Abstract: Calibrating an unstable sensor of a mobile device. Systems and methods for calibrating a sensor of a mobile device determine a first estimated position of the mobile device without using any measurement from the sensor of the mobile device, generate a second estimated position of the mobile device using a measurement from the sensor, estimate a sensor error of the sensor using the first estimated position and the second estimated position, and use the sensor error to determine a calibration value for adjusting one or more measurements from the sensor.

Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet that includes a front panel that defines an aperture. A user-interface assembly is positioned within the aperture and includes a retaining bracket assembly. The user-interface assembly is biased by a force of gravity toward an open rest position. A spring pin is selectively engaged with the retaining bracket assembly. The user-interface assembly is retained in a retained position by the engagement between the spring pin and the retaining bracket assembly. A spring bracket is coupled to an interior surface of the user-interface assembly. The spring bracket engages an inner surface of the front panel to stop the user-interface assembly in the open rest position when the retaining bracket assembly is released from engagement with the spring pin.

Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet that includes a front panel that defines an aperture. A user-interface assembly is positioned within the aperture and includes a retaining bracket assembly. The user-interface assembly is biased by a force of gravity toward an open rest position. A spring pin is selectively engaged with the retaining bracket assembly. The user-interface assembly is retained in a retained position by the engagement between the spring pin and the retaining bracket assembly. A spring bracket is coupled to an interior surface of the user-interface assembly. The spring bracket engages an inner surface of the front panel to stop the user-interface assembly in the open rest position when the retaining bracket assembly is released from engagement with the spring pin.

Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet that includes a front panel that defines an aperture. A user-interface assembly is positioned within the aperture and includes a retaining bracket assembly. The user-interface assembly is biased by a force of gravity toward an open rest position. A spring pin is selectively engaged with the retaining bracket assembly. The user-interface assembly is retained in a retained position by the engagement between the spring pin and the retaining bracket assembly. A spring bracket is coupled to an interior surface of the user-interface assembly. The spring bracket engages an inner surface of the front panel to stop the user-interface assembly in the open rest position when the retaining bracket assembly is released from engagement with the spring pin.

Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet that includes a front panel that defines an aperture. A user-interface assembly is positioned within the aperture and includes a retaining bracket assembly. The user-interface assembly is biased by a force of gravity toward an open rest position. A spring pin is selectively engaged with the retaining bracket assembly. The user-interface assembly is retained in a retained position by the engagement between the spring pin and the retaining bracket assembly. A spring bracket is coupled to an interior surface of the user-interface assembly. The spring bracket engages an inner surface of the front panel to stop the user-interface assembly in the open rest position when the retaining bracket assembly is released from engagement with the spring pin.

Abstract: The methods, apparatus, and systems described herein relate to routing based on customer satisfaction, and include receiving a communication from a customer; retrieving or predicting a first profile of the customer; returning a list of currently available agents and expected available agents, wherein the currently available agents exclude agents that exceed a predetermined work threshold; determining, for each currently available agent and each expected available agent, a proficiency score for handling a customer with the first profile; determining that an expected available agent has a higher proficiency score than a currently available agent; and providing a routing recommendation based on the determined higher proficiency score that will route the customer communication via a communication distributor to the expected available agent.

Abstract: The methods, apparatus, and systems described herein relate to routing based on customer satisfaction, and include receiving a communication from a customer; retrieving or predicting a first profile of the customer; returning a list of currently available agents and expected available agents, wherein the currently available agents exclude agents that exceed a predetermined work threshold; determining, for each currently available agent and each expected available agent, a proficiency score for handling a customer with the first profile; determining that an expected available agent has a higher proficiency score than a currently available agent; and providing a routing recommendation based on the determined higher proficiency score that will route the customer communication via a communication distributor to the expected available agent.

Abstract: Compositions for cleaning concrete or other cementitious substrates that do not contribute to the alkali-silicate reaction are provided, and methods for use thereof The cleaning compositions comprise lithium salts such as lithium hydroxide, lithium oxide and/or lithium carbonate, at least one surface active agent, optionally a glycol ether and/or hydrocarbon solvent, a sodium-free or substantially sodium-free chelating agent or agents and/or one or more adjuncts at least partially contributing to the useful properties of the composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of protecting concrete sewer pipe, manholes, lift stations, pump stations, wet wells, sewage treatment plant components, and septic tanks and/or septic tank components comprising coating said concrete items by rolling, spraying, or brushing on a coating system consisting essentially of a primer, intermediate coat and topcoat. Each coat is a polymeric coating prepared in situ by combining a hardener with a prepolymer formulation. The pepolymer is an amine-containing material, resulting in a polyurea-based coating. The chief advantages of the coating are that it can be applied utilizing conventional, simple equipment, and the increased drying time allows for excellent adhesion on the substrate. Also, it is a tough elastomeric material resistant to attack by water or the sulfuric acid microbial metabolic end-product.

Abstract: Compositions for cleaning concrete or other cementitious substrates that do not contribute to the alkali-silicate reaction are provided, and methods for use thereof. The cleaning compositions comprise lithium salts such as lithium hydroxide, lithium oxide and/or lithium carbonate, at least one surface active agent, optionally a glycol ether and/or hydrocarbon solvent, a sodium-free or substantially sodium-free chelating agent or agents and/or one or more adjuncts at least partially contributing to the useful properties of the composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for the aeration of a fluid prior to its consumption includes a container that is adapted to house a quantity of the fluid. A bottom end of a conduit that is open at both ends is attached to the container and is disposed in the fluid. A second opposite upper end of the conduit is disposed above the bottom end and is placed in the mouth of a user. Fluid is drawn up through the conduit by the creation of a partial vacuum when the user sucks on the upper, drinking end. An air infusion opening is provided in the conduit near the upper end above a normal maximum fluid elevation level. The infusion opening allows for ambient air to simultaneously enter into a fluid stream that is being drawn up through the conduit, thereby aerating the fluid prior to its entry into the mouth. If the fluid is especially hot, the ambient air also helps to cool the fluid.

