Abstract: An information monitoring and alert system is provided which registers subscribers and verifiers with a central alert system. The alert system provides an interface for the verifiers to submit queries relating to identification information. Information in this query is compared to the stored data submitted by the subscriber during registration and if a match occurs the subscriber is notified that the identification has been used for a certain purpose. The alert system only stores an encrypted value of the identification with only contact information which is preferably anonymous. Any other information is deleted after registration. The subscriber upon being alerted of the use of the identification is instructed to authorize or reject the transaction pertaining to the query.

Abstract: An anchor has a shank pivotally connected to a fluke structure via a pivot mount for rotation between locked and release configurations. The shank has a locking surface distal from the pivot mount engaging a portion of the fluke structure to resist the rotation in the locked configuration. An elastically deformable member couples the shank to the pivot mount and the rotation of the shank may require the deformable member to be elastically deformed and the locking surface to be displaced toward the pivot mount. A float may be attached to the shank at a position spaced away from the fluke structure. A pulling force component applied to the shank in a direction from the pivot mount toward the locking surface may provide greater resistance to rotation of the shank. Other anchor embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A belt press use a combination of vacuum and atmospheric pressure to provide the majority of the compressive force between platens. A first platen has a substantially rigid proximal side and a plurality of vacuum ports communicating therewith. The compressive force is generated by pulling a vacuum at the vacuum ports associated with the first platen while allowing atmospheric pressure to act against its distal side. Heat may be applied via at least one of the platens while generating the compressive force. Evolved gases are vented via the vacuum ports while applying the heat by continuing to pull the vacuum during heating. When the now-joined belt ends have cooled after the application of heat, the compressive force is relieved by ceasing the pulling the vacuum at the vacuum ports associated with the first platen. The second platen of the belt press may be similar to the first platen.

Abstract: An anchor includes at least one fluke, a shank, and a float. The relative position of the float with respect to the center of gravity of the combined shank and fluke causes the anchor to assume a generally upright orientation quickly once the anchor is dropped in the water. One end of the shank is attached to the fluke and the float is attached to a rearward portion of the shank, with the float's center of buoyancy spaced away from the connection to the fluke. Upon being put in the water, the anchor quickly assumes a generally upright orientation, i.e., shank up and fluke tip down. Once in the generally upright orientation, the anchor may gently rock side to side with a pendulum-like action, with the tip of the fluke preferably being the lowest point of the anchor, during its descent to the bottom.

Abstract: A plurality of shields is provided for shielding selected electronic components and electronic sub-assemblies mounted on a printed wiring board assembly from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and/or from radio frequency interference (RFI). The shields include open-ended electrically conductive casings having lower ends fixedly attached on the printed wiring board so as to surround selected components. A compliant electrically conductive member is positioned in common over upper ends of the casings. An electrically conductive housing disposed over the compliant member provides compression of the compliant member such that electrical contact is maintained between the housing on the upper ends of the casings. A grounded base plate is spaced from the wiring board assembly. The housing is removably attached to the base plate to provide the plurality of shields.

Abstract: A belt press uses differential thermal expansion between parts of a platen assembly to generate pressure. The belt press typically includes substantially aluminum platen assemblies that are connected such that movement of the second press surface away from said first press surface is limited. A plurality of expansion limiting rods are aligned generally parallel to the top platen's longitudinal axis and attached thereto. The expansion limiting rods preferably are attached via adjustable couplings to sturdy anchor bars laterally disposed across the platen and rest against two or more bridging rods midway along the length of the platens. The expansion limiting rods have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is smaller than the coefficient of thermal expansion for the platens.

Abstract: An anchor includes at least one plow-like fluke, a shank, and a float. The relative position of the float with respect to the center of gravity of the combined shank and fluke causes the anchor to assume a generally upright orientation quickly once the anchor is dropped in the water. One end of the shank is attached to the fluke and the float is attached to a rearward portion of the shank, with the float's center of buoyancy spaced away from the connection to the fluke. Upon being put in the water, the anchor quickly assumes a generally upright orientation, i.e., shank up and fluke tip down. Once in the generally upright orientation, the anchor may gently rock side to side with a pendulum-like action, with the tip of the fluke preferably being the lowest point of the anchor, during its descent to the bottom.

Abstract: An apparatus for variable length belt splitting includes a stepwise feeder which urges the belt, such as conveyor belt, forward in discrete steps and a reciprocating cutter disposed downstream from the feeder. The feeder preferably includes both a holding clamp and a feed clamp that is connected to, and is moved with respect to, the holding clamp by a feed actuator. The cutter preferably moves parallel to the holding clamp and is moved back and forth by a bi-directional ram. The cutter splits the belt edge to edge at a predetermined depth in length increments corresponding to the feeder's step length to a total length determined by the user. Optionally, the feeder and cutter are connected to a support structure which allows the feeder and cutter to be placed at an angle with respect to the path of the belt through the machine, thereby allowing for diagonal splits to be made with respect to the longitudinal axis of the belt without stewing of the belt.