Abstract: A fishhook including a shank, an eye attached to the shank, a bend attached to the shank and terminating in a point. The fishhook further including a core of a dissolvable material, and at least one coating or layer on the core. The at least one coating is dissolvable in water, saltwater, or the stomach acid of an animal. A fishing line includes a line composed of a dissolvable material, and a coating coated on said line composed of a dissolvable material.

Abstract: A system and method of intercepting text messages. A mobile device includes a processor, a memory storing data including a first threshold velocity, a user interface, a communications interface, a notification module operable to produce a notification when the mobile device receives a text message via the communications interface, and a velocity sensor operable to determine a velocity of the mobile device comprising a distance traveled by the mobile device per unit of time. When the mobile device receives a text message via the communications interface, the processor determines the velocity of the mobile device via the velocity sensor, and either activates the notification module if the mobile device is traveling under the first threshold velocity, or prevents the activation of the notification module if the mobile device is traveling over the first threshold velocity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing a fibre optic cable for measuring in-ground vibration. The method comprises attaching the fibre optic cable to an external wall of a resilient support member having at least one cavity therein, and burying the fibre optic cable and the support member.

Abstract: A separation conveyor (10) for separating a mass or slurry of different sized particles is provided. The separation conveyor includes a filter belt (12) including a feed side for receiving the mass or slurry and a filtrate side. The separation conveyor further includes a conveyor assembly (16) for conveying the filter belt, an overhead spray array (28) for spraying fluid downwards onto the slurry as it travels on the filter belt, and a lower spray array (30) for spraying fluid upwards against an underside of the belt. The upper and lower spray arrays are arranged in combination to assist in promoting separation of oversized particles on the feed side of the belt and undersized particles on the filtrate side of the belt.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling boiling level in an electric cooking assembly (2). The assembly (2) includes an electric heater (12) incorporating an electric heating element (20) and a temperature-responsive device (30) adapted to monitor temperature of the cooking utensil (8) and including a temperature sensing element (38). The assembly further includes manual input selection means (106) whereby a plurality of predetermined boiling levels are user-selectable. Each predetermined boiling level is associated with a predetermined temperature sensed by the temperature sensing element (38), the predetermined temperature being offset relative to an actual temperature representative of each respective boiling level. The boiling level is controlled by energising of the heater (12) at a corresponding power level.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for detecting an abnormal rise in temperature associated with a combination of a cooking utensil (10) and a cooking zone (8) of a cooking surface (4) overlying an electric heater (6). The apparatus has a first temperature-responsive device (24) is provided within the heater and adapted to monitor temperature of the cooking surface (4). A second temperature-responsive device (26) is provided within the heater and adapted to monitor temperature of the cooking utensil (10) through the cooking surface (4) to provide an electrical output as a function of temperature of the cooking utensil. Means (28) is provided for calculating first and second derivatives (D1, D2) with time of the temperature sensed by the second temperature-responsive device (26) over an operating temperature range of the heater. Means (28) is provided to determine stabilisation of the first derivative (D1) within stabilising threshold limit values.

Abstract: A Compact Disc storage case having a flexible body made of plastic, paper, or other flexible material. The case is opened by placing the case in your hand and squeezing the outer edge at the appropriate points. Once opened in this fashion a CD may be inserted or removed. Then once the desired action has been performed the squeezing may be stopped and the case will return to its original position holding the CD securely and safely if one was inserted. The case also has two inwardly protruding “dimples” or indentions in the middle of the case to facilitate the centering of the disc when inserted into the case. Optionally, the case may be surrounded by appropriate paperwork as needed.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating spatial analysis, data mining analysis, and scheduling to efficiently schedule and monitor infrastructure maintenance is provided. The physical locations within a region of infrastructure repairs are identified and data values for characteristics of the infrastructure repairs are compiled and stored. Data mining algorithms are used to generate input data for the formulation of a set of spatial relationships. The locations of the infrastructure repairs within the region are associated with the locations of other infrastructure elements to form a set of spatial relationships. Spatial analysis techniques are used to provide understanding of this set of spatial relationships and how they relate to the location of infrastructure elements that are likely to require maintenance.

