Abstract: A laser scanning bar code symbol reading system for scanning and reading poor quality or damaged bar code symbols. The system includes a housing having a light transmission window; an extremely-elongated laser beam production module for producing an extremely-elongated laser beam having (i) a direction of propagation extending along a z reference direction, (ii) a height dimension being indicated by the y reference direction, and (iii) a width dimension being indicated by the x reference direction, where x, y and z directions are orthogonal to each other. Each extremely-elongated laser beam is characterized by an elongation ratio (ER) that is defined as Y/X>4.

Abstract: A spacer assembly is disclosed having a spacer with a cross-section varying in a repeating manner along a longitudinal axis and an adhesive sealant at least partially encapsulating the spacer. Also, a moisture vapor barrier may be provided as well as a desiccated topcoat.

Abstract: A calendar may be provided to a user via a computing device and may provide a schedule of availability of one or more advisors for a call with the user. The user may schedule a call with a particular advisor or an advisor having expertise in a particular subject area, such as life insurance, annuities, savings accounts, credit cards, financial and retirement planning, etc. When the user requests a call with an advisor in a particular subject area, the calendar may show a composite of availabilities of the various advisors having expertise in a particular subject area or are associated with a particular subject area group. The user may schedule a call, modify or cancel an existing scheduled call, and provide information pertaining to a call request or scheduled call, for example, via the user computing device.

Abstract: A multilayer light reflective, variable interlayer separation (d-spacing), cross-linked self-assembling block copolymer film or coating wherein a property of the reflected light can be changed by varying the interlayer separation (d-spacing) of the film or coating.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a base, a motor that drives a cutting assembly, and a catcher removably coupled to the base. Grass is cut by the blades of the cutting assembly, with the grass being propelled along a channel extending angularly beneath the base of the lawn mower. An exit channel portion delivers the cut grass to a rear opening that communicates with the catcher. A pivotally mounted flap opens and closes the exit channel portion to switch the lawn mower between a catching operational mode and a mulching operational mode.

Abstract: A support bracket assembly for a steering column assembly comprises a first bracket part, a second bracket part which is fixed to the vehicle by at least one fastener, and at least one capsule which comprises a main body fixed to the first bracket part by a frangible connector. The main body of the capsule is fixed to the second bracket part by the at least one fastener. The main body includes at least one opening which is aligned with a corresponding opening in the first bracket part and the two aligned openings are filled with a frangible material that forms part of the frangible connector which secures the capsule to the first bracket part. A further opening is provided in the second bracket part which is coaxial with an opening in the capsule and filled with additional frangible material which forms a frangible connection between the capsule and the second bracket part.

Abstract: A spacer and sealant assembly comprising a sealant support member having a planar surface bounded by first and second edges wherein said first and second edges have at least one pleated portion, a plastic shim having at least one undulating portion in contact with said first and second edges of said stretchable sealant support member so that said at least one pleated portion is oriented inward into said at least one undulating portion of said shim, a sealant joined to at least said first and second edges of said sealant support member.

Abstract: A load measuring system for measuring the loads on a foundation for wind turbines is disclosed. A load measuring device is mounted on a rock anchor pad for a turbine and measures the loads on the anchor. Signals from the load measuring device are transmitted to a remote location. The load measuring device is installed on selected rock anchor pads, distributed evenly about the foundation pad. The signals from the load measuring are transmitted to a control station at a remote location, thereby enabling continuous monitoring of the loading conditions on the rock anchors. The signals from a plurality of load measuring systems may be transmitted to the control station, so as to allow monitoring of a group of wind turbine foundation pads at a single location.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods to prepare Heteroaryl Compounds having the following structure: wherein R1-R4 are as defined herein. The Heteroaryl compounds are useful for treating or preventing cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, age-related diseases, or cardiovascular conditions.

Abstract: A lawn mower (10) having a motor (11) that drives a cutting disc (16). Grass is cut by the blades (17) of the discs (16), with the grass being propelled along a channel (21) extending angularly beneath the base (12) of the lawn mower (10). An exit channel portion (21) provides for the delivery of grass to a rear opening (23) that communicates with a catcher (24). A pivotally mounted flap (30) opens and closes the exit channel portion (22).

