Abstract: A charging circuit includes a main power circuit, a DC-to-DC converting circuit, a detection circuit and a controller. The main power circuit is electrically connected to a power source for converting an input voltage from the power source into a first voltage. The DC-to-DC converting circuit is electrically connected to the main power circuit for converting the first voltage into a second voltage to charge the energy storage element. The detection circuit is electrically connected to the main power circuit and the DC-to-DC converting circuit for detecting a terminal voltage of the energy storage element and the first voltage from the main power circuit, thereby generating a feedback signal. The controller is electrically connected to the detection circuit and the main power circuit for controlling operations of the first switching element in response to the feedback signal, so that the first voltage is adjustable according to the second voltage.

Abstract: A phone charging stand includes a casing and a cover. The casing has a socket on one surface to hold a phone, and a first universal serial bus (USB) connecting port on another surface of the casing is used to connect a wireless dongle having a USB interface. The cover is pivotally connected to one end of the casing. The cover can be rotated toward the socket to be attached to the casing to hold the phone. The cover can also be rotated toward the another surface of the casing to support the charging stand.

Abstract: A sander comprises a body member molded of polypropylene to which a soft pad member is integrally molded or directly bonded thereto. Preferably, the material comprising the pad member is of a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as Santoprene®. Significantly, when the pad member is molded directly to the body member, the pad has internal dimensions only slightly larger than the external dimensions of the body member so that, when the body member is located within the confines of the pad member, a secure fit is formed between these two members, without any space between them. Further, the respective dimensions of the body member and pad member give the sander a thick, one-piece appearance in side and end views. The pad member may also include a plurality of openings which help provide a “spongy” effect to the user, smoothing the peaks and reaching the valleys of an uneven surface upon which the sander is utilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature surface plasmon resonance sensor chip that produces a plane light source with an organic optoelectronic material by an electro-luminescence method and excites a surface plasmon resonance wave to observe a signal variation at the surface of a sensor chip caused by the combining condition of surface bio-molecules and provide a more accurate miniature sensor in conformity with micro-channel.

Abstract: A sander comprises a body member molded of polypropylene to which a soft pad member is integrally molded or directly bonded thereto. Preferably, the material comprising the pad member is of a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as Santoprene®. Significantly, when the pad member is molded directly to the body member, the pad has internal dimensions only slightly larger than the external dimensions of the body member so that, when the body member is located within the confines of the pad member, a secure fit is formed between these two members, without any space between them. Further, the respective dimensions of the body member and pad member give the sander a thick, one-piece appearance in side and end views. The pad member may also include a plurality of openings which help provide a “spongy” effect to the user, smoothing the peaks and reaching the valleys of an uneven surface upon which the sander is utilized.

Abstract: A computer implemented adaptive ensemble classifier is provided which includes: a plurality of classifiers; a decision structure that maps respective classifier combinations to respective classification decision results; and a plurality of respective sets of weights associated with respective classifier combinations.

Abstract: An inventive elongated, generally horizontally oriented hook that is used to simultaneously carry a paint can and a paint brush at the waist of a user in order to liberate one or more of the hands, to alleviate fatigue and/or to prevent accidents. In a preferred embodiment, the hook has a clip portion which allows the hook to be removably attached to the belt or directly to the pants of a user. The hook further comprises a proximal bend and a distal bend, the former of which can be removably engaged to the bail of a paint can, while the latter can removably engage a paint brush. In one preferred embodiment, the elongated hook is made with a single piece of cylindrical wire.

Abstract: Surfactants are used in low concentrations in order to solubilize water-insoluble solids for inclusion in aqueous beverages. Beverage concentrates, beverage syrups and finished beverages, all of which contain surfactant and water-insoluble solids, are stable; the concentrates and finished beverages are clear.

Abstract: A method is provided for making artificial leather upside down. In the method, an upper color layer is provided on releasing paper and the upper color layer is dried. A lower color layer is provided on the upper color layer and the lower color layer is dried. A paste layer is provided on the lower color layer and the pate layer is preliminarily dried. A substrate is attached to the paste layer. The paste layer is dried. The releasing paper is removed.

