Abstract: A scale and associated method automatically identify when a food product pricing scale is in an offline condition and changes a color condition on the scale display to alert scale operators of the offline condition.

Abstract: A method for magnetizing a rotor of an electrical machine is provided. The method includes assembling an array of non-magnetized anisotropic permanent magnet segments around a rotor spindle encased in a metallic ring. The method also includes determining multiple optimal magnetization orientation directions of the non-magnetized anisotropic permanent magnet segments. Further, the method includes positioning the assembled non-magnetized anisotropic permanent magnet segments around the rotor spindle such that the optimal magnetization orientation directions of the anisotropic permanent magnet segments are aligned with multiple flux lines produced by a magnetization fixture. Finally, the method includes energizing the magnetization fixture for magnetizing the segments via a pulse direct current for an optimal duration of the pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus secures a cover onto a housing of a portable electronic device. The apparatus has a first latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a first hinge, so that in a first rotational position, the first latch contacts a first catch on the housing and in a second rotational position, the first latch is remote from the first catch. A second latch assembly has a second latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a second hinge, so that in one rotational position, the second latch contacts a second catch on the housing and in another rotational position, the second latch is remote from the second catch. By squeezing the first and second latches between two fingers, a user is able to disengage those latches from the catches and remove the cover from the housing.

Abstract: A scale and associated methods automatically identify when a food product pricing scale is in an offline condition and changes a color condition on the scale display to alert scale operators of the offline condition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to composite materials. In one embodiment, a composite material comprises an inorganic ceramic matrix comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first outer surface and generally parallel to the first outer surface. At least one open weave fiber glass fabric is disposed in the inorganic ceramic matrix between the first surface and the second surface. In another embodiment, a composite material comprises a first inorganic ceramic matrix comprising pieces of stone, a second inorganic ceramic matrix attached adjacent to the first inorganic ceramic matrix, and at least one open weave fiber glass fabric disposed in the second inorganic ceramic matrix.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, provides a fiber glass strand comprising an electrically conductive structure comprising one or more glass fibers coated with a coating composition comprising an aqueous dispersion, the aqueous dispersion comprising carbon nanotubes and a polymeric carrier.

Abstract: A machine useful for ship propulsion purposes includes a ship propulsion motor with two concentric air gaps. In one embodiment, the machine includes a rotor with an inner rotor core and an outer rotor core; and a double-sided stator with an inner stator side and an outer stator side. The double-sided stator is concentrically disposed between the inner rotor core and the outer rotor core.

Abstract: A machine useful for ship propulsion purposes include a double-sided generator or motor with two concentric air gaps. In one embodiment, the machine includes a double-sided rotor with an inner rotor side and an outer rotor side; and a stator with an inner stator core and an outer stator core, wherein the double-sided rotor is concentrically disposed between the inner stator core and the outer stator core.

Abstract: A compressor assembly for use in transporting natural gas is provided. The assembly includes a natural gas compressor comprising at least one stage of compression, a permanent magnet-type super-synchronous motor coupled to the natural gas compressor for powering said compressor, and a housing, the compressor positioned within the housing, and the compressor configured to facilitate increasing a pressure of natural gas being transmitted.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cover over an opening defined in a housing of a portable electronic device includes a pair of latches along opposite edges of the cover. Each latch assembly has a cap affixed to the cover and partially housing a latch that is slideable therein. Each latch is biased by a separate spring into a first position, at which a tab on that latch projects from the cap and engages the housing. An actuator on each latch extends outside the respective cap for engagement by a user to slide the latch into a second position in which the associated tab is retracted from engaging the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peroxide containing oral care compositions containing a flavor system that effectively masks the undesirable taste and sensations due to peroxide. The flavor system comprises menthol, at least one other secondary coolant and selected flavor chemicals that together provide a stable flavor profile and a high impact refreshing taste and sensation. The secondary coolant is selected from carboxamides, ketals, diols, menthyl esters and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: System and method for filling vias in integrated circuits A preferred embodiment comprises forming a spacer layer on a substrate, forming a via with walls and a bottom in the spacer layer, depositing a conformal conductive layer on the spacer layer and on the walls and bottom of the via, spinning-on a photo-definable material on the conductive layer, forming a fill layer on the conductive layer and filling the via, exposing portions of the fill layer to an exposing light using a photomask, developing the fill layer to remove select portions of the fill layer and leave a portion of the fill layer filling the via, and removing the spacer layer. The use of a spin-on photo-definable material increases the material's filling and planarizing capabilities, while enabling a reduction in the number of process steps, which may reduce the likelihood of manufacturing defects, thereby increasing manufacturing yield.

