Abstract: A dyed textile article. The dyed textile article includes a synthetic fiber substrate and a dye affixed to the substrate in a dye process that includes a using a dye assistant having an amidic nitrogen adjacent to an aromatic ring. The dye assistant may be N-methyl formanilide. The substrate of the present inventions may be a variety of substrates and is most preferably an aromatic polyamide. The present inventions also include a dye bath and a method of dyeing using a dyeing assistant having an amidic nitrogen adjacent to an aromatic ring.

Abstract: A combustion system having improved mercury collection. The system includes a combustion chamber for burning a fuel containing mercury, whereby burning produces a flue gas stream containing mercury and a device for removing mercury from the flue gas stream. The device includes a thermopolymer substrate; and a mercury-receptor attached to the substrate. In one embodiment, the system may further include a collector downstream of the device for collecting the mercury attached to the thermopolymer. The inventions further include alternative methods of mercury removal and preparation of the polymer substrate.

Abstract: The method for identity verification employs biometric technology. Positioned at the center of the system is a stylus with any of a number of biometric properties or their combination or with one or more metric sensors, while the customer uses the stylus to sign his/her name, or even for writing anything. The identity verification system is used at point-of-sale terminals, in various closed environments, to access a computer network, in applications involving pen-based computers and smart-pens, and for e-commerce. When fingerprint sensors are used, the sensors are positioned in the stylus grip, one sensor for the index finger, and a second sensor for the thumb. In one variation, one-to-one biometric matching is used. Each participant carries on his/her person a device that includes an encrypted biometric for reference purposes to gain access Into the system. Processing is simplified since the system need only make a “MATCH” or “NO MATCH” decision.

Abstract: A 3-D woven fabric having substantially elongated foam elements integrally formed therein during fabric formation for providing open corridors within the fabric. The fabric is preferably used for structural, stiffener, or component applications.

Abstract: A finger guide positions a finger on a fingerprint sensor in a manner optimal for the operation of authentication or identification while grasping a stylus. The finger guide may also be used for enrollment of the initial fingerprint data into the system through one or more readings of generally the same relevant portions of the fingerprint for translation into a template for future comparison. The finger guide non-forcibly guides the subject writer's finger into a position where a relevant portion of the finger is aligned with the fingerprint sensor so that said relevant portion of the sensed fingerprint correlate with generally same relevant portions of the fingerprint previously translated into the template. The finger guide and stylus may be used with a dynamic signature verification system to authenticate or identify the writer or to verify that the writer has signed his name.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaping camisole and the article produced therefrom having an outer decorative portion and an inner knit tube made with elastomeric yarn to provide midsection support.

Abstract: A composition for treating fabric includes about 0.1 to about 10.0% cross linking agent, about 0.1 to about 5.0% polyolefin, about 0.1 to about 0.5% wetting agent, about 0.0 to about 8.0% aminofunctional silicone, about 0.0 to about 6.0% ionizing agent, about 0.0 to about 2.0% catalyst and any remainder as a carrier. The composition has a pH of between about 2.0 to about 4.0 and at least some aminofunctional silicone and/or ionizing agent is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the sensitivity of a microbial culture to an antibiotic. The method employs a substance derived from a bacterial species with sensitivity to the antibiotic. Such bacterial species include the same species used in the culture or a different species.

Abstract: A fence stretcher system and method are shown and described. In one embodiment, the fence stretcher system comprises a body. A rod having a diameter configured to allow the rod to be woven into a fence's links may be attached to the body. A rod-holder having a diameter sized to receive the rod may also be attached to the body. A plurality of hooks configured to engage the rod when the rod is woven into the fence may also be attached to the body. An interface may also be attached to the body. Using this system, fence may be quickly and easily stretched with minimal link displacement.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device is described that includes an alarm means to promote proper user positioning for abdominal muscle isolation. The exercise device includes a frame; a seat carried on the frame; a backrest attached to the frame, the backrest including a mounting plate and a backrest pad pivotally attached to the mounting plate; a user perceivable alarm; a first sensor associated with the backrest to sense the pressure exerted by the user on the backrest, the first sensor activating the alarm when the pressure is outside a preset range; and, optionally, a second sensor associated with the backrest to sense the angle of the backrest pad, the second sensor activating the alarm when the angle is outside a preset range.

Abstract: A framework for a stringed musical instrument includes a body having a first interlocking interface in an outside face, a neck having a distal end and a proximal end with a second interlocking interface in the proximal end, and a key configured with first and second portions. One of the key portions is configured to interlock in the first interface on the outside face and the other of the portions is configured to interlock in the second interface of the proximal end such that the body and neck are held together, at least in part, by their common interlocking with the key.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a tub and shower valve in a desired position during construction of a bathroom prior to the tub and shower being ready to be trimmed out. The apparatus includes a base in the form of a planar plate having an opening for receiving a portion of the valve and an aperture for receiving a fastener; and a flange for handling the apparatus attached to the base. The method includes roughing in a tub and shower valve, securing the valve in place with a special fitting, removing the special fitting, and installing the trim package to finish the tub and shower.

Abstract: A hand tool for removing individual items contained in a blister package having an upper surface with raised protrusions with a given individual width containing each item and a lower sheet that holds the items within the protrusions. The hand tool includes a cutting blade having a piercing tip and slicing arms that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the piercing tip. Also included is a handle that is usable for urging the piercing tip through a protrusion and beneath a product item such that the blade will slice into the protrusion between the item and the package lower sheet. The configuration of the blade's piercing tip and slicing arms generate tactile force feedback to the user. The tactile force feedback guides the user to apply appropriate force to open the raised protrusion enough to empty its contents without damaging or losing the contents.