Abstract: A control mat monitoring and warning apparatus and method in which the resistance of a control mat is monitored continuously while the mat remains in use. Deviations of the pattern of control mat resistance values in use from a nominal range of acceptable values is used to detect and report deterioration of the electrical performance characteristics of the control mat so that the mat can be removed from service and replaced in a timely manner. The disclosed invention also generates proper presence detection signals by compensating for the deteriorating electrical performance characteristics of the control mat, thereby extending the useful functional life of the control mat beyond the point at which the mat could otherwise function properly.

Abstract: A teartape for packaging materials, and particularly such materials based on polyolefin films, includes a base film coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive composition. The teartape is affixed to the packaging material by the adhesive composition. This avoids the problem of distortion which can occur when affixing conventional teartapes to such packaging materials by means of hot melt wax compositions. The teartape is applied to moving packaging material by controlling the speed of the teartape in accordance with the speed of the packaging material so as to reduce tension imbalance. The speed of the teartape may be controlled in dependence upon the tension in the teartape. This can be achieved by supplying the teartape from a dispenser having a brake means (4,5) and a drive means (10,11,12) for regulating the speed oft he teartape in dependence on the tension in the teartape.

Abstract: A multilayered thermochromic display system is provided, wherein a thermochromic substance is applied to inert films in stacked layers with a non-invasive barrier between each layer of thermochromic substance. The thermochromic substance in each layer responds in a different temperature range so that as the temperature changes, the display exhibits repeated sequences of colors. The use of multiple layers with different temperature sensitivities enables the use of the displays over a broad range of temperatures.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device (10) includes at least two layers of encapsulated thermochromic, e.g., liquid crystal, material (14, 16) for providing a color response with respect to temperature, the temperature ranges of color response of the at least two liquid crystal layers being different, a mechanism (18) for distinguishing the temperature range in which the device is operational, and a support (20) for supporting the at least two liquid crystal layers and distinguishing mechanism for positioning with respect to at least part of a body. A method for making the liquid crystal device and a method for using the liquid crystal device to detect and to indicate the temperature of a body.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device (10) includes at least two layers of encapsulated thermochromic, e.g., liquid crystal, material (14, 16) for providing a color response with respect to temperature, the temperature ranges of color response of the at least two liquid crystal layers being different, a mechanism (18) in the form of a particular pattern of thermochromic material and/or separate pattern device for distinguishing the temperature range in which the device is operational, and a support (20) for supporting the at least two liquid crystal layers and distinguishing mechanism for positioning with respect to a part.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device (10) includes at least two layers of encapsulated thermochromic, e.g., liquid crystal, material (14, 16) for providing a color response with respect to temperature, the temperature ranges of color response of the at least two liquid crystal layers being different, a mechanism (18) for distinguishing the temperature range in which the device is operational, and a support (20) for supporting the at least two liquid crystal layers and distinguishing mechanism for positioning with respect to at least part of a body. A method for making the liquid crystal device and a method for using the liquid crystal device to detect and to indicate the temperature of a body.

Abstract: Thin stable, substantially uniform, liquid crystal containing films are provided by coating a liquid crystal containing ink onto an inert substrate, which may be transparent, or opaque, optionally pigmented, particularly black pigment. The liquid crystal ink comprises an oil in water latex, where the latex contains a film forming polymer, a minor amount of an organic solvent for the liquid crystals, particularly a moderately water soluble organic solvent, which may be an individual solvent or a combination of solvents, the liquid crystals, and normally a thickening agent. The liquid crystal ink may be coated onto a wide variety of substrates and may then be coated with a protective coating or a dark backing. The laminated products can be used as ornamental articles of manufacture, for photographic reproduction, for temperature determination, and the like.

Abstract: High temperature non-crystallizing cholesteric liquid crystal compositions are provided having at least about 50 weight percent of cholesteryl 3-chloropropionate, at least about 30 weight percent of a cholesteryl ester, wherein the acyl group has a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring, and not more than 20 weight percent of other cholesteryl compounds. The compositions are found to provide billiant colors and do not crystallize when stored for long periods of time at room temperature or below.

Abstract: Thin stable, substantially uniform, liquid crystal containing films are provided by coating onto an inert, normally darkened substrate, an ink comprising an oil in water latex, a small amount of an organic solvent, usually a polar moderately water soluble organic solvent, liquid crystals and a thickening agent. The film can be used as an ornamental article of manufacture, for photographic reproduction, for temperature determination, as well as other utilitarian applications.