Abstract: A multi-layer elastic flat-shaped article having a predefined shape, consisting of at least two outer layers made of a porous fibrous or filamentous batting, and at least one inner layer, disposed between and adherent to a pair of said at least two outer layers. The inner layer is applied as at least one adhesive skein forming a latticework configuration. The adhesive skein is formed of a thermoplast having elastic properties at room temperature, and being adapted to recover its latticework configuration after tensile loading. The resulting article flat shaped article may be elastically stretched, and return to its original configuration. A preferred method for depositing the thermoplast is a printing process, for example intaglio printing, flexoprinting or screen printing. Nozzles may also be used to extrude hot thermoplast in a pattern defined by a relative movement of the outer layer or layers and the nozzle. The pattern may be continuous or interrupted.

Abstract: Exercise equipment including a housing having a structural surface defining an arcuate path, multiple pairs of pulleys positioned along the arcuate path, each pair of pulleys having passed between them a cable the proximal end of which is located outside the curved path, the distal end of the cable being coupled to a source of resistance within the housing such that when the proximal end of the cable is pulled by a user, the resistance exerts a counterforce to the cable. Alternatively, a single cable may be provided which exits through a movable trolley which is fixable at different positions along the arcuate path.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a digitally tunable oscillator is provided. A desired output frequency is received. A tuning effect of a set of digital tuning words on a crystal resonant frequency is determined, and valid parameters of an algorithm for translating and tuning the crystal resonant frequency to a value within an error tolerance of the desired frequency, based on the determined tuning effect are calculated. Valid parameters are preferably calculated based on an intermediate tuning value, sorted by ascending divide parameter of the algorithm, and then evaluated in sorted order for ability of a tuning effect to null frequency error to within the error tolerance. The valid set of calculated parameters are then programmed into a nonvolatile memory. The oscillator control parameters may remain unprogrammed until all necessary parameters are defined.

Abstract: A cleaning device (100) for smooth surfaces, especially for cleaning windows. The inventive cleaning device comprises a handle (1) and a contact element (10) that is mounted on one end of said handle (1) and that extends in a substantially transversal direction to the handle (1). The contact element is provided with a cleaning surface element (4) on at least the one front face thereof that contacts the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning surface element can be wetted with a cleaning liquid in a controlled manner. A zone (5) is provided behind the cleaning surface element for the distribution and temporary storage of the cleaning liquid. The handle (1) is linked with a blade element (8) that is part of the contact element. The front face of said blade element is detachably linked with a direct removing element (7) that carries the cleaning surface element (4).

Abstract: A protective head enclosure for emergency use by a user to protect the respiratory tract and eyes from smoke and/or noxious gases and to protect the head from heat and/or toxic substances. The enclosure comprises a head enclosure made of substantially flexible, gas impermeable, heat and fire retardant sheet material, the enclosure having a closed top; a circular, flexible resilient ring disposed on and attached to the enclosure between its top and bottom, the resilient ring being adapted to be twisted into a double cylindrical coil for packing and storage of the enclosure and snapped open into a single circular ring and thereby open the enclosure for use; a closure for closing the bottom of the enclosure about the neck and/or shoulders of a user after the enclosure has been placed over the user's head. The protective head enclosure may be folded compactly and stored in a container or cabinet ready to use by a single motion, quick release.

Abstract: A device for reading out information stored in a storage layer (10), which facilitates a good reproduction quality of this information stored in the storage layer (10). The device (1) includes a radiation source (2) for emitting stimulation radiation (20). Using this stimulation radiation (20), the storage layer (10) is stimulated to emit an emission radiation that corresponds to the information stored in the storage layer (10). The device (1) further includes a receiving device (3) to receive this emission radiation emitted by the storage layer (10). A distance device (30, 56) for setting a pre-specified distance (28, 59) is located between the receiving device (3) and the storage layer (10). A drive device imparts relative movement in a transport direction (A) between the radiation source (2) and the receiving device (3), on one hand, and the storage layer (10) on the other.

Abstract: A solar collection system and method having means for receiving solar radiation through a main refractive interface and means for internally reflecting at least once, at least a portion of the received solar radiation. The refractive medium may be liquid, gel or solid. The device may be integrated with a photovoltaic device, photohydrolytic device, a heat engine, a light pipe or a photothermal receptor.

Abstract: The computer system includes a receptor field (2) with sensors (Ri) each of which receives data with specific characteristic (A, B, C). These data are passed to processors (Pi, Pi/k), whereby only those connections (Li) between sensors and processors are released that are suited to an evaluation of the data according to a combination of specific data dictated by a phase program of a phase program circuit (7). The computer system also includes a selector circuit (71) that discards those program commands from dictated program commands (73) that lead to a “senseless” computation result. A motor program circuit (8) for the control of effectors (9) may be connected to the computer system that at least contribute to the movement of the receptor field (2) in order to bring the receptor field closer to suitable data with specific characteristics in order to enable better execution of the program.

