Abstract: Certain embodiments include a method of manufacturing a polymer sheet having surface relief features. In this method, a layer of pre-polymerized material is provided. A plurality of spatially separated locations on the curable material is exposed to ultraviolet light such that the material locally cures at those locations. The curable material is exposed again such that regions outside those locations are also cured. The curing produces the polymer sheet having the surface relief features; the relief features being at those locations.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing task instances. The present invention includes receiving a task instance request with a unique task identifier and invoking an authorization function corresponding to the unique task identifier. The authorization function authorizes the task instance request and registers the unique task identifier if the unique task identifier is not currently registered. If the unique task identifier is currently registered, the authorization function performs a task-specific operation. In certain embodiments the present invention also includes a task repository for storing unique task identifiers and a task termination function for unregistering unique task identifiers.

Abstract: A vibrating oral care device for cleaning interdental spaces includes a housing which can be gripped by human fingers. A battery is located within the housing. An lectric vibrator is also located within the housing. A switch on the housing is used to electrically connect the battery to the vibrator. A rigid element extends from one end of the housing. When the switch is operated to connect the battery to the vibrator, the vibrator vibrates and causes the igid element to vibrate.

Abstract: A backlit light display comprises a light guide panel, a prismatic film, an asymmetric top diffuser and an LCD. A linear light source is disposed along a side face of the light guide panel. Light from the linear light source is transmitted though the light guide panel where it is spread and uniformly output through a front face to the prismatic film. Light incident on the prismatic film is redirected more along a first direction than along a second direction. This light is directed more normal to the LCD. An asymmetric diffuser is applied between the prismatic film and the LCD panel to smear the periodic information from the prismatic film and eliminate the Moiré fringe pattern resulting from interference between the periodic structure of the prismatic film and the periodic arrangement of pixels in the LCD. The asymmetric diffuser is aligned with respect to the prismatic film such that it scatters and spreads light more in a second direction than the first direction.

Abstract: A cage-type animal trap having a hand grip mounted on the roof that moves bi-directionally between a first position near the front end of the trap and a second position near the rear end of the trap. An actuating cable is secured to the door and to the hand grip so that when the hand grip is moved by the user from a first position with the door closed to a second position with the door opened the trap can be set by a latch mechanism which releasably holds the hand grip in its second position. A pedal mounted inside the trap is moved by the weight of an animal to activate a trigger rod which moves a latch to release the hand grip from the second position and close the door, thus trapping the animal inside the trap. A paddle mechanism maintains the hand grip in its first position, and a door lock at the bottom of the door prevents the door from being opened by a trapped animal.

Abstract: A disposable flying insect trap having an entry plate with a plastic bag affixed to the entry plate periphery and including entry plate port openings for receiving the insects. The entry plate is sealed by a lid which is removable for insertion of liquid therewithin. The lid is positionable from its sealed position to a second position spaced from the entry plate surface and defining a gap therebetween to enable the insects to fly into the bag interior, attracted by the bait within the bag. The lid is removable from the entry plate by a hang cord which, when pulled, dislodges the lid from the entry plate surface.

Abstract: A bird feeder has a containment housing and a convertible feed port assembly mounted through a housing opening. The feed port assembly includes a feed port having a port plate and a support frame which extends into the housing through the port opening. The port plate defines a port opening aligned with the housing opening to enable access to the bird feed within the housing. The feed port assembly also includes a door slidably and rotatably mounted in the feed port. In a retracted position, the door is supported by the support frame in the housing and leaves the port open to provide access to seed within the interior of the housing. The retracted door cooperates with the support frame to form a roof or baffle to prevent seeds from falling out of the port opening. The door is slidable outwardly from the housing interior and rotatable to overlie and close off the door opening. The door has a relatively small aperture for access to small bird seed when the door is closed.

Abstract: A port assembly for mounting within an opening of a mounting structure, such as a feed port assembly for mounting within a bird feeder opening. The port assembly includes a feed port having a port plate with a port opening therethrough aligned with the housing opening to enable access to the bird feed within the housing. The port plate includes a flange engageable with the housing wall. Disposed within the interior of the housing is an anchor having a pair of clamping feet in engagement with the inwardly facing housing wall whereby the anchor is movable with respect to the feed port to clamp the wall between the feed port flange and the clamping feet of the anchor.

Abstract: An electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, high voltage output circuit for trapping and exterminating pests. The high-voltage output circuit is connected to a pair of killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train for a period of time constituting a killing cycle when a known impedance is sensed across the plates. If, upon conclusion of the killing cycle, the impedance remains across the plates, the circuit activates a visual indicator to alert a user that the trap contains a dead mouse. However, if the impedance increases to that of an open circuit, likely meaning the animal has escaped, the circuit automatically rearms itself and no visual indicator is initiated.

Abstract: A bird feeder wherein a housing includes a plurality of modular hopper elements with a floor underlying and supporting the hopper elements and a roof overlying the hopper elements, the hopper elements including impermeable side walls juxtaposed to form a hopper assembly of maximum capacity and minimum footprint and a front wall with feed apertures to enable birds to access bird food within the hopper element. Each hopper may be selectively removed and replaced without disturbing the other elements. In one embodiment, the hopper elements form segments of an inverted frustoconical hopper assembly which may be selectively and individually removed from the bird feeder without disassembling the housing.

Abstract: An electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, three-killing-plate configuration and extended killing cycle for trapping and exterminating larger rodents such as rats. The high-voltage output circuit is connected to a pair of killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train for a killing cycle when a pest of known impedance is sensed across said pair of plates. A third killing plate, electrically coupled to a first plate of said pair of plates, is brought to the voltage level of the first plate within approximately 1 msec of circuit activation for increased kill and escape-prevention capabilities.

Abstract: A bird feeder includes a hopper having a transparent shell with a spiral internal divider which forms segregated spiral compartments to feed a plurality of different types of bird food. A coupler having segregated vertical chambers, each aligned with an exit end of each segregated spiral compartment, directs the bird food from the hopper to separate feed openings. A seed catcher is attached underneath the coupler and a domed cap covers the top of the hopper.

Abstract: A vibrating oral care device for cleaning interdental spaces includes a housing which can be gripped by human fingers. A battery is located within the housing. An electric vibrator is also located within the housing. A switch on the housing is used to electrically connect the battery to the vibrator. A rigid element extends from one end of the housing. When the switch is operated to connect the battery to the vibrator, the vibrator vibrates and causes the rigid element to vibrate.