Abstract: An improved self-cleaning polish is obtained by adding a wax to an oil either pre-heated, or then subsequently heated, with stirring. Subsequently, and optionally, water and/or an acetic acid source, preferably vinegar, is added, either before or after partly or completely cooling the heated wax/oil mixture. Special-purpose additives may be added, such as salts, abrasives, suspending aids, preservatives, emulsifiers, colorants, fragrances, etc. However, no solvent other than the oil is necessary, a decided improvement over existing technology.

Abstract: A useful composition for protecting metal equipment from corrosion and/or other damage comprises 1) gilsonite, which is a mined asphalt; and/or some other natural-origin or naturally-derived resin, 2) a naturally-derived solvent such as d-limonene and/or other terpenes, and 3) a naturally-derived non-drying plasticizer such as fatty acid triglycerides. 4) Optionally, additives for controlling rheology, viscosity, lubricity, corrosion rates etc. can be added to obtain specific properties which may be desirable. The invention also relates to a method of preventing corrosion or other damage to metal equipment by applying the above-mentioned coating to the equipment by spraying, rolling and/or brushing.

Abstract: A method of preventing tar, asphalt and related material from sticking to paving equipment involves spraying a release agent concentrate diluted with water contemporaneously with spraying, utilizing a carbonator pump capable of about 1 gallon per minute pumping rate at about 200 psi, an appropriately-sized motor, a pushbutton momentary contact switch, a timing relay capable of switching the motor on and running it for about 1-2 minutes, a spray gun and appropriately-sized nozzle, appropriate fittings and hoses, and such optional ancillary devices as solenoid valves, particulate screens and freeze protection. The major advantages of the instant invention are that it is simple and economical to build, very robust, and is capable of delivering a good spray pattern at relatively high concentrations of viscous release agents.

Abstract: An improved self-cleaning polish is obtained by adding a wax to an oil either pre-heated, or then subsequently heated, with stirring. Subsequently, and optionally, water and./or an acetic acid source, preferably vinegar, is added, either before or after partly or completely cooling the heated wax/oil mixture. Special-purpose additives may be added, such as salts, abrasives, suspending aids, preservatives, emulsifiers, colorants, fragrances, etc. However, no solvent other than the oil is necessary, a decided improvement over existing technology.

Abstract: A method of preventing tar, asphalt and related material from sticking to paving equipment involves spraying a release agent concentrate diluted with water contemporaneously with spraying, utilizing a carbonator pump capable of about 1 gallon per minute pumping rate at about 200 psi, an appropriately-sized motor, a pushbutton momentary contact switch, a timing relay capable of switching the motor on and running it for about 1-2 minutes, a spray gun and appropriately-sized nozzle, appropriate fittings and hoses, and such optional ancillary devices as solenoid valves, particulate screens and freeze protection. The major advantages of the instant invention are that it is simple and economical to build, very robust, and is capable of delivering a good spray pattern at relatively high concentrations of viscous release agents.

Abstract: A useful composition for protecting metal equipment from corrosion and/or other damage comprises 1) gilsonite, which is a mined asphalt; and/or some other natural-origin or naturally-derived resin, 2) a naturally-derived solvent such as d-limonene and/or other terpenes, and 3) a naturally-derived non-drying plasticizer such as fatty acid triglycerides. 4) Optionally, additives for controlling rheology, viscosity, lubricity, corrosion rates etc. can be added to obtain specific properties which may be desirable. The invention also relates to a method of preventing corrosion or other damage to metal equipment by applying the above-mentioned coating to the equipment by spraying, rolling and/or brushing.

Abstract: A harrow tine with a cutting edge for increasing the efficiency and useful life of a harrow tine. The inventive device includes a harrow tine, and a hardened edge member attached to a lower end of the harrow tine for engaging a ground surface. The hardened edge member preferably is tapered forwardly thereby creating a syncline shaped structure with a leading edge which easily penetrates the ground surface. The edge member is preferably constructed of a hardened material such as but not limited to chrome.

Abstract: A method of preventing asphalt and tar from sticking to paving equipment comprises diluting a concentrate with about four to about 50 parts water to one part concentrate and spraying, rolling or brushing the diluted concentrate on the equipment, coating the dilution on equipment prior to its coming into contact with tar or asphalt. The concentrate comprises a fatty acid amide or mixture of fatty acid amides, a fatty acid neutralized with an excess of an alkyl- or alkanol- or mixed-type amine or ammonia, and an optional solvent or solvents. The chief advantages of the instant invention are that the dilutions are viscous, and so prevent the diluted material from running off of the equipment prior to contact with tar or asphalt, and that the diluted material leaves a lubricious film on the surface even after all the water in the diluted film has evaporated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for cleaning bituminous asphalt- and tar-coated equipment, using combinations of alkyl esters with terpene cosolvents and/or surfactants. The specific invention is the use of ester solvents in combination with terpene solvents, optionally with emulsifiers and other additives. The combination of the two is found surprisingly to exhibit the excellent solvency of terpene solvents, but with the slower evaporating rate and higher flashpoint properties of ester solvents.