Abstract: A particle vibration damper includes a container which locates a plurality of steel particles. A copper winding is provided around the container to induce a magnetic field therein to increase the inter-particle pressure. By adjusting the voltage across the winding the amplitude of peak damping ability can be varied to match the vibration amplitude being damped.

Abstract: A cutting device in accordance with the present invention is deal for use in cutting pizza and other “flat-bread” like cuisine. For example, in accordance with various embodiments, a cutting device is provided which exhibits improved functionality and ease of use through the use of handle which directs the cutting force from a user in the most efficient manner to carryout the task of cutting, for example, pizza. Moreover, the handle may provide improved protection of the user from accidental injury during use as well as be suitably configured to retract in a manner which facilitates removal of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A protection system for a pipeline comprises a hydraulically actuated valve operable to switchably prevent a flow of fluid from a first section of the pipeline to a second section of the pipeline, a hydraulic fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid to said hydraulically actuated valve to enable actuation thereof, a vent for venting hydraulic fluid from the hydraulically actuated valve, the hydraulically actuated valve being connected to the vent via a differential pressure valve to control venting of the hydraulically actuated valve, a pressure transfer barrier with a first port connected to the first section of the pipeline and a second port connected to said differential pressure valve, said differential pressure valve being supplied with hydraulic fluid at a reference pressure.

Abstract: A set of kitchen shears are spring-assisted to provide efficient cutting action and, at the same time, to allow disassembly into two or more components to facilitate cleaning of the unit. The kitchen shears include: a first shears segment including a first handle rigidly coupled to a first blade, and a second shears segment including a second handle rigidly coupled to a second blade, wherein at least one edge of at least one of the first and second blades includes a sharpened edge; the first and second shears segments being removeably coupled about a pivot point such that the shears have an open state and a closed state, wherein the closed state corresponds to a user applying compressive force to the first and second handles, and wherein the open state corresponds to the absence of a compressive force to the first and second handles; and a spring apparatus mechanically coupled to the first and second handles to position said shears in said open state.

Abstract: Screening a traditional telephony call made by a calling party to a called party includes receiving, over a telephone network, the traditional telephony call from the calling party at a messaging service platform, recording an audio message from the calling party as audio data, and transmitting the audio data from the messaging service platform to a computer of the called party while the calling party is leaving the audio message. Before the calling party finishes leaving the audio message, the called party perceives the transmitted audio data and reacts to the traditional telephony call in response to the audio message.

Abstract: A test probe apparatus having a housing and a probe pin is provided. The housing includes a first housing end portion having a round tapered wall defining a tapered cavity. The probe pin includes a pin base portion rigidly mounted to the housing and a pin tip portion movably mounted to the housing for movement between a first position and a second position. At the first position, the pin tip portion is disposed in a spaced-apart relationship with the pin base portion and protrudes into the tapered cavity. At the second position, the pin tip portion is moved toward the pin base portion relative to the first position.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar is provided that includes a mounting portion, a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion. The mounting portion is configured to be coupled to a bicycle in a direction transverse to a bicycle center plane. The first and second gripping portions extend outwardly from the mounting portion in first and second directions located on first and second sides of the center plane. At least one of the gripping portions includes a pair of bar sections. Preferably, the bar sections diverge outwardly from each other as they extend away from the center plane. Preferably, the bar sections define an accessory receiving space that has an elastic element configured and arranged to retain a bicycle accessory component. Preferably, the gripping portions are integrally formed with the mounting portion as a one-piece, unitary member. Preferably, the gripping portions are looped and are mirror images of each other.

Abstract: A running tool for deployment from a base such as a vessel for installing a component at an underwater facility such as a hydrocarbon extraction well includes a carriage which is lowered from the base. The carriage releasably retains the component. A compensator is located between the carriage and the base for compensating for relative motion between the underwater facility and the base.

Abstract: A freestanding partition panel for dividing a floor space includes a rigid partition frame having vertical side frame members and first and second horizontal frame members extending between the vertical side frame members to form a vertically enlarged opening through the frame, and an open space within the panel. At least one intermediate horizontal cross member extends across the vertically enlarged opening and defines upper and lower openings through the frame. The intermediate cross member and at least a selected one of the first and second horizontal frame members include a plurality of horizontally spaced apart attachment locations defining a plurality of discrete, serially adjacent mounting spaces. The partition panel further includes a utility unit that is mountable in a selected one of the mounting spaces.

