Abstract: Platform-agnostic digital assistant methods and apparatuses are provided. The apparatuses and methods include a processor configured by a memory to receive user data from a storage containing informational contents. The processor is configured to establish a communication channel with an entity and utilize the communication channel to receive first information related to a user. The processor is configured to extract at least one user datum from the first information and modify the informational contents of the storage based on at least one of the user datum and the first information. The processor is further configured to initiate an action related to the user based on at least one of the first information, the user datum, and the informational contents.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode assembly for use in a lamp that includes, among other elements, a helical filament, and first and second electrode support wires. The helical filament has an inner coil conductor that includes at least first and second zones of pitch formed along its length and wherein the first zone of pitch is coiled at a first pitch, and wherein the second zone of pitch is coiled at a second pitch that is less than the first pitch. The first electrode support wire is welded to the filament in the first zone of pitch and the second electrode support wire welded to the filament in the second zone of pitch.

Abstract: A safety device for use with a load-carrying vehicle, which includes a lamp and a flag to warn vehicles of overhanging or extended loads.

Abstract: Disclosed are cathode units for use in fluorescent discharge lamps which include a stem element adapted for sealing engagement with an end of an elongated vitreous/glass tube, first and second electrode support wires extending axially through the stem element, and a filament electrode which is oriented substantially axially with respect to the support wires. The support wires each have a inwardly-directed tip portion and the filament electrode is attached thereto. The ends of the filament electrode are attached to the support wires by welding. In alternative embodiments, the disclosed cathode unit can further include an electrode shield assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device that provides controlled release of a fragrant or deodorizing substance: the fragrant or deodorizing substance being solublized with an appropriate carrier solvent within a polymeric matrix. The layers function as protective barriers, semi-permeable membranes, fragrance reservoirs, and adhesives. The device is capable of delivering a fragrance at a controlled rate for a prolonged period of time through the gradual diffusion and release of fragrant material carried by a solvent from a reservoir system to the semi-permeable UV curable, oligomer composition acting a fragrance release regulator. Additionally, the UV curable, oligomeric composition that forms the reservoir and regulating layer can be engineered to be adhesive through cure inhibition. The method of cure inhibition can also be utilized to create internal areas of high and low cross link density to further control the release rate of a fragrance.

Abstract: A contact and odor responsive device for trapping khapra beetles and their larvae in which fibrous paper or fabric strips are constructed to provide contact allowing forms containing pheromone attraction means, food attractive means and lethal means for destroying the beetles and a method of using said traps to detect and destroy the beetles and their larvae.