Apparatuses, methods and computer programs for controlling functions of a vehicle. The apparatus for an information system of a vehicle includes a communication module for communication with a mobile device and a control module for controlling the communication module. The control module obtains a key signal and information about a user profile from the mobile device via the communication module. The user profile includes user settings for functions of the vehicle. The information about the user profile includes data about at least one subset of the user settings. The control module controls a locked state of the vehicle based on the key signal and controls at least one subset of the functions of the vehicle based on the information about the user profile.

A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product. The detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individuals from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. The detection system can be interconnected to surveillance towers scanning detector cases disposed at seaport docks, freight depots and rail terminals for monitoring containers being prepared for shipment or sitting on docks for long periods of time.

A ceiling mount intrusion detector with arbitrary direction detection capability is provided. The detector can include a pyroelectric sensor and a unitary Fresnel lens such that the unitary Fresnel lens includes a first piece of a first full Fresnel lens and a second piece of a second full Fresnel lens and such that the first piece and the second piece are spliced together. Due to the dimensions and location of the unitary Fresnel lens relative to the sensor, the sensor can output a signal indicative of an alarm condition when an object passes in front of the lens at any angle relative to the sensor.

An approach is disclosed that provides assistance to disabled individuals when utilizing public spaces. In the approach, a wireless message is received at a detector of the system with the wireless message being from a device worn by a disabled individual. The wireless message includes impairment data pertaining to the disabled individual. In addition, reception of the wireless message indicates that the disabled individual has entered a physical area that provides accommodations to disabled individuals. The approach identifies an impairment pertaining to the disabled individual and adjusts a device setting of a device in the physical area based on the identified impairment of the disabled individual.

Disclosed is an intelligent shoe for the blind, which includes a sole and an upper. At least a portion of the sole is provided with multiple pressure sensors for generating pressure sensing signals when the sole is in contact with raised ground surface. The intelligent shoe further includes a storage chip, used to pre-store a signal characteristic of pressure sensing signals generated when the sole is in contact with a blind sidewalk, and a ata processing chip electrically connected to the multiple pressure sensors and the storage chip, used to compare a signal characteristic of pressure sensing signals from the pressure sensors with the pre-stored signal characteristic, and determine that the sole deviates from the blind sidewalk and send a prompt signal in the case that the signal characteristic of the pressure sensing signals from the pressure sensors is inconsistent with the pre-stored signal characteristic.

A method and system are provided in which maintenance vehicles collect information from sensors and operators, forward the collected information to a server, and, is response, receive maps and operator instructions.

An adaptive algorithm based battery-powered long distance wireless temperature and humidity sensor module. The sensor module uses an adaptive algorithm to transmit data on an event basis and/or a reduced basis to extend battery life to more than 10 years. It also uses a low power wireless transmitter which has frequency of sub-1 GHz and an effective transfer distance of up to 250 meters, a low power temperature and humidity sensor, and a long lasting lithium battery which has shelf life of 20 years.

The ignition system includes a mini hydroelectric generator module connecting an inlet pipe for generating electricity by water flow passing through the inlet pipe and it; a power quality monitoring module electrically connecting the mini hydroelectric generator module for monitoring output electricity quality of the mini hydroelectric generator module and switching on/off the electricity; an ignitor electrically connecting the power quality monitoring module for receiving electricity from the power quality monitoring module to ignite; and an electronic valve electrically connecting the power quality monitoring module for receiving electricity from the power quality monitoring module to switch on/off a gas pipe.

Helical wick candle and method of manufacturing this candle. The candle typically comprises a candle with meltable fuel such as wax, and at least one helical wick with a helical radius of at least ¼″ or greater. This helical wick is configured so that as the candle burns, the burning tip of the wick doesn't remain stationary, but rather circles the axis of the wick so as to burn more of the wax than would otherwise be possible with a prior art straight wick candle, at least when the diameter of the candle is larger than the pool of melted wax surrounding the wick. This results in higher fuel burning efficiency, often 1.5× or higher, as well as various interesting artistic shapes as the wick burns. Various wick sheath methods to improve the rigidity and burn resistance of the wick during the burning process are also discussed.

