Abstract: A method for determining at least the position of a moving part of the drive assembly, in which the part is illuminated or exposed to light and thereby the passage of light between the moving part and a part which corresponds thereto is determined. The passage of light changes or can even be briefly interrupted during the movement of the part. As a result, it is possible to obtain reliable information about the instantaneous position of the respective part. The method can be used more widely than the known capacitive determination of the position of a moving part and is, in particular, independent of the material of the part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toilet and/or a toilet and bidet combination having immediate reflush capability. Preferred embodiments comprise a tankless toilet and/or toilet and bidet combination and a bowl ventilation apparatus integrated therein. The tankless nature of the invention saves space over conventional toilets, allowing closer mounting to the wall and a lower vertical profile. More specifically, certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a motorized flush mechanism with an infrared sensor having immediate reflush capability, a on-demand motorized water spray cleansing system integrated therein and an integrated bowl ventilation apparatus with a proximity sensor.

Abstract: A mailbox system that has a distributed architecture is disclosed. The system includes an application server, a media server, and message storage system having subscriber mailboxes. Application messages may be stored in a subscriber's mailbox. When the subscriber accesses an application message, the application server uses the application message to create an application, which is then provided to the media server. The media server then executes the application for the subscriber.

Abstract: A method and system provides a stored value token that comprises a notebook with a plurality of sheets fastened together by a binding device. The sheets may have one or more parallel lines for guiding handwritten text. The lines may be formed from ink. The notebook may further comprise a cover and a back. The cover may have human-readable media that identifies the token as a gift card and that may illustrate the type of consumer goods which may be purchased by with the notebook stored value token. The human-readable media can be formed from ink which is placed on a sheet that is attached to the cover by an adhesive. The back of the notebook stored value token can comprise a machine-readable code can that can be applied to a sheet which is attached to the back of the notebook stored value token by an adhesive.

Abstract: Generally, a liquid holding device with a releasable suction base is a mug or other container operable to hold a substance or device with an integral means for creating a secure suction force with a surface. More specifically, a component of the liquid holding device is not only operable to create a suction force, but the application of the suction force provides a means for stabilizing the device. Advantageously, once the liquid holding device is adhered to a surface via the suction mechanism component, the risk of accidental tipping of the device is greatly reduced. Further, an aspect of the present invention is a mechanism for the convenient creation and release of the stabilizing suction force. In some embodiments, the suction creation and release mechanism can be operated with a single hand.

Abstract: A voice mail system that allows for the delivery of voice messages by chunks, thereby optimizing the delivery of the information. When a subscriber attempts to listen to his or her voice mail message, the header information for the first voice mail message is down loaded and played back to the subscriber. While the subscriber listens to the header information, the next two blocks of data of the voice message are downloaded. Upon the completion of the playback of the header information, the first two blocks of the voice mail message are available for playback and the first block is immediately available for playback. As the subscriber listens to the voice mail message subsequent blocks of the first voice mail message, and optionally header information and blocks of subsequent voice mail messages are simultaneously down loaded.

Abstract: A bitumen mixture for high-performance overlayment roofing membranes having an only minimally higher SBS rubber content, compared with simple roofing membranes, and a comparatively high filler content. The bitumen mixture provides high-quality overlayment roofing membranes having a distinctly reduced SBS rubber content, compared to prior art overlayment roofing membranes, coupled with a nonetheless high filler content.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding items of laundry to a mangle having loading clamps (27) arranged on conveyors (20) having endless toothed belts (21), the loading clamps (27) being driven in circulation, and if the respective toothed belts (21) are assigned a plurality of the loading clamps (27), the cycle times can be reduced.

Abstract: A device that attaches to the rebar used to manufacture a concrete item and is left in place as the wet concrete is placed within the form for the concrete item and allowed to cure. The device is a hollow, walled, generally cup- or half disc-shaped structure having an outer forming wall and a hollow interior. The device may be a unitary or two part construction having an upper section, a lower section, upper rebar braces, lower rebar braces, and anchor holes. Anchor holes extend through the anchor recess former providing for a passage from the hollow interior to the outside. Upon the curing of the concrete, the present invention becomes an integral part of the concrete item, creating a uniform recess and exposing an anchor that can be used to lift the concrete item.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs for detecting an on-deck user of a web site are provided. One embodiment comprises a method for detecting on-deck users for a web site. One such method comprises: providing a web site having an associated primary URL and at least one secondary URL; associating the at least one secondary URL for use in association with a carrier deck; receiving a request for the web site from the carrier deck on a mobile communication device; and determining that the request is from the carrier deck.

Abstract: A vane, that can be mounted to a projectile to provide stability of flight, without substantially degrading speed due to added weight and/or causing clearance concerns. The vane is approximately one inch long and 0.4 inches high with a front-edge and a back-edge that meet at a point. The back-edge arcs down towards the base of the vane while the front edge degrades in a substantially linear fashion to the base of the vane.

Abstract: The present invention provides active ingredients and herbicide formulations, as well as the production processes therefor. The active ingredient of the invention is a dry, solid ammonium salt of glyphosate, having high purity (95 to 100%) and low humidity (<1.0% m/m), and is useful as “technical salt” for the preparation of dry, solid, and water-soluble herbicide formulations of the invention. The production process of said active ingredient comprises a solid/liquid/solid reaction between a solid ammonium salt and solid glyphosate acid, both solid being dispersed in an organic liquid medium. The products of the invention are highly water-soluble and are useful for controlling crop weeds.

Abstract: A night light that transitions between at least two states to provide a visual indication to a child as to whether it is time for the child to get out of bed or that the child should stay in bed. The night light shows an illuminated sun to indicate that the child can get out of bed. The night light shows an illuminated moon with a border of Z's to indicate that the child should stay in bed. The transitions between modes are based on information entered into a user interface, the current time, and/or the actuation of buttons on the device.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill having an endless exercise surface for walking or running while exercising, a resistance mechanism for providing a resistance for simulating the pushing of a load, wherein the resistance can be adjusted and set to a specific resistance setting. A movable pushing handle or handles is or are operatively attached to the resistance mechanism to transfer the load to the user. The resistance mechanism applies a constant and static force to the pushing handle(s) only in the same direction the endless movable surface moves and opposite a pushing direction such that operating the treadmill simulates the pushing of a load by a combination of gripping and pushing the pushing handle(s) forward while walking or running forward.

Abstract: An example method for providing a flexible base structure for a portable shelter includes the steps of forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and attaching a plurality of rib intersections such as grommets at respective locations along the flexible loop. An alternative method for constructing a flexible base structure for a floorless portable shelter includes forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and arranging a plurality of openings at respective locations along the continuous loop. An embodiment of a base structure for supporting the ribs of a portable shelter includes a flexible loop and a plurality of rib intersections arranged along the flexible loop. Each of the plurality of rib intersections forms an opening for receiving a respective end of a rib that supports the portable shelter.