Abstract: A method and system to characterize the wearer of at least one item of footwear having a sensor means which, while the item is being worn, collects from the wearer current pedobarometric data that is characteristic of the wearer, and the current pedobarometric data is compared with corresponding reference data for a specified wearer, preferably previously collected via the same or a similar item of footwear while worn by the specified wearer under controlled conditions, the results of the comparison being used to characterize the present wearer according to prescribed criteria.

Abstract: A stationary or movable object suitable for holding a fluid can have the fluid sampled unobserved, and the sample is separate from the working and/or storage system(s) of the object. For example, an engine oil collection apparatus effectively collects engine oil during mimic of a normal oil change procedure, and allows for collection of samples without the sample going through the crankcase of the engine. The collected fluid, for example, the oil, can be set aside and/or analyzed for its composition afterwards.

Abstract: In a container for dispensing viscous food product having viscosity such as of ketchup, mustard, melted cheese or the like, is a housing for a pump, a dispenser, and valves. The housing has a pumping chamber and dispensing chamber, with first and second valves associated with the pumping and dispensing chambers, respectively. The pump chamber is sized to receive part of a pump. The dispensing chamber is sized to receive part of a dispenser, which can include a base. An angled flow passage connects the pump chamber to the dispensing chamber. The first and second valves can both include a ball. Structure is provided for checking the upward movement of the first and second valves during pumping and dispensing strokes and to hold the dispenser to the housing, which in a preferred embodiment comprises a U-shaped pin which passes into the dispensing chamber and engages the dispenser, and into the pump chamber. A notch in the side of the housing permits easy grasping of the U-shaped pin.

Abstract: A light bar comprises a plurality of modules and a control circuit including a power supply for selectively energizing each of the modules. Each module includes a strobe lamp having an anode and a cathode for energizing the strobe lamp and having a trigger for firing the strobe lamp, a reflector positioned adjacent the strobe lamp to reflect light emitted by the strobe lamp and a circuit including a capacitor connected to the anode and the cathode for energizing the strobe lamp. The circuit of the module connects the capacitor and the trigger to the control circuit. An incandescent lamp or a high intensity discharge lamp may be used separately or in combination with the strobe. Multicolor operation or the use of LCD panels as filters or reflectors is also contemplated.