Abstract: An apparatus for clearing snow and ice is disclosed. The apparatus is provided at a windowpane or a side mirror or a windshield of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a first layer and a second layer. The first layer or the second layer is removably coupled to the windowpane or the side mirror or the windshield. The apparatus comprises a heating element provided in between the first layer and the second layer. The apparatus further comprises a plug coupled to the heating element via a cable. Further, the plug is coupled to a receptacle provided at a dashboard of the vehicle. The plug inserted in the receptacle to introduce electricity into the heating element to increase the temperature of the heating element to clear the snow or ice formed on the windowpane or the side mirror or the windshield.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a position of a target. The method includes determining a first direction to the target from a first observing position, estimating a first approximate position of the target based on the first direction and the first observing position, determining a second direction to the target from a second observing position, and estimating a second approximate position of the target based on the second direction and the second observing position. The method further includes determining a first approximate intersection point of (i) a first finite length line between the first observing position and the first approximate position of the target, and (ii) a second finite length line between the second observing position and the second approximate position of the target.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a position of a target. The method includes determining a first direction to the target from a first observing position, estimating a first approximate position of the target based on the first direction and the first observing position, determining a second direction to the target from a second observing position, and estimating a second approximate position of the target based on the second direction and the second observing position. The method further includes determining a first approximate intersection point of (i) a first finite length line between the first observing position and the first approximate position of the target, and (ii) a second finite length line between the second observing position and the second approximate position of the target.

Abstract: A three- or four-wheeled amphibian (1) comprises hull (2), body (3), front steered wheel (11) or wheels (11, 11?), and rear wheel (9) or wheels (9, 9?). Each steered wheel is connected to the amphibian by a retractable suspension assembly (10, 10?). Upper and lower suspension arms (14 and 15) have pivotal connections (17) and (18) to inner upright arm (16). Retraction rams (28) are connected to body (3), and can retract the wheels for use on water and protract them for use on land. Wheels (11, 11?) also lean on cornering. The pivotal connections (17, 18) for wheel retraction are also used to facilitate leaning. This may be allowed through rotation of drop link (31) around pivot (32). A motor and gearbox assembly (30) may be attached to body (3) to provide controlled lean when cornering, and to keep the amphibian (1) upright when stationary. Leaning may be powered, or user-initiated. Powered lean correction may be provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to footwear. The footwear may comprise a sole for supporting a foot and vamp means for extending from the sole. A heel restraint may extend from either side of the vamp means. The heel restraint may comprise biasing means for biasing the heel restraint to extend around the upper heel of the foot so that the foot is restrained from slipping from the footwear. The heel restraint may be able to be moved from the upper heel and toward the sole so that the foot can be slipped from the footwear. The footwear of the present invention, in many embodiments, is less prone to cause discomfort than other known footwear, owing to the fact that the heel restraint extends from the vamp means.

Abstract: Road and marine steering means in an amphibious vehicle are linked so that the ratio between them is variable. In a first embodiment, an arm connects a lever to a steering rack. A cable operates the marine steering means. The lever pivots about a pin, which may be moved along a slot by the motor and gearbox driving screw shaft. At pin position A, full road steering travel x is achieved with minimal marine steering travel. At pin position B, road and marine steering have equal travel x?; and at position C, full marine steering travel z is achieved with minimal road steering travel y. In a further embodiment, a lever arm fixed to steering rack casing has a cam profile constraining pin. Full marine steering travel z of the cable is achieved over rack travel y. The steering wheel controls both road and marine steering.

Abstract: A Single Well Predictive Model (SWPM) software based computer system stores a Single Well Predictive Model (SWPM) software therein. When the SWPM software is executed, the SWPM computer system will: (1) automatically produce a first specific workflow comprised of a first plurality of software modules in response to a first set of user objectives and automatically execute the first specific workflow in response to a first set of input data to produce a first desired product, and (2) automatically produce a second specific workflow comprised of a second plurality of software modules in response to a second set of user objectives and automatically execute the second specific workflow in response to a second set of input data to produce a second desired product.

Abstract: Cooling of printed circuit boards and electronic components mounted to such boards through evaporative cooling is achieved using a system, an apparatus and methods of water mist rapid cooling. The system and the apparatus comprise one or more spray assemblies, each including a water distribution manifold assembly and a multiple of spray nozzles connected to the manifold assembly, to deliver water spray mists to printed circuit boards during reflow processing. Spray assemblies are incorporated in a reflow oven to define an evaporative cooling zone. As heated printed circuit boards are conveyed through an evaporative cooling zone, one or more spray assemblies spray boards with water spray mists to lower elevated temperatures of boards, components, and solders to thereby ensure solder solidification to form solder joints and interconnections and sufficient board cooling for safe handling.

