Abstract: A system and method in accordance with example embodiments for comprehensive sales and service data reporting. Sales and service events that take place at a front end branch of an enterprise may be input into a front end system and transmitted to a backend system where various modules then use the front end system data to generate various data and reports to display various data, such as, for example, sales incentive metrics and key performance indicators.

Abstract: An accessory tool for a surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction, the tool including a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in use; and a neck connected to the body, the neck including first and second passages fluidly connected to each other; wherein the first passage has a smaller cross sectional area than the second passage; wherein the dirty air inlet is fluidly connected to the first and second passages; wherein the first passage has a cross sectional area which is formed by first and second sides connected by third and fourth sides; and wherein the third and fourth sides generally extend towards each other as they extend from the second side to the first side.

Abstract: An accessory tool for a surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction, the tool including a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in use; and a neck connected to the body, the neck including first and second passages fluidly connected to each other; wherein the first passage has a smaller cross sectional area than the second passage; wherein the dirty air inlet is fluidly connected to the first and second passages; wherein the first passage has a cross sectional area which is formed by first and second sides connected by third and fourth sides; and wherein the third and fourth sides generally extend towards each other as they extend from the second side to the first side.

Abstract: An upholstery tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction, wherein the tool includes a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in use, wherein the dirty air inlet includes a first inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets a second inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets; and a third inlet section which fluidly connects the first and second inlet sections; and an outlet for fluid communication with the source of suction fluidly connected to the dirty air inlet.

Abstract: A surface treatment device includes a body and a treatment head for treatment of a surface wherein at least a part of the treatment head is detachable from the body of the device, and replaceable by a treatment head or part of a different configuration from that of the first head or part.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus determines a location of a target object within a volume. The inspection apparatus includes a visual inspection device that determines a location of at least one reference point within the volume with respect to the visual inspection device. The visual inspection device further detects a location of the target object with respect to the visual inspection device. The visual inspection device utilizes a location of the target object with respect to the at least one reference point to determine a position of the target object within the volume. A method of locating the target object with the inspection apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus determines a location of a target object within a volume. The inspection apparatus includes a visual inspection device that determines a location of at least one reference point within the volume with respect to the visual inspection device. The visual inspection device further detects a location of the target object with respect to the visual inspection device. The visual inspection device utilizes a location of the target object with respect to the at least one reference point to determine a position of the target object within the volume. A method of locating the target object with the inspection apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An inspection system and methods for remote cleaning and inspection of difficult to access components within complex machinery. The system includes a display screen, a video borescope coupled to the display screen, an insertion tube, a camera head disposed at a distal end of the insertion tube, a feature for capturing an image and/or video with the camera head and displaying the image and/or video on the display screen, and a feature for remotely steering the distal end of the insertion tube as well as a nozzle of a feed tube that is attached to the insertion tube and adapted to apply a cleaning fluid to a surface to be inspected.

Abstract: Automatically displaying differing menu listings from which selection of content is made based upon biometric identification. This may entail obtaining biometric information of a user from a selection device that is associated with a content access device through which access to content items is made. Once the user is identified by the biometric information, a modified menu list from which selection of content items is displayed, with the shown content items being tailored to the identified user. Selection of content items for reproduction by the content access device is then made. Different first and second biometric identification information may be used for a particular user to initially authenticate and identify the user, and then provide navigation among content menu lists according to the second biometric information.

Abstract: The invention provides an automated workstation capable of continuous, non-stop processing of specimens. The workstation includes a storage area that holds multiple cassettes containing specimens compounds or other materials to be analyzed or used in conjunction therewith (collectively, “specimens”) which, preferably, are maintained on slides, microliter plates, or the like (collectively, “plates”). The workstation also includes a robotic arm for processing the specimens, e.g., by grasping the plates, moving them from the cassettes to other apparatus contained within the workstation, and placing the plates back in the cassettes. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for acquiring and processing samples in narrow, thin-walled pipettes without transferring them to wells, vials, or other reaction vessels.

Abstract: Solderable structures, and related methods for making them, can provide thermal conductivity and/or electrical isolation for electronic devices soldered to the structures. Each of the structures includes a solderable material bonded to a heat sink by a thermally-activated bonding material which provides thermal conductivity between the solderable material and the heat sink and which can be configured as a three-layer bonding film to also provide electrical isolation. The structures can be produced in a highly-automated, rapid way without the need for standard mounting hardware and mechanical preparation of the heat sinks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stereoscopic/35 mm camera slide bar which allows for the precise positioning of just one SLR camera at each of two pre-set locations. Individual slides are then taken in successive order using standard ASA slide film. Compatible lens, ranging from zoom to wide angle, can be utilized to suit the occasion. The unit basically consists of three horizontal bars situated one above the other. The lower bar is used for mounting on a tripod and for holding a simple line level. The middle bar holds the camera which is attached to a track-mounted sliding plate and the upper bar supports a strobe light. The flash is secured at a location central to each camera positon. The upper bar has the flexibility of vertical elevation so that the light can be accurately directed to the subject.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower has an offset between a housing rim sheet and discharge conduit outer wall. A vertical panel attached to the rim sheet guides the feed material into the silo pipe center portion without contacting the conduit outer wall and discharge duct. An air inlet for secondary air flow is provided in this offset to supplement the principal air flow entering through material feed inlet into the blower and to provide an air cushion between the air-borne material and outer wall, as well as the initial portion of the discharge duct.

Abstract: In a centrifugal blower used for conveyance of certain materials, a self-regulating air inlet assembly which automatically adjusts the amount of secondary air flow according to the needs of the blower, thereby supplementing the principal air flow and stabilizing the air flow in the discharge duct.

Abstract: Grilled flooring and stairways are made by moulding unsaturated polyester D.M.C. round metal reinforcing bars which, during moulding, are located in the mould on a plastics support.

Abstract: Ground surfaces are rendered impervious by first covering the ground with netting and then spraying glass fiber and polyester resin on the netting and allowing it to cure.

Abstract: A method for protecting ground surfaces from spilled petroleum products, i.e. in bund areas, which comprises covering the surface with a layer of fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester resin applied on top of a membrane which is impervious to the resin and sufficiently flexible to accommodate the ground contours.