Abstract: A popcorn popping assembly includes a popcorn popping kettle having a side wall extending from a bottom wall. The assembly includes a plurality of retainers. Each of the retainers includes a bottom wall extending between a pair of side walls. The side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity, and an aperture is formed in the bottom wall and defines an essentially closed shaped periphery. The assembly includes a plurality of studs, each configured to be inserted through a respective aperture of a respective retainer. A plurality of fasteners are each configured to be received within the cavity of a retainer and couple with a stud to secure the stud to the retainer. A temperature sensor may extend through at least one of the apertures. A stud may be configured to cooperate with the temperature sensor and hold the temperature sensor in a predetermined location.

Abstract: A popcorn popping machine is provided including a cabinet, a popcorn popping kettle mounted within the cabinet, and a pump mounted at a height above a height of the kettle that is configured to pump oil from a container of oil and deliver the oil to the kettle. Control circuitry is provided for operating the pump to deliver oil to the kettle.

Abstract: A popcorn popping assembly includes a popcorn popping kettle having a side wall extending from a bottom wall. The assembly includes a plurality of retainers. Each of the retainers includes a bottom wall extending between a pair of side walls. The side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity, and an aperture is formed in the bottom wall and defines an essentially closed shaped periphery. The assembly includes a plurality of studs, each configured to be inserted through a respective aperture of a respective retainer. A plurality of fasteners are each configured to be received within the cavity of a retainer and couple with a stud to secure the stud to the retainer. A temperature sensor may extend through at least one of the apertures. A stud may be configured to cooperate with the temperature sensor and hold the temperature sensor in a predetermined location.

Abstract: A popcorn popping machine is provided including a cabinet, a popcorn popping kettle mounted within the cabinet, and a pump mounted at a height above a height of the kettle that is configured to pump oil from a container of oil and deliver the oil to the kettle. Control circuitry is provided for operating the pump to deliver oil to the kettle.

Abstract: An electronic notification system that allows primarily for patrons of a business, such as a restaurant or other establishment, to use his or her telephone or other device having internet access to make a reservation, see wait times, make special requests and receive a telephone call once a table is ready or other service is available. The system also provides information to business establishments on clients including, telephone number, preferences and the like. The system can also be broadly used by establishments who have established a customer database of telephone numbers to wage mass telephone marketing campaigns at once to notify patrons of upcoming events and offers. To business establishment users, reports can be made on marketing data and other information collected during use.

Abstract: A transformer and method of making includes first half primary and secondary windings as metallic circuits that are etched on a metallic cladding of a first liquid crystal polymer (LCP) sheet. Secondary windings are positioned in spaced relation to the primary windings. A second LCP sheet is applied over the first LCP sheet. Second half primary and secondary windings are etched as metallic circuits on a metallic cladding of a second LCP sheet. Respective first and second half primary windings are interconnected to each other and the first and second half secondary windings are connected to each other by conductive vias.

Abstract: A transformer and method of making includes first half primary and secondary windings as metallic circuits that are etched on a metallic cladding of a first liquid crystal polymer (LCP) sheet. Secondary windings are positioned in spaced relation to the primary windings. A second LCP sheet is applied over the first LCP sheet. Second half primary and secondary windings are etched as metallic circuits on a metallic cladding of a second LCP sheet. Respective first and second half primary windings are interconnected to each other and the first and second half secondary windings are connected to each other by conductive vias.

Abstract: A transformer and method of making includes first half primary and secondary windings as metallic circuits that are etched on a metallic cladding of a first liquid crystal polymer (LCP) sheet. Secondary windings are positioned in spaced relation to the primary windings. A second LCP sheet is applied over the first LCP sheet. Second half primary and secondary windings are etched as metallic circuits on a metallic cladding of a second LCP sheet. Respective first and second half primary windings are interconnected to each other and the first and second half secondary windings are connected to each other by conductive vias.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and can be connected with an existing motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a gear box having first and second input shafts that are selectively covered by a movable cover. The bed end may include a frame having drain openings for draining water from the bed end when the bed end is washed. The bed end may also include an end cap that is fastened to the frame in a unique manner, and that helps to maintain a panel of the bed end cover in a curved or bowed configuration.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for analyzing depression, and more particularly relates to systems and methods for analyzing and assessing depression and mood disorders in an individual using electroencephalographic measurements. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to depression, but can also include other mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and other disorders with at least one genetic-related component.

Abstract: An electro-fluidic interconnection. The interconnection includes a body (200) formed of a ceramic material. The body (200) is provided with an aperture (206) having a profile suitable for receiving an interconnecting conduit (400). The interconnecting conduit (400) can be formed of the same type of ceramic material as the body (200). The conduit (400) is defined by an outer shell (403) with a hollow bore (402) for transporting a fluid. A mating portion (404) of the conduit has an exterior profile that matches the profile of the aperture. Moreover, the mating portion (404) of the conduit (400) can be compression fitted within the aperture (206). Conductive traces (406, 208) on the conduit and the body can be electrically connected to complete the electro-fluidic interconnection.

Abstract: A method for automating the periodic communication of relevant information to potential real estate customers based on recent sales transactions in predefined geographic areas. Geographic neighborhood areas are identified through a unique process that allows all elements in the program to cohesively work together. Proper identification of neighborhoods not only ensures that agents send reports to owners residing within the desired neighborhood, but it is also used as a means to ensure that the sales data used in the report to homeowners is accurate without the need for constant human intervention.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and can be connected with an existing motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a gear box having first and second input shafts that are selectively covered by a movable cover. The bed end may include a frame having drain openings for draining water from the bed end when the bed end is washed. The bed end may also include an end cap that is fastened to the frame in a unique manner, and that helps to maintain a panel of the bed end cover in a curved or bowed configuration.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and can be connected with an existing motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a gear box having first and second input shafts that are selectively covered by a movable cover. The bed end may include a frame having drain openings for draining water from the bed end when the bed end is washed. The bed end may also include an end cap that is fastened to the frame in a unique manner, and that helps to maintain a panel of the bed end cover in a curved or bowed configuration.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and that can be connected with a motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a manual crank that is removably attached to the bed end. The bed end may include an elevating mechanism that includes a cross-beam or similar structure for transmitting motive force between fixed and movable portions of the bed end. The bed end may also include a new slip nut for transmitting motive force from a lead screw. The bed may further include a reversible corner plate for allowing the bed end to be used facing in either direction. The bed end may also include a plastic cover that is washable and scratch resistant.

Abstract: Sleeves for use in systems for supporting platform-like objects on casters and posts and described. The sleeves support caster-and-post junctions and inhibit deformation of the stems of the casters and the ends of posts in directions radially outward from the longitudinal axes of the stems and posts.

Abstract: Sleeves for use in systems for supporting platform-like objects on casters and posts and described. The sleeves support caster-and-post junctions and inhibit deformation of the stems of the casters and the ends of posts in directions radially outward from the longitudinal axes of the stems and posts.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and can be connected with an existing motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a gear box having first and second input shafts that are selectively covered by a movable cover. The bed end may include a frame having drain openings for draining water from the bed end when the bed end is washed. The bed end may also include an end cap that is fastened to the frame in a unique manner, and that helps to maintain a panel of the bed end cover in a curved or bowed configuration.

Abstract: A kettle for popping corn has a thick film heater applied to a bottom wall of the kettle. The thick film heater may be used to uniformly heat the kettle or provide a controlled temperature gradient across the kettle cooking surface. The kettle and thick film heater provide efficient heating of the kettle and better control of heat supplied to the cooking surface.