Abstract: A fan shroud assembly (10) includes a fan shroud (14) having a boss (54) formed thereon, and a shield (22) having an aperture (58) and at least one slot (62) communicating with the aperture to allow deflection of the shield in a region adjacent the aperture. The aperture is smaller than the boss such that the aperture receives the boss with an interference fit, causing deflection of the shield, to secure the shield on the fan shroud.

Abstract: A fan shroud assembly (10) includes a fan shroud (14) having a boss (54) formed thereon, and a shield (22) having an aperture (58) and at least one slot (62) communicating with the aperture to allow deflection of the shield in a region adjacent the aperture. The aperture is smaller than the boss such that the aperture receives the boss with an interference fit, causing deflection of the shield, to secure the shield on the fan shroud.

Abstract: Novel systems and methods are disclosed for obtaining information pertinent to an on-line user's review, evaluating the information to determine the trustworthiness of the review, and generating an output indicating the trustworthiness of the review. The review may be in written form, spoken form, or multimedia form including overlapping visual and spoken forms. The output may be in the form of a multi-dimensional space that is compared to shape models for trust and truthfulness.

Abstract: A magnetic anchor system, method, and device for attaching a rigging line to an elevated work structure. A transport vehicle may be used to position and attach at least one magnetic anchor to the elevated work structure, while being operated by a user at a safe location. Upon attachment of the magnetic anchor the strength of the magnetic connection of the primary magnetic anchor to the work structure is tested before anything is attached to a rigging line secured to the magnetic anchor.

Abstract: A magnetic anchor system, method, and device for attaching a rigging line to an elevated work structure. A transport vehicle may be used to position and attach at least one magnetic anchor to the elevated work structure, while being operated by a user at a safe location. Upon attachment of the magnetic anchor the strength of the magnetic connection of the primary magnetic anchor to the work structure is tested before anything is attached to a rigging line secured to the magnetic anchor.

Abstract: A system and method operable to provide a closed loop accounts payable network with end-user rate-adjustment options. The system and method for a closed loop accounts payable network for commercial card payments allows for setting one or more payment terms using the system.

Abstract: A gliding board with an effective edge length to waist width ratio of 3.8 to about 4.35, a waist width of at least about 250 mm, a core that has an approximately constant thickness of greater than 5 mm along substantially the entire running length of the board and to within about 80-100 mm of the effective edge points, but thins to a thickness of about 2 mm or less in areas nearer the effective edge points, and/or side edges that include a curved, concave sidecut portion at the waist, curved, convex transition zones at the forward and rear effective edge points and a straight section in the running length adjacent each transition zone.

Abstract: A gliding board with an effective edge length to waist width ratio of 3.8 to about 4.35, a waist width of at least about 250 mm, a core that has an approximately constant thickness of greater than 5 mm along substantially the entire running length of the board and to within about 80-100 mm of the effective edge points, but thins to a thickness of about 2 mm or less in areas nearer the effective edge points, and/or side edges that include a curved, concave sidecut portion at the waist, curved, convex transition zones at the forward and rear effective edge points and a straight section in the running length adjacent each transition zone.

Abstract: Metrics may be determined from intermediate computer code by reading and analyzing an entire application using intermediate code, including any linked portions. The metrics may include cyclomatic complexity, estimated or actual number of lines of code, depth of inheritance, type coupling, and other metrics. The metrics may be combined into a quantifiable metric for the code.

Abstract: One advantageous embodiment of the present invention is a variable-duct support assembly (14) for mounting one or more ducts (12a-12c) thereon. This variable-duct support assembly (14) includes one or more rails (18) each having a groove (40). Each groove (40) has one or more pairs of support brackets (20) positioned therein for supporting a proximal surface (22) of the ducts (12a-12c). The support brackets (20) are coupled to one or more flexible bands (24) and utilized for clamping the duct (12a-12c) between the support brackets (20) and the flexible bands (24). The flexible bands (24) are intended to contact and wrap around a distal surface (26) of the duct (12a-12c) so as to distribute a load substantially across the distal surface (26). Likewise, the support brackets (20) each include support portions (28) for distributing the load substantially across the proximal surface (22) of each duct (12a-12c).

Abstract: A hook and method for supporting at least one of a storage and organization device from a standard using a hook are provided. The hook includes at least one engagement member configured to extend through an opening of a mounting component and configured to be removably engaged with the mounting component. The hook further includes at least one support member configured to support in a hanging configuration at least one of a storage and organization device.

Abstract: A column shroud for covering a steering column including a shroud body. The shroud body has first and second portions connectable to one another about a steering column. The shroud body defines an opening in the first portion. The column shroud also includes a coil bobbin fixed to the shroud body adjacent to the opening. In the event of an attempted theft of the vehicle, the coil bobbin would be removed from the column in the event the shroud body is removed and the vehicle would be disabled. The present invention also provides an ignition assembly. The ignition assembly includes a shroud body having an opening. The shroud body of the ignition assembly can have one or more portions. The ignition assembly also includes an ignition receptor accessible through said opening for receiving a pass key. Also, a coil bobbin is fixed to the shroud body adjacent to the opening. The present invention also provides a steering column assembly.

Abstract: One advantageous embodiment of the present invention is a variable-duct support assembly (14) for mounting one or more ducts (12a-12c) thereon. This variable-duct support assembly (14) includes one or more rails (18) each having a groove (40). Each groove (40) has one or more pairs of support brackets (20) positioned therein for supporting a proximal surface (22) of the ducts (12a-12c). The support brackets (20) are coupled to one or more flexible bands (24) and utilized for clamping the duct (12a-12c) between the support brackets (20) and the flexible bands (24). The flexible bands (24) are intended to contact and wrap around a distal surface (26) of the duct (12a-12c) so as to distribute a load substantially across the distal surface (26). Likewise, the support brackets (20) each include support portions (28) for distributing the load substantially across the proximal surface (22) of each duct (12a-12c).

Abstract: A fluid coupling device is disclosed of the type having an output coupling assembly (13) and an input coupling member (11). Control of the flow of viscous fluid between a reservoir chamber (35) and an operating chamber (33) is controlled by rotation of a valve arm (43), to cover or uncover a fill opening (45). Rotation of the valve arm is affected by an actuator assembly (61). An electrical signal to a coil (69) results in a flux path (FP) through a stationary ferromagnetic housing (63), with the flux passing through an armature (83) which is attached to the valve member. The flux path passes from armature segments (105) through respective pole pieces (111), which comprise part of the outer cylindrical surface of the reservoir chamber (35). Thus, energization of the coil (69) results in rotation of the valve member (43) without the need for frictional engagement of friction surfaces.

Abstract: A programmer for an appliance having a line power switch and a plurality of program switches sequentially actuated by a cyclic cam mechanism. The program switches are latched to the actuated condition and uplatched independently of the cyclic mechanism by electrically energized release mechanisms, individually controlled by an electronic controller having a microcomputer which employs a user selected programmed sequence.