Abstract: A metal detector has a transformer unit (1), a transmitter unit (2), a receiver coil set (3), a signal processing unit (4) and a control unit (5). The transformer unit provides an input signal (sIN) with selectable operating frequency (fTX) to an amplifier stage (12), that is connected to a transmitter coil (21) that is coupled to first and second receiver coils (31, 32). The coil outputs are connected to the signal processing unit, which has a receiver unit (41) and a signal processor (42). A coupling transformer (13) has first and second windings (13A, 13B), connected to the output of the amplifier stage, and a third winding (13C), connected to the transmitter coil. The first and second windings are each connected at a first end to a supply voltage (+Ub). Each of the first and second windings has at least one tapping (141, 142, 143, 144; 141?, 142?, 143?, 144?) at a same turn number counted from the first end. The amplifier stage has first and second amplification wings (12A, 12B).

Abstract: A light system for a fireplace, including a plurality of lights, and a chaos circuit coupled to the plurality of lights. The chaos circuit is configured to provide signals to the plurality of lights to provide naturalistic flame lighting and naturalistic ember lighting.

Abstract: A writing instrument has a detachable clip member with a pliable clip rod. A first clip end member is connected to one end of the pliable clip and has a magnet adapted to be magnetically coupled to a barrel of the writing instrument. A second clip end member is connected to the second rod end and is adapted to be removably and operably connected to the one end of the writing instrument. The second clip end member is also adapted to be magnetically coupled to the first clip end member. The detachable clip member can be moved between at least three positions selected from the group consisting of a resting position, a clasping position, a free-end fidgeting position, a closed-end fidgeting position, and a detached fidgeting position.

Abstract: An application-centric model is employed for the storage, searching and retrieval of documents. By entering a command directed to a particular application program, such as clicking on an icon for that program, a user interface panel displays documents stored on the computing device that are associated with that application. From the panel, the user can perform various actions with respect to the displayed documents.

Abstract: Process and device for pneumatically conveying a powdery material comprising the steps of Pneumatically conveying a powdery material in a pneumatic conveying pipeline (first) and into said recipient by a flow generated by a blower, A powdery material dosing step, A fluctuation step of pressure drop in said pneumatic conveying pipeline or up to said recipient, wherein a sonic device generates sonic waves inside said pneumatic conveying pipeline or up to said recipient and provides a counteraction on the fluctuation step of the pressure drop in said pneumatic conveying pipeline or up to said recipient.

Abstract: A motor vehicle infotainment system includes a user interface having a loudspeaker. The user interface receives a request from a driver to access a social media web site. An electronic processor accesses postings on the social media web site, and discerns first ones of the postings having primarily graphic aspects from second ones of the postings not having primarily graphic aspects. Only the ones of the postings not having primarily graphic aspects are presented to the driver via the loudspeaker.

Abstract: A vehicle vent positioning apparatus includes a motion sensor, a blower of an HVAC system, a vent assembly, a positioning device and a controller. The motion sensor detects changes in direction of movement of a vehicle. The blower moves air into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The vent assembly is installed within the vehicle to direct airflow from the blower into a passenger compartment. The vent assembly includes at least one vane positionable to aim airflow into the passenger compartment in differing airflow directions. The positioning device is connected to the vane. The controller is configured to operate the positioning device to re-position the vane from aiming the airflow in a first airflow direction to aiming the airflow in a second airflow direction in response to the controller determining via signals from the motion sensor that the vehicle is changing direction of movement.

Abstract: A display management arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a first display screen and a second display screen disposed on a dashboard of the motor vehicle. An electronic processor is disposed in the motor vehicle. The electronic processor is in communication with each of the first display screen and the second display screen. The electronic processor responds to a hand gesture by a user by transferring at least a portion of an image displayed on the first display screen to the second display screen.

Abstract: A retractable writing instrument has a marking component for marking a writable surface. A barrel houses at a portion of the marking component, as well as an extension/retraction mechanism. The barrel has a slider portion. An internal magnet is adapted to operate the extension/retraction mechanism and positioned for operating movement along a length of the slider portion for extending and retracting a portion of the marking component. A slidable magnetic ring has an inner diameter for receiving the slider portion and is adapted to magnetically cooperate with the internal magnet.

