Abstract: A method and systems for gathering information regarding usage of a resource from at least one of a plurality of measuring nodes operatively coupled to a controller, wherein the measuring node includes at least one sensor and a node processor operatively coupled to the sensor, and the controller includes a controller processor. The method includes predicting an estimated resource usage value associated with the at least one sensor with the node processor and separately with the controller each using a predictor algorithm and dataset. The method further includes measuring resource usage to which the estimated resource usage value applies with the sensor and calculating a difference between the estimated resource usage value and the measured resource usage with the node processor. If the difference falls outside of a bound the measured resource usage is communicated to the controller.

Abstract: A force limiting cartridge comprises a housing and end cap which screw together to contain a slidable piston biased by a coil spring. The cartridge surrounds a conventional pull-up clamp. The bottom end of the cartridge pushes against the top layer of the laminate. The piston is pushed against the spring when the clamp screw is tightened. The piston is provided with a cross mark which when aligned with cross hairs on the housing indicate a desired clamping pressure has been attained. The cartridge can be calibrated to any desired pressure (depending on the spring's performance characteristics) by adjusting the total length of the housing/end cap assembly.

Abstract: A deck of playing cards having fifty-two cards consisting of varying numbers of the letters b, i, n, g, and o in three suit colors is shown. The cards are used in a card game which combines the random dealing of a fixed number of cards and discard and draw of a variable number of cards to maximize the spelling of a specific word with increased points for all letters in the same color and partial points for a partial spelling of the word.

Abstract: A rivet injector/rejector device (10) is provided for use with a riveting machine (12) having a plurality of rivet gripping fingers (120, 122). The device (10) includes a supporting member (16) fixedly mounted to the riveting machine (12). A tubular member (92) is provided for delivering a rivet (148) to the fingers (120, 122). The tubular member (92) is mounted to the supporting member (16) so that an end portion (118) of the tubular member may be moved downwardly relative to the fingers (120, 122). The end portion (118) is shaped so that as it moves downwardly it spreads the fingers thereby permitting a rivet to drop free therefrom.