Abstract: An electrically powered heater unit includes a positive temperature coefficient disc heater element sandwiched between an electrically conductive contact element and an electrically and heat conductive heat transfer element. A housing defining a hollow interior region is located on a plate member, and a communicating opening formed in the plate member communicates with the hollow interior region. The heat transfer element is secured to the plate member by retaining member extending from the heat transfer element engaging a rim of the communicating opening, with the heating element and the contact element located within the hollow interior region of the housing. A first and second connecting elements extend from the contact element and heat transfer element, respectively, then through the housing for connecting to first and second wires of an electrical power supply for providing electrical power supply to first and second abutment surfaces of the heater element.

Abstract: A data retention probe for a packet-switched, mobile telecommunications network employs interfaces to connect to interfaces carrying traffic on a mobile network side of a gateway node and on a global internet side of the gateway node. A FPGA creates for each packet at least one fingerprint of one or more fields that are unchanged as part of the address translation performed by the gateway node and to create informative metadata for those packets. A processing unit: (1) receives from the FPGA the fingerprints and metadata and maintains flow records for each flow of packets seen on each side of the gateway node; and (2) compares the fingerprints and, where a match is found, determines those packets to be part of the same communication session and creates a record correlating internal IP address or a subscriber identifier to external IP address and port number.

Abstract: A data retention probe for a packet-switched, mobile telecommunications network employs interfaces to connect to interfaces carrying traffic on a mobile network side of a gateway node and on a global internet side of the gateway node. A FPGA creates for each packet at least one fingerprint of one or more fields that are unchanged as part of the address translation performed by the gateway node and to create informative metadata for those packets. A processing unit: (1) receives from the FPGA the fingerprints and metadata and maintains flow records for each flow of packets seen on each side of the gateway node; and (2) compares the fingerprints and, where a match is found, determines those packets to be part of the same communication session and creates a record correlating internal IP address or a subscriber identifier to external IP address and port number.

Abstract: A method of making a deck for storing cargo in a shipping vehicle comprising: securing two pairs of braces to opposed surfaces associated with the shipping vehicle by engaging opposed ends of first elongated supports with the pair of braces such that each first elongated support interconnects one of the pairs of braces and extends substantially parallel to a base associated with the shipping vehicle; engaging second elongated supports with each of the braces, each second elongated support interconnecting a respective brace and the base; and positioning a decking on the first elongated supports for supporting the cargo. A brace for making the cargo deck engageable with a horizontally-extending support and a vertically-extending support.

Abstract: A retro-fit lift device for a front load refuse collection vehicle including a base having a rear surface, a trunnion receiving portion defining a channel, and a pin member movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The rear surface of the base is configured to receive a cross-beam of the front load refuse collection vehicle. The trunnion receiving portion is connected to the base member. At least a portion of the pin member extends into the channel in the extended position. A method of picking up a rear load collection container having a trunnion with a front load refuse collection vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vaporising device (1) for vaporising herbal matter comprises a body member 7, within which a vaporising chamber (9) is formed for the herbal matter (2). A heat conducting spigot (43) extends into the vaporising chamber (9). A heat transfer element (45) comprising a carrier ring (46) and three equi-spaced apart heat transfer spigots (47) extending from the carrier ring (46) is removeably engageable in the vaporising chamber (9) for transferring heat directly into the herbal matter. A gas catalytic combustion element (12) located in a combustion chamber (10) formed in the body member (7) converts fuel gas to heat which is transferred through the body member (7), the heat conducting spigot (43) and the heat transfer spigots (47) of the heat transfer element (45) to the herbal matter in the vaporising chamber (9). The heat transfer element (45) is removable and replaceable by hand in the vaporising chamber (9) for cleaning thereof and for permitting cleaning of the vaporising chamber (9).

