Abstract: There is disclosed a member for sealing, baffling and/or reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a carrier, an expandable material and at least one fastener.

Abstract: Responding to queries directed to a database management system (DBMS) includes identifying data from a DBMS, where the identified data is at least partially responsive to a query, and where the identified data remains static over a period. Also including establishing a subset of the identified data in a computer memory, where the computer memory is characterized by an access latency less than the latency associated with retrieving the identified data using a query to the DBMS, and where the access latency is defined with respect to an application program operable to issue a query to which the identified data is responsive. Further includes trapping those queries intended for the DBMS where at least a portion of the response to the query corresponds to at least a portion of the established data; and resolving trapped queries at least in part using the corresponding established data.

Abstract: A portable training device is used for improving putting skills of a player by putting a ball. A plurality of sections are removably connected with one another to define an upper section and a lower section presenting an inclined axis. At least one compartment is defined in each of the sections for receiving the ball. A channel defined in at least one of the sections extends parallel the inclined axis and communicates with the at least one compartment to receiving the ball and returning the ball trough at least one of the channels.

Abstract: There is disclosed a member for sealing, baffling and/or reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a carrier, an expandable material and at least one fastener.

Abstract: A dampener is disclosed. The dampener typically includes a carrier, an activatable material or both. The activatable material is typically a polymeric material, which, in preferred embodiments, is foamable. The dampener is particularly suitable for application to hollow or tubular members such as vehicle driveshafts.

Abstract: A portable training device is used for improving putting skills of a player by putting a ball. A plurality of sections are removably connected with one another to define an upper section and a lower section presenting an inclined axis. At least one compartment is defined in each of the sections for receiving the ball. A channel defined in at least one of the sections extends parallel the inclined axis and communicates with said at least one compartment to receiving the ball and returning the ball trough at least one of said channels.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle frame reinforcement system has a skeleton member designed to be secured to a vehicle frame, such as a roof or pillar section. An expandable material, such as an epoxy-based reinforcing foam, is disposed on the skeleton member. Once the system is attached to the frame, the foam expands and cures during an automobile assembly operation, bonding the reinforcement system to the frame. As a result, the reinforcement system provides enhanced load distribution over the vehicle frame without adding excessive weight.

Abstract: A design system includes multiple masses of material that are arranged according to a pattern and melted to form a design. In one embodiment, the design system for a mosaic using a predetermined and computer generated pattern.

Abstract: A sound reduction system is provided. The system is preferably designed to allow air or other fluid to flow through the system while lessening the amount of sound flowing through the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for promoting the sale of a good or service including a portion adapted to be elevated above the air/liquid interface of a body of liquid and which, in service, holds an elevated volume of the liquid from the body of liquid above the air/liquid interface of the body of liquid.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle frame reinforcement system has a skeleton member designed to be secured to a vehicle frame, such as a roof or pillar section. An expandable material, such as an epoxy-based reinforcing foam, is disposed on the skeleton member. Once the system is attached to the frame, the foam expands and cures during an automobile assembly operation, bonding the reinforcement system to the frame. As a result, the reinforcement system provides enhanced load distribution over the vehicle frame without adding excessive weight.

Abstract: A structurally reinforced panel and a method of forming the panel are disclosed. The reinforced panel includes a panel portion, a reinforcement material and a backing material disposed thereon.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement member with a carrier member and a reinforcement material disposed on the carrier member. The carrier member includes one or more first body members disposed at angles relative to one or more second body members. The carrier member also preferably includes connector members interconnecting the body members. The body members of the carrier are preferably arranged in a zig-zag configuration, which can collapse in an accordion-like manner.

Abstract: A partition for forming a barrier in a channel has a molded resin-based plate and a plurality of thermally expandable pellets attached to one side of the plate. The partition is secured in place in the channel by mounting brackets. As heat is applied, a blowing agent in the pellets is activated and the pellets expand to many times their original volume. The resultant foam seals the gap between the plate and the surrounding structure and further secures the plate in place. The partition is particularly useful in forming a sound/water/air barrier in an automotive cavity.

Abstract: A partition for forming a barrier in a channel has a molded resin-based plate and a plurality of thermally expandable pellets attached to one side of the plate. The partition is secured in place in the channel by mounting brackets. As heat is applied, a blowing agent in the pellets is activated and the pellets expand to many times their original volume. The resultant foam seals the gap between the plate and the surrounding structure and further secures the plate in place. The partition is particularly useful in forming a sound/water/air barrier in an automotive cavity.

Abstract: A modular-head endorser includes a plurality of mateable modules which form an ink jet printer. These modules cooperate to expel drops of printing fluid, direct them to a printing surface, and recirculate excess drops to a fluid supply. Some of the modules are joined together without tools so the user of the invention can quickly and easily clean, replace, and assemble certain modules without additional assistance.