Abstract: A patient immersion sensor includes a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) apparatus to determine a time of flight (TOF) of a RADAR pulse and a reflected signal that is reflected by a patient or by a portion of a patient support surface supporting the patient. The TOF is indicative of an immersion depth or a distance toward bottoming out of a patient supported on the patient support surface, such as a mattress or a pad. The RADAR apparatus emits pulses of very short duration so as to be able to detect objects, such as a patient or a portion of a mattress or pad, at very close distances. The RADAR apparatus may use time-of-flight (TOF) between transmission of the pulse and receipt of a reflected signal to determine a distance toward bottoming out by the patient, thereby to determine if the patient is properly immersed into the patient support surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing vehicle operation data associated with a temporary or periodic usage of a vehicle by a driver. In aspects, the vehicle operation data may be analyzed to assess a performance of the driver during operation of the vehicle. Based on the performance of the driver, the driver may qualify for a reward.

Abstract: A movement detection device includes a signal transmission device configured to transmit a radar signal transmission toward a target area and to receive reflected radar signals, and a signal analysis device configured to analyze the reflected radar signals to detect a movement in the target area that is indicative of micro-shivering. In response to detecting the micro-shivering, the movement detection device generates an alarm.

Abstract: A method of forming a chopped strand mat formed of bonding materials and wet use chopped strand glass fibers (WUCS) which demonstrate a reduced occurrence of static electricity is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the occurrence of static electricity on the glass fibers is reduced or eliminated by increasing the total solids content on the glass fibers, such as by applying an increased or excess amount of size composition to the glass fibers. Alternatively, an anti-static agent may be added directly to the sizing composition and applied to the glass filaments by any suitable application device. The antistatic agent may be applied to the wet chopped strand glass prior to chopping the strands or as the wet chopped strands are packaged. The static free wet use chopped strand glass fibers may be used in dry-laid processes to form chopped strand mats having a reduced tendency to accumulate static electricity.

Abstract: An aqueous glass fiber sizing composition that includes a polymeric film forming component, at least one silane coupling agent, and one or more lubricants is provided. The polymeric film forming component of the sizing composition includes a silanated polyvinyl acetate, an epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and a modified epoxy emulsion. In preferred embodiments, the film formers are present in the sizing composition in ratios of 70:25:5, 50:25:25, or 63:18:18 of silanated polyvinyl acetate, epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and modified epoxy emulsion respectively. Fibers sized with the sizing composition in a sheet molding compound process have improved wet-out characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system designed to be used in a manufacturing environment to ensure the integrity of a manufacturing tool that downloads customer ordered software to personal computers. The present invention creates a computer environment in a lab setting that mimics the computer environment created in the manufacturing arena. The system and method then simulates the steps employed to download the software to a personal computer in a controlled environment to predetermine errors that may be encountered when the process is implemented in the manufacturing arena. This invention dynamically generates a file that contains instructions that when executed download and install customer ordered software to a target computer on the manufacturing floor. This invention then interprets the generated file in accordance with a set of evaluation rules such that the outcome of the execution of the file is determined.

Abstract: An aqueous glass fiber sizing composition that includes a polymeric film forming component, at least one silane coupling agent, and one or more lubricants is provided. The polymeric film forming component of the sizing composition includes a silanated polyvinyl acetate, an epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and a modified epoxy emulsion. In preferred embodiments, the film formers are present in the sizing composition in ratios of 70:25:5, 50:25:25, or 63:18:18 of silanated polyvinyl acetate, epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and modified epoxy emulsion respectively. Fibers sized with the sizing composition in a sheet molding compound process have improved wet-out characteristics.

Abstract: A modular platform assembly for providing at least one breadboard surface level above a table includes a rectangular breadboard plate having holes therein, a pillar member for supporting each corner of the rectangular breadboard plate, and a base member for supporting each pillar member on a table top. By using multiple breadboard plates and multiple pillars, a first surface level of varying horizontal dimensions can be provided, as well as multiple vertically-spaced levels. The invention enables the creation of enlarged three-dimensional work surfaces above a table top, thus enhancing utilization of space in a small area.

Abstract: A modular platform assembly for providing at least one breadboard surface level above a table includes a rectangular breadboard plate having holes therein, a pillar member for supporting each corner of the rectangular breadboard plate, and a base member for supporting each pillar member on a table top. By using multiple breadboard plates and multiple pillars, a first surface level of varying horizontal dimensions can be provided, as well as multiple vertically-spaced levels. The invention enables the creation of enlarged three-dimensional work surfaces above a table top, thus enhancing utilization of space in a small area.