Abstract: An electrolytic cell and a method of electrochemical oxidation of manganese (II) ions to manganese(III) ions in the electrolytic cell are described. The electrolytic cell comprises (1) an electrolyte solution of manganese(II) ions in a solution of 9 to 15 molar sulfuric acid; (2) a cathode immersed in the electrolyte solution; and (3) an anode immersed in the electrolyte solution and spaced apart from the cathode. Various anode materials are described including vitreous carbon, reticulated vitreous carbon, and woven carbon fibers.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and a method of electrochemical oxidation of manganese(II) ions to manganese(III) ions in the electrolytic cell are described. The electrolytic cell comprises (1) an electrolyte solution of manganese(II) ions in a solution of at least one acid; (2) a cathode immersed in the electrolyte solution; and (3) an anode immersed in the electrolyte solution and spaced apart from the cathode. Various anode materials are described including vitreous carbon, reticulated vitreous carbon, woven carbon fibers, lead and lead alloy. Once the electrolyte is oxidized to form a metastable complex of manganese(III) ions, a platable plastic may be contacted with the metastable complex to etch the platable plastic. In addition, a pretreatment step may also be performed on the platable plastic prior to contacting the platable plastic with the metastable complex to condition the plastic surface.

Abstract: A method of treating a laser-activated thermoplastic substrate having a metal compound dispersed therein is described. The substrate is contacted with an aqueous composition comprising: (i) a thiol functional organic compound; (ii) an ethoxylated alcohol surfactant; and (iii) xanthan gum. By use of the treatment composition, when the substrate is subsequently laser-activated and plated by electroless plating, extraneous plating of the substrate is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A method and composition for plating metal contacts on photovoltaic solar cells is described. The cell is immersed in an aqueous bath containing platable metal ions and a solubilizing agent for aluminum or aluminum alloy ions from the back side of the solar cell. The cell is then exposed to light, causing the two sides of the cell to become oppositely charged. The metal ions are plated without requiring an external electrical contact.

Abstract: The controlled delivery of odorant emissions is the primary function of this invention. Containment of the odorant emission is achieved by storing the scented material in a low vacuum chamber sealed by pair of solenoid valves at its openings. The opposite end of each solenoid valve is connected either to the ingress or egress manifold. A vacuum pump induces airflow through a chamber when the corresponding solenoids valves are opened, thereby delivering the scent into the atmosphere. An embedded micro-controller has direct control of the electromechanical devices (solenoid valves and vacuum relay). External hardware may signal the micro-controller. Additionally, application software such as those found in computer gaming, computer simulated training, interactive programs, and broadband technologies can source software enabling communication with the micro-controller over a USB port. As such, an olfactory feedback system can be realized.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus useable with a bicycle or other manually operated vehicle includes first and second housings, as well as a connection mechanism by which the first and second housings are attachable to and detachable from each other. A central processing unit and at least one power source are receivable within the first housing, while the second housing includes a light emitting element that is adjustable to multiple angular positions relative to the first housing to provide illumination at different emission angles. The second housing constitutes one of a plurality of second housings that are interchangeable to provide for varied lighting conditions. The connection mechanism allows relative pivotal movement between the first and second housings and permits electrical communication between the light emitting element and the power source when the first and second housings are attached to each other.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus useable with a bicycle or other manually operated vehicle includes first and second housings, as well as a connection mechanism by which the first and second housings are attachable to and detachable from each other. A central processing unit and at least one power source are receivable within the first housing, while the second housing includes a light emitting element that is adjustable to multiple angular positions relative to the first housing to provide illumination at different emission angles. The second housing constitutes one of a plurality of second housings that are interchangeable to provide for varied lighting conditions. The connection mechanism allows relative pivotal movement between the first and second housings and permits electrical communication between the light emitting element and the power source when the first and second housings are attached to each other.

Abstract: In a device including a headlight assembly that outputs a beam of light and a lens housing mountable at a forward end of the headlight assembly, an arrangement, receivable on the lens housing, renders the beam of light adaptable to different weather and lighting conditions. In a preferred form, the arrangement includes a plurality of interchangeable filter elements, such as green, blue, yellow, and red elements, that are alternatively receivable on the lens housing, A wide angle lens could also be included among the interchangeable filter elements. The device as a whole could be provided in the form of a packaged collection of elements adapted for subsequent assembly.

Abstract: An exercise method and apparatus for ensuring the completion of a predetermined number of steps each day as part of an exercise routine by integrating steps taken during a normal daily routine with steps taken on a treadmill or stepper machine.

Abstract: A cylindrical repair tool has each end configured as a handle, with each handle being separable from one another. One handles is provided with a shaft with a wrench, that, when fully extended, can pivot 90°. At least two diametrically opposed LEDs are arranged on each side of the aperture. On the side of this one handle, hex wrenches and a screw driver can be magnetically held or stored parallel to the shaft central axis. The other handle of the tubular repair tool is a two-part casing that can pivot open to allow access to a variety of tools pivotally mounted inside the casing.