Helical wick candle and method of manufacturing this candle. The candle typically comprises a candle with meltable fuel such as wax, and at least one helical wick with a helical radius of at least ¼″ or greater. This helical wick is configured so that as the candle burns, the burning tip of the wick doesn't remain stationary, but rather circles the axis of the wick so as to burn more of the wax than would otherwise be possible with a prior art straight wick candle, at least when the diameter of the candle is larger than the pool of melted wax surrounding the wick. This results in higher fuel burning efficiency, often 1.5× or higher, as well as various interesting artistic shapes as the wick burns. Various wick sheath methods to improve the rigidity and burn resistance of the wick during the burning process are also discussed.

This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, the valve assembly may include a valve body with an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid path extending between the inlet and outlet ports, one or more valves situated about the fluid path, one or more valve actuators for selectively moving respective valves, one or more sensors for sensing one or more parameters within the fluid path, and a controller secured relative to the valve body and in communication with the one or more sensors for determining one or more valve assembly conditions based on the one or more sensed parameters. Illustratively, the controller may be configured to communicate information from the valve assembly to a combustion appliance controller that is located remotely from the valve assembly through a communications interface of the controller and across a communications bus.

Methods, burner, apparatuses, and systems are provided for controlling a velocity of a jet of gas exiting a burner when the gas is heated or not and at a corresponding second higher temperature or lower first temperature. Through the use of a temperature-sensitive magnetic valve, the flow of a gas can be redirected to maintain velocity of the gas as delivered to a combustion chamber based on the temperature of the gas. The temperature-sensitive magnetic valve can redirect flow of the gas based on the magnetic state of a ferromagnetic material. The state of the temperature-sensitive magnetic valve changes based on the temperature of the gas to maintain the velocity of the gas delivered through an outlet of the burner to the combustion chamber. Thus, heated gases and standard temperature gases can be delivered at approximately equal velocities thus maintaining flame size and shape.

A monitor for a natural gas-fired appliance is provided. The monitor comprises: a natural gas cycle-monitor interface configured to receive cycling signals from one or more of: the appliance; and a monitoring device located in the appliance and/or proximal to the appliance; a processor, in communication with the interface, configured to monitor cycles of the appliance based on the cycling signals; one or more indicators, in communication with the processor, configured to provide an alarm when the processor determines that the cycles of the appliance meets a threshold value; a first reset device configured to temporarily reset the one or more indicators to turn off the alarm when actuated, the one or more indicators again providing the alarm after a given time period following a temporary reset; and, a second reset device configured to reset monitoring of the cycles at the processor when actuated.

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a climate control system that includes an igniter and a controller having an igniter relay. The controller senses a current level through the igniter and senses voltage between terminals of a second relay of the controller. In a given one of a plurality of operational phases of the system, the controller is configured to compare the sensed current level and sensed voltage to a current level and voltage associated with a specific condition of the igniter, igniter relay, or second relay in the given phase. Based on a result of the comparing, the controller is configured to distinguish between a failure of one of the relays and a failure of the igniter.

An charge element disposed proximate to a combustion reaction is caused to carry a voltage while also being prevented from arc-discharging or arc-charging to or from the combustion reaction, by a current limiting element in electrical continuity with the charge element.

A sealpot for a combustion power plant includes a downcomer standpipe which receives solids of the combustion power plant, a bed including a first end and a second opposite end, the first end connected to the downcomer standpipe, a discharge standpipe disposed at the second opposite end of the bed, and an orifice plate disposed between the bed and the discharge standpipe separating the discharge standpipe from the bed. The orifice plate includes apertures disposed at a height above the bed which allow transport of fluidized solids and gas through the orifice plate.

The present invention relates to materials and systems useful for increasing the safety profile of a candle. In particular, the present invention provides a thermally-protective material that is useful to prepare labels or wraps to encircle or surround a candle. The present invention further provides a cool-touch thermally-protected candle assembly.

