A device for preventing jamming of a fibrous material subject to a compressive treatment in a stuffing chamber defined by a feed roll and a retard roll. The device includes an impact blade and a stabilizing apparatus. The impact blade is rigid and interchangeable. The stabilizing apparatus stabilizes the impact blade against moving away from the feed roll to prevent the jamming of the fibrous material between the feed roll and the impact blade during the compressive treatment of the fibrous material.

The invention relates to an apparatus for compacting a material web made of fibers and/or filaments, comprising a first revolving endless belt which carries the material web and is tensioned around guide rollers, and a second endless belt which is tensioned around guide rollers and revolves counter to the first belt at the same speed, wherein the first and second endless belts form a conical compacting region in a first region in the conveying direction of the material web and run at an angle with respect to each other, whereby the material web located between the belts is increasingly pressed, wherein subsequent to the first region a first nozzle beam is disposed for a first fluid application onto the material web still located between the two endless belts, wherein the two belts in this region of the first fluid application are in each case guided to run in a tensioned manner in a straight direction. According to the invention, the following is provided: the two belts (1,2) are guided in the region of the first fluid application (D,W,A) such that they do not run parallel to each other, or: the two belts (1,2) are guided in the region of the first fluid application (D,W,A) such that they run parallel to each other in a first section (AB1) and not parallel to each other in a subsequent second section (AB2).

A method is disclosed of directing bias tows of a fabric to be wrapped around a form to create a fabric preform. The fabric includes at least a first set of bias tows that are generally parallel with one another and a second set of bias tows that are generally parallel with one another but that are not parallel with the first set of bias tows. An edge strip is attached to ends of the first set of bias tows at a first lateral edge of the fabric relative to a feed direction of the fabric onto the form. The edge strip is moved to direct the first set of bias tows. The fabric is wrapped around the form by rotating the fabric and form relative to one another about the central axis of the form to create the fabric preform.

A bevel gear drive (1) comprises a spur bevel gear (2) and a pinion which both mesh with one another. The spur bevel gear and the pinion are arranged within a housing (3). An abutment plate (4) is provided so as to avoid displacement of the spur bevel gear (2), under high operating loads. The abutment plate (4) is integrated in the housing (3) and supports the spur bevel gear (2) when forces, that can cause displacement of the spur bevel gear (2), act upon the spur bevel gear (2).

A locating beam and a robot linear motion unit having the same, wherein the locating beam comprises a first support beam and a second support beam which are parallel to each other, a crossbeam connected between the first support beam and the second support beam and is vertical to the beams, and a joints between the crossbeam and the beams is provided with a right-angle connecting piece. The robot linear motion unit includes a motion track and a transmission mechanism arranged along the extension direction of the motion track, and the motion track is arranged on a surface of the locating beam. Arranging the crossbeam and right-angle connecting pieces between the first support beam and the second support beam in the locating beam, improves the mechanical structure strength, reduces deflection deformation and twist deformation of the locating beam, and improves the impact resistance of the robot linear motion unit.

A securing element (1) with an annular body (3, 12a, 26) and with holding tongues (4) which emerge from the annular body (3, 12a, 26) and end at a hole (6) in the securing element (1), which hole is centered with respect to the center axis (5) of the securing element (1), wherein the hole (6) leads axially in the same direction as the center axis (5) through the securing element (1) and, at the radial narrowest points of the hole (6), is bounded at least by end edges (7) formed on the end sides of the holding tongues (4), and wherein in each case at least two surfaces (8, 9) bounding part of the holding tongue (4) meet and end at the respective end edge (7), and of which one of the surfaces (8) is formed on the front side of the holding tongue (4).

A pendulum absorber system attenuates torsional vibrations within a drive train of a vehicle. The system can be incorporated between an engine and an automatic transmission, for example, within a flex plate assembly attached to an engine's crankshaft, within a pump housing cover of a torque converter, or as a stand-alone unit between a flex plate assembly and a torque converter. The system includes at least one pendulum weight that dynamically moves along a predetermined path in response to variations in rotational velocities of a housing of the system and that is tuned to attenuate excitation of torsional vibrations within the drive train. A limiter assembly, which can include multiple limiters, is provided within the system for stopping movement of the weight when it reaches endpoints of the predetermined path, by mechanically impeding further movement at both of a first and second end of the weight.

A vibratory device comprises a rotor and an eccentric weight. The eccentric weight is mounted to the shaft and has a center of mass that is offset from the shaft axis. The vibratory device is configured such that the eccentric weight is in a first rotational orientation relative to the shaft and rotates with the shaft when the shaft rotates in a first direction about the shaft axis and such that the eccentric weight is in a second rotational orientation relative to the shaft when the shaft rotates in an opposite second direction about the shaft axis. The vibratory device is further configured such that the eccentric weight automatically transitions from the first rotational orientation to the second rotational orientation when the shaft is switched from rotating in the first direction to rotating in the second direction.