Abstract: A securement device includes a pair of plungers movable within a housing. The plungers act as quick lock mechanism to engage and secure a threaded rod (or other object) that passes into a hole that runs through the housing. The plungers are spring-biased to position themselves toward so as to provide a radially inward force, for example to engage a threaded rod or device in the through hole in the housing. A spring within the housing presses the plunger pieces toward a portion of the housing where the outer surfaces engage other surfaces to push the plungers inward. The device includes a disengagement feature or mechanism that is used to push the plunger pieces out of engagement with the threaded rod. The disengagement feature may include a disengagement tool, and may include wings, such as on the plungers or on carriers for the plungers, that protrude out of the housing.

Abstract: A rotor assembly is provided in which a solid rotor ring is formed at either end of a stack of laminated discs, the solid rotor rings yielding improved electrical and mechanical characteristics in a low weight assembly. The solid rotor rings are fabricated by brazing slugs between the end portions of the rotor bars, the braze joints contacting a large percentage (at least 90%) of the rotor bar end portions.

Abstract: A head up display cluster arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a dashboard disposed within a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The dashboard includes an instrument cluster surface disposed above a steering column of the motor vehicle. An image source is disposed on, or adjacent to, the dashboard. The image source emits an illuminated image. A mirror is positioned to reflect the emitted illuminated image onto the cluster surface.

Abstract: A display screen arrangement is for use in a motor vehicle and includes an electronic display screen. A pair of optical elements are slidably mounted over the display screen and are movable in opposite lateral directions. An actuator is coupled to the optical elements and moves the optical elements in the opposite lateral directions. A processor is communicatively coupled to the actuator and causes the actuator to move the optical elements to positions dependent upon an image being presented on the display screen.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a camera directed generally toward a driver seat of the vehicle. The camera captures images within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A text recognition module is communicatively coupled to the camera and recognizes text characters in the captured images. An electronic processor is communicatively coupled to the text recognition module and interprets the recognized text characters as text information, categorizes the text information, and enters the text information into an application within the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of validating a design for a graphical user interface of a motor vehicle includes creating a tentative design, and/or a few drafts or prototype for the graphical user interface. A blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is produced. The blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is tested for readability and whether the overall GUI design is suited to be perceived at a glance. If it is determined that the blurred version of the tentative graphical user interface design is not readable or understandable, then the graphical user interface is redesigned and the producing and testing steps are repeated for the redesigned graphical user interface. After the blurred graphical user interface design has been determined to be readable, then a higher fidelity graphical user interface is made.

Abstract: A clumpable animal litter comprises composite particles of filler materials, such as limestone and sand, and sodium bentonite. The filler materials have a lower bulk density as compared to a granular mixture of the same percentage of filler and sodium bentonite clay and contain up to eighty-five percent less clay.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an obstacle detector detecting presence of a pedestrian in a forward path of the vehicle and transmitting a first signal indicative of the presence. A processing device is communicatively coupled to the obstacle detector and transmits a second signal in response to receiving the first signal. A display is mounted so as to be visible to the pedestrian and is communicatively coupled to the processing device. The display responds to receiving the second signal by providing a visible indication to the pedestrian that the pedestrian's presence has been detected by the vehicle.

Abstract: A metal detector has a transformer unit (1), a transmitter unit (2), a receiver coil set (3), a signal processing unit (4) and a control unit (5). The transformer unit provides an input signal (sIN) with selectable operating frequency (fTX) to an amplifier stage (12), that is connected to a transmitter coil (21) that is coupled to first and second receiver coils (31, 32). The coil outputs are connected to the signal processing unit, which has a receiver unit (41) and a signal processor (42). A coupling transformer (13) has first and second windings (13A, 13B), connected to the output of the amplifier stage, and a third winding (13C), connected to the transmitter coil. The first and second windings are each connected at a first end to a supply voltage (+Ub). Each of the first and second windings has at least one tapping (141, 142, 143, 144; 141?, 142?, 143?, 144?) at a same turn number counted from the first end. The amplifier stage has first and second amplification wings (12A, 12B).