital assistants to workstations.

Abstract: Systems that distribute map data and related map services are vital to companies in many industries, for example, telecommunications, trucking, and national defense. These systems typically comprise a computer, known as a server, which retrieves the map data, and a computer, known as a client, which electronically requests and receives map data from the server over a computer network, such as the Internet. Servers in these systems often suffer from at least two problems: first, the slow delivery of the map data and related services to clients, and second, the inability to operate in different modes with different types of clients. Accordingly, the inventors devised servers, systems, and related methods for rapidly delivering map data to many types of client, ranging from mobile telephones and personal digital assistants to workstations.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely delivering identification tags permits an owner of property to create an identification tag whereby a finder of the property can contact the owner via a centralized system. The Internet may be used to deliver uniquely identifying information to the owner's endpoint computer system and using that information, the owner may generate the identification tag. Alternatively, a point-of-sale system may be used to provide more sophisticated identification tags than may be produced with a typical personal computer printer. The point-of-sale system may include an engraver, printer/laminator or other output device for producing a durable high-quality identification tag.

Abstract: Systems that distribute map data and related map services are vital to companies in many industries, for example, telecommunications, trucking, and national defense. These systems typically comprise a computer, known as a server, which retrieves the map data, and a computer, known as a client, which electronically requests and receives map data from the server over a computer network, such as the Internet. Servers in these systems often suffer from at least two problems: first, the slow delivery of the map data and related services to clients, and second, the inability to operate in different modes with different types of clients. Accordingly, the inventors devised servers, systems, and related methods for rapidly delivering map data to many types of client, ranging from mobile telephones and personal digital assistants to workstations.

Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaning systems are disclosed. The systems include an automatic swimming pool cleaner incorporating one or more curved wipers protruding from its lower surface. The wipers and flat bottom of the cleaner induce a vortex as fluid flows to its central inlet, entraining debris in the flow. A fluted throat surrounding the inlet additionally assists the interior of the base of the cleaner in retaining debris when opened for cleaning, additionally providing an improved flow path for enhanced debris pick-up. Alternate embodiments incorporate a rudder and resistance plate for enhancing movement of the cleaners in the presence of obstacles. Also disclosed is a valve useful for controlling and indicating the rate of fluid flow to a cleaner. Included within the valve is a plunger attached to a spring, with the spring force opposing fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: A method of locating a lost item via a provided telephone service, using an identification number given on both an identification card held by the owner of the item, and on an identification tag worn or attached to the item. A telephone number is given on the identification card for the item owner to access the telephone service and open a voice mailbox under the identification number, and a telephone number is given on the identification tag for the finder of the item to access the telephone service and leave a message with the telephone service (either in the opened voice mailbox or with the service if the finder calls before the item owner opens the voice mailbox) regarding the whereabouts of the lost item.

Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaning systems are disclosed. The systems include an automatic swimming pool cleaner incorporating one or more curved wipers protruding from its lower surface. The wipers and flat bottom of the cleaner induce a vortex as fluid flows to its central inlet, entraining debris in the flow. A fluted throat surrounding the inlet additionally assists the interior of the base of the cleaner in retaining debris when opened for cleaning, additionally providing an improved flow path for enhanced debris pick-up. Also disclosed is a valve useful for controlling and indicating the rate of fluid flow to a cleaner. Included within the valve is a plunger attached to a spring, with the spring force opposing fluid flow through the valve. Flow sufficient to overcome the spring force compresses the spring, however, thereby moving the plunger within the tube and providing a dynamic indication of the rate of fluid flow.

Abstract: A belt-mounted flashlight holder includes a belt loop subassembly and a cradle subassembly that are pivotally connected to permit the mounted flashlight to be rotated to any of several detented rotational positions. The cradle subassembly can accommodate flashlights or batons of various diameters within a reasonable range and includes a flexible removable jaw that is forced by a cam against the barrel of the flashlight so that the elastic restoring forces in the movable jaw provide the force that retains the flashlight in the cradle. The flexibility of the movable jaw and cradle permits the flashlight to break away from the cradle in which it is held if the flashlight is jerked by an assailant or if the flashlight becomes caught on an object. The cam includes a high spot that renders it stable in both the locked and released positions. The belt loop subassembly includes provision for mounting the flashlight holder on a wall or other reasonably flat surface.

Abstract: Discs for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs incorporate one or more flutes, or raised areas (arched protrusions), extending generally radially from adjacent their central portions to their peripheries. The peripheries themselves, moreover, may include upturned areas (lips) between flutes, and both the discs and footpad may include ramped segments facilitating movement over obstacles extending from swimming pool surfaces.

Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaning systems are disclosed. The systems include an automatic swimming pool cleaner incorporating one or more curved wipers protruding from its lower surface. The wipers and flat bottom of the cleaner induce a vortex as fluid flows to its central inlet, entraining debris in the flow. A fluted throat surrounding the inlet additionally assists the interior of the base of the cleaner in retaining debris when opened for cleaning, additionally providing an improved flow path for enhanced debris pick-up.Also disclosed is a valve useful for controlling and indicating the rate of fluid flow to a cleaner. Included within the valve is a plunger attached to a spring, with the spring force opposing fluid flow through the valve. Flow sufficient to overcome the spring force compresses the spring, however, thereby moving the plunger within the tube and providing a dynamic indication of the rate of fluid flow.

Abstract: A pulse width modulated dimmer for use with incandescent lamps is powered by a D.C. source that has full on/off capability with a substantially full range of light level control. The dimmer is designed to replace a switch in a lamp circuit in which the lamp is connected on one side to ground and on the other to the switch and then to the power source. The dimmer is designed to operate with a 10 to 30 volt D.C. source. It is controlled in both the on-off mode and in the brightness mode by an N channel field effect transistor switched in response to the voltage level of any remote variable voltage source, such as a potentiometer, photoresistor, phototransistor or digitally controlled voltage source. The lamp is powered through the field effect transistor which is in turn controlled by a comparator which compares the user or automatically variable control voltage level with a triangle wave ramp signal to control the on-off duty cycle and thus the brightness levels of the lamp.

Abstract: A cathode for electrolytic refining or electro-winning of copper is disclosed. The cathode comprises a steel hanger bar having a copper cladding and a flat stainless steel starter sheet with a plurality of lugs formed along its upper edge secured to the hanger bar. Alternating lugs are bent, in opposite directions to abut and engage the side faces of the copper-clad hanger bar and are welded to the copper cladding. The lugs can be welded to the bar upper face or to the bar side faces and may have a stainless steel strip explosion bonded to the copper cladding interposed between the lugs and the copper cladding for welding of the lugs to the stainless steel strip.

Abstract: A slump indicator instrument for measuring the slump of a concrete mix while in the discharge chute of a concrete mixing truck. The indicator has angled sides for setting the discharge chute at a predetermined angle. The instrument has calibration markings for determining the slump of a concrete mix when the indicator is inserted into a mix in a discharge chute set at the predetermined angle.