Abstract: A display includes a graphic layer having indicia. A opaque mask layer beneath the graphic layer has light-transmissive areas in registration with selected indicia on the graphic layer. A circuit panel bears light emitters. A spacer layer having openings therein is disposed between the mask layer and the circuit panel, and each light emitter is disposed in an opening of the spacer layer, so that light from each emitter can reach a light-transmissive area of the mask layer overlying the opening housing that light emitter. A control circuit selectively illuminates the light emitters so as to selectively illuminate indicia on the graphic layer through the light-transmissive areas. The light emitters need not be precisely aligned with the indicia on the graphic layer, such that numerous different displays can be made using identical circuit panels.

Abstract: A display (20) includes a graphic layer (100) having indicia. A opaque mask layer (125) beneath the graphic layer has light-transmissive areas (130) in registration with selected indicia on the graphic layer. A circuit panel (22) bears light emitters (200). A spacer layer (250) having openings therein (252) is disposed between the mask layer and the circuit panel, and each light emitter is disposed in an opening of the spacer layer, so that light from each emitter can reach a light-transmissive area of the mask layer overlying the opening housing that light emitter. A control circuit (150) selectively illuminates the light emitters so as to selectively illuminate indicia on the graphic layer through the light-transmissive areas. The light emitters need not be precisely aligned with the indicia on the graphic layer. Numerous different displays can be made using identical circuit panels and a simple, economical manufacturing process.

Abstract: A heater for heating a conductive liquid includes a two-dimensional array of rod-like electrodes (22, 122, 322, 422, 522) extending parallel to one another, an electrical power supply having a plurality of poles, and power switches to connect different ones of the electrodes to different poles so that current flows between the poles through the liquid. The array desirably includes outer electrodes defining the boundary (24, 424) of the array and inner electrodes disposed within this boundary. The array may have regular or irregular spacings between the electrodes. The array can provide numerous different connection schemes to vary the electrical resistance between the poles and thus vary the heating rate. The array can be arranged to provide substantially equal currents through three poles of a three-phase power supply.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for determining viscoelastic characteristics of at least a portion of an object. The apparatus comprises a fluidly sealable housing, comprising at least one aperture and at least one fluid inlet port and at least one resilient membrane that is operatively coupled to the housing so as to sealingly engage with the at least one aperture. The apparatus further comprises at least one actuator that is operatively coupled to the at least one inlet port and adapted to actuate the at least one resilient membrane via a working fluid that is contained within the housing, so that the at least one resilient membrane is moved towards and into engagement with at least a portion of an object at a predetermined pressure. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises at least one first sensor that is operably coupled to the membrane and that is adapted to determine at least a deformation of the at least one resilient membrane during actuation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for determining viscoelastic characteristics of at least a portion of an object. The apparatus comprises a fluidly sealable housing, comprising at least one aperture and at least one fluid inlet port and at least one resilient membrane that is operatively coupled to the housing so as to sealingly engage with the at least one aperture. The apparatus further comprises at least one actuator that is operatively coupled to the at least one inlet port and adapted to actuate the at least one resilient membrane via a working fluid that is contained within the housing, so that the at least one resilient membrane is moved towards and into engagement with at least a portion of an object at a predetermined pressure. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises at least one first sensor that is operably coupled to the membrane and that is adapted to determine at least a deformation of the at least one resilient membrane during actuation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for determining viscoelastic characteristics of at least a portion of an object. The apparatus comprises a fluidly sealable housing, comprising at least one aperture and at least one fluid inlet port and at least one resilient membrane that is operatively coupled to the housing so as to sealingly engage with the at least one aperture. The apparatus further comprises at least one actuator that is operatively coupled to the at least one inlet port and adapted to actuate the at least one resilient membrane via a working fluid that is contained within the housing, so that the at least one resilient membrane is moved towards and into engagement with at least a portion of an object at a predetermined pressure. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises at least one first sensor that is operably coupled to the membrane and that is adapted to determine at least a deformation of the at least one resilient membrane during actuation.

Abstract: A composition and method which prevents or mitigates irritation on the skin of a subject by protecting against or relieving chafing, itching and moisture, and which provides a cooling sensation where applied.

Abstract: A composition and method which prevents or mitigates irritation on the skin of a subject by protecting against or relieving chafing, itching and moisture, and which provides a cooling sensation where applied.

Abstract: A system for constructing masonry block walls having spaced-apart pilasters and panels supported by and extending between the pilasters. In certain embodiments, the pilasters are constructed from stacks of pilaster blocks which are secured together using at least one vertical, post-tensioned reinforcing member, without the use of grout to connect the reinforcing members to the pilaster blocks. The pilasters are constructed from at least two laterally spaced-apart stacks of pilaster blocks positioned on opposite sides of the wall. The panels are constructed from courses of panel blocks, and do not require the use of mortar to connect adjacent blocks. The pilasters provide an arrangement in which a panel can supported in an upright position by virtue of one end portion being positioned between two stacks of blocks of a first pilaster and the opposite end portion of the panel being positioned between two stacks of blocks of a second pilaster.

Abstract: A wall block comprises an upper surface spaced apart from a substantially parallel lower surface, opposed first and second faces, and opposed side surfaces converging between respective ends of the first and second faces. Blocks in a wall may be stacked on top of each other in either a vertical, set forward or set backward relationship. A three-block system for constructing walls includes a small, medium, and large block, each having two differently sized faces that can serve as the exposed face on one side of a wall. The small, medium, and large blocks can be manufactured using a single mold that is configured to provide a roughened texture resembling natural stone on two opposing faces of each block.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns methods for constructing a dry-stacked retaining wall that is reinforced to increase the sliding resistance of the wall. In particular embodiments, a concrete footing or base is formed in trench below the lowermost course of retaining wall blocks and extends upwardly into voids in the lowermost course of the wall. The voids can be, for example, chambers or openings defined between adjacent blocks or vertically extending cores formed in the blocks.