Abstract: The present invention provides an actuating device suitable for remotely actuating a tool which can be the fluid delivery mechanism of a cleaning implement. The actuating device has a flexible tape attached at one end to a spring-loaded spool mechanism connected to a trigger where the spring loaded spool mechanism is located within a housing for holding the device. The tape is threaded through at least one pole segment and is attached to a tool which can be actuated by a pulling or pushing motion of the tape. The present invention also provides a pair of electric cables which are attached at one end to the spring-loaded spool and at the other end to an electric tool or device such as a motor for driving a pump. An electric switch, which is located on the housing of a pistol-grip, is used to close the electric circuit formed by the pair of cables.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the method of producing a ceramic assembly includes: disposing an electrode precursor on an electrolyte precursor having an electrolyte sintering shrinkage, disposing a stabilizer precursor having a stabilizer sintering shrinkage on the electrode precursor on a side opposite the electrolyte precursor to form a precursor assembly, and sintering the precursor assembly to form the ceramic assembly comprising a stabilizer layer, electrode, and electrolyte. The difference between the electrolyte sintering shrinkage and the stabilizer sintering shrinkage is less than or equal to ±1% and a surface of the ceramic assembly has less than or equal to about 5.0 degrees camber, as measured from the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A visual device placed on a water ski that enables easy detection of the ski in various water and weather conditions. A reflective red flag attaches to a flexible spring that is attached to a rotator. A second spring attached to the rotator is connected to a counterweight to balance the flag. The rotator is rotatably coupled to a bracket that attaches to a water ski. In use, the device bends out of the way as to not interfere with the performance of the water ski. When the ski is not in motion, gravity causes the counterweight to move the flag to an upright position to allow visual detection of the ski.

Abstract: A system for exchanging routing information over a communications network constructs a connectivity graph that indicates connectivity between a first node and a first set of nodes in the network. The system constructs an adjacency graph that indicates a second set of nodes with which the first node will exchange routing data, where the adjacency graph is distinct from the connectivity graph. The system exchanges routing data between the first node and each node of the second set of nodes based on the adjacency graph.

Abstract: A system uses database digests to synchronize routing data in a network (100). The system includes a first node (110-1) and a second node (110-2). The first node (110-1) stores first routing data and the second node (110-2) stores second routing data. The second node (110-2) further performs a function on a portion of the second routing data, where the function produces a database digest that has substantially less data than the portion of the second routing data. The second node (110-2) also sends the database digest to the first node (110-1) to synchronize the second routing data with the first routing data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an actuating device suitable for remotely actuating a tool which can be the fluid delivery mechanism of a cleaning implement. The actuating device has a flexible tape attached at one end to a spring-loaded spool mechanism connected to a trigger where the spring loaded spool mechanism is located within a housing for holding the device. The tape is threaded through at least one pole segment and is attached to a tool which can be actuated by a pulling or pushing motion of the tape.

Abstract: A post puller having substantially universal application for pulling posts of various cross-sectional configurations and characterized by a pair of transversely spaced jaws carried by the pulling clevis opposite the clevis pin, the clevis being pivotally connected adjacent one end of a lever handle which is pivotally supported by a stand, the space between the jaws accommodating the leg of T-shaped posts, and the jaws engaging the base of the U-shaped posts, during the pulling operation.

Abstract: The calcination of gypsum by continuously feeding fine gypsum spirally downwardly through a cylindrical zone into which heated air is injected almost tangentially forming a spiral air conveyor. The calcined gypsum collected at the bottom is of unusual uniformity and can be readily and controllably varied by controlled variations in the characteristics of the heated air conveyor.