Techniques for controlling a solid fuel combustion appliance, e.g., a wood burning stove, are disclosed. A control system measures an exhaust gas temperature of airflow through an outlet of the solid fuel combustion appliance. The control system determines a derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time. The derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time is compared to a predetermined threshold. The control system modulates the inlet damper in response to determining that the derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time reaches the predetermined threshold.

A hands-free striker assembly for use with a torch cart for igniting a torch attached to the torch cart. The hands-free striker has a mounting body mounted to the torch cart having a striker tip for lighting the torch. The hands-free striker also has a friction pad for lighting the torch by passing the torch over the friction pad and into contact with the striker tip.

A candle with an embedded item and methods for manufacturing same are disclosed. A method for manufacturing a candle having an embedded item can include providing a first set of items of a first value and a second set of items of a second value different from the first value, combining the two sets to create a third set, and distributing the items of the third set among a set of candles, one item per candle, where the presence, nature, or value of the item within the candle is obscured. The method can further include selling the candles for a first price, wherein, the presence of the embedded item, the nature of the embedded item, the value of the embedded item, or the value of the embedded item relative to the first price is not known to the purchaser. The embedded item can comprise an object redeemable for a prize.

Described is a device (11) for controlling the combustion of a burner (1), comprising: •first means (12) for measuring the fuel flow rate (Vg); •second means 13 for measuring the flow rate of the comburent (Va) •first operator means (14) for controlling the opening of an inlet valve (5) as a function of the quantity of fuel to be supplied to the burner (1); •second operator means (15) for controlling the comburent flow regulator means (8) as a function of the quantity of comburent to be supplied to the burner (1); According to this invention, the device (11) comprises a unit (16) for controlling the first operator means (14) and the second operator means (15) as a function of the values measured by the first measuring means (12) and by the second measuring means (13).

A candle assembly for making a personalized scented candle including a candle body comprises a coring device that is configured to remove a core from the candle body, the coring device including (i) a leading edge that selectively extends into the candle body; and (ii) a plurality of measurement markers that measure a depth of the leading edge within the candle body. The coring device can be configured to remove the core from the candle body to form a cavity in the candle body. Additionally, the measurement markers can be utilized to determine a depth of the cavity formed in the candle body by the coring device.

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a double-sealed high-temperature resistant DC ignitor for use with a wood pellet burner assembly. The DC ignitor includes a non-heating element portion. The non-heating element portion is connected to at least one of a battery or an AC to DC electrical transformer attached to the wood pellet burner assembly. A heating element is connected to the non-heating element portion, and extends by at least one inch into a combustion region of the wood pellet burner assembly. The heating element portion is configured to be heated by power received from the battery or the AC to DC electrical transformer. The DC ignitor provides safe, reliable, and fast combustion of wood pellets that congregate in a combustion region of the wood pellet burner assembly.

The present invention is an equestrian light device comprised of a plurality of lighting elements which can be secured to the bridle, saddle, stirrups and other pieces of tack, and which provides a rider with the ability to view a path before the turning of a horse to go down the path, in addition to illuminating a zone of safety to provide a rider with adequate visibility to discern obstacles that may impede the progress of a horse on a path, or which may startle or injure the animal or rider.

The invention also a stabilizing system to stabilize a rider in the saddle comprising a saddle stabilizer block which can be used alone or in combination with a complementary boot stabilizer block to restrict movement of the rider in the saddle.

A protective garment for livestock, such as a horse, has a first portion and a second portion defining a planar sheet of material. The first portion substantially covers a left leg and shoulder of the livestock, while the second portion substantially covers a right leg and shoulder of the livestock. The garment can comprise a one-piece protective cover or a two-piece protective cover. In one embodiment, the first portion and the second portion are connected to each other by an attachment member extending across a back of the livestock. In use, the protective garment is sufficiently secured to the livestock to protect it from undesirable external elements, such as insects and sunlight, yet somewhat loose to allow the livestock to freely move while wearing the garment.