Abstract: A retro-fit lift device for a front load refuse collection vehicle including a base having a rear surface, a trunnion receiving portion defining a channel, and a pin member movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The rear surface of the base is configured to receive a cross-beam of the front load refuse collection vehicle. The trunnion receiving portion is connected to the base member. At least a portion of the pin member extends into the channel in the extended position. A method of picking up a rear load collection container having a trunnion with a front load refuse collection vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for restraining a cargo pallet disposed on the floor of a truck or other container comprising positioning adjacent the cargo pallet a plastic brace, engaging the plastic brace and the cargo pallet, and securing the plastic brace to the floor with a fastener. The plastic brace may have a monolithic construction and may be formed by injection molding. The plastic brace may comprise a first wall having a first side for engaging the floor defining a hole, and a second side; a second wall having a first side for engaging the cargo pallet, and a second side, the second wall extending at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the first wall; and a gusset interconnecting the second side of the first wall with the second side of the second wall. The plastic brace may further include a raised reinforcement extending from the second side of the first wall and disposed about the hole. The raised reinforcement may have a truncated conical configuration.

Abstract: A device securable to a corrugated surface of a shipping container by an elongated support for supporting cargo within the shipping container. The device comprising a receptacle defining a cavity for receiving an end of the elongated support, the receptacle having a bottom surface forming a plane for engaging the corrugated surface of the shipping container; and a pair of lateral flaps associated with and disposed about the receptacle for engaging the corrugated surface, each lateral flap having a bottom surface, the bottom surface of each lateral flap extending at an acute angle relative to the plane for engaging the corrugated surface of the shipping container. The device may further define a slot for receiving an end of an other elongated support. A method of making with the device a deck for supporting cargo in a shipping container having a pair of opposed corrugated surface and a base.

Abstract: A method of making a deck for storing cargo in a shipping vehicle comprising: securing two pairs of braces to opposed surfaces associated with the shipping vehicle by engaging opposed ends of first elongated supports with the pair of braces such that each first elongated support interconnects one of the pairs of braces and extends substantially parallel to a base associated with the shipping vehicle; engaging second elongated supports with each of the braces, each second elongated support interconnecting a respective brace and the base; and positioning a decking on the first elongated supports for supporting the cargo. A brace for making the cargo deck engageable with a horizontally-extending support and a vertically-extending support.

Abstract: A method of making a deck for storing cargo in a shipping vehicle comprising: securing two pairs of braces to opposed surfaces associated with the shipping vehicle by engaging opposed ends of first elongated supports with the pair of braces such that each first elongated support interconnects one of the pairs of braces and extends substantially parallel to a base associated with the shipping vehicle; engaging second elongated supports with each of the braces, each second elongated support interconnecting a respective brace and the base; and positioning a decking on the first elongated supports for supporting the cargo. A brace for making the cargo deck engageable with a horizontally-extending support and a vertically-extending support.

Abstract: A method, assembly and device for restraining cargo in a shipping vehicle or other container with an adjustable cargo bar assembly comprising an adjustable metal bar having, a pair of ends and a flange secured to each end. The method including securing one cargo restraint device to a wall of the container with an adhesive; securing another cargo restraint device to another wall of the container with an adhesive; adjusting the length of the adjustable bar of the cargo bar assembly to a desired length; engaging the one cargo restraint device and one end of the adjustable bar of the cargo bar assembly by disposing the flange secured to the one end within a pocket defined by the one cargo restraint device; and engaging the other cargo restraint device and the other end of the adjustable bar of the cargo bar assembly by disposing the flange secured to the other end within a pocket defined by the other cargo restraint device.

Abstract: A device securable to a corrugated surface of a shipping container by an elongated support for supporting cargo within the shipping container. The device comprising a receptacle defining a cavity for receiving an end of the elongated support, the receptacle having a bottom surface forming a plane for engaging the corrugated surface of the shipping container; and a pair of lateral flaps associated with and disposed about the receptacle for engaging the corrugated surface, each lateral flap having a bottom surface, the bottom surface of each lateral flap extending at an acute angle relative to the plane for engaging the corrugated surface of the shipping container. The device may further define a slot for receiving an end of an other elongated support. A method of making with the device a deck for supporting cargo in a shipping container having a pair of opposed corrugated surface and a base.

