Abstract: A floor cleaning device that is manually trainable for subsequent automatic operation. Prior to automatic operation, a user trains the cleaning device by manually manipulating the device through one or more desired cleaning paths. After training of the device, the device is configured to automatically initiate subsequent cleaning operations in accordance with the trained routine(s). Preferably, the training routine includes user specification of one of a number of cleaning modalities that are supported by the flooring cleaning device. In addition to automatic navigation, the floor cleaning device is configured to initiate a desired cleaning modality as a function of the device's position with respect to one or more of the trained routine(s).

Abstract: A floor cleaning device that is manually trainable for subsequent automatic operation. Prior to automatic operation, a user trains the cleaning device by manually manipulating the device through one or more desired cleaning paths. After training of the device, the device is configured to automatically initiate subsequent cleaning operations in accordance with the trained routine(s). Preferably, the training routine includes user specification of one of a number of cleaning modalities that are supported by the flooring cleaning device. In addition to automatic navigation, the floor cleaning device is configured to initiate a desired cleaning modality as a function of the device's position with respect to one or more of the trained routine(s).

Abstract: A method for tracking vermin includes causing the vermin to be covered in a non-toxic fluorescent substance which will leave a trail as the rodent enters/exits the human habitation, then examining the habitation with an ultraviolet light to determine the location of the entry/exit point used by the vermin. The fluorescent substance is preferably invisible without the aid of an ultraviolet light. It is also non-toxic to humans as well as animals and is relatively inexpensive. The apparatus for applying the ultraviolet substance is preferably a “bait station” within which an attractive substance is placed and surrounded by the fluorescent substance.

Abstract: An in-wall enclosure for housing a wireless network device and broadband connectivity equipment together. The enclosure is attached to a wall stud in a location pre-determined to be the optimum place to maximize wireless coverage within the structure. An electrical outlet is wired to the enclosure to provide power. Cables for the broadband network connection are also pre-wired to the enclosure. After construction is complete, a wireless network device (Wi-Fi router, access point, or similar device) and a broadband connection device (DSL modem, cable modem, broadband wireless modem, or similar device) are installed in the enclosure. Once installed and configured, the wireless router then provides seamless wireless coverage throughout the dwelling or business office. The front panel is attached to cover the recessed enclosure to provide a smooth, professionally finished appearance on the interior wall.

Abstract: Optical sensing apparatus (10) for measuring the temperature and flow-rate of a fluid comprises a DFB fibre-laser (20) and an AO modulator (16) for modulating the power of pump radiation delivered thereto. Modulated pumping results in cyclical heating of a grating structure in the fibre-laser and hence wavelength variations in laser radiation output therefrom. The temperature and flow-rate of a fluid surrounding the fibre-laser may be inferred from the wavelength excursion and the minimum value of the wavelength respectively. The invention provides simple optical sensing apparatus capable of providing measurements of both the temperature and the flow-rate of a fluid.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus includes a frusto-hemispherical head portion having a flat top surface, a curved outer surface, a base portion, and a peripheral edge, with the flat top surface bearing a tool fitting. A downwardly-depending lip portion extends from the head peripheral edge and defines an annular recess in the base, the annular recess having a flat upper surface. The lip has a curved outer edge, a curved lower edge, and an inner edge having a curved lower portion and a vertical upper portion terminating in the annular recess flat upper surface. A shank portion is connected to the base and bears screw threads and a tip. An annular gasket portion is carried on the shank, and has a first uncompressed position contained radially within the annular recess, and a second compressed position extending radially beyond the lip outer edge.

Abstract: An air impeller with both sound attenuation and vibration isolation means in a compact assembly. Three muffler chambers are provided preceding the inlet to the impeller each with sound absorbing foam material and vibration isolators are provided at both inlet and discharge sides of the impeller.

Abstract: A method for tracking vermin includes causing the vermin to be covered in a non-toxic fluorescent substance which will leave a trail as the rodent enters/exits the human habitation, then examining the habitation with an ultraviolet light to determine the location of the entry/exit point used by the vermin. The fluorescent substance is preferably invisible without the aid of an ultraviolet light. It is also non-toxic to humans as well as animals and is relatively inexpensive. The apparatus for applying the ultraviolet substance is preferably a “bait station” within which an attractive substance is placed and surrounded by the fluorescent substance.

Abstract: A low part count blower-motor assembly in a two-part housing which defines fluid inlet and discharge openings for the blower but which is otherwise sealed when assembled. An integrated tubular stator subassembly is fixedly attached to one of the housing parts and projects axially toward the fluid inlet opening. An integrated motor rotor subassembly is also disposed within the housing for rotation about the stator subassembly in coaxial relationship therewith, a part of the rotor subassembly being disposed axially between the stator and the inlet opening in spaced relationship with the opening. A shaft is journaled in the central opening of the tubular stator subassembly and projects axially there from toward the inlet opening and a fluid impeller mounted on the projecting end portion of the shaft receives fluid from the inlet opening. The impeller is also fixedly attached to the part of the rotor which resides between the stator and inlet opening.

Abstract: A high speed centrifugal air impeller assembly with rearwardly curved blades has it impeller backplate directly cooperating with an adjacent housing wall portion to provide a narrow annular sound attenuating passageway from an impeller chamber to a motor and discharge chamber.

Abstract: The portable air purifying device (10) is provided for removing airborne particles. The device includes a housing (12) including an exterior surface formed with an air inlet (26) and an air outlet (28). The air outlet is formed as a plurality of openings. A scroll (44) is located within the housing and has walls formed with an intake opening (194) and an exhaust port (186). The exterior surface and the walls define a cavity (76). The cavity has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is in communication between the exhaust port and the air outlet. A fan (14) is positioned within the intake opening for drawing air in through the air inlet to pass through the scroll and the first portion of the cavity to be expelled through the air outlet while the second portion of the cavity is under a positive pressure. A filter assembly (48) is assembled within the housing between the air inlet and the fan. The device can include a second filter assembly.

Abstract: The portable air purifying device (10) is provided for removing airborne particles. The device includes a housing (12) including an exterior surface formed with an air inlet (26) and an air outlet (28). The air outlet is formed as a plurality of openings. A scroll (44) is located within the housing and has walls formed with an intake opening (194) and an exhaust port (186). The exterior surface and the walls define a cavity (76). The cavity has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is in communication between the exhaust port and the air outlet. A fan (14) is positioned within the intake opening for drawing air in through the air inlet to pass through the scroll and the first portion of the cavity to be expelled through the air outlet while the second portion of the cavity is under a positive pressure. A filter assembly (48) is assembled within the housing between the air inlet and the fan. The device can include a second filter assembly.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable has a kingwire (10) provided with inner and outer extruded layers (12, 18) of a thermoplastic elastomer. A plurality of optical fibers (14) are disposed on the outer surface (16) of the inner layer (12) and are embedded in the outer layer (18). The cable is constructed by extruding a thermoplastic elastomer around a kingwire, setting the elastomer layer, laying a plurality of optical fibers along the set elastomer layer and extruding a further layer of thermoplastic elastomer over the fibers.