Abstract: Disclosed is a porous ceramic heating element composition and a ceramic heating structure made of the composition, and the composition includes: a mixture including a ceramic mixed powder, which is formed by mixing at least one of an aluminum nitride and a silicon nitride with a silicon carbide powder, and a silicon-based metal powder which is mixed with the ceramic mixed powder; a pore agent, wherein 0.5 parts by weight to 5 parts by weight of the pore agent is mixed with 100 parts by weight of the mixture; and a binder which is mixed with the mixture and maintains the bonding between the ceramic mixed powder and the metal powder. 20 parts by weight to 30 parts by weight of the binder is included in 100 parts by weight of the mixture.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the percentage of stretch of a stretch wrap film in a stretch wrapping machine includes a first sensor associated with the stretch wrap roll and configured to generate a first signal as the film travels from the roll to the pre-stretch roller assembly, and a second sensor associated with the load and configured to generate a second signal as the film is wrapped around the load. A processor is operable to: a) calculate a pre-stretch length of the film based on the first signal during a time interval; b) calculate a stretched length of the film as the film is wrapped around the load on the rotating platform during the time interval; and c) calculate a percentage stretch of the film based on the pre-stretch length and said stretched length.

Abstract: A UV reactor for treating water, the reactor includes a UV source, a tube positioned around the UV source, a surrounding structure coaxially surrounding the tube, a flow path positioned between the tube and the surrounding structure for the flow of water to be treated, and a diffusive surface positioned around the surrounding structure to reflect UV light from the UV source back into the flow path.

Abstract: Methods of managing a fleet of devices are provided, as are methods for configuring a standby device for a job in a workflow environment, and methods for performing a job in a workflow environment. Device information is analyzed, such as information pertaining to verification systems. Device instructions are sent to various locations on a device network in response to a deviation from a parameter value having been detected. The deviation from the parameter value may correspond to printed media and/or indicia produced by one or more devices. A workflow device and a standby device are provided, and the workflow device sends configuration data to the standby device. The standby device installs configuration data and is introduced into the workflow environment.

Abstract: A combination vehicle includes a tractor and a trailer towed by the tractor. The trailer includes a first tank that is configured to store a high-pressure gas as a fuel used by the tractor to travel. The tractor includes a second tank that is configured to store a high-pressure gas as a fuel used by the tractor to travel. The combination vehicle is configured to travel using the fuel supplied from the first tank and the second tank.

Abstract: An opening/closing body control device for vehicles that comprises a lock device and a control device. The control device comprises: a reverse control unit that executes reverse control that rotates a rotating member in reverse, after closing control has been completed; and a position detection unit that detects the rotation position of the rotating member, on the basis of the on/off state of a neutral switch. The position detection unit is capable of detecting whether the rotation position of the rotating member is in a closed area, a release area, or a neutral area. The reverse control unit does not execute reverse control if the rotation position of the rotating member is in the neutral area, when the closing control has been completed.

Abstract: A power converter is capable to convert an electrical input power into a bipolar output power and to deliver the bipolar output power to at least two independent plasma processing chambers. The power converter includes: a power input port for connection to an electrical power delivering grid, at least two power output ports each for connection to one of the plasma processing chambers, and a controller configured to control delivering the bipolar output power to the power output ports, using at least one control parameter. The controller is configured to obtain a full set of desired values for the control parameter for the power output ports, calculate whether the power converter is capable of delivering every desired value to every output port, and if so, calculate a sequence of pulses of power delivery to the output ports to supply the power to plasma processes in the plasma processing chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an e-cigarette with a plurality of heating components. The e-cigarette with a plurality of heating components is designed in the present invention, where the plurality of heating components are disposed in the atomization core, so that the e-cigarette produces more aerosol and meets user requirements; in addition, a plurality of liquid inlet holes are disposed in the atomization core, so that the e-liquid comes into contact fully with the heating components. This prevents the heating components from scorching due to insufficient e-liquid.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a method and apparatus for improving ribbon replacement for thermal printers. The present invention also applies to replacement of other media in associated printers. The improvement is achieved based a ribbon adapter or media adapter that is designed for two conditions: 1) catch condition for printing, and 2) release condition for replacing the media in the printer. By a single click or press of a button, a user can switch between the two conditions. The printing operation occurs during the catch condition. The catch condition ensures that there is no or little relative movement between media core and media adapter. The media adapter can also support different diameter media cores. The release condition is implemented when the user replaces media. The release condition can provide a relatively easy replacement of a media without a significant force or pressure.

Abstract: Demountable Floor Construction A floor plank (10) for use in a flooring system comprises a reinforced, inverted U-shaped, precast concrete element having an upper surface and depending ribs (14) along its longitudinal edges. The planks are supported on spaced horizontal beams (6) during assembly. The planks are interconnected by means of connector plates (52, 54, 56, 58) and bolts (50) along their edges to create a floor diaphragm and surface appropriate for use.

