Abstract: A method of providing an incentive in the form of increased allowable vehicle operating speed for meeting a minimum fuel economy goal. The operation of the vehicle is limited to speeds below the allowable vehicle operating speed. Signals indicative of vehicle fuel economy over a predetermined distance of vehicle travel are collected and stored. A determination is made as to whether the operator has met the minimum fuel economy based on the collected signals, such as percentage of operating time spent idling. The allowable vehicle operating speed is increased to an incentive speed when said operator has met the minimum fuel economy. The collected signals are replaced with newly collected signals after the vehicle has traveled the predetermined distance. The allowable vehicle operating speed is equal to the incentive speed during the interval in which the vehicle has not yet traveled the predetermined distance of vehicle travel.

Abstract: An improved brake line positioning arrangement for over-the-highway trucks and tractors is disclosed. The arrangement includes a unitary retainer having a spaced pair of flexible toothed straps and a central body interposed between and connected to the straps. The body includes a spaced pair of strap receiving slots, a pair of tooth engaging projections respectively projecting into the slots for strap retention engagement with the strap teeth. The straps surround and retentatively engage each of a spaced pair of brake service lines and thereby retentatively engage the lines. ABS conductors are also connected to the retainer.

Abstract: A gas burner is disclosed. The gas burner includes a burner body including a pair of adjoining metal stampings that form a serially connected gas supply passage, venturi region, and plenum chamber, the gas supply passage defining at least one air supply hole for introducing air into the gas supply passage. A burner port is defined by integrally formed recesses in each adjoining metal stamping, the burner port being in fluid communication with the plenum chamber and being oriented about 90 degrees with respect to the central axis of the burner. The gas burner is fabricated from a pair of adjoining sheet metal halves. An alternate gas burner includes a tapered burner port which provides a more uniform flame height because it compensates for velocity variations in the flowing air fuel mixture. A divider plate is also included in the port which improves flame stability.

Abstract: A refillable dispenser of fluid material includes a flexible container having a fluid dispensing portion and a displacement fluid receiving portion spaced from the fluid dispensing portion. A cap is removably fastened to the container for closing an opening at the displacement fluid receiving portion. A cartridge is disposed in the container and contains fluid material to be dispensed. The cartridge includes an expansible bladder and may include a collar member connected to the bladder. A support post may be supported in the container and received by the collar member. A first flow restrictor allow flow of displacment fluid only from outside the container into an interior of the bladder. A second flow restrictor allows flow of material only from within an interior portion of the container external to the bladder to outside the container. Another feature is a cartridge for refilling a dispenser of fluid material.

Abstract: An essential statistics identification utility tool attempts to reduce or minimize the overhead associated with statistics by identifying from an initial set of statistics a set of essential statistics that provide a query optimizer with the ability to choose among query execution plans with minimized loss in accuracy as compared to using the initial set of statistics. The set of essential statistics is identified as a subset of the initial set of statistics that is equivalent to the initial set of statistics with respect to each query of a workload. The subset of statistics is equivalent to the initial set of statistics if an execution plan for each query using the subset of statistics is the same as an execution plan for that query using the initial set of statistics and/or if a cost estimate to execute each query against the database using the subset of statistics is within a predetermined amount of a cost estimate to execute that query against the database using the initial set of statistics.

Abstract: A protective glove having removable outer layers comprises an substantially contaminant free inner glove having at least one outer layer and a method of use thereof. The outer layer has a shape of the glove and is frangibly fused to a selected side of the inner glove. The outer layer material has a lower melt temperature than the inner glove material and can be easily peeled from the inner glove immediately prior to a use requiring the glove to be substantially contaminant free. Also included are methods for making the protective glove.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making and formulating microcapsules and microspheres which can easily be maintained aseptic throughout all stages of the production process.

Abstract: An index and materialized view selection wizard produces a fast and reasonable recommendation for a configuration of indexes, materialized views, and indexes on materialized views which are beneficial given a specified workload for a given database and database server. Candidate materialized views and indexes are obtained, and a joint enumeration of the combined materialized views and indexes is performed to obtain a recommended configuration. The configuration includes indexes, materialized views and indexes on materialized views. Candidate materialized views are obtained by first determining subsets of tables are referenced in queries in the workload and then finding interesting table subsets. Next, interesting subsets are considered on a per query basis to determine which are syntactically relevant for a query. Materialized views which are likely to be used for the workload are then generated along with a set of merged materialized views.

Abstract: An index and materialized view selection wizard produces a fast and reasonable recommendation for a configuration of indexes, materialized views, and indexes on materialized views which are beneficial given a specified workload for a given database and database server. Candidate materialized views and indexes are obtained, and a joint enumeration of the combined materialized views and indexes is performed to obtain a recommended configuration. The configuration includes indexes, materialized views and indexes on materialized views. Candidate materialized views are obtained by first determining subsets of tables are referenced in queries in the workload and then finding interesting table subsets. Next, interesting subsets are considered on a per query basis to determine which are syntactically relevant for a query. Materialized views which are likely to be used for the workload are then generated along with a set of merged materialized views.

