Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel is formed from strips of plastics foam helically wound with layers of rovings to form webs which may extend in a wave pattern or may intersect transverse webs. Hollow tubes may replace foam strips. Axial rovings cooperate with overlying helically wound rovings to form a beam or a column. Wound roving patterns may vary along strips for structural efficiency. Wound strips may alternate with spaced strips, and spacers between the strips enhance web buckling strength. Continuously wound rovings between spaced strips permit folding to form panels with reinforced edges. Continuously wound strips are helically wrapped to form annular structures, and composite panels may combine both thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Continuously wound strips or strip sections may be continuously fed either longitudinally or laterally into molding apparatus which may receive skin materials to form reinforced composite panels.

Abstract: A container used for holding one or more product sticks. The container comprises a body and a sleeve. The container further comprises lifting means to independently propel and retract the product sticks. The container may further comprise a cover which engages the body.

Abstract: A flexible amplification system for wireless data networks is disclosed. The amplification system may be powered from multiple sources including power over coaxial cable, obviating the need for independent data and power cables. The amplification system may be digitally controlled to optimize bi-directional transmit and receive capabilities and to produce a constant output.

Abstract: A method is provided for conducting commerce over a network via vision-enabled content. First, content is encoded to convert it into vision-enabled content. Payment is received for vision-enabling the content. Also, a program to decode the vision-enabled content is provided. Finally, the vision-enabled content is sent to a user over a network. The program decodes the vision-enabled content and receives an image of the user. The vision-enabled content may include advertising content, entertainment content, and educational or instructional content. In one embodiment, the program combines the image of the user with the vision-enabled content. In another embodiment, the program utilizes the image of the user to control the vision-enabled content.

Abstract: A point vibration therapy device (“PVTD”) is designed to provide vibration therapy or stimulation to a user to alleviate stimming behavior caused by a sensory dysfunction. The PVTD includes a control system, a power system, and a vibration source system. The control system includes a control circuit, a housing, an I/O interface and inputs for a user to interact with the device, e.g., adjusting the frequency and duration of vibrations for optimal effect on the user. The power system includes a power source and charge management controller. The vibration source system includes a vibration source, a housing, power control connections, and an attachment device to attach to a user's body. The control system, power system, and vibration source system are all interconnected and may be contained in a singular or multiple housings.

Abstract: A control for a water heater is provided that comprises a pressure switch for sensing a predetermined level of airflow sufficient for maintaining proper burner operation, and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank. The control further comprises a processor for controlling the operation of the burner to maintain the water temperature above a predetermined value. When the processor receives a signal from the pressure switch or temperature switch indicating a malfunction, the processor shuts down the burner and subsequently attempts to restart the burner. The processor will lock-out further burner operation after a predetermined number of consecutive shut downs occurs, and will communicate any malfunction information to a remote display device.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling a climate control system is provided that comprises a network interface for establishing an internet connection with a website of a remote service provider, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of a climate control system. The microprocessor is in communication with the network interface for establishing an internet connection and receiving user-specified information from a remote service provider that maintains a user-profile of information requested by the user. The thermostat further comprises a display device responsive to the microprocessor for displaying user-specified information received via the network controller from the remote service provider.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for rapidly cooling prepared food uses a novel combination of cold fluid recirculation and vibration to rapidly cool prepared food in a manner that is cost-effective and easy to practice. One embodiment of an improved rapid food chiller includes a tank for holding ice water or another cooling fluid, baskets for holding standard restaurant pans containing prepared food, a pump for circulating the cooling fluid around the outside of the restaurant pans, and a vibrator for vibrating the cooling fluid and the prepared food.

Abstract: A control for a water heater is provided that comprises a pressure switch for sensing a predetermined level of airflow sufficient for maintaining proper burner operation, and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank. The control further comprises a processor for controlling the operation of the burner to maintain the water temperature above a predetermined value. When the processor receives a signal from the pressure switch or temperature switch indicating a malfunction, the processor shuts down the burner and subsequently attempts to restart the burner. The processor will lock-out further burner operation after a predetermined number of consecutive shut downs occurs, and will communicate any malfunction information to a remote display device.