A horse boot (10) includes a shell (12) and a gaiter (22). The shell has a sole (14) and an upper (16) with a vertical slit (18). The gaiter (22) is releasably attached to the heel of the upper and is wrapped around the pastern (P) above the hoof's hairline (C) and below the fetlock to anchor the shell to the pastern and function as a barrier against debris. The gaiter includes a portion of two-way stretch material (60) that makes it possible to fold it out of the way for ease of installation. The process is further facilitated by the slit (18) that allows spreading of the shell. By shaping the upper (16) so that it presses against the hoof (H), the boot is advantageously held in place using only the gaiter anchored to the heel of the boot and strapped to the pastern of the horse.

A boot accessory for limiting how far a user can push his/her boot into a stirrup comprises an arch for hugging a front edge of the boot; a first hook disposed on the first end of the arch and a second hook disposed on the second end of the arch. The first hook curves outwardly from the first end of the arch and further a first end of the first hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. The second hook curves outwardly from the second end of the arch and further a first end of the second hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. A gap exists between the first end of the first hook and the arch and between the first end of the second hook and the arch, wherein the gaps are for engaging sides of the stirrup.

A lifting girdle apparatus for enhancing the performance of a harness racing horse includes a lifting girdle affixed to a harness and sulky at two points on each side of the horse with a clip that attaches to the harness, behind approximately the front quarter of the horse, and with a securing strap that runs vertically towards and around the shaft of the sulky. The securing strap is preferably made to be adjustable, for example by constructing the securing strap as a belt and utilizing a belt buckle. The ability to adjust the distance between the attachment clips and the lifting girdle allows for a trainer to configure the lifting girdle device apparatus for different sized horses for producing an optimum setting for horses of almost any size.

A joint-supporting device comprises tensile members extending from above the joint to below it, supplementing the tensile characteristics of the joint's tendons, ligaments, and other structure. The tension members extend between a proximal cuff above the joint to a distal cuff below it, and pass over a pad at the apex of the joint, redirecting the tension members. In order that the cuffs are supported in position so that the tension members can effectively support the joint, they are spaced away from the joint by compression members bearing on proximal and distal bolsters, in turn located positively by the boney structure of the joint. In order that the structure of the invention not interfere overly with the normal function of the joint, the device employs dilatant materials having the property of varying their hardness upon motion. The dilatant material is disposed so as to limit the relative angular velocity of the members of the joint. The dilatant material can be disposed in pad form, arranged to be compressed by the tensile members as the joint is extended, and/or as the core of a composite tensile member, sheathed in a cover woven of high tensile strength filaments or yarns.

An apparatus includes a slider of a recording head comprising a plurality of electrical bond pads coupled to bias sources and a ground pad. Each of a plurality of electrical components of the slider is coupled to at least one of the electrical bond pads. At least one of the electrical bond pads is a shared electrical bond pad coupled to at least two of the electrical components. At least one diode is coupled to at least one of the electrical bond pads and at least one of the electrical components.

A method and apparatus for detecting tightness of a pick-up head, and a method and apparatus for controlling the moving of the pick-up head are disclosed. The method for detecting the tightness of the pick-up head includes moving the pick-up head to an inner area of the disc reading device when then disc reading device is powered on, moving the pick-up head to an outer area of the disc reading device within a predetermined time period, moving the pick-up head from the outer area of the disc reading device to the inner area at a constant speed by a first fixed force, and recording the moving duration for moving the pick-up head from the outer area of the disc reading device to the inner area at the constant speed.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for monitoring components in a library by tracking the movement of library components. By tracking the movement of library components, the degradation of library components can be monitored and the reliability of library components determined, allowing unreliable components to be bypassed or replaced, enhancing the reliability of the library and preventing data loss.

Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a HAMR head. The HAMR head includes a main pole, a waveguide and a NFT disposed between the main pole and the waveguide. The NFT includes an antenna, and a portion of the antenna is disposed at a media facing surface. By increasing the volume of the antenna extending from the MFS, the temperature of the NFT during operation is reduced.

