Abstract: A high lumen output compact fluorescent lamp is disclosed that has a luminous efficiency of 40 lumen/W or higher. The fluorescent lamp comprises an envelope enclosing a discharge space, means for providing a discharge in the discharge space, a discharge gas sealed in the discharge space and a fluorescent layer made of a phosphor blend coated on the inner surface of the envelope.

Abstract: The presently described embodiments provide electric paper, in one form, that is bisymmetrical, both sides of the paper have the same thicknesses of mylar layers and the same thicknesses and patterns of ITO islands. In another form, a disordered layer of conductive particles, non-conductive particles and display elements has the same percolation threshold throughout, and thus is bisymmetrical. In either form, in a system for printing all asymmetries in the printing process are transferred to the printhead, just like in conventional ink printers and paper. As a result, both sides of the electric paper are equally capable of being printed on, just like conventional paper, and the electric paper has the same flexural properties when flexed in a concave or convex manner, just like conventional paper. This construction has the additional practical advantage that there is no longer any need to ensure the electric paper is oriented “right side up” before printing on it.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring the molecular rotation speed (the number of rotations or the rotation frequency) of a fullerene or a fullerene derivative in a relatively simple and inexpensive manner, for the evaluation of the fullerenes. The method comprises having a thin film of the fullerene or the fullerene derivative absorb an electromagnetic wave varied in frequency, and measuring the change in electromagnetic wave intensity against temperature, thereby determining the molecular rotation speed of the fullerene or the fullerene derivative from the frequency of the electromagnetic wave at the temperature where there is an abrupt change in the electromagnetic wave intensity from the absorption region to the non-absorption region. In a preferred embodiment, electromagnetic waves produced from the surface of a surface acoustic wave device are used.

Abstract: A planning system for the planning and management of multiple projects includes an input (122) for entering project information and task information associated with each project. The project information identifies each project as being of a mandatory, nonmandatory, or ad hoc type that arises intermittently and is subject to change. The task information describes each task to be performed by users of the system and an estimated duration of each task. Also included are a work hour calculator (124), an allocation engine (128), a schedule preparation engine (130), a time tracking system (132), and a time imbalance calculator (134). An allocation modification engine (136) reestimates the time required for completing each project based on the actual time spent and current status for each project and reallocates time to eliminate any time imbalance detected by the time imbalance calculator.

Abstract: A method of centralized identity authentication for use in connection with a communications network includes registering users of the communications network such that each registered user's identity is uniquely defined and determinable, and registering a plurality of vendors having a presence on the communications network. The registered vendors selectively transact with registered users, wherein the transactions include: (i) the registered vendor selling goods and/or services to the registered user; (ii) the registered vendor granting the registered user access to personal records maintained by the registered vendor; and/or (iii) the registered vendor communicating to the registered user personal information maintained by the registered vendor. The method also includes each user's identity being authenticated over the communications network prior to completion of transactions between registered vendors and registered users.

Abstract: A fuser system and method for a xerographic device having improved self-stripping capabilities for a wide latitude of substrate media. The fuser system includes a fuser member and a pressure member in which the pressure member is made to exert a predetermined pressure upon the fuser member. In applying this pressure load, a nip is formed having a nip width between the fuser member and the pressure member. A predetermined creep exists during normal fusing of a substrate. A load adjustment device is provided to momentarily increase the exerted pressure as a leading edge or other portion of the substrate passes through, and/or in the vicinity of, the nip, thereby increasing the creep magnitude momentarily and improving self-stripping capabilities.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, disclosed is an image analysis and conversion method and system, where bitmapped ink images are converted to structured object representations of the bitmapped images, which may be read and edited by a structured text/graphics editor.

Abstract: Dynamic tuning of a tunable filter within the receiver of a pulse-echo ranging system. A filter tuning module compares a transmit signal and a filtered signal to obtain a phase difference indicative of any mis-match between the resonant frequency of the tunable filter and the transmit frequency. The filter tuning module outputs a phase correction signal corresponding to the phase difference and a controller uses the phase correction signal to determine any adjustments necessary to minimize the phase difference. Adjustments to the tunable filter may be made with each ‘shot’ or transmission.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a suction nozzle, a housing connected to the suction nozzle and a suction fan and motor assembly mounted to the housing. A dirt collecting receptacle is mounted to the housing and is in communication with the suction nozzle and suction fan and motor assembly. A support plate is pivotally mounted to the housing and selectively holds a cleaning sheet for collecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a claw and a body pivotally connected to the claw and movable to and between a first operative position and a second operative position. A link assembly operably interconnects the claw and the body. The link assembly includes at least one link pivotally connected to the claw and a spring connected between the link and an anchor point. A latch is movably connected to the claw, and the latch is movable to and between a locked position where it is adapted to engage an associated mounting receptacle to prevent separation of the claw from the mounting receptacle, and an unlocked position. Te hinge assembly can be provided as part of a door mounting system that also includes a mating mounting receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for dosing a fuel with a fuel additive comprising (i) passing the fuel from a fuel container through a dosing apparatus (ii) dosing the fuel with additive in an amount based on the fuel passing through the dosing apparatus and independently of the concentration of the additive in the fuel (iii) returning a portion of the fuel to the container.

Abstract: An integrated printing system is provided and includes at least two generally vertically aligned image marking engines and at least two generally horizontally aligned image marking engines. The printing system further includes at least one generally horizontal interface media transport for transporting media between and to the vertically aligned and the horizontally aligned image marking engines.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided for rendering a color image with a plurality of separations with a multi-level successive-filling halftoning process using a single screen for a plurality of separations. For a separation to be processed, first, from the possible multiple levels for the separation, the set of levels that would be used and the number of dots corresponding to the different levels are decided. These decisions are based on the input level for the separation and input levels for the prior process separations. The location of the dots to be printed for the different levels for the separation is then decided by using the halftone screen, while simultaneously taking into account the placement of printed dots for the prior separations. The selection is done so as to best disperse dots and minimize overlap.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, disclosed is an image analysis and conversion method and system, where digital ink images are converted to structured object representations of the digital ink images, capable of being edited by a structured text/graphics editor.

Abstract: A heat dissipating lamp is provided. The lamp includes a reflector, a lens cover, a support structure interposed between the reflector and the lens cover, and an LED mounted to the support structure. The lens cover includes a portion adjacent a peripheral edge of the reflector. The support structure includes a bridge.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.

Abstract: A distributor device for use in aluminium casting includes a rigid, substantially bowl-shaped receptacle (2) of a refractory material having a base member (4) and a peripheral wall (6) that extends upwards from the base. The receptacle has an inlet opening (8) towards the upper end thereof and a pair of outlet openings (14) towards the base thereof. The device is constructed and arranged such that, in use, molten aluminium poured into the distributor device through the inlet opening (8) is redirected by the distributor device and flows outwards into the mould through the outlet openings (14).