Abstract: A networked heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The networked HVAC system includes HVAC equipment deployed in a building and an element of HVAC equipment, which is communicatively coupled with the HVAC equipment to collect types of diagnostic information relating to the HVAC equipment. The element of HVAC equipment is normally operable in a normal mode and is selectively operable in a service mode. The normal mode is characterized in that diagnostic information is collected by the element of HVAC equipment at a first rate. The service mode is characterized in that diagnostic information is collected by the element of HVAC equipment at a second rate, which is greater than the first rate.

Abstract: A truck mirror positioning device for adjusting the position of a rear-view truck mirror includes a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to a truck external to the truck driver's cabin. A pivotal support means is provided mechanically coupled to the mounting bracket for substantially supporting the weight of the truck mirror. An electric motor is mounted on the mounting bracket for moving the mirror, and a gearbox is mechanically coupled to the motor and adapted to be mechanically coupled to the truck mirror so as to adjust the plane in which the mirror lies wherein, in use, an operator can adjust the angle of the mirror by activating the electric motor.

Abstract: A truck mirror positioning device for adjusting the position of a rear-view truck mirror includes a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to a truck external to the truck driver's cabin. A pivotal support means is provided mechanically coupled to the mounting bracket for substantially supporting the weight of the truck mirror. An electric motor is mounted on the mounting bracket for moving the mirror, and a gearbox is mechanically coupled to the motor and adapted to be mechanically coupled to the truck mirror so as to adjust the plane in which the mirror lies wherein, in use, an operator can adjust the angle of the mirror by activating the electric motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for twisted and rectangular dice forms of sheeted fibrous materials and a process for making the dice forms. Specifically, the invention teaches the use of dice forms and sheet materials in construction and cementitious materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber-reinforced cement based or cementitious material, and process for making, where the reinforcing fiber is a chemically treated cellulose or non-cellulose fiber. The fiber reinforced cementitious material includes (i) cement, (ii) optionally, sand, aggregate, or sand and aggregate, and (iii) chemically treated fibers having a polyvalent cation content of from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5.0 weight percent based on the dry weight of the treated fibers. The present invention further provides for a fiber reinforced cementitious material having a weak acid content of from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on the dry weight of the treated fibers.

Abstract: A technique for providing management of a motor vehicle information system includes a number of steps. Initially, a wake-up message is received from a portable transmitter. In general, the wake-up message, unique to the portable transmitter, is provided responsive to user activation of a button that is electrically coupled to the portable transmitter. Next, it is determined whether power capability of the motor vehicle is adequate responsive to receipt of the wake-up message. When the motor vehicle power capability is adequate, power is provided to a wireless interface, a vehicle information system and a mass storage device, all of which are located within the motor vehicle. Information is then received via the wireless interface and stored in the mass storage device, when the power capability of the motor vehicle is adequate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber-reinforced cement based or cementitious material, and process for making, where the reinforcing fiber is a chemically treated cellulose or non-cellulose fiber. The fiber reinforced cementitious material includes (i) cement, (ii) optionally, sand, aggregate, or sand and aggregate, and (iii) chemically treated fibers having a polyvalent cation content of from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5.0 weight percent based on the dry weight of the treated fibers. The present invention further provides for a fiber reinforced cementitious material having a weak acid content of from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on the dry weight of the treated fibers.

Abstract: A vehicle disable system including an onboard computer linked to a throttle control relay. The onboard computer is capable of communicating to a remote control center by way of telecommunications link. If certain security protocols are breached, the control center communicates a shutdown command to the vehicle by way of the telecommunications link and the vehicle initiates a shutdown procedure for incapacitating the vehicle throttle controls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for degrading and disabling a vehicle's engine throttle. The vehicle disable system includes a throttle position sensor that generates a throttle position signal, an electronic control module (“ECM”) input connected to the ECM on which the throttle position sensor provides the throttle position signal to the ECM, and an override input that enables an idling signal to be transmitted to the ECM instead of the throttle position signal. The method of the present invention includes the steps of receiving an input signal related to the state of the driver input mechanism, interpreting the input signal, and at least one of degrading and disabling the throttle based on the interpretation of the input signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures including fibers bound with a polyvalent cation-containing compound and superabsorbent polymer particles. The fibers exhibit an ion extraction factor of at least 5%. Also disclosed are multi-strata absorbent structures, such as disposable absorbent articles, including the treated fibers and SAP particles. Further disclosed are methods for preparing absorbent structures including the treated fibers; structures including fibers combined with a polyvalent cation-containing compound; and methods for treating or coating SAP particles with polyvalent cation-containing compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures including fibers bound with a polyvalent cation-containing compound and superabsorbent polymer particles. The fibers exhibit an ion extraction factor of at least 5%. Also disclosed are multi-strata absorbent structures, such as disposable absorbent articles, including the treated fibers and SAP particles. Further disclosed are methods for preparing absorbent structures including the treated fibers; structures including fibers combined with a polyvalent cation-containing compound; and methods for treating or coating SAP particles with polyvalent cation-containing compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber-reinforced cement based or cementitious material, and process for making, where the reinforcing fiber is a chemically treated cellulose or non-cellulose fiber. The fiber reinforced cementitious material includes (i) cement, (ii) optionally, sand, aggregate, or sand and aggregate, and (iii) chemically treated fibers having a polyvalent cation content of from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5.0 weight percent based on the dry weight of the treated fibers. The present invention further provides for a fiber reinforced cementitious material having a weak acid content of from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on the dry weight of the treated fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures including fibers bound with a polyvalent cation-containing compound and superabsorbent polymer particles. The fibers exhibit an ion extraction factor of at least 5%. Also disclosed are multi-strata absorbent structures, such as disposable absorbent articles, including the treated fibers and SAP particles. Further disclosed are methods for preparing absorbent structures including the treated fibers; structures including fibers combined with a polyvalent cation-containing compound; and methods for treating or coating SAP particles with polyvalent cation-containing compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures including fibers bound with a polyvalent cation-containing compound and superabsorbent polymer particles. The fibers exhibit an ion extraction factor of at least 5%. Also disclosed are multi-strata absorbent structures, such as disposable absorbent articles, including the treated fibers and SAP particles. Further disclosed are methods for preparing absorbent structures including the treated fibers; structures including fibers combined with a polyvalent cation-containing compound; and methods for treating or coating SAP particles with polyvalent cation-containing compounds.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing test resources are provided. In one embodiment, the methods and systems can be used by a field engineer located at a remote test site to request a test from a central test lab. The test requester can access a test management web site and display a web page for collecting test background information and parameters. This background information and parameters can be transmitted via a communications link to a test coordinator at the central test lab. The test coordinator can then determine the necessary test resources and prepare a cost estimate for the requested test. The test may require various resources, such as test instrumentation, data recording devices, and test personnel support. The test cost estimate and other pertinent information can then be sent back to the test requester for review and acceptance. If accepted, the test requester can then submit an order for the test.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydroacoustic sonar system in which received signals are processed without extensive filtering thereby to conserve higher fourier components of the received signals and so conserve useful information of targets. This is achieved by using a wideband detector module to effect demodulation of the received signals, and so eliminating the usual intermediate frequency stage. The module comprises a wideband input amplifier, a wideband full wave detector and an active low pass filter having a cut off frequency of at least 50 kHz.