Abstract: A position sensing device including two spaced conductive coils constituting a primary and secondary winding of a transformer. A coupling member is mounted to a moveable object. This movement adjusts or alters the transformer coupling between the primary and the secondary and produces a variable output signal which can be correlated to the position of the moveable member. An electronic module is coupled to a programmable controller and adjusts an output from the linear position sensor to linearize the output with relative movement of first and second members such as components of a vehicle shock absorber.

Abstract: A flexible drive transmission comprising a flexible drive shaft assembly having a first end connectable to a drive motor and a second end connectable to a driven implement, a tubular casing surrounding and coaxial with the drive shaft assembly, a lubricant disposed within the casing, and a lubricant-seal for blocking leakage of lubricant from the second drive shaft assembly end. The drive shaft assembly comprises a flexible elongated drive transmitting member, a first drive coupling fixed to the drive transmitting member at a first end, and a second drive coupling fixed to the drive transmitting member at the second end. The casing rotatably supports the drive shaft assembly and comprises a tubular flexible conduit, and end fitting that permanently secures one drive coupling against axial movement relative to the casing.

Abstract: A yarn having cut-resistant and antimicrobial properties. The yarn includes at least one core fiber, and preferably two core fibers. Examples of core fibers include fiberglass, polyester fibers, and high density polyethylene fibers. The core fibers are overwrapped with counter helixes of a cut resistant fiber and an antimicrobial fiber. An example of a cut resistant fiber is a high density polyethylene, and an example of a fiber having a antimicrobial substance is MICROSAFE® acetate fiber manufactured by Celenese. The yarn is particularly suited for use in making gloves and other protective apparel worn by individuals handling and processing food. The antimicrobial substance is embedded in the yarn so that the apparel is reusable and can be subjected to numerous washings without washing away the antimicrobial.

Abstract: A multielement resistor may be assembled into a matrix from a plurality of resistor elements (12) of a U shape construction. The elements (12) are suspended from their upper portions by connecting brackets (16) which are supported by a supporting frame (14). Connecting brackets are preferably of electrically conducting material and insulated from supporting frame (14). Power input/output brackets (18) are provided.

Abstract: A stacked rupture disk assembly of the present invention is adapted to be positioned between flanges in a vent pipe or pressure relief port of a pressure vessel. The stacked rupture disk assembly includes a first rupture disk assembly and a second rupture disk assembly mechanically affixed to the first rupture disk assembly. Each rupture disk assembly includes a graphite rupture disk defining an annular support portion surrounding an thinner rupture membrane adjacent and flush with a first end of the annular support portion. The annular support portion and the rupture membrane define a substantially planar outer surface of the rupture disk. The annular support includes a recessed region extending from an opening in a second end of the annular support to the rupture membrane. Optionally, the second rupture disk assembly includes a support member having spaced apart first and second ends and adapted to be inserted into the recessed region such that the first end abuts and supports the rupture membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping molten metal includes a pump base comprised of non-metallic, heat resistant material and adapted to be submerged in a bath of molten metal. The pump base includes a molten metal inlet opening; a molten metal valve chamber in communication with the inlet opening; a molten metal pumping chamber; a passageway that communicates the valve chamber and the pumping chamber and a molten metal outlet opening that communicates with the pumping chamber. A first piston made of non-metallic, heat resistant material is adapted for reciprocal movement in the valve chamber. A second piston made of non-metallic, heat resistant material is adapted for reciprocal movement in the pumping chamber. A first connecting member extends upwardly from the first piston and a second connecting member extends upwardly from the second piston. At least one actuator is in communication with the first and second connecting members.

Abstract: A light fixture assembly having at least one arm that can be preassembled wherein the arm can be adjustably positioned to minimize packaging volume, and during installation, the arm can be adjustably positioned to lockingly engage a predetermined alignment position as specified by the manufacturer without any loss of structural integrity. The light fixture assembly includes a first plate having a central aperture and at least one peripheral opening, and a second plate removed from and fixedly positioned relative to the first plate. At least one arm is secured to the first plate wherein one end of the arm extends through the at least one peripheral opening. The second plate includes a central aperture and at least one independently flexible portion in contact with the arm end. A support rod extends through the central apertures of the first and second plates. The support rod is secured to the first plate.

Abstract: An equipment lockout control system and method which provides a lockout function that inhibits one or more functions of the equipment being operated under predetermined operating conditions. The system includes at least one receiver, including an equipment inhibitor for disabling at least one function performed by the equipment. At least one portable transmitter operable by an operator is associated with the equipment and includes circuitry for generating a continuous radio signal receivable by the receiver. The control system includes a means for rendering the equipment inhibitor ineffective, so long as the radio signal continues to be received by the receiver. The portable transmitter includes a means for broadcasting a stop signal upon actuation of an operator actuatable stop member forming part of the transmitter.