Abstract: An anti-entanglement apparatus that is intended to prevent bed sheet entanglement during machine tumble drying, is provided and includes a hub with at least four radially extended arms attached. The distal end of each arm is permanently attached to a readily releasable holding device. To utilize the apparatus the operable portion of a said holding device is attached to a bed sheet at, or near, the center of one edge. The remaining edges of a said bed sheet are connected to the hub using the same method. The apparatus thereby holds the center of the four bed sheet edges in close proximity to one another during a tumble drying cycle. This arrangement prevents a bed sheet from enveloping other laundry during the drying cycle. No tangles equate to a shorter drying time and reduced power requirements. The end user saves money while producing a smaller carbon foot print.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program that assist consumers in quickly locating items in a store without requiring dedicated electronics equipment and without requiring the store to map the precise location of every item in the store. One exemplary method includes receiving at a host computer location information representative of locations of a plurality of items in a store; providing at least some of the location information to a mobile communications device operated by a consumer to enable the consumer to locate at least some of the items in the store; receiving from the mobile communications device corrected location information for at least one item in the store; and updating the location information in the host computer to account for the corrected location information.

Abstract: A load measuring system for measuring the loads on a foundation for wind turbines is disclosed. A load measuring device is mounted on a rock anchor pad for a turbine and measures the loads on the anchor. Signals from the load measuring device are transmitted to a remote location. The load measuring device is installed on selected rock anchor pads, distributed evenly about the foundation pad. The signals from the load measuring are transmitted to a control station at a remote location, thereby enabling continuous monitoring of the loading conditions on the rock anchors. The signals from a plurality of load measuring systems may be transmitted to the control station, so as to allow monitoring of a group of wind turbine foundation pads at a single location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing a first metallic target object to a further metallic target object. The apparatus includes a heating element for heating a bonding interface region between juxtaposed portions of a first and further metallic target object, at least one chamber body portion securable around the interface region to form a chamber region surrounding the interface region, a pump member for at least partially removing oxygen from the chamber region and a target object locating unit arranged to locate portions of the first and further target objects in a juxtaposed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for routing fluid in a steam turbine is provided. The steam turbine includes a stage comprising a plurality of buckets secured to a rotor. The rotor is configured to rotate in response to a first volume of fluid flowing from an inlet passageway past the plurality of buckets. The apparatus includes a member having a fluid passageway extending therethrough. The fluid passageway includes a first end in fluid communication with a discharge side of the stage of the steam turbine. A second volume of fluid comprising a portion of the first volume of fluid is received into the fluid passageway at the discharge side of the stage and is discharged out of an outlet of the fluid passageway. The outlet is in fluid communication with a region between an upstream side of the stage and a sealing member disposed against the rotor. The region receives a third volume of leakage fluid from the upstream side of the stage.

Abstract: An energy absorption device for a steering column for a vehicle includes a resilient device, preferably in the form of a coil spring, having turns that are wound in a clamping manner around a component such as a cylindrical rod connectable to the steering column. The coil spring and cylindrical rod are slidable relatively to each other to absorb energy in the event of a vehicle crash. An adjusting device is arranged to vary the clamping force of the turns of the coil spring on the rod by winding or unwinding the coils of the spring. The clamping force may be adjusted in accordance with data such as stature of the driver, vehicle speed and vehicle attitude.

Abstract: A spacer and sealant assembly comprising a sealant support member having a planar surface bounded by first and second edges wherein said first and second edges have at least one pleated portion, a plastic shim having at least one undulating portion in contact with said first and second edges of said stretchable sealant support member so that said at least one pleated portion is oriented inward into said at least one undulating portion of said shim, a sealant joined to at least said first and second edges of said sealant support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the process of extruding melt drawing fluoropolymer onto conductor to form insulated conductor at a line speed of at least 533 m/min and having no more than 10 sparks and no more than 2 lumps/13.7 km of insulated conductor under conditions that comprise an adequate process window to allow for these results to be obtained at different conditions within the process window. The invention identifies the critical parameters for achieving this process window, namely melt flow rate of the fluoropolymer, preferably being 30±3 g/10 min, and the melt temperature of the extruding/melt-drawing step, preferably being 393° C.±6° C.

Abstract: A spacer and sealant assembly comprising a stretchable sealant support member having a planar surface bounded by first and second edges wherein said first and second edges have at least one pleated portion, a plastic shim having at least one undulating portion in contact with said first and second edges of said stretchable sealant support member so that said at least one pleated portion is oriented concavedly inward into said at least one undulating portion of said shim, a sealant joined to at least said first and second edges of said sealant support member.

Abstract: A multilayer light reflective, variable interlayer separation (d-spacing), cross-linked self-assembling block copolymer film or coating wherein a property of the reflected light can be changed by varying the interlayer separation (d-spacing) of the film or coating.