Abstract: An emulsifier having a primary emulsifying component of gum Arabic or modified starch and a secondary emulsifying component of pectin in a low amount is added to a beverage. The emulsifier has similar physical characteristics as conventional emulsifiers, with increased emulsifying capacity. Emulsifiers, such as gum Arabic or modified starch, conventionally used in food products can be easily replaced with the emulsifier to lower the cost of production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a luminary material comprising a substrate; a luminary layer formed on a surface of the substrate; and a surface layer comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion allows stronger light to be emitted from the luminary layer than the second portion. The luminary material according to the invention exhibits various colors, patterns and/or textures formed on the surface. Therefore, the luminary material is qualified as a decorative material in the light. A method for manufacturing the luminary material is also provided.

Abstract: A metallic housing utility knife and method for making the device with a soft over molded elastomeric cover to provide blister free comfort and slip proof safety. The cover or skin is molded into the unique structure of the housing in a fashion that results in mechanical bonds that embrace the cover on the housing. The knife includes flexible posts from the cover that project into the blade storage compartment of the housing to prevent internally stored spare blades from moving within the storage compartment. An elastomeric blade clamp integrally formed with the cover serves to restrict lateral movement of blades of varying sizes when installed in a cutting position within the knife assembly. A rear quick release latch and interlocking housing sections provide a convenient way to open and close the knife and assure that it is also secure and firmly held when locked in a safe cutting position.

Abstract: A cutting device includes (i) a housing having first and second separable portions, the first portion having a locking aperture, the second portion having an attachment aperture, and (ii) a locking apparatus for removably locking the first and second portions of the housing. The locking apparatus includes an attachment portion for being fixedly attached in the attachment aperture, and a locking arm adapted to be releasably locked into the locking aperture. The attachment aperture and locking aperture are correspondingly positioned so that the locking arm becomes aligned with the locking aperture when the first and second portions of the housing are aligned for assembly. The housing may be constructed of metal, and the locking apparatus constructed of plastic. The locking apparatus may also include a return spring and blade carrier integrally molded therewith.

Abstract: A method and system for blocking some specific function of a P2P application in the network is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) continually monitoring a plurality of network connections established by a plurality of clients; (b) collecting the packets sent by a P2P application from one of the plurality of clients when one of the plurality of clients establishes the network connection; (c) comparing the lengths of the collected packets; (d) determining a specific function to be performed by the P2P application based on the result of comparison; and (e) blocking the determined specific function of the P2P application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a luminary material comprising a substrate; a luminary layer formed on a surface of the substrate; and a surface layer comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion allows stronger light to be emitted from the luminary layer than the second portion. The luminary material according to the invention exhibits various colors, patterns and/or textures formed on the surface. Therefore, the luminary material is qualified as a decorative material in the light. A method for manufacturing the luminary material is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention presents an uninterruptible power supply device including an input circuit coupled between a voltage input terminal and a rectifier circuit, in which the input circuit includes a boost choke being charged with an AC current received from the voltage input terminal for providing a boosted AC voltage to the rectifier circuit. The rectifier circuit is configured to convert the boosted AC voltage into an intermediate DC voltage. The intermediate DC voltage is converted through an inverter into a poly-phase output AC voltage for use by a load.

Abstract: Systems and methods of robust perceptual color identification are disclosed. The methods include a multilevel analysis for determining the robust perceptual color of an object based on observed colors. This multilevel analysis can include a pixel level, a frame level, and/or a sequence level. The determination may make use of color drift matrices and trained functions such as statistical probability functions. The color drift tables and function training are based on training data generated by observing objects of known robust perceptual color in a variety of circumstances. Embodiments of the invention are applicable to the identification and tracking of objects, for example, in a surveillance video system.

Abstract: A mixing device includes vanes arranged so that the outer edges of the vanes define a frusto-conical surface in order to facilitate improved circulation of the liquid being mixed. In one embodiment, the outer edges of the vanes are tapered outward to form the frusto-conical surface. In an alternative embodiment, the inner and outer edges of the vanes are aligned with each other, and the vanes are tilted relative to a central axis to form the frusto-conical surface. Turbines extend between the vanes and shaft for rotating the mixing device. The turbines are arranged to avoid inhibiting entry of liquids through the top and bottom of the mixing device. Feet extend downward from the bottom edge of the mixing device to facilitate mixing of liquids on the bottom of the container.