Abstract: A window transparency control system. The window transparency control system has at least one window that is adjustably transparent upon receipt of electrical current. At least one wire is disposed around the circumference of the windows and is electrically connected to the windows. A controller is electrically connected to the wires. The controller is also electrically connected to a power source such that an individual can selectively control the amount of current flowing through the wires into the windows via the controller and therefore the transparency of the windows. In one embodiment, an input console is wirelessly connected to one or more processors. The one or more processors are operably connected to the wires such than an individual can selectively control the amount of current flowing through the wires into the windows via the wireless input console.

Abstract: A passenger seat occupancy alert system for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The passenger seat occupancy alert system for a vehicle includes at least one sensor, a detection means, an in-vehicle display device, a speaker, and a controller. The passenger seat occupancy alert system is useful for sensing passenger occupancy of a vehicle and producing an alert.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tabbing electronic documents such as e-books allows users to associate selected content in an electronic document with tabs that can be displayed and organized in a versatile manner, including grouping tabs with different colors, each color corresponding to a different category, e.g., a different character in a story, selecting some colors to display, selecting display of tabs added by other readers, adding metadata to each tab indicating selected content, highlighting selected content, and/or condensing the electronic document to include only content associated with selected tabs.

Abstract: An exemplary method of operating a recording device comprises acquiring a title of a recorded program when a recording operation begins. The exemplary method further comprises determining, at a first specific time period after a next-occurring hour of the clock or after a next-occurring half hour of the clock during the recording operation, whichever occurs first, whether the recording operation started within a second specific time period, the second specific time period being between the first specific time period and thirty minutes, storing as the title of the recorded program the title acquired when the recording operation began if the recording operation was not started within the second specific time period, and reacquiring the title of the recorded program if the recording operation was started within the second specific time period.

Abstract: An exemplary method of operating a recording device comprises acquiring a title of a recorded program when a recording operation begins. The exemplary method further comprises determining, at a first specific time period after a next-occurring hour of the clock or after a next-occurring half hour of the clock during the recording operation, whichever occurs first, whether the recording operation started within a second specific time period, the second specific time period being between the first specific time period and thirty minutes, storing as the title of the recorded program the title acquired when the recording operation began if the recording operation was not started within the second specific time period, and reacquiring the title of the recorded program if the recording operation was started within the second specific time period.

Abstract: An external device such as a digital recording/reproduction device may be controlled via a digital data bus using auto-play and/or auto-pause functions. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for controlling an external device includes detecting initiation of one of a disconnection from the external device and a connection to the external device, providing a pause command signal to the external device via a digital data bus if the initiation of the disconnection from the external device is detected, and providing a play command signal to the external device via the digital data bus if the initiation of the connection to the external device is detected.

Abstract: A process of waste treatment which includes the following steps: (a) passing waste material comprising an insoluble component through an anaerobic bioreactor system including a plurality of bioreactors in series and maintaining said insoluble component as a suspension in the waste material, whereby the pH of the waste material is maintained below 4.9 for a period of at least 24 hours; b) aerating the waste material after step (a); and (c) removing the insoluble component from the waste material before or after step (b). The process also provides for successful treatment of greasetrap waste.

Abstract: A process of waste treatment which includes the following steps: (a) passing waste material comprising an insoluble component through an anaerobic bioreactor system including a plurality of bioreactors in series and maintaining said insoluble component as a suspension in the waste material, whereby the pH of the waste material is maintained below 4.9 for a period of at least 24 hours; b) aerating the waste material after step (a); and (c) removing the insoluble component from the waste material before or after step (b). The process also provides for successful treatment of greasetrap waste.

Abstract: A power actuated tool for driving a fastener into a work surface includes a firing pin for firing an explosive charge to drive the fastener. The firing pin is held in a cocked position against a spring bias by a rotary sear which is displaced rearwardly during cocking by pressing a barrel against the work surface. In the cocked condition, the sear is aligned with a trigger mechanism which can be actuated to pivot the sear and thereby cause release of the firing pin which is then driven by the spring bias to fire the charge.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for continuous preparation of a blend of liquid sulfur in fluid asphalt in specified proportions to provide a dispersion of fine sulfur droplets in the asphalt, particularly suitable for coating onto aggregate to form "hot mix" for asphalt concrete of improved strength.

Abstract: A process having a particular sequence of steps, each under specified conditions, for preparing a petroleum pitch binder suitable for electrodes used in smelting aluminum is disclosed. In the essential steps of the invention a decant oil petroleum fraction is heat treated under pressure, the treated material is flashed to a lower pressure, and finally the material is oxy-activated under elevated temperature conditions to form a petroleum pitch having the desired properties.

Abstract: A process having a specified sequence of steps for preparing a petroleum pitch binder suitable for electrodes used in smelting aluminum is disclosed, in which a decant oil petroleum fraction is oxy-activated under specified conditions of temperature, pressure, and time, then heat treated under other specified conditions, and finally distilled under specified conditions to form a petroleum pitch having desired properties.