Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the temperature in an oven includes a circuit and software algorithm that reads the voltage across a standard resistive temperature device (RTD) or thermistor to determine temperature measured by the device. Using an unregulated high voltage supply to increase the gain and resolution, it overcomes the problems of small changes in resistance with respect to temperature. An additional input to measure the unregulated supply voltage is used as a reference voltage input. The apparatus includes resistor dividers for both the temperature sensor and reference voltages, a microprocessor having analog inputs, and additional components for noise suppression and open sensor protection.

Abstract: Assemblies are disclosed for articulating a crimp ring for crimping a fitting relative to an actuator for actuating the crimp ring. The crimp ring includes segments for engaging the fitting, and the actuator includes arms for actuating the segments. Embodiments disclosed include articulating assemblies coupling between the actuator arms and crimp ring segments having multiple axes of articulation. Additional embodiments disclosed include articulating assemblies that are insertable between the arms and segments, articulating assemblies having fixed angled arms of the actuator, articulating assemblies using ball and sockets between the arms and segments, and articulating assemblies used in an intermediate position between the arms and segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage case for archery equipment and accessories. The storage case contains first and second case sections movable between an open and closed position. An accessory box is releasably connected to one of the case sections. When the case is in the closed position, the accessory box locked in position. A pair of arrow support members are disposed in one of the case sections to support a plurality of arrows therein. The arrow support members are angularly disposed to each other to prevent arrows from disengaging from the support members during transport of the case.

Abstract: An automatic tuning scheme for two active band-pass filters where both filters operate on the signal while simultaneously being tuned using a reference signal. To allow that the amplitude of a reference signal is made small and since both filters demonstrate a good linearity the build-up of the inter-modulation distortion does not occur. The first band-pass filter is tuned with the reference falling into its pass-band. The second band-pass filter is also tuned with the reference placed into its pass-band. The reference is practically eliminated by the virtue of the complexity of the second band-pass filter. Assuming the filter passes the signal for positive frequencies if the reference is made a negative frequency by appropriate 90 degrees phase shifting it will be attenuated by at least 55 dB, which is a sufficient signal-to-reference ratio.

Abstract: A method for assessing the quality of service of telephone calls on a trunk includes identifying and counting telephone call sequences including a plurality of telephone calls placed on the trunk. Each of the telephone calls in the sequence has the same originating telephone number and the same destination telephone number and a start time and a stop time and an elapsed time between the stop time of a telephone call and the start time of the next telephone call in a sequence being less than a predetermined amount. Identifying and counting unanswered reattempted telephone calls or answered reattempted telephone calls. A ratio is calculated between the number of identified unanswered or answered reattempted telephone calls to the number of identified telephone call sequences, such that the ratio provides a measure of the quality of service of telephone calls on the trunk.

Abstract: A storable, hydraulically-active, cementitious slurry is made and used to cement within subterranean foundations for oil and gas wells. The slurry is made from a hydraulically-active cementitious material, a suspending agent, and, as a retarder, boric acid. The boric acid is present in the cementitious slurry in an amount sufficient to lower the pH of the storable cementitious slurry to at least 12.0, preferably to at least 11.0 or preferably, for reasons of longevity, to a pH of at least 9.0. Generally the amount of boric acid in the cementitious slurry is between from about 1 to about 6 percent by weight. Preferred as suspending agent are iota carrageenan as well as poly (methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride) decadiene copolymer. The slurry remains liquid during storage. The slurry is activated when needed for cementing and is pumped into the subterranean formation where it is allowed to set.

Abstract: A quick connect plug for electrically connecting and mechanically attaching a power cord to an appliance, such as a disposer, is disclosed. The plug is connected to an end of the power cord. In one embodiment, the plug houses push-in terminals, which are electrically connected to first and second wires of the power cord. A first portion of the plug defines openings to receive leads from the disposer, which electrically connect to the push-in terminals housed in the plug. The first portion positions through an aperture defined in a metal portion or lower end frame of the disposer. A plurality of tabs disposed about the first portion engage an inside surface of the lower end frame of the disposer. A second portion of the plug is connected to the cord and defines a shoulder with the first portion. A conductive ring is disposed on the shoulder and is electrically connected to the ground wire of the power cord. The conductive ring contacts the metal frame of the disposer.

Abstract: A system and method of cooling a steam turbine having internal moving components to a predetermined temperature by controlling a flow of nitrogen through the turbine, thus decreasing the downtime associated with maintaining the turbine. This provides a more efficient and cost effective method of operating a power plant.

