Abstract: A new and useful traverse rod structure, designed to maintain or improve the functionality of a traverse rod, while improving the aesthetics of the traverse rod is provided. The traverse rod is designed to improve the functionality of the rod, while minimizing the risk of damaging the aesthetic features of the traverse rod as the hanging object is manipulated. Still further, the traverse rod is designed with an attractive and aesthetic external appearance. In addition, the traverse rod is designed to be efficient to assemble and operate. In its preferred form, a traverse rod comprises (a) a longitudinally extending tube having an opening extending along the tube, (b) a longitudinally extending track located within the tube, the track comprising a pair of substantially co-planar track sections with a gap therebetween, and (c) one or more moveable carriers each of which is configured to engage a wall covering. Each moveable carrier has a follower extending through the opening in the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for language teaching that involves training to an automatic level a set of core vocabulary items, and then presenting learned items in combination as a means of implicitly teaching grammar. In one aspect, a method for teaching a language, consistent with the invention, comprises: (a) while displaying to a learner a graphical representation of a vocabulary item comprising at least one word, playing to the learner an audio recording comprising the spoken form of the vocabulary item; and (b) while displaying to a learner both a graphical representation of the vocabulary item and the written form of the vocabulary item, playing to the learner an audio recording comprising the spoken form of the vocabulary item.

Abstract: This invention describes non-planar electrochromic mirrors that are made by combining planar electrochromic elements with non-planar reflectors. This results in lower cost mirrors by circumventing several issues related to the difficulty of making non-planar EC elements.

Abstract: A hybrid film, comprising a first polymer film having a plasma-treated surface and a second polymer film having first and second surfaces, with the first surface of the second polymer film being disposed along the first plasma-treated surface of the first polymer film, has superior thermal and mechanical properties that improve performance in a number of applications, including food packaging, thin film metallized and foil capacitors, metal evaporated magnetic tapes, flexible electrical cables, and decorative and optically variable films. One or more metal layers may be deposited on either the plasma-treated surface of the substrate and/or the radiation-cured acrylate polymer. A ceramic layer may be deposited on the radiation-cured acrylate polymer to provide an oxygen and moisture barrier film.

Abstract: A hybrid film, comprising a first polymer film having a plasma-treated surface and a second polymer film having first and second surfaces, with the first surface of the second polymer film being disposed along the first plasma-treated surface of the first polymer film, has superior thermal and mechanical properties that improve performance in a number of applications, including food packaging, thin film metallized and foil capacitors, metal evaporated magnetic tapes, flexible electrical cables, and decorative and optically variable films. One or more metal layers may be deposited on either the plasma-treated surface of the substrate and/or the radiation-cured acrylate polymer. A ceramic layer may be deposited on the radiation-cured acrylate polymer to provide an oxygen and moisture barrier film.

Abstract: A new and improved intraoral sensor for use in a filmless radiography system is disclosed. The sensor is configured to fit comfortably and close to a target area in an intraoral cavity. By providing a comfortable relative fit to the target area, the sensor is ergonomically improved, in terms of its comfort and feel to a dental patient. In addition, the configuration of the sensor is designed to allow the sensor to be placed closer to a target area in an oral cavity than prior sensors (i.e. closer to target teeth, gum, etc). Moreover, the sensor is configured so that it can easily be located in a correct position relative to the target area, and when located correctly to properly position its sensing structure for receiving radiant energy. These features are believed to reduce refractive error in the image received by the sensor, thereby improving the image data transmitted by the sensor.

Abstract: A new and useful method and system for estimating LFG generation and gas permeability in a landfill or other subsurface-gas producing body of material is provided. The gas generation rate in a portion of a landfill or other subsurface-gas producing body of material is estimated by obtaining a time history record of atmospheric pressure that is representative of atmospheric pressure at a surface boundary of the portion of the landfill or the subsurface gas producing body of material, measuring the gas pressure at least at one selected location at the landfill (or subsurface body of material) site over a time period that is included in the time history record, and using the atmospheric pressure and the measured gas pressure over the time period to estimate LFG generation rate and gas permeability of the portion of the landfill or the subsurface gas producing body of material.

Abstract: A polymer film capacitor is provided, utilizing a metallized film formed by a first vacuum-formed plasma treated surface, a vacuum-deposited, first radiation polymerized acrylate monomer film having first and second surfaces, the first surface being disposed on the first plasma-treated surface of the polymer substrate, and a metal layer disposed on the second surface of the first polymerized film. The metallized film is wound into a capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a secondary electrochemical cell comprising a body of aprotic, non-aqueous electrolyte, first and second electrodes in effective electrochemical contact with the electrolyte, the first electrode comprising active materials such as a lithiated intercalation compound serving as the positive electrode or cathode and the second electrode comprising a carbon material on carbon-based substrate and serving as the negative electrode or anode; whereby they provide a secondary non-aqueous electrochemical cell having improved overdischarge and overcharge acceptance ability as compared with similar secondary non-aqueous electrochemical cells having carbon anodes with metal substrate.

Abstract: A human centered informational display is disclosed that can be used with vehicles (e.g. aircraft) and in other operational environments where rapid human centered comprehension of an operational environment is required. The informational display integrates all cockpit information into a single display in such a way that the pilot can clearly understand with a glance, his or her spatial orientation, flight performance, engine status and power management issues, radio aids, and the location of other air traffic, runways, weather, and terrain features. With OZ the information is presented as an integrated whole, the pilot instantaneously recognizes flight path deviations, and is instinctively drawn to the corrective maneuvers. Our laboratory studies indicate that OZ transfers to the pilot all of the integrated display information in less than 200 milliseconds. The reacquisition of scan can be accomplished just as quickly. Thus, the time constants for forming a mental model are near instantaneous.

Abstract: A laser diode is mounted on a plate that fits closely within a mortise in a thermally conductive insert. The insert, in turn, fits closely within a thermally conductive sleeve. The plate has six sides and the laser diode is attached to one of the sides. Heat is conducted away from the remaining five sides of the plate. The insert includes a conic section that fits within a conic section in the sleeve to provide good thermal contact between the insert and the sleeve. The sleeve includes a plurality of holes and contains a fan for circulating air through the sleeve, thereby removing heat from the sleeve. The sleeve includes a cylindrical portion for being held in a hand.