Abstract: The tape measure may consist of a relatively large tape blade. To accommodate a large blade the tape measure housing is formed as a hollow annulus having an open central core where the blade is wound about the core of the annular housing. Because the housing has a central opening it can be easily carried in one hand. The device also includes a locking mechanism for locking the tape in an extended position and a rewind mechanism for rewinding the tape back into the housing. The rewind mechanism may comprise a belt drive, opposed springs with a cam lock, a linear spring compressed by a gear drive, a motor driven gear drive, a flat spring and gear drive or a magnetic drive.

Abstract: A tape measure blade having improved wear characteristics, a tape measure utilizing such a blade, and a method of manufacturing such a blade are provided. A clear film made of polyester, nylon or other flexible, strong and relatively thin material is provided with the measurement indicia, markings or other material printed on one side thereof. The film is attached to the blade with the printed side contacting and secured to the blade such that the side of the film without printing is the side of the film exposed to the environment. Because the film is transparent the printed indicia are visible through the film.

Abstract: Flock adhesive compositions comprising specific polymer dispersions, adhesion promoters and additional emulsion polymers, that optionally include polymerizable surfactant monomers, are able to bond to a wide spectrum of TPE and TPV substrates that conventional flock adhesives have difficulty adhering to.

Abstract: The invention concerns a testing framework, comprising a first computer system, adapted for communication with nodes in a distributed node environment, first code, capable of creating a task manager, second code adapted for defining tasks, including test tasks, third code, capable of creating a task agent, test related data, a test launcher capable of interacting with said first code for starting a task manager in said first computer system, of delivering test related data to said task manager, and, upon the sending of the third code to remote nodes, capable of requesting the starting of one or more task agents on said remote nodes, the task manager responding to the test related data for providing said one or more task agents with said test related data, said one or more task agents responding to said test related data for retrieving respective tasks available in the second code, said task manager being capable of thereafter monitoring the execution of such tasks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container warmer that utilizes the same compartment for heating and cooling. In optional embodiments, the unit may include a programmable timer operably connected to the heating and cooling units such that the timer may regulate activity of the units. In other embodiments, the invention may include a baby bottle warmer in which the baby bottle is placed in a water bath in a compartment, the water bath being heated or cooled by heating or cooling units, and optionally operably connected to a programmable timer.

Abstract: A pump seal flushing ring (12) for a vehicle fluid pump (10) includes a top portion (22) and a bottom portion (20) and a tapered wall (36) extending therebetween. The bottom portion (20) has an opening (28) formed therein for communicating with a pump seal (52) to seal off the fluid chamber of the pump from the mechanical portion of the pump. The tapered wall (36) has a plurality of holes (48) formed therein that are uniformly spaced about the periphery of the tapered wall (36) to evenly communicate fluid to all portions of the seal (52).

Abstract: A method of identifying an analyte, using a chemical sensor (e.g., a piezoelectric crystal oscillator) which produces an output frequency responsive to different analytes by a characteristic change in the output frequency. The sensor is exposed to a step change (to) in concentration of the analyte and the resulting frequency characteristic measured. An expression for this characteristic is derived consisting of two exponential functions (F, S), one (F) derived from the early part of the frequency characteristic and the other (S) from the latter part. The four parameters (A.sub.2, A.sub.3, A.sub.4, A.sub.5) resulting from the functions so obtained are characteristic of the particular analyte.

Abstract: A line tie assembly for securing an elongated line conductor to a line support insulator includes a pair of single-strand line tie components. The line tie components each have a pair of leg portions with helical preformed configurations and a generally U-shaped bight portion integrally interconnecting the leg portions. A generally flat flexible cushioning pad composed of resilient material is pivotally connected to and extends between the bight portions of the line tie components. The bight portions of the respective line tie components hook about a reduced diameter neck portion of the insulator on opposite sides thereof. The leg portions wrap about respective adjacent portions of the line conductor on opposite sides of the insulator for securing the line conductor to the insulator. The cushioning pad is placed between the conductor and a groove in the head portion of the insulator in which the conductor will be retained by the line tie assembly.