Abstract: Disclosed are a method and device for a refrigerant-based thermal storage system wherein a condensing unit and an ice-tank heat exchanger can be isolated through a second heat exchanger. The disclosed embodiments provide a refrigerant-based ice storage system with increased reliability, lower cost components, and reduced power consumption compared to a single phase system such as a glycol system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the status of a battery in a portable computing device are disclosed. The methods include retrieving battery status data from a basic input-output system (BIOS) on the computing device, and comparing the retrieved battery status data to a predefined battery status threshold stored on the computing device. Based on the comparison of the battery status data to the predefined battery status threshold, a battery status indicator may be provided to an applications program on the computing device. The battery status data is reflective of a characteristic of the battery, such as battery capacity. A system according to the present invention includes a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method according to the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides use of a polymer composition comprising polyethylenimine and one or both of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol co-ethylene for protection against harmful and/or noxious agents. The invention further provides a laminate suitable for providing protection against harmful and/or noxious agents, the laminate comprising a layer of a polymer composition comprising polyethylenimine and one or both of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol co-ethylene is also disclosed.

Abstract: A data structure provides a framework for relating the levels of detail (LOD) of an object having multiple LODs. A designer is provided the flexibility to display different portions of an object in multiple LODs. An object is stored in different LODs. Each LOD includes one or more polygons, with each polygon representing a portion of the object. An example tree data structure includes nodes which correspond to portions of the object. All nodes at a particular level together represent an object at a corresponding LOD. A function is provided for each edge of a geometrical entity in each node. The functions are weighted according to several factors/attributes. The functions are evaluated dynamically to determine whether to replace a polygon with polygons at a finer LOD. By a proper choice of the functions in different nodes, different portions of the object may be displayed at different LODs.

Abstract: A plating cell for plating edge connector tabs of printed circuit boards comprises a pair of anode structures 119, each of which has a pair of elongate anodic platinized titanium plates 131 spaced apart by an anode divider 150. Castellations in the anode structures give rise to holes 132 through which electrolyte can flow. By means of this configuration of the anode structures an even deposit of plated metal may be obtained.

Abstract: A towable seed drilling unit of the kind having a hopper-fed seed chamber whose base is constituted by a proportion of the lower run of an endless belt driven by a belt drive roller in a direction contrary to towing direction from a ground-contacting wheel and having regularly spaced holes therein for the containment of single seeds, a seed-repelling roller for agitating seed in the said chamber and a masking plate below the belt permitting release of seeds on a passage of holes therebeyond into a furrow formed ahead of temporarily unmasked holes by a coulter beneath the seed chamber and closed by a furrow closing member, wherein forward and rearward wheels supporting the unit are carried by arms pivotal about substantially horizontal axes and means are provided for adjusting the attitude of the arms relative to the remainder of the unit and thus the penetration depth of the coulter, and wherein a parallel linkage is provided by means of which the unit can be attached to a towing vehicle, said linkage being r

Abstract: An apparatus for stitching a pair of parallel spaced seams on a workpiece, such as a cuff, is disclosed. A rotatable workpiece clamp is provided for holding the workpiece. The clamp is reciprocated between a forward and a rearward position. A means for stitching a seam, such as a sewing machine, is provided. The stitching means sews along an edge of the workpiece while the clamp is moving in one of the forward and rearward directions. A means is also provided for rotating the clamp after a seam has been stitched along an edge of the workpiece.

Abstract: A specialized sign fitting together with the process of using said sign fitting to install signs on sign supports, such as walls, is disclosed. The specialized sign fitting includes a threaded male member having a protruding attachment member, such as a wood screw, for fastening to the back of the sign. The fitting has an overlying female member having the external configuration of a bolt. This mounted bolt configured female member is used to rotate and fasten the male member at the protruding attachment member into the sign. With a plurality of fasteners installed on the back of the sign, the female members are removed to expose male member mounted scribes. In the shop, these male member mounted scribes are then impressed with the sign itself onto a sign mounting templet. In the field, the templet containing both the scribed locations of the sign fasteners as well as typically an outline of the sign is first hung on the sign mounting location.