Abstract: A protection system for a pipeline comprises a hydraulically actuated valve operable to switchably prevent a flow of fluid from a first section of the pipeline to a second section of the pipeline, a hydraulic fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid to said hydraulically actuated valve to enable actuation thereof, a vent for venting hydraulic fluid from the hydraulically actuated valve, the hydraulically actuated valve being connected to the vent via a differential pressure valve to control venting of the hydraulically actuated valve, a pressure transfer barrier with a first port connected to the first section of the pipeline and a second port connected to said differential pressure valve, said differential pressure valve being supplied with hydraulic fluid at a reference pressure.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are described for improving critical dimension uniformity in baked substrates. The system, method and apparatus provide for varying the distance between a substrate to be baked and the surface of a hot plate such that an approximately uniform temperature is obtained in the substrate during baking. In one embodiment, the substrate is positioned on a hot plate having a recess generally centered on its top side. The differences in distance between the edges of the substrates contacting the hot plate and the distance between the center region of the substrate and the bottom of the recess enable a generally uniform temperature to be obtained in the substrate.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for the storage of a collection of data media in the form of compact discs, CD-ROMs or DVD discs or the like in their original cases, comprising a number of individual box-like holders which can be releasably attached to each other so that the system can be simply expanded to accommodate more compact discs, CD-ROMs or DVD discs in their original cases at any desired location within the storage system. Each holder comprises a base and first and second opposing vertical side walls which hold a CD case or other case between the side walls. Each holder is provided with first and second fastening means at first and second sides respectively of the holder, adapted to permit the releasable engagement of the first fastening means of one holder with the second fastening means of an adjacent holder. The fastening means may comprise interengaging projecting portions and apertures arranged between the projecting portions, or interengaging fit male and female members.

Abstract: A restraint system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of sensors for sensing vehicle conditions of restraint deployment thresholds. The restraint system also includes an electronic controller electrically connected to the sensors for determining whether one of the sensors experiences sufficient deceleration. The restraint system further includes at least one inflatable restraint operatively connected to the electronic controller for deployment thereby in a first stage if the deceleration warrants a first stage deployment and in a second stage if the deceleration warrants a second stage deployment when the sensors sense vehicle conditions achieving the restraint deployment thresholds to restrain an occupant in a seat of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Pisum sativum variety that contains a recessive gene called the bsg gene and produces peas that exhibit an elevated level of sucrose and a decreased level of alcohol insoluble solids when compared to peas produced from a Pisum sativum variety that does not contain the bsg gene within its genome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a topical, liquid, cosmetic composition for effecting immediate improvements in the appearance and feel of skin, in particular for providing a more even skin tone. The composition comprises: a) from 0.3% to 1.5% of an optically neutral phyllosilicate; and b) a green pigment in an amount effective to give the composition a &Dgr;a colour shift value of from −1 to −5 and a &Dgr;b colour shift value of from −2 to −5, when applied to the skin or a skin substitute at a coverage of 2.4 mg/cm−2., wherein the total level of inorganic particles in the composition is less than 5%. In a second aspect of the invention, the composition comprises: a) from 0.3% to 1.5% of an optically neutral phyllosilicate; and b) a green platelet-type interference pigment, having a TiO2 layer thickness of from 120 nm to 160 nm or a whole number multiple thereof, in an amount of from 0.1% to 0.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are described for improving critical dimension uniformity in baked substrates. The system, method and apparatus provide for varying the distance between a substrate to be baked and the surface of a hot plate such that an approximately uniform temperature is obtained in the substrate during baking. In one embodiment, the substrate is positioned on a hot plate having a recess generally centered on its top side. The differences in distance between the edges of the substrates contacting the hot plate and the distance between the center region of the substrate and the bottom of the recess enable a generally uniform temperature to be obtained in the substrate.

Abstract: The engine/transmission assembly includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a fill hole that fluidly communicates with the first chamber. The first chamber is capable of containing lubricant at a first level, and the second chamber is capable of containing lubricant at a second level. The engine/transmission assembly also includes an opening that is between the first and second chamber and that fluidly communicates with the first and second chamber. The opening is positioned to maintain the first level in the first chamber and raise the second level in the second chamber when lubricant is added to the first chamber through the fill hole, and to maintain these two levels when the engine is running.