Abstract: A computer-implemented method of overseeing and adjusting the instruction and evaluation of a student with respect to one or more topics of study within a classroom. The subject matter of an academic course is studied and broken down into a plurality of discretely defined behavioral performances designed to be readily and objectively recognized as being mastered or not by a student. One or more of the discretely defined behavioral performances are then selected, with the aid of a first computerized database system, as learning objectives for the week. At the end of the week, a student is subsequently evaluated on these objectives. Results of the evaluation are then transferred to a second computerized database system, which organizes the collected data into an interactive learning management report that can be configured by a reviewer in real time to display a variety of levels of detail.

Abstract: The musical headwear includes headwear having a pocket that carries an electronic audio device. The pocket has an opening, sealable via fasteners disposed across fabric surrounding the top central portion of the opening. The electronic audio device is dropped into the open pocket and then sealed inside by fastening together the fasteners proximate the top central portion of the pocket opening. Gaps on either side of the seal are provided so that a user can touch the case of the electronic audio device, the case having a touch sensitive electronic pad that actuates the unit when momentarily touched by the user. When the unit is actuated, speakers embedded in the audio unit broadcast a song, chant, or other refrain that has been pre-stored in the unit's digital memory. The unit is factory programmed to play one or more different programs responsive to momentary user contact with the touch pad.

Abstract: A seal ring arrangement generally includes a pair of opposed seal rings which define a shaft seal to prevent leakage along the shaft of rotary equipment. A seal face treatment process has been developed using seal ring machining equipment which has a laser unit that forms micro-topography depth features in the seal face and then performs a material surface treatment process to selectively alter the conductivity of the seal face so as to virtually eliminate electro-corrosion in the seal rings. The seal rings preferably are provided in a conventional combination of a carbide seal ring material for one of the seal rings and a silicon carbide material for the other seal ring. The laser machining and the laser treatment processes are preferably applied to the silicon carbide material.

Abstract: For forming the separating lines, (5, 6, 7) which are produced in the functional layers (2, 3, 4) deposited on a transparent substrate (1) during manufacture of a photo-voltaic module with series-connected cells (C1, C2, . . . ), at least one laser scanner (8) is used whose laser beam (14) produces in the field (17) scanned thereby a plurality of separating line sections (18, 18?) disposed side by side in the functional layer (2, 3, 4). The laser scanner (8) is moved relative to the coated substrate (1) in the direction (Y) of the separating lines (5, 6, 7), thereby giving rise to an overlap (36) of adjacent fields (17, 17?). At the same time, the laser scanner (8) produces separating line sections (18, 18?) which are of hook-shaped configuration at least at one end (32) so as to form a catching area in which the ends (31, 32) of the separating line sections (18, 18?) of adjacent fields (17, 17?) overlap.

Abstract: In an extruder wherein the slip-on elements (1) have a cross-sectional profile comprising circular arcs corresponding to the maximum slip-on element diameter, the slip-on element core diameter and the center distance of the slip-on elements (1), the slip-on element (1) has no shaft-to-hub connection in the area of the circular arc corresponding to the slip-on element core diameter and/or it is provided at its ends with reinforcement segments (13, 14).

Abstract: An access control system with at least one entrance lane (4) has two or more antenna coils (12 to 15) arranged in pairs mutually opposing each other. Each antenna coil pair (12, 13 or 14, 15) is actuated by a reading device (20) for reading out a transponder (22) carried by the user, the transponder (22) having a transponder coil (24) coupleable with the antenna coils (12 to 15). The two mutually opposing antenna coils (12, 13 or 14, 15) of a pair are actuated at the same time, but alternately either in an in-phase or antiphase operation mode. For reading out the transponder (22) carried by the user the one operation mode, with which the transponder (22) is detected, is maintained until the reading transaction is completed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snowboard binding comprising a base plate (1) and a central plate (6) that is situated in a circular central opening (5) in the center of the base plate (1). The peripheral section of the central plate (6), which tapers towards the snowboard (8), lies against an edge section (9) of the base plate (1), which widens away from the snowboard (8) and is equipped with fixing openings (11) for the fixing elements that fix said plate to the snowboard (8). A locking device (B) on the edge section (9) of the base plate (1) around the central opening (5) locks the central plate (6) in position on the base plate (1), preventing torsion.

Abstract: A water collection and storage assembly for dispersion of water comprises a half pipe assembly comprising at least one half pipe having an inlet, an outlet, a top, a bottom, a corrugated exterior comprising alternating ribs and valleys, and at least one side port positioned above the bottom of the half pipe, and a sleeve positioned in an installed position within the half pipe and defining a smooth interior, wherein the sleeve extends from the bottom of the half pipe to a height less than the at least one side port. The half pipe assembly can define a chamber and the sleeve has a dimple which extends into the chamber. The sleeve can have an opening which allows projections of the port hole to extend through the opening and into the chamber.

Abstract: An assembly for covering a load on a truck comprises a tower, a rotatable axle fixedly mounted with respect to the tower, and a base connected to the axle. The base is rotatable to a position above horizontal by a linkage.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a chilled beverage from a storage area to a beverage dispenser comprises a beverage conduit, a coolant source or reservoir, a coolant pump, a coolant conduit, an insulating sleeve encircling the conduits and supporting them in positions enabling heat transfer between such conduits, and a common support for the coolant and coolant pump. The common support is so constructed as to enable mounting of the coolant reservoir and pump in any selected one of a number of different locations.

Abstract: A machining center having a draw bar extending through a spindle with coolant positioned inside the draw bar for cooling a tool comprises a piston rod movable between an operating position and an extended position, a drive post rotatable about an axis of rotation, operatively connected to the draw bar, a coolant union comprising a non-rotatable portion and rotatable portion, wherein the drive post is attached to the rotatable portion such that the rotatable portion is rotatable with the drive post about the axis of rotation, and a bridge, wherein the drive post extends through the bridge to attach to the coolant union and the bridge permits rotation of the drive post but resists dislocation of the drive post from the axis of rotation. Movement of the piston rod from the operating position to the extended position moves the drive post and coolant union to an extended position.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting mixture is disclosed comprising a carrier, a volatile corrosion inhibitor and a tracing agent which absorbs light in the ultraviolet and violet region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and re-emits light in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a solid state electrochemical device having a cathode, and anode and an electrolyte positioned between the cathode and the anode is disclosed, comprising the steps of forming a controlled geometry feedrod having a cross sectional area, having at least a first extrusion compound and a second extrusion compound, and co-extruding the controlled geometry feedrod through a reduction die at least once to achieve a desired reduction in cross sectional area. Such microfabrication by thermoplastic co-extrusion enhances production of complex and multiphase electrodes and electrolytes.

Abstract: An interchangeable decorative applique is disclosed which can be used on a pickguard for a stringed instrument or other surface and comprises a base adapted to be affixed to the surface and a removable applique that overlies the base. The applique is attached to the base by a removable fasteners that permits the applique to be removed and replaced. The applique can have a replaceable decorative section that is sandwiched between the base and a light permeable protective cover.