Abstract: A thermal switch includes a low abrasive and wear resistant disc seat for holding a bimetallic disc. The disc seat includes a disc body with a flange extending from a periphery of the disc body. A centralized through opening may be located in the disc body to prevent warping of the disc body during its manufacture. In addition, the disc seat may be made from brass where at least a first surface of the disc body is plated with Teflon Electroless Nickel, which may take the form of sub-micron particles of polytetrafluoroethylene with auto-catalytically applied nickel.

Abstract: A system controller is disclosed that includes a communication means for transmitting and receiving information from an installed blower motor controller, and a removable memory device connected to the system controller. The removable memory device includes system parameter information stored thereon that relates to the particular heating or cooling system, where the system parameter information includes at least motor related parameters relating to the operation of one or more types of blower motors. The system controller further includes a processor configured to receive via the communication means the communication of identifying information from the blower motor controller that identifies the type of blower motor installed in the system. The processor is configured to retrieve motor related parameters corresponding to the specific identified blower motor controller from the memory device, and to send said corresponding motor related parameters to the blower motor controller.

Abstract: A system is provided for improved elections which may separate the identity of the voter from the content of the vote she casts. The system may be implemented using electronic or other communication methods. Separate entities may be used to implement the system, with one entity acting as a member services system, and another entity acting as an election services system. The member services system may control voter information for all members of a group eligible to vote in a specific election. The election services system may control the voting process, including receiving votes from members, without having access to the voter information controlled by the member services system. The two entities might be configured so that no single person or organization may connect the voter information to a particular vote. This separation of voter information from information in the members' votes may comply with various government regulations relating to elections.

Abstract: A method to prepare an organic composition for a digestor minimizes injury to and enhance the decomposition function of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria in the organic composition. The method is utilizes at an animal processing facility. Manure produced at the facility is periodically collected at at least seven day intervals and at a temperature greater than thirty-two degrees F. Large pieces of inorganic material are removed from the manure while preserving a significant proportion of the living anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria in the manure. The decomposition activity of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria is facilitated by, at a temperature in the range of fifty degrees F to one hundred and five degrees F, adding water to produce a slurry including seventy-five to ninety-five percent by weight water and twenty-five to five percent by weight of organic material.

Abstract: The mechanic's creeper has a lower body support, an upper body support and dual wheel assemblies mounted to the frame in a triangular array. The triangular positioning of the dual wheel assemblies provides for exceptional mobility when a person is working in a reclined position underneath a motor vehicle. The mechanic's creeper may have trays for holding small tools and parts attached to the frame near the lower body support.

Abstract: A control for a water heater is provided that comprises a pressure switch for sensing a predetermined level of airflow sufficient for maintaining proper burner operation, and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank. The control further comprises a processor for controlling the operation of the burner to maintain the water temperature above a predetermined value. When the processor receives a signal from the pressure switch or temperature switch indicating a malfunction, the processor shuts down the burner and subsequently attempts to restart the burner. The processor will lock-out further burner operation after a predetermined number of consecutive shut downs occurs, and will communicate any malfunction information to a remote display device.

Abstract: Provided is a multiplexer for a biometric apparatus. The multiplexer includes a plurality of first conductors coupled to the first ends of piezo ceramic elements in corresponding rows and a plurality of first switches each of which is coupled to a respective one of the first conductors and a plurality of second conductors coupled to the second ends of piezo ceramic elements in corresponding columns. The multiplexer also includes a plurality of second switches each of which is coupled to a respective one of the second conductors. The first conductors are approximately orthogonal to the second conductors, and the first switches are controlled to couple a signal output from an output port of the signal generator to a particular piezo ceramic element of the at least twenty five thousand piezo ceramic elements. The second switches are controlled to couple a signal associated with the particular piezo ceramic element of the at least twenty five thousand piezo ceramic elements to an input port of the processor.

Abstract: A thermal switch includes a low abrasive and wear resistant disc seat for holding a bimetallic disc. The disc seat includes a disc body with a flange extending from a periphery of the disc body. A centralized through opening may be located in the disc body to prevent warping of the disc body during its manufacture. In addition, the disc seat may be made from brass where at least a first surface of the disc body is plated with Teflon Electroless Nickel, which may take the form of sub-micron particles of polytetrafluoroethylene with auto-catalytically applied nickel.

Abstract: This invention relates to the application of hydrophobic interaction chromatography combination chromatography to the purification of antibody molecular proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to the application of hydrophobic interaction chromatography combination chromatography to the purification of antibody molecule proteins.