Abstract: A hood for a litter box for collecting cat excretions, the litter box includes a litter pan having an open top, a bottom wall, a rear wall, a front wall and a pair of sidewalls. A waste box is disposed adjacent the litter pan for storing cat excretions. The hood is disposed adjacent the litter pan to cover the litter pan open top. The hood includes a portion operable between first and second positions, such that in the first position, the portion overhangs the waste box to direct odors from the waste box into the hood, and in the second position, the portion allows access to the waste box without removing said hood.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping an item, e.g., a gift basket is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for wrapping an item, e.g., a gift basket, using the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting samples of product such as liquid or gas from a product chamber. The apparatus comprises a sample chamber arranged in a housing for movement between positions projected into and retracted from the product chamber. The housing is connected to a lateral side of the product chamber in such a manner as to surround an opening thereof in a sealing relation. The apparatus further has a product outlet and a plunger that includes the sample chamber and is supported for axial movement in the housing which is configured as a cylinder.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for positioning a bed skirt adjacent a bed includes a support member adapted to be inserted between the top of a box spring and the bottom of a mattress. A frame is attached to the support member for mounting a fastener member. The fastener member is moveable to positions between the top of the mattress and the bottom of the box spring and mates with a fastener on the bed skirt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical equipment enclosure assembly, particularly those used to house power distribution equipment. The enclosure uses the internal structural members and panel components to form the enclosure frame. The present invention is also designed to be mounted in the 2 ft.×2 ft. (600 mm×600 mm) tile space provided in raised flooring. The enclosure is also provided with a junction box that is mounted beneath the raised flooring to allow users to terminate wiring.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting for and initiating contractions of a uterus of a human patient employs a sensor for sensing electrical activity of the uterus of the patient. Data from the sensed electrical activity is stored in memory. A processor accesses the stored data for analysis. Electrical energy is applied to the uterus to initiate a uterine contraction when the analyzed data fails to satisfy predetermined detection criteria.

Abstract: A variation of a lottery-type game of chance where each drawing is not only a stand-alone event, but each entry is also valid for a defined number of accumulation rounds. The numbers selected for the entry are then compared to a predefined number of consecutive drawings. The total number of matches (or “hits”) during all of these accumulation rounds is used to determine if the entry is a winner. This variation can be conducted alongside the standard lottery-type game without interference and entries can begin and end their accumulation period at different times during the duration of the game. Preferably each entry in the underlying game is a separate entry in the accumulation game and there is a single entry fee to add the accumulation option to a game slip regardless of the number of entries present on the game slip.

Abstract: An IV catheter introducer having a retractable needle holder and a tubular plunger that are held by a detent structure in a preferred positional relationship prior to and during insertion of the catheter. Following insertion, the plunger is pushed past the detent structure, permitting a compressed spring to force the needle holder upwardly into the plunger. A vented end cap in the plunger permits rapid venting of air displaced during retraction of the needle holder. The needle holder includes a flash chamber that is easily viewable through a clear plastic housing. Wings are provided on the housing to facililate one-handed operation of the device. A method for assembling the subject catheter introducer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rake for a litter box for collecting pet excrements, the litter box containing a bottom surface, a front wall, a rear wall, a first and second sidewall to define a litter chamber for holding a supply of litter, the rake includes a bar having first and second ends and extends from the first sidewall to the second sidewall and is movable between the front and rear walls. The bar includes a plurality of tines. A rake support is attached to the bar for supporting the first and second ends of the bar for slideable movement between the front and rear walls. A rake arm is connected to the first and second ends of the bar for slideably engaging the rake supports, such that said bar is selectively connectable to the rake supports without using fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food waste disposer having an upper food conveying section, a motor section, a central grinding section and a controller. The upper food conveying section includes a housing forming an inlet to receive food waste. The motor section includes a switched reluctance machine having a rotor and a stator. The rotor imparts rotational movement to a rotatable shaft. The central grinding section is disposed between the food conveying section and the motor section. The food conveying section conveys food waste to the grinding section. The grinding section includes a grinding mechanism where a portion of the grinding mechanism is mounted to the rotatable shaft. The controller is electrically connected to the stator to control the switched reluctance machine. The controller is capable of directing rotational movement to the rotatable shaft and the portion of the grinding mechanism mounted to the rotatable shaft.