Abstract: A method of making a deck for storing cargo in a shipping vehicle comprising: securing two pairs of braces to opposed surfaces associated with the shipping vehicle by engaging opposed ends of first elongated supports with the pair of braces such that each first elongated support interconnects one of the pairs of braces and extends substantially parallel to a base associated with the shipping vehicle; engaging second elongated supports with each of the braces, each second elongated support interconnecting a respective brace and the base; and positioning a decking on the first elongated supports for supporting the cargo. A brace for making the cargo deck engageable with a horizontally-extending support and a vertically-extending support.

Abstract: A method and device for restraining a cargo pallet disposed on the floor of a truck or other container comprising positioning adjacent the cargo pallet a plastic brace, engaging the plastic brace and the cargo pallet, and securing the plastic brace to the floor with a fastener. The plastic brace may have a monolithic construction and may be formed by injection molding. The plastic brace may comprise a first wall having a first side for engaging the floor defining a hole, and a second side; a second wall having a first side for engaging the cargo pallet, and a second side, the second wall extending at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the first wall; and a gusset interconnecting the second side of the first wall with the second side of the second wall. The plastic brace may further include a raised reinforcement extending from the second side of the first wall and disposed about the hole. The raised reinforcement may have a truncated conical configuration.

Abstract: A method, assembly and device for restraining cargo in a shipping vehicle or other container with an adjustable cargo bar assembly comprising an adjustable metal bar having, a pair of ends and a flange secured to each end. The method including securing one cargo restraint device to a wall of the container with an adhesive; securing another cargo restraint device to another wall of the container with an adhesive; adjusting the length of the adjustable bar of the cargo bar assembly to a desired length; engaging the one cargo restraint device and one end of the adjustable bar of the cargo bar assembly by disposing the flange secured to the one end within a pocket defined by the one cargo restraint device; and engaging the other cargo restraint device and the other end of the adjustable bar of the cargo bar assembly by disposing the flange secured to the other end within a pocket defined by the other cargo restraint device.

Abstract: A method for producing a digital photo album includes selecting a plurality of digital images each characterized by a portrait format or a landscape format, providing a library of page layouts each comprising one or more image areas configured to receive digital images. Each of the image areas is characterized by an image area format consistent with the image format. One or more page layouts are automatically selected from the library of page layouts in accordance with the selected digital images and their associated image formats. The selected digital images are disposed in the image areas on the one or more page layouts to produce one or more pages in the digital photo album.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes defining a plurality of image receiving areas in a page layout on a user interface, displaying a plurality of image symbols on the user interface, each image symbol representing an image, moving one of the image symbols into a first image receiving area in the page layout, and compositing the image represented by the moved image symbol over the first image receiving area in the page layout.

Abstract: An apparatus for preheating particulate material in which the particulate material is transferred from one or more upper storage bins to a circular lower chamber that has an outer, essentially annular, portion which serves as a gas flow passage. The particulate material is directed from the feed bin or bins into a plurality of essentially vertical cylindrical feed cassettes via intermediate feed ducts. The lower chamber has a flat roof which is in contact with the bottom portion of the vertical feed cassettes. The vertical feed cassettes are approximately evenly spaced on top of the outer perimeter of the flat roof. The particulate material is preheated in the annular flow passage by hot kiln gases flowing in countercurrent heat exchange relationship with the particulate material.

Abstract: A thermally responsive valve (1) for controlling the flow of fuel gas to a gas powered appliance for in turn maintaining the temperature of the gas powered appliance at a substantially constant predetermined temperature within a relatively narrow predetermined temperature range comprises a valve housing (2) defining a valving chamber (5). Fuel gas is delivered through an inlet port (13) to the valving chamber (5) and from the valving chamber (5) through an outlet port (17). A concave bi-metal valving disc (23) in the valving chamber (5) co-operates with a valving element (21) for modulating the flow of fuel gas through the inlet port (13) into the valving chamber (5) in response to the temperature of the valving disc (23).