Abstract: An improved panelized construction system for providing a wall formation for attaching to a foundation wall including a plurality of block forming units adaptable for being both vertically and horizontally arranged to form the wall formation, the opposed side wall portions of each unit including cooperatively engageable portions for fixedly attaching the units in side-by-side horizontal relationship. The present methods for attaching the assembled wall formation to at least a portion of a foundation wall includes providing a plurality of adjustment mechanisms for enabling the wall formation to be leveled and aligned with adjacent wall formations or other structures independent of any foundation misalignments, and providing a plurality of foundation cavities adjacent the upper edge portion of the foundation wall for receiving corresponding foot members associated with the wall formation for encapsulation in a cement slurry.

Abstract: A system and method to minimize the number of erase cycles performed on a flash memory device to extend its useful life. A flash memory device has several areas where data is stored. Each area is referred to as a block. Memory usage is rotated between blocks to evenly distribute erase cycles.

Abstract: A method and system for use in an information retrieval system that provides related informational items that can be automatically classified and summarized in a hierarchical manner. The system comprises the steps and means for the presentation and analysis of mined data through the application of four distinct processes, namely, feature selection, clustering, classification and summarization. The implementation of each of these techniques is a single process without regard to order. Individual informational items are analyzed, and relevant features extracted. Individual groups of informational items, otherwise known as clusters, are identified, and rules are determined to allow the assignment of informational items to the previously mentioned groups. Descriptive and meaningful titles are then identified for the groups. Various methods of presenting searched information to an end user are also provided. A method of adaptive clustering is also provided.

Abstract: A roofing shingle with a laying line that facilitates the alignment of an overlying course of shingles with respect an underlying course of shingles is provided. The laying line is located on a front surface of the shingle and has a width such that the laying line is exposed when an edge of another shingle is placed in contacting proximity with the laying line. The shingle may also have a scale and one or more nibs that protrude from the sides of the shingle that assist in aligning the shingles in the second course with the shingles in the underlying course. The shingle may also include nailing zones located on the front surface of the shingles provide a location for fastening the shingles to the roof. A method of laying the shingles of the present invention on a roof is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gripping containers, each having a circumference, for dumping material in a material collection vehicle including more than one gripping mechanisms, wherein each of the gripping mechanisms can engage a container around at least one-half of the circumference of the container. In one embodiment, the gripping mechanism is attached to a base member and includes an outer gripping member pivotally attached to the base member and an inner gripping member pivotally attached to the base member and an actuating mechanism for moving at least one gripping member toward the other gripping member.

Abstract: A system for sealing a packaging wrapper around an object directs a flow of heated air to end flaps of the wrapper to move the end flaps into sealing contact with a body section of the wrapper to substantially enclose the object. The system includes an oven, a conveyor, a source of heated air and a means for deflecting the flow of heated air to the conveyor to seal end flaps of the wrapper with a body section of the wrapper. In use, an object surrounded by the wrapper body section is moved through the oven on a conveying surface of the conveyor, and heated air is moved through the oven bypassing the conveying surface to a region below the conveying surface. The heated air flow then encounters the means for deflecting the heated air flow, which directs the air flow upward and through the conveying surface to impact and move the end flaps into sealing contact with the wrapper body section.

Abstract: A bariatric transport is provided. The transport includes a bed area for use by a bariatric patient. The transport further includes a drive assembly that is operable to selectively drive the transport in forward and rearward directions and permit turning of the transport with little or no lateral movement of the transport. Leading and trailing stabilizing wheel assemblies are provided that are selectively moveable into and out of engagement with a supporting floor. Drive devices are also provided to provide selective elevating and lowering of various components of bariatric patient supports.

Abstract: A removable heat inducer may be used in either a heated regulator or a fluid heater. The removable heat inducer has various embodiments. In one embodiment, helical threads are formed on the outside surface of the inducer. The inducer expands when heated causing the crest of the threads to come into contact with the inside surface of a heating chamber to form a spiral fluid passageway which promotes better heat exchange between the fluid and the heating element. In a first alternative embodiment of the inducer, a series of walled partitions and slots are formed on the outside surface of the inducer, which likewise expand and contact the inside surface of the heating chamber to form a dead head flow passageway. Again, the purpose of the passageway is to promote efficient heat exchange. In a second alternative embodiment of the removable heat inducer, a plurality of rods are placed in the heating chamber to promote heat exchange. The spaces between the rods form passageways for the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism, system and method for transferring closures. More specifically, the invention relates to a mechanism, system and method for transferring a closure from a first station, preferably a closure chute to a second station, preferably a closure chuck, through the use of a button with a lobe.

Abstract: A machined part is provided. The machined part is formed from a porous substrate material that is machined to shape. After machining to shape, a resin is infused into the machined part precursor to a layer thickness depending on the end use of the finished part. The resin is then allowed to harden to complete the part. The finished part may be used as a prototype tool, a tool for forming other tools such as mold parts and finished tooling.

Abstract: Catalysts for oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde, comprising a catalytic mixtures of Fe2(MoO4)3/MoO3, wherein the Mo/Fe atomic ratio ranges from 1.5 to 5, and a compound of cerium molybdenum and oxygen in a quantity from 0.1 to 10% by weight expressed as cerium.

Abstract: An installation apparatus comprises a coupling member, a guide member, and a securing member operable to secure a termination system to the coupling member.