The present technology relates to a recording control apparatus, a recording control method, a drive controlling controller, a drive controlling method, a recording medium, and a program capable of reading information more reliably. A manager generates DMSs as management information for managing user data areas and spare areas of an optical disc. Further, the manager records the generated DMS in a DMA area of DS0 of the optical disc, and, in addition, records the generated DMS in a DMA mirror area of the DS1 surface of the optical disc. As described above, since DMSs as management information are recorded in the different areas of the optical disc, even if DMS cannot be read from one area, DMS can be read from the other area. The present technology is applicable to a recording and reproducing apparatus.

An apparatus includes a storage medium operable to store a number of data tracks, a read channel circuit operable to process the data tracks read from the storage medium, and a track quality classifier circuit operable to determine a track quality metric for the data tracks read from the storage medium. The track quality metric indicates whether a corresponding one of the data tracks that has failed to successfully process in the read channel circuit can be reprocessed within a track gap period.

An apparatus includes a slider body of a disk drive. The slider body is electrically coupled to a plurality of end bond pads. A voltage applied to one more of the end bond pads sets a surface potential of the slider body.

Provided is a light information device, and the like, that records header information on an information recording medium, after preventing screen burn of a spatial light modulator. One example of the solution in the present invention is a light information device that records two-dimensional page data on an information recording medium and is provided with a first information generation unit, a second information generation unit that generates a second bit string on the basis of a first bit string, and a spatial light modulation unit that displays a pattern corresponding to the second bit string. The second information generation unit: performs a first processing, on the first bit string corresponding to first identification information, that inverts each bit at a prescribed cycle; generates the second bit string corresponding to the first identification information; performs a second processing, different from the first processing, on the first bit string corresponding to second identification information that includes bits which are switched at the same cycle as the prescribed cycle; and generates the second bit string corresponding to the second identification information.

The invention relates to a control device for carrying out an operating method for an electric window lifter for moving a rear pane (3) in a motor vehicle, in which the rear pane (3) is moved in a lowering direction (−z) along an approximately s-shaped path of movement. In the case of trapping, the movement of the rear pane (3) in the lowering direction (−z) is stopped and the rear pane (3) is moved in the lifting direction (+z).

In one embodiment, a method conducted by a movable barrier gateway device is disclosed for controlling a movable barrier, comprising receiving, by a communication interface, a remote command from a remote control device to move the movable barrier, the remote command sent over a network, delaying transmission of a signal to a movable barrier controller to move the movable barrier, by a processor, for a predetermined time period after the remote command is received, detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period by a barrier movement detector, and ignoring the remote command by the processor in response to detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period.

A door for attachment on the front of a machining tank of an electric discharge machine includes a door frame and first and second lifting doors that move up and down with respect to the door frame. When the first lifting door is lifted, pulleys attached on the first lifting door also move up, causing a belt wound around the pulleys and fixed to the door frame via a first belt-attaching member to rotate. As a result, the second lifting door, fixed to the belt via a second belt-attaching member, moves up with respect to the first lifting door.

A trim or weatherstrip assembly secured to an associated vehicle. The assembly includes a cover portion that overlies an associated vehicle adjacent an edge. A connection member is defined on the cover portion. A fastener portion includes a detent connection member having first and second portions for operatively and alternatively engaging the connection member in a shipping, first position and in an installed, second position.

Hinged assemblies, and children's products including at least one hinged assembly, include a base member and a hinged member operatively and pivotally coupled to the base member to define a hinge. The hinge is configured to release if an obstruction is positioned between the hinged member and the base member while the hinged member is being closed and if a closing torque is greater than or equal to a release torque. The hinge also may be configured to not release when an opening torque is applied when the hinged member is in its open position even when the opening torque is greater than the release torque.

