Abstract: There is disclosed a method for simulating a mould-imparted texture including applying a textured skin to a moulding from a pre-textured mould.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for an adjustable system of a vehicle. The sensor is utilized to facilitate monitoring of adjustment positions with respect to a reference in the system. The sensor comprises a mechanical interface that allows for the input of movement and an electrical device coupled to the mechanical interface that is capable of changing an electrical signal in relation to the movement of the mechanical interface. The electrical signal, which is proportional to the movement input to the mechanical interface, is utilized by a control unit for control purposes, such as to control the positioning of vehicle control pedals, control the positioning of an adjustable seat of a vehicle, or to control the temperature adjustment in a vehicle HVAC system.

Abstract: A wound dressing is formed from a covering release layer, a dressing layer, an indicator layer, a transparent or translucent indicator bonding layer and a transparent or translucent outer covering. The indicator layer contains a dye which changes color on contact with water. When the dressing layer becomes saturated, water permeates the indicator layer and triggers a color change. The color change is visible through the indicator bonding layer and outer covering and shows a carer that the dressing needs to be replaced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for simulating the appearance of an article having surface texture comprising the step of applying a textured skin having a surface texture to a prototype to produce a textured prototype, thereby to simulate the appearance of the article having surface texture.

Abstract: A method of image compression includes significance switching of DCT coefficients in block-based embedded DCT procedures. Bitwise digitized DCT coefficients are passed through successive significance sweeps of the whole image from the most significant down to the least significant coefficient bit planes. With each new sweep, newly significant coefficients may appear within a block, and block-masking is used to transmit the addresses of those newly significant coefficients. An off-mask may also be used. The invention further relates to a hardware or software-based image encoder.

Abstract: A container sidewall, such as for a cup or the like, made of a thermoplastic material is disclosed. The container utilizing the present invention is preferably designed having a closed bottom wall at one end, an open top at the opposite end, and the present sidewall extending between the bottom wall and the open top to define a height. The sidewall has a top portion adjacent the open top of the container, a first set of annular ribs disposed adjacent the top portion, a second set of annular ribs, a middle portion disposed between the first set and second set of annular ribs, and a bottom portion disposed adjacent the closed bottom wall of the container. The double band of ribs provide an increase in the strength-to-weight ratio of the container over single band prior art designs.

Abstract: The invention is an illuminated grab handle assembly. The assembly includes a generally curved handle, an illumination source positioned remotely from, and for illuminating, the generally curved handle. The illumination source provides the curved handle with a substantially uniform, fully illuminated appearance. The assembly also includes at least one base portion to which at least one end of the generally curved handle is secured. Mounting means secure the base portion to a mounting surface, and an opaque overcap covers the base portion and obscures the mounting means. The illuminated grab handle assembly includes either a single lamp or two lamps acting as the illumination source. The generally curved handle has a pair of ends. The portion of the generally curved handle between the pair of ends is both solid, and has a generally cylindrical cross section. Alternatively, this portion of the curved handle can be tubular.

Abstract: A multi-anchor suture is provided which comprises at least two anchors and at least one suture attached to each anchor. The multiple anchors are inserted into a patient's bone and the suture connecting the anchors facilitates reattachment of soft tissue to the bone. Also provided is a method of attaching soft tissue to bone using the inventive multi-anchor suture.

Abstract: A vacuum demand value (10) is capable of delivering a flowable material. The valve (10) has a housing (11) having a proximal end (14), a distal end (16), an intermediate segment (18) therebetween defining a passageway (24) wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end (14) to the distal end (16). The housing (11) can be tubing. A valve member (20) is located along the intermediate segment (18). The valve member (20) has a closed condition wherein the flowable material from the proximal end (14) to the distal end (16) is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end (14) to the distal end (16) is unstopped. The valve member (20) is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway (24) for placing the valve member (20) in the open condition.

Abstract: A brake assembly for locking a vertical or horizontal slidable sash window or door within a track of a frame is disclosed. The track has an elongated base and a pair of spaced apart, opposed sidewalls extending perpendicular from the base. Each sidewall has an inner shoulder spaced from and parallel to the base. The assembly has a slider body having a central opening extending from a front face of the body to a rear face of the body. The slider body has a side opening in each side of the slider body and being in communication with the central opening. A pair of brake members are provided wherein one brake member is slidably positioned within a respective one of the side openings. A cam has a rear face and a front face, and is adapted to receive a pivot member mounted on either the sash window or door. The cam is positioned in the central opening and is adapted to be rotatable within the opening by the pivot member.

Abstract: A solid state transducer is disclosed. The transducer comprises a micromachined electrostatic actuator formed of silicon, a support brace disposed about the actuator, and a membrane coupled to the support brace. The actuator is operatively coupled to the membrane. The transducer may be either a receiver or a microphone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for serving a heated alcoholic beverage is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes supplying an alcoholic beverage mix, such as a mulled wine mix, which is connected to a serving tap. The mulled wine is heated between leaving the source and being serviced from the tap.

Abstract: An ambulatory infusion pump (10) has a syringe barrel (16) having a fluid chamber (19) and an inner wall (22). The pump (10) further has an infusion engine (14) for moving fluid through the syringe barrel (16). The infusion engine (14) has a member (42) for engaging a portion of the syringe barrel (16) for moving the engine (14) linearly along the syringe barrel (16).

Abstract: The invention concerns a connecting device (1) comprising a base (5) mounted on the receptacle (2) and extended by a flange (9) forming an inner bore (A) and a piston (10) capable of sliding in said inner bore (A) between a released position relative to a plug (4) and a transfer position wherein a hollow needle (11) borne by the piston (10) passes through the plug (4). A scaling lip (22) is arranged on an internal surface (8d) of the bore (A) opposite the piston (10) or a surface of the piston, said lip (22) being shaped to be urged to press sealingly against the piston (10d) or against an internal surface of the bore, in the transfer position.