A probe deployment mechanism of a coordinate measuring machine provides for extending and retracting a probe. The probe is displaceable with respect to the actuator body connected to the measuring machine. A locator coupling secures the probe to the actuator body at the extended position for taking measurements. A drive coupled to the probe displaces the probe between the extended and retracted positions but at the extended position, the drive is releasable from the probe for kinetically isolating the locator coupling.

A touch probe (1; 1'; 1″; 1'″) for applications in machine tools or measuring machines includes a support frame (2) with a protective casing (3), and a movable armset (5) with a feeler (11) to touch a part to be checked (13). The probe includes a detection device (23) with a laminar piezoelectric transducer (25) made of polymeric material, such as polyvinylidene fluoride, which is connected to the support frame and fixed at a bearing and locating area (7), on which the movable armset rests in a position defined by an isostatic rest system (17). Conditioning electronics (30) connected to the support frame include processing means for processing a force signal (M) provided by the detection device, comparing it with a threshold value (S) and generating a touch signal (T). The conditioning electronics include differential charge amplifiers (3) and a processing system (55) to dynamically vary the threshold value depending on the most recent values of the force signal detected.

In a method for calibrating a star probe of an image measuring machine, the star probe includes one or more probe heads. Probe configuration information for the star probe is configured when there is no probe configuration file of the star probe stored in a storage device of the image measuring machine, and one of the probe heads to be calibrated is selected from the star probe. The method calibrates a radius value of the selected probe head, and calibrates the deviation between the center point of the selected probe head and the focus of the camera lens. The method further generates a star probe model of the star probe according to the probe configuration information and the probe calibration information, and displays the star probe model of the star probe on a display device of the image measuring machine.

The present invention provides a dental member, which has a reduced size, and thus prevents damages to tooth roots upon implantation, has high strength and low elasticity, and is excellent in engraftment stability after implantation. The dental member is produced with an amorphous alloy having a composition represented by formula: ZraNibCucAld [wherein “a” ranges from 60 to 75 at. %, “b” ranges from 11 to 30 at. %, “c” ranges from 1 to 16 at. %, and “d” ranges from 5 to 20 at. %] and is used as an orthodontic anchor screw wherein the screw part has a core diameter of 0.5-1.0 mm or a length of 2-5 mm, a one-piece-type dental implant wherein the screw part has the largest diameter of 0.5-2.9 mm and a length of 2-13.4 mm, or a two-piece-type dental implant wherein the screw part has the largest diameter of 0.5-2.9 mm and a length of 2-5.9 mm.

A method of analyzing a positional relationship between a dental restoration and a dental substructure. The method has steps of scanning a reference area and determining the shape of the dental substructure in its positional relationship to the reference area, and thereby providing a virtual dental substructure model and scanning the reference area along with scanning at least a portion of the dental restoration in fit position with the dental substructure to provide a virtual assembly model. The method further has the step of providing fitting quality information between the dental restoration model and the dental substructure model. The method utilizes superposing of further virtual models to provide the fitting quality information. The method facilitates the assessment of the quality of the fit between a dental restoration and a dental substructure.

A multi-plate dual clutch for coupling a motor vehicle engine to a drive shaft of a motor vehicle transmission and to an auxiliary power take-off output shaft of the motor vehicle. The dual clutch includes a drive clutch for coupling the motor vehicle engine with the drive shaft, and an auxiliary power take-off clutch for coupling the motor vehicle engine with the auxiliary output shaft. The drive clutch and the auxiliary power take-off clutch can each to be operated independently of one another by a separate lever mechanism. The dual clutch includes a wet chamber housing in which the drive clutch and the auxiliary power take-off clutch are accommodated in fluid-tight relationship, while the respective lever mechanisms for the drive clutch and the auxiliary power take-off clutch are located outside the wet chamber housing.

A torsional vibration damper assembly for a hydrokinetic torque coupling device, comprises a torsional vibration damper, and a dynamic absorber operatively connected to the torsional vibration damper. The torsional vibration damper comprises a driven member rotatable about a rotational axis, a first retainer plate rotatable relative to the driven member coaxially with the rotational axis, and a plurality of damper elastic members interposed between the first retainer plate and the driven member. The damper elastic members elastically couples the first retainer plate to the driven member. The dynamic absorber includes an inertial member. The inertial member is mounted to the torsional vibration damper rotatably relative to the driven member. The inertial member is rotationally guided and centered relative to the rotational axis by the driven member of the torsional vibration damper.

The cellulose nanofiber production method of the present invention comprises an oxidation treatment step for oxidizing native cellulose in a neutral or acidic reaction solution containing an N-oxyl compound and an oxidizing agent that oxidizes aldehyde groups, and a dispersion step for dispersing the native cellulose in a medium following the oxidation treatment step. According to the production method of the present invention, a cellulose nanofiber is provided that has long fibers and demonstrates high strength.

An object of the invention is to provide cellulose fibers which can give a cellulose composite that renders high transparency, a reduction in