Abstract: A method for making a magnetic linear motor shaft including thermal treatment to temporarily change the dimensions of various shaft components to allow tight interference fit assembly. The magnetic motor includes a core piece, annular magnets and pole pieces.

Abstract: A target moving configuration includes a weighted base, a shooter's target, a target-moving assembly rotationally connected to the base and a hinge pivotally connecting the target thereto. A target-fall control device operatively connects the hinge to selectively pivot the target when activated. The control device has a balloon, a lock with a removable key, and a pull cord connecting the balloon to the key, which cord holds the key in the lock while the balloon is intact. A target motion device has a drive shaft, a drive cord connected to the target moving assembly and the drive shaft. An electric motor is connected to the drive shaft for rotating the drive shaft. A controller is operable to selectively and randomly power the motor to, thereby, move the target movement arm with respect to the base. Multiple targets and assemblies are provided and connected to the drive shaft for independent movement.

Abstract: An electrical machine includes a rotor with an inner rotor portion and an outer rotor portion, and a double-sided yokeless stator. The yokeless stator includes modular lamination stacks and is configured for radial magnetic flux flow. The double-sided yokeless stator is concentrically disposed between the inner rotor portion and the outer rotor portion of the electrical machine. Examples of particularly useful embodiments for the electrical machine include wind turbine generators, ship propulsion motors, switch reluctance machines and double-sided synchronous machines.

Abstract: A process for recycling printed circuit boards includes pyrolyzing a number printed circuit boards to from an ash. Metals form the circuit boards are separated from the ash by density separation techniques. The metals are formed into a slurry electrode. The slurry electrode and a deposition electrode are placed in an electrolyte bath and the metals are electrorefined to form bars of metal. The slurry electrode is made by combining powderized metals with carbon powder and an ionic liquid to form an electrode paste. The electrode paste is placed inside a container with a screen to form the slurry electrode.

Abstract: A pet food dish formed to protect the contents of the dish from ants. The illustrated dish has an upwardly open central portion for holding a quantity of pet food and allowing the pet access to the food. In one embodiment, the dish has a peripheral portion that is connected to and extends completely around the central food-holding portion. The peripheral portion forms a seal with the central portion and defines an upwardly open, liquid-holding trough that extends completely around the periphery of the dish. When the trough is filled with water or other liquid, it provides a moat or liquid barrier that prevents ants reaching the food in the dish. The trough may be manufactured as part of the dish, or it may be provided as an add-on attachment member to be removably assembled by the user with a standard dish. In another embodiment, a two-member dish device comprises a separate dish member, a separate moat-providing base member, and inter-engaging means on said members to limit relative movement between them.

Abstract: A combination wallet tool includes a pair of hinged, mating shells which define a closed chamber when closed and latched. The chamber is partitioned to provide areas in which currency, cards and papers may be kept. A money clip is built into at least one of the shells. The mating surfaces of the shells are sealed by an O-ring to keep water from entering the chamber. Recesses which serve as secret compartments are molded into one of the shells and interchangeable partitioned trays are provided for the other shell.

Abstract: A combination wallet tool includes a pair of hinged, mating shells which define a closed chamber when closed and latched. The chamber is partitioned to provide areas in which currency, cards and papers may be kept. The mating surfaces of the shells are sealed, for example, by an O-ring to keep water from entering the chamber. A variety of useful tools having identical bases may be interchangeably seated in respective apertures provided in the shells.