Certain example embodiments relate to a sliding window assembly (e.g., of the type found in utility cabs or other vehicles), and methods of making the same. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole being defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. Elongated upper and lower rails connected to the fixed panel include upper and lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top and bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. Forward and rear end details are provided to each of the upper and lower rails proximate to the hole for slidingly receiving, in respective channels formed therein, the at least one top and bottom pins. The slidable panel is laterally movable when being opened via the respective rail channels provided to the upper and lower rails. The channels in the forward and rear end details are formed so that the slidable panel is movable slightly outwardly towards the hole when the slidable window is being closed and slightly inwardly away from the hole when the slidable window is being opened.

In a sliding door with a door panel supported by a carriage disposed on a guide rail so as to foe movable between spaced door stops, the door stops include shock absorbers and the carriage has contact elements for contact with the shock absorbers. The shock absorbers further include return springs which are compressed by the engagement of the sliding door panel, the sliding door panel being lockable in its end positions by a locking arrangement for retaining it in an end position.

A sealing member for a vehicle opening includes a first co-extrusion layer formed from a first elastomeric composition, a second co-extrusion layer formed from a second elastomeric composition, and a third co-extrusion layer formed from a thermoplastic vulcanizate composition. The first co-extrusion layer defines a mounting channel, a window channel, and a front face spaced from the mounting channel and the window channel. The second co-extrusion layer has a portion disposed on the front face of the first co-extrusion layer and a sealing lip disposed on the first co-extrusion layer abutting the portion and extending away from the first co-extrusion layer towards a distal end. The third co-extrusion layer is disposed on the portion and the sealing lip of the second co-extrusion layer for covering segments of the second co-extrusion layer that are visible from an exterior of the vehicle.

A demountable modular wall system including a series of individual wall panels that can be positioned adjacent to each other. The demountable wall system includes a doorway defined by a pair of spaced vertical posts and a horizontal header. In one embodiment, a sliding glass door is movable along a sliding door track mounted to the horizontal header. A lower trim assembly mounted to the bottom end of the sliding glass door adjusts the overall height of the door. The doorway can also include a pivoting glass door. The pivoting glass door includes a bottom pivot assembly having a bottom clamp adjustably positioned along a bottom end of the pivoting glass door. The adjustable bottom clamp can be moved along the bottom end of the pivoting glass door and receives a pivot pin supported on the floor. A top pivot assembly includes a movable plunger that defines a portion of the pivot axis for the pivoting glass door.

A shutter-blind system for windows is provided. The system includes a frame and a plurality of rotatable parallel louvers coupled within the frame. Each louver of the plurality of louvers is operatively coupled to adjacent louvers with a collapsible linkage. The system may further comprise a biasing member coupled to a first louver located at a first end of the plurality of louvers and a resisting member coupled to a second louver located at a second end of the plurality of louvers. The biasing member pulls against the resisting member to maintain tension in the collapsible linkage. According to certain embodiments, the frame elements are coupled within a window opening and trim elements are coupled to cover gaps between the frame elements and the window opening.

A roll-up door seal that may be monolithically formed from a single material of uniform density. The seal is sized and adapted to assemble to a standard roll-up door frame without a separate or dedicated frame structure. The seal provides redundant sealing surfaces, positioned to cooperate with both the door and door frame, which ensure an effective and durable fluid tight seal between the cargo space enclosed by the roll-up door and the ambient environment. The seal may be produced by extrusion from a flexible, weather resistant material such as EPDM, thereby providing a low cost solution for sealing roll-up doors having industry standard door frame constructions. The seal is firmly engageable with the door frame, such that the seal may be installed with little or no secondary fixation.

An adjusting apparatus is provided in a sash to turn slats automatically while the sash is being opened. The adjusting apparatus includes a plurality of first engaging members, a driven unit, and a driving unit. The first engaging members are connected to the slats respectively. The driven unit is connected to the frame of the sash for reciprocation, and has a second engaging member, wherein all the first engaging members are engaged with the second engaging member. The driving unit is connected to the carrier and the driven unit respectively to drive the driven unit to move while the sash is being opened. The first engaging members are turned by the second engaging member when the driven unit is moved by the driving unit to turn the slats from the first position to the second position.