Abstract: This invention relates to novel whitening agents for cellulosic substrates. The whitening agents are comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. The whitening agents are further characterized by having a dispersion component value of the Hansen Solubility Parameter of less than or equal to about 17 MPa0.5. This invention also relates to laundry care compositions including but not limited to liquid and/or powder laundry detergent formulations and rinse added fabric softening (RAFS) compositions that comprise such whitening agents.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a human machine interface (HMI) device located in a vehicle configured to carry a passenger and a driver. The system includes an electrode positioned in a vehicle seat and a signal generating device configured to provide a signal to the electrode. The electrode transmit the signal through the occupant of the seat and the HMI device detects the signal when the occupant contacts the HMI device. The system is configured so that the HMI device operates in a first mode in response to exposure to the signal and in a second mode if the signal is not detected.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a human machine interface (HMI) device located in a vehicle configured to carry a passenger and a driver. The system includes an electrode positioned in a vehicle seat and a signal generating device configured to provide a signal to the electrode. The electrode transmit the signal through the occupant of the seat and the HMI device detects the signal when the occupant contacts the HMI device. The system is configured so that the HMI device operates in a first mode in response to exposure to the signal and in a second mode if the signal is not detected.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing the sale of a plurality of items from a plurality of corresponding suppliers to at least one buyer, wherein the one buyer determines a description of the item to be purchased. The method enables each of the plurality of suppliers to store at least one catalogue of its items in a database and responding to a search request of the one buyer to identify any item in the catalogues stored in the database with a description that matches the item description of the buyer.

Abstract: An adaptive light seatbelt system is provided. The system includes a buckle housing, a light positioned in the buckle housing so that the light is visible to an occupant of a vehicle, a controller for controlling the light, and a signaler for providing an input to the controller. The system indicates a state of the buckle housing by controlling the light.

Abstract: A clamping device particularly for use in the preliminary stages of the erection of roof trusses, the clamping device comprising a first attachment means (11) to enable the device to be securely and releasably attached to one truss, a second attachment means (20) to enable the device to be attached to an adjacent device or a truss, and means (13) to enable the length between the first attachment means and the second attachment means to be varied.

Abstract: A sternal closure device including impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surrounding a patient's sternum with each structure having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion. The receiving structure further incorporates a generally bow-shaped locking member with angularly disposed teeth-like structures positioned to receive and position a plurality of receiving structure projection members when inserted therein. The locking member further serves as a stabilizing structure with stabilization facilitated via an easily removed single screw like structure markedly facilitates quick release. The projection members further embody complimenting positioned teeth-like structures providing for racheting, unidirectional entry and positioning within the receiving attachment structure.

Abstract: A sternal closure device including impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surrounding a patient's sternum with each structure having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion. The receiving structure further incorporates a resiliently tensioned catch member with angularly disposed teeth like structures positioned to receive and position a plurality of receiving structure projection members when inserted therein. The catch member further serves as a stabilizing structure with stabilization facilitated via an easily removed single screw like structure markedly facilitates quick release.

Abstract: A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surrounding a patient's sternum with each structure having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion. The receiving structure further incorporates a resiliently tensioned catch member with angularly disposed teeth like structures positioned to receive and position a plurality of receiving structure projection members when inserted therein. The catch member further serves as a stabilizing structure for the entire apparatus with stabilization facilitated via an easily removed single screw like structure markedly facilitates quick release of the apparatus positioned and secured.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing the sale of a plurality of items from a plurality of corresponding suppliers to at least one buyer, wherein the one buyer determines a description of the item to be purchased. The method enables each of the plurality of suppliers to store at least one catalogue of its items in a database and responding to a search request of the one buyer to identify any item in the catalogues stored in the database with a description that matches the item description of the buyer.

Abstract: A sensor system (30) detects the occurrence of angular rotation of a pivotable member (22), such as a door, relative to a fixed member (16), such as the base of a mailbox (10). The sensor system includes a sensor strip (34) positioned so as to change orientation when the door is opened or closed and generate an electrical signal. An RF transmitter (62) signals a receiver (60) at a remote location when the sensor strip registers the opening or closing. A filter (72) filters out noise to inhibit accidental signaling of door opening and/or closing when opening or closing has not occurred. A charge tuner (80) stores charge generated by the piezo-electric element to maintain the transmitter signal beyond the period of opening or closing.

Abstract: A power supply and a method of manufacture therefor. The power supply includes a circuit board containing conductors for interconnecting electrical components of the power supply and a thermally-conductive case having an integral electrically insulating layer. The thermally-conductive case forms a reservoir to receive the circuit board therein. The power supply further includes a power semiconductor device having a body connected in thermal communication with the thermally-conductive case and terminals coupled to the conductors of the circuit board. The power supply still further includes an encapsulant, located within the reservoir, capable of ensconcing the power semiconductor device and the electrical components. Additionally, electrical leads extend from the power supply that allows the power supply to be coupled to a printed wiring board.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for facilitating heat dissipation in an electrical device hat includes a core structure traversing a substrate when the core structure is in an installed orientation. The apparatus comprises: (a) at least one aperture through the substrate for accommodating traversing by the core structure; each respective aperture has periphery defined by a respective circumjacent face extending a height substantially equal with the substrate thickness; (b) a layer of thermally conductive material situated discontinuously on the circumjacent face of at least one respective aperture. The respective aperture is configured to establish a thermally conductive engagement with at least one facing portion of the core structure traversing the respective aperture in the installed orientation.

Abstract: A package for an electrical apparatus is disclosed. The electrical apparatus includes a plurality of electrical components; the package comprises: (a) a first circuit board having a top side and a bottom side, and having a first array of the plurality of components arranged on at least one side of the top side and the bottom side; (b) a second circuit board in electrical and mechanical connection with the first circuit board; the second circuit board has a first side and a second side. The first side faces the top side of the first circuit board. The second circuit board has a second array of the plurality of components arranged on the first side. The second circuit board preferably has at least one heat dissipating structure substantially integrally affixed on the second side. Preferably, the second side is a metal substrate and the first side is electrically insulated from the second side.

Abstract: A power supply module package suitable for both high packaged power density and cost effective manufacture. In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply module includes: (1) at least one printed circuit board containing conductors for interconnecting components of the power supply, (2) a thermally conductive baseplate or case operable for transferring heat generated inside the module to the outside environment, wherein the external package dimensions are of a sufficiently small size to allow the user the greatest flexibility in the design of the overall circuit assembly, (3) at least one power magnetic device operable for providing electrical isolation between the input and the output of the power module, and (4) a set of electrical leads to facilitate communication and power flow between the module and circuitry being powered.