Abstract: A cycle on which the user can assume a comfortable upright position, that has a frame with a mainly vertically directed seat tube and a handlebar with a steering tube that is directly fastened to a front fork. In front of the seat tube there is a seat that can be slid along the seat tube to adjust the height. This construction, with a cycle with an upright position of the user, allows a broad range of adjustment of the seat, making the cycle suitable for users of any size. The upright position of the user can be improved even more by placing the bottom bracket axle of the cycle lower than 10 cm above an imaginary line through the wheel axles of the front and rear wheel, preferably even under this line.

Abstract: A system for using trading cards interactively through an electronic network, such as the Internet, combines uniquely identified trading cards with specially designed electronic services. Each trading card, which designates a game player, such as a sports talent, has associated therewith a unique identifier of alphanumeric characters. The game playing rights to a subset of these trading cards is sold to a plurality of card collectors, the game players designated by the cards of each subset forming a game playing “team” to be managed by the respective card collector. The collector registers selected ones of the cards from his/her subset of cards with a game service provider, thus placing the game players designated by the selected cards “in play”.

Abstract: In order to configure the downshift method, and to create signals for an automobile automatic transmission more conveniently, a tilting device of a multi-function device with at least one moveable magnet element as a downshift sensor device is used. When a pedal element causes actuation of a magnet element, a downshift characteristic curve (KL3) is generated with a curve-shaped increase and a maximum followed by a curve decrease (KLS) that ends in a stop window (60). A downshift point (KP) is determined using a tolerance window (59) with a path width, which corresponds to a downshift signal (KS) on a characteristic motion curve (AS) of a motion sensor element.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of a component made of opaque synthetic quartz glass, and a quartz glass tube manufactured according to said process. The process comprises (i) providing a starting material in the form of granulated material of highly pure, synthetic SiO2 comprising at least partially porous agglomerates of SiO2 primary particles, the granulated material having a compacted bulk density of no less than 0.8 g/cm3, (ii) filling the granulated material into a mold and converting it to an opaque quartz glass preform through a process of melting, and (iii) reshaping the preform in a heat reshaping process to obtain a component made of opaque quartz glass. A quartz glass tube is made of quartz glass consisting of a granulated material of synthetic SiO2 with a lithium content of no more than 100 wt-ppb, and the wall thickness of said component being in the range of 0.5 mm to 15 mm.

Abstract: A microinscribed gemstone is inscribed by a laser beam to graphitize a surface portion of the gemstone without damaging a bulk portion.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting and adjusting an instrument, the received or transmitted radiation of which must accurately hit its receptor or target, is provided. The assembly includes a base which is mounted to a wall or beam, a pedestal connected to the base and an instrument or instrument mount connected to the pedestal. The instrument may rotate with respect to the pedestal about a first axis defined by the longitudinal axis of the pedestal and about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis. This enables the position of the instrument to be easily adjusted in order to enable the assembly to be used at various locations, and for different uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a strip of absorbent, rollable cellulose fiber material (100) which is suitable for use in the hygiene sector. A fiber layer consisting of cellulose fibers is placed on a base layer (8) and pre-compressed to form a loose non-woven fabric which is introduced into a gap between a pair of calendar rollers (6.1, 6.2) and which is used to produce a pattern of dotted or lined pint areas (17) in which the fibers (1) are disposed in a random manner and are compressed against each other at a pressure ranging from 150 to 600 MPa, resulting in a non-solvent fusion of said fibers and the production of a strip of fiber material (100) with an imprinted pattern.

Abstract: A bone plug (61), for blocking of a canal in a bone, has a solid body which by axial compression expands in the radial direction. The height of the body is at most 6 times the average wall thickness of the body. The body (65) is preferably made out of an elastomeric material. For keeping the body (65) axially locked the bone plug comprises a first locking element (67) which is formed by a disc (69) with attached to it a stem (71) provided with saw tooth shaped protrusions (73) which protrudes through an axial opening in the body (65) and a second locking element (75) which is formed by an interrupted ring (77) and an annular plate (79), which are positioned around the stem (71). The ring (77) locks behind one of the protrusions (73) and the annular plate (79) is positioned between the interrupted ring (77) and the body (65). Fixating of the bone plug (61) in the canal is carried out by pushing the interrupted ring (77) along the stem (71) until it locks behind one of the protrusions.

Abstract: So that a device for use at beer gardens, wine gardens, parties, celebrations, or similar is gladly used by guests, is easily erected, and is stable, the tabletop element (1), the seat elements, and the roof element (8) are at least partially connected via a rod system with one another, and the rod system includes support elements that are positioned at least outside the outer circumference limit (14) of the tabletop element (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a purifying agent having an effect of removing or decomposing toxic substances contained in flue gas or incinerated ash. The purifying agent of the present invention contains one or more kinds of salts selected from alkali metal silicates, fluoride ion, hydrogencarbonate ion, and water-soluble alcohols or derivatives thereof.