Abstract: Self relieving seals of this invention comprise an elastomeric seal body having a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for contact with respective drill bit sealing surfaces. The seal includes a pair of external surfaces that each extend along the seal body between the first and second sealing surfaces. The seal includes one or more relief ports that are disposed through the seal body and that have openings through each of the seal body external surfaces. The relief port can be specially configured, e.g., have different diameter sections of constant or variable dimensions, to provide a degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal body when the seal is loaded within the drill bit. The seal may include an element, e.g., solid, tubular, or porous, disposed within the relief port to provide a further desired degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal when the seal is loaded within the drill bit.

Abstract: A mechanical response of an implantable medical device (IMD) to a first static magnetic field and a first gradient magnetic field slew rate is simulated by exposing the IMD to a second static magnetic field having a magnitude greater than the first static magnetic field and generating a second gradient magnetic field at the IMD such that a product of the second static magnetic field and a second gradient magnetic field slew rate is substantially equal to a product of the first static magnetic field and the first gradient magnetic field slew rate.

Abstract: Self relieving seals of this invention comprise an elastomeric seal body having a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for contact with respective drill bit sealing surfaces. The seal includes a pair of external surfaces that each extend along the seal body between the first and second sealing surfaces. The seal includes one or more relief ports that are disposed through the seal body and that have openings through each of the seal body external surfaces. The relief port can be specially configured, e.g., have different diameter sections of constant or variable dimensions, to provide a degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal body when the seal is loaded within the drill bit. The seal may include an element, e.g., solid, tubular, or porous, disposed within the relief port to provide a further desired degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal when the seal is loaded within the drill bit.

Abstract: A Single Well Predictive Model (SWPM) software based computer system stores a Single Well Predictive Model (SWPM) software therein. When the SWPM software is executed, the SWPM computer system will: (1) automatically produce a first specific workflow comprised of a first plurality of software modules in response to a first set of user objectives and automatically execute the first specific workflow in response to a first set of input data to produce a first desired product, and (2) automatically produce a second specific workflow comprised of a second plurality of software modules in response to a second set of user objectives and automatically execute the second specific workflow in response to a second set of input data to produce a second desired product.

Abstract: An improved user monitor 102 is a component of the illustrated monitoring system. This system includes a master data processor in the form of a computer 101 arranged to store physical parameter data for a plurality of users. Each user is provided with a user monitor 102 which is arranged to monitor at least one physical parameter of the user during exercise and store data relating to the physical parameter. This data can subsequently be transmitted to the master data processor by pulse transmission from the user monitor down a telephone line 103. The master data processor then compares the received data with the stored data for the user in order to enable monitoring of the progress of the user in an exercise regimen which has been preset for him.At the end of each exercise, the exercise monitor screen shows an effort rating of "EFFORT 12".The client can alter the number anywhere from 6 to 20 by using the keypad 14 on the face of the exercise monitor.

Abstract: A method of transporting an article through a processing housing while minimizing the loss of a controlled atmosphere from the process housing. This method includes the steps of placing an article on a first carriage member, then vertically displacing the article from the entry level through an entry opening of entry housing to a processing level. The article is then transferred from the first carriage member to an endless conveyor for transporting, horizontally, through the process housing. The article is then transferred to a second carriage member which moves the article vertically through a exit housing to and through an exit opening near an exit level. The processed article is then removed at the exit level. The vertical distance between the process level and the entry opening and the exit opening separates the controlled atmosphere from the ambient atmosphere exterior of the housings.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the clogging of a cooling zone heat exchanger of a reflow solder apparatus that includes the steps of: removing a gas/flux mixture from an exhaust zone (20) that is located adjacent a heated zone and/or a cooling zone; conducting the gas/flux mixture to and through a first filter chamber (22), conducting the filtered gas from the filter chamber (22) through a low pressure portion of a blower housing of a cooling zone (16), then subsequently to and through a high pressure portion (44) of the cooling zone that includes a collection tray (38), a mesh filter (48), a heat exchanger (46) and at least one perforated plate (50). The heat exchanger is thermostatically controlled at a preset tempering temperature that minimizes the collection of flux on its exterior surfaces while allowing a solder joint of an article to solidify.

Abstract: For stirring molten metal such as aluminum in a furnace, metal is alternately withdrawn from and discharged as a jet into the body of molten metal, such being effected by successive application of suction and gaseous pressure to a tubular vessel which projects beneath the surface of the molten metal for advantageously delivering the successive quantities in a horizontal direction over a preferably long path. Effective, reliable stirring of the entire body of metal is achieved with one or more such means, the extent of stirring being controllable; the results include saving of energy and of time for furnace operation, and reduction of melt loss.