Abstract: An improved treadmill having a weight-scale sensor and a console display which displays a history of weight loss or weight control based upon goals set over a period of time in order to facilitate an enclosed loop system for a weight loss monitoring program.

Abstract: A wrist-based fitness monitoring watch which uses a lap sensing device and a step or a stroke sensing device for detecting movement. In response to the output of a micro controller, information is displayed concerning the number of laps completed, the distance completed, and the time. Also included is a wireless heart rate transfer system which is provided through the micro controller in order to provide heart rate indicators during movement of the user. The lap measurement is based on a synchronization between a heading direction from the lap sensing device and the step/stroke frequency in order to provide the lap count, as well as the distance traveled and the time. Each of these items are accomplished on a wrist based monitoring system which does not require periodic intervention by the user. The system is able to provide split times without the requiring of continual pressing of the start/stop button either before or after a running or swimming event.

Abstract: A remote control for an operating system such as a fireplace, includes a remote transmitter and a receiver. The remote transmitter communicates signals to the receiver to control the operating system. The remote transmitter includes a child safety switch which, when activated, prevents activation of the receiver by the remote transmitter.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention increases the precision for drying diverse textile printing substrates during printing operation while ink is emitted from an ink jet print head to form patterns upon the textile substrate. The present invention addresses several long-standing obstacles to high quality printed textile output including media handling from a powered media supply roll, through a cross-web tensioning area, an idler pulley, then over a full-web media advance grit roller, through a printing zone, over an idler pulley, through a forced heating zone (preferably dual-sided), then over another idler pulley, and finally onto a take-up spool which is biased against the force created by the powered media supply spool. The print engine of the present invention utilizes an open-web printing zone, dual forced air heating of both the underside and the upper side of freshly printed media, and a continuously biased tension in the axial web directions and cross-web directions.

Abstract: A method of making an ink jet ink that entails combining a water miscible organic solvent, water, and a pigment dispersion, and blending the water miscible organic solvent, the water, and the pigment dispersion together to form the ink jet ink, wherein the ink jet ink is capable of exhibiting no pigment precipitation, no pigment agglomeration, and no pigment flocculation after being stored in the absence of any agitation for a period of at least about 1 month.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention thus increases the precision for controlling the movement of a printing media through an improved set of vacuum apertures formed in the platen surface, a discrete set of compartments inside the platen each fluidly coupled to a unique set of improved vacuum apertures, and vapor/dust recovery apertures fluidly coupled to a storage, collection, or other disposal vessel. In a preferred embodiment the present invention comprises at least four exhaust fans each fluidly coupled to a discrete compartment within the platen and at least one said compartment connects to each end of the platen surface adjacent to the printing zone and is adapted to evacuate the entire interior space of a large format printing engine. In each of these embodiments, at least some of the improved vacuum apertures located near the edges of the printing zone extend to a recess, or grooved, segment of the platen surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for precise placement of discrete marks comprising a digital image using an optical sensor adapted to read individual dots of a variety of calibration patterns. The sensor is preferably coupled to a reciprocating carriage assembly so that the dot patterns recorded upon a printing media from at least two of a plurality of print heads disposed on the carriage assembly are compared, a preferred timing or trajectory control sequence is calculated, and thereafter relayed to the print heads to correct for physical misalignment of print heads, manufacturing tolerance errors, and the like to improve registration in a digital color print engine.

Abstract: A wrist-based fitness monitoring watch which uses a lap sensing device and a step or a stroke sensing device for detecting movement. In response to the output of a micro controller, information is displayed concerning the number of laps completed, the distance completed, and the time. Also included is a wireless heart rate transfer system which is provided through the micro controller in order to provide heart rate indicators during movement of the user. The lap measurement is based on a synchronization between a heading direction from the lap sensing device and the step/stroke frequency in order to provide the lap count, as well as the distance traveled and the time. Each of these items are accomplished on a wrist based monitoring system which does not require periodic intervention by the user. The system is able to provide split times without the requiring of continual pressing of the start/stop button either before or after a running or swimming event.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention increases the operating envelope for large format thermal ink jet printing via a directed fluid flow from specially-designed orifices which promote fluid flow on a printed surface adjacent a printing zone in a large format ink jet printer where in addition to the optimized fluid flow one or more heating elements are inserted directly into the fluid flow to thereby promote drying of said printed surface. In one embodiment, a single dual-duct plennum spans the width of a roll-fed large format ink jet print engine and a first duct distributes heated air downward (in the direction of media web movement) and a second duct evacuates a printing space so that any potentially harmful ink vapors or other air-borne contaminant is appropriately fluidly coupled to either a remote exhaust vent or vapor capture vessel.