Abstract: A support system for a sign mountable on at least two spaced apart foundation members, the system comprising: i) a base, preferably a length adjustable base, having a first end and a second end; ii) a vertical sign support having a first end and a second end wherein the second end is connected to the base; iii) a first foundation member bracket for connection to a first foundation member, the first foundation member bracket proximate the first end of the base; and iv) a second foundation member bracket for connection to a second foundation member distant the first foundation member, the second foundation member bracket proximate the second end of the base.

Abstract: Grass seed performance may be predicted by receiving grass seed selections for individual grass seed varieties and target geographic regions for growing the grass seed selection. A common set of grass attributes is identified from historical grass attribute values associated with the selected target regions. The historical grass attribute values in the first common set of grass attributes are retrieved and are displayed in a graphical format for the at least two individual grass seed varieties in the at least two selected target regions. A weighted average may be calculated for the historical grass attribute values in the common set and may provide a prediction of performance of the individual grass seed varieties across the selected geographic regions or in regions proximate the selected geographic regions.

Abstract: In illustrative implementations, a set of separate modulation signals simultaneously modulates a plurality of pixels in a superpixel by a set of separate modulation signals, such that each pixel in the superpixel is modulated by a modulation signal that causes sensitivity of the pixel to vary over time. Each superpixel comprises multiple pixels. In some implementations, the sensitivity of a pixel to incident light is controlled by storage modulation or by light modulation. In some implementations, this invention is used for 3D scanning, i.e., for detection of the 3D position of points in a scene.

Abstract: A printer may be used to print on print media, such as labels, where the print media, as fed through the print, spans substantially less than the full width of the printhead and platen. This may result in uneven print pressure across the print media during the print process. The uneven print pressure, in turn, may result in an uneven print density on the print media, which causes poor print quality. A system and method is employed with identifies the uneven print pressure, and compensates for the uneven print pressure to ensure consistent print density and good print quality. Along segments of the printhead which apply a below average pressure to the print media, the printhead is configured to apply a proportionately higher density of an appropriate contrast-inducing element, such as ink or heat.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for producing an ingredient foam such as milk foam for use with other products such as beverages. An ingredient dispensing assembly is included for receiving one or more ingredients from an ingredient dispensing apparatus, processing the ingredients and dispensing a general uniform, consistent foam. The ingredient dispensing assembly includes a whipping chamber, an output nozzle, and an insert retained within cavities defined by the whipping chamber and output nozzle. The internal surfaces of the chamber and nozzle cavities in combination with the insert provide passages defining a mixing zone, a shredding zone communicating with the mixing zone, and a deceleration zone communicating with the shredding zone. The assembly passes at least one ingredient through the zones to dispense foam from an exit port of the outlet nozzle. The system includes apparatus and methods for reducing the dissociation of foam dispensed form the exit port.

Abstract: For detecting label stops in a label printer, a label stop sensing device is provided. In one implementation, the label stop sensing device comprises a sensor configured to sense print media being fed through a printer, wherein the print media comprises a plurality of labels separated by gaps. Also, the label stop sensing device includes a gap detecting module having a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module. The FFT module is configured to receive time domain signals of the sensed print media from the sensor and to obtain frequency domain signals. The gap detecting module is configured to detect the gaps between the labels on the print media based on at least the frequency domain signals.

Abstract: A method for encoding a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) inlay is described. The method includes causing, by a processor, a media to travel along a media path in an RFID printer. The media includes a plurality of labels. Each label of the plurality of labels comprises an RFID inlay. The method also includes determining a real-time position of a first label while the media travels along the media path based on an input signal received from a media sensor. The first label includes a first corresponding RFID inlay. Further, the method includes causing an RFID control system to initiate encoding of the first corresponding RFID inlay, and to rotate and continue encoding of the first corresponding RFID inlay until the first corresponding RFID inlay is successfully encoded. The RFID coupler is rotated based on the real-time position of the first label.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are single use indicators and methods for employing the same. Such indicators and their uses are directed towards identifying the discharge status of single procedure devices, which are typically, but not limited to, medical devices.

Abstract: A multi-function sight port door includes a sensor mount attached at an aperture within the sight port door. A sensor is mounted to the sensor mount and configured to monitor the interior of a heater that the multi-function sight port door is mounted to. The multi-function sight port door is also configured to open to allow visual inspection of the interior of the heater while the sensor is mounted thereto. The multi-function sight port may be configured to allow for one or more of X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, tilt, roll, and yaw positioning of the sensor as mounted to the sight port door. The sensor may be a temperature sensor, pressure sensor, flame scanner, gas analyzer, optical-based sensor, thermal imager, thermal camera, or laser-based analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a greeting card having at least two surfaces and at least three edges, the greeting card comprising an intrinsically valuable base material comprising titanium or a titanium alloy and one or more gemstones embedded on one or more of the surfaces or edges; wherein the greeting card has a thickness of between about 1.0 mm and about 1.5 mm, a first dimension between about 70 mm and about 90 mm, and a second dimension between about 50 mm and about 60 mm; and further wherein the greeting card depicts one or more of a letter, number, symbol, artistic design, image, or message.