Abstract: A panel system includes a chassis holding one or more tray arrangements, which are each configured to receive one or more cassettes at two or more bays. The tray arrangements and cassettes cooperate to define a cassette sensor arrangement and a port occupancy sensor arrangement having separate interface points. The cassette sensor arrangement may include electronic memory storing physical layer information about the cassette. All active components of the port occupancy sensor arrangement are disposed on the tray while the electronic memories of the cassette sensor arrangement are stored on the cassettes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting operating parameters of at least one pipelined software asset. Within a pipelined environment, an agent software asset is inserted immediately preceding a software asset whose operating parameters are to be adjusted. The agent software asset receives data and/or data sets from a user and such data and data sets are inserted/used by the software asset. The agent software asset also allows for a reporting of the output of other software assets to thereby provide users with intermediate outputs from the pipelined environment.

Abstract: The presence of a plug connector with a port is detected through a detection circuit activated by a port shutter. Transitioning the port shutter between the closed (i.e., blocking the port) position and the open position actuates and deactuates the detection circuit.

Abstract: Lightweight composite structural articles having a shell and core comprising a specially-formulated resin, and methods of manufacturing the same. In particular embodiments, the present invention relates to a composite railroad tie comprising an outer fiber-reinforced polymer shell and a unique core formed from a thermoexpandable resin mixture with microcapsules, which railroad tie is manufactured by extruding or pultruding the shell and core through a specially adapted die having a graded cavity, allowing for controlled expansion of the core as the shell and core are passed through the die.

Abstract: A sex harness with that can be removably worn by the user. The sex harness may have adjustable straps which can be tightened by a connection means. The sex harness allows for varied control by one partner can grab the straps of the other partner to increase penetration and have a different type of control.

Abstract: A pressurized boiler (1) for a steam generator appliance comprises an evaporation chamber (78), an electric heater (60) in good thermal contact with a wall (70) of the evaporation chamber (78), a water inlet (77) arranged in a cover (72) of the evaporation chamber (78) separate from said wall (70), and a pump in fluid communication with the water inlet (77) arranged to supply water to the evaporation chamber (78) through the water inlet (77).

Abstract: A flow heater comprises a heating element (48; 248) and a first heating region (18, 20; 218, 220) heated by the heating element (48; 248) for heating liquid flowing therethrough to a first temperature below boiling. The flow heater also comprises a second heating region (22; 222) for heating the liquid to a second temperature below boiling. The second region (22; 222) has means (25; 225) for permitting the exit of steam therefrom separately from heated liquid. The flow heater cannot be operated so that bulk boiling of said liquid takes place in the second region (22; 222).

Abstract: A steam generating appliance such as an electric iron comprises a base unit and a hand-held mobile unit which can be releasably coupled to the base unit. The base unit comprises a reservoir for water and a pump for pumping water from the reservoir into the mobile unit when the mobile unit is coupled to the base unit. The mobile unit comprises a boiler and an on-board reservoir for water, wherein the on-board reservoir is adapted to store water received from the base unit under pressure and to deliver the water to the boiler under the control of a user-operable valve.

Abstract: A pressurised boiler (1) for a steam generator appliance comprises an evaporation chamber (78), an electric heater (60) in good thermal contact with a wall (70) of the evaporation chamber (78), a water inlet (77) arranged in a cover (72) of the evaporation chamber (78) separate from said wall (70), and a pump in fluid communication with the water inlet (77) arranged to supply water to the evaporation chamber (78) through the water inlet (77).

Abstract: A flow heater comprises a heating element (48; 248) and a first heating region (18, 20; 218, 220) heated by the heating element (48; 248) for heating liquid flowing therethrough to a first temperature below boiling. The flow heater also comprises a second heating region (22; 222) for heating the liquid to a second temperature below boiling. The second region (22; 222) has means (25; 225) for permitting the exit of steam therefrom separately from heated liquid. The flow heater cannot be operated so that bulk boiling of said liquid takes place in the second region (22; 222).

Abstract: A steam generating appliance such as an electric iron comprises a base unit and a hand-held mobile unit which can be releasably coupled to the base unit. The base unit comprises a reservoir for water and a pump for pumping water from the reservoir into the mobile unit when the mobile unit is coupled to the base unit. The mobile unit comprises a boiler and an on-board reservoir for water, wherein the on-board reservoir is adapted to store water received from the base unit under pressure and to deliver the water to the boiler under the control of a user-operable valve.

Abstract: A steam generator e.g. for a hand-held portable appliance such as a domestic iron or steam cleaner comprises a water inlet, a boiler, a valve for controlling the entry of water into the boiler and means for delivering a surge of water to the boiler when the valve is opened. Also disclosed is an adaptor for supplying electrical power to a mobile electrical appliance. The adaptor is operable in a corded mode when secured to the appliance for supplying electrical power and water while the appliance is being used; or a cordless mode when secured to a base unit such that electrical and water connection can be made by placing the appliance on or against the base unit; and broken by lifting or moving the appliance away from the base unit.

Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.

Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.

Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.

Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.

Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.

Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.

Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.