Abstract: Outputs from a plurality of different ambient condition sensors are cross correlated so as to adjust a threshold value for a different, primary, sensor. Cross-correlation processing can be carried out locally in a detector or remotely. To minimize false alarming, the alarm determination can be skipped if the output from the primary sensor does not exhibit at least a predetermined variation from an average value thereof.

Abstract: A method for lubricating gear reduction and overrunning clutch mechanisms in internal combustion engine starter motors, and apparatuses embodying the method. According to the present invention, sealing features are added to a gear reduction mechanism, overrunning clutch mechanism, or combined gear reduction and overrunning clutch mechanism. The sealed mechanism then is filled with oil for lubrication.

Abstract: A furnishing accessory and methods of assembling and installing same are described.

Abstract: A conveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, and related links, are disclosed. The conveyor includes a plurality of connected links, each link having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport. Each link also has a body, a cam follower member, and at least one gripping member. A gear drive mechanism may be used to interconnect the cam follower member and the gripping member. The cam follower member is movable to selectively move the gripping member between a first position and a second position. The gripping member when in first position is disposed in an open position, and the gripping member when in the second position is disposed in a gripping position for contacting one of the objects to hold the object during transport. Gear-drive mechanisms of various designs may be used to interconnect the cam follower member and gripping member.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube, such as a ring laser gyroscope, includes a block, a cathode, and an anode. At least a portion of the block is maintained at a reference potential. The cathode may be biased at a higher potential than the reference potential, and the anode may be biased at a higher potential than the cathode. Alternatively, the cathode may be biased at a lower potential than the reference potential, and the anode may be biased at a higher potential than the reference potential. These biases enhance the flow of negative oxygen ions and impede the flow of positive alkali ions to increase sputter life of the gas discharge tube. Additionally or alternatively, a biasing electrode may be applied to the block to overlie the plasma supporting passage between the cathode and the anode. The biasing electrode has a bias to attract positive alkali ions.

Abstract: An electronic presentation system and method provides multiple display screens for presentation materials as well as permits dynamic annotations to presentation materials that do not permanently alter the presentation materials. The presentation materials can easily be directed to any one of the display screens and any annotations can be saved for future use or simply deleted. A single interface screen allows simple annotation of either the left or right screen images while a zoom feature allows slides to be presented in a variety of different ways. Additional features include tracking and displaying an indication of how a presentation is progressing relative to a pre-set timeline, identifying and tracking slides of a presentation which need correction or updating, and permitting a presenter to annotate slides of a presentation while located remotely from the presentation system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for extracting hemicellulose from fiber, such as corn fiber. The process comprises agitating at least fiber, caustic and optional added water at a moisture content from about 10% to about 60% at high speeds in a highly fluidized state. The process substantially instantaneously extracts the hemicellulose from the fiber. Heat may be applied in the process to extract and dry the hemicellulose substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A conveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, and a related link are disclosed. The link may include a link body having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport, each link body having a conveying surface. At least one gripping member is movably secured to the link body and has a gripping arm extendable from the conveying surface of the link body. Each gripping member is moveable between a first opened position and a second gripping position. The gripping arm is located so as to be able to contact one of the objects when the gripping member is in the second position to hold the object relative to the link body during transport. Various options for link designs are disclosed, including slidable and/or pivotable designs.

Abstract: A technique for customizing purchase incentives, such as discount coupons and the like, based on whether a consumer buys a promoted item or a competitive item, and on the price of the promoted item relative to the competitive item. The invention identifies promoted or competitive products in a consumer's order, and selects an incentive that is appropriate for the price differential between the promoted and competitive items, and for the purchase choice already made between the promoted and competitive items. a different incentive is provided for the different pricing and choice combinations, in an effort to maximize sales for the promoted item, and the different incentives are stored in an incentive matrix accessed by product purchased and by consumer profile as determined from whether the consumer bought the more expensive item, the less expensive item, or one of two equally priced items.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ink-jet printing including an intermediate transfer medium, a transfer medium, and an ink-jet print head to jet ink toward the intermediate transfer medium, to transfer an ink image from the intermediate transfer medium to media with an optimum image transfer and optical density. The optimum image transfer and optical density is accomplished by generating uniform pressure across a nip generated by the intermediate transfer medium and the transfer medium, and control of a release coating thickness resident on the intermediate transfer medium and a time delay between a jetting of ink toward the intermediate transfer medium and transfer of jetted ink resident on a surface of the intermediate transfer medium to the media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel endoglucanase nucleic acid sequence, designated egl6, and the corresponding EGVI amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding EGVI, recombinant EGVI proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: A device and method that may be used at nearly any place to set and adjust a control system such as a thermostat, controller or computer having numerous parameters and options that may be selected for desired operation of an air management system. One may remotely, via a personal digital assistant, configure, commission, select, set or adjust the parameters and options of a control system, which may include, but not be limited to, temperatures, humidity, sensors, volume of air movement, fan or air mover behavior, the percentage of added fresh air, modulated and non-modulated control of valves and dampers, stages of cooling and heating at various zones, control of heat pumps, heaters and air conditioners, modes of occupied, unoccupied or standby of respective spaces in a building, for day and night, at selected times, on certain days, for specific buildings at particular locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction wheel assembly and fiber optic gyro device. The device includes a reaction wheel assembly having a reaction wheel assembly housing, a fiber optic gyro coil integrated with the reaction wheel assembly housing, and a fiber optic gyro electronics integrated with the reaction wheel assembly housing. The fiber optic gyro coil may be wound around the reaction wheel assembly housing. The gyro coil may also be located within the reaction wheel assembly housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling components associated with turbomachinery by means of one or more venturis placed in the intake flow of air into the compressor with an air inlet upstream of the venturis and an air outlet integral to at least one venturi. The partial vacuum created from the one or more venturis draws air past components that are desired to be cooled.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of producing a metal article having an internal passage coated with a ceramic coating. The method comprises: preparing a core for defining the internal passage; applying the ceramic coating on the core; assembling the core with the ceramic coating applied thereon into a mold; casting metal into the mold at a pour temperature lower than the melting temperature of the ceramic coating; and removing the core. The ceramic coating may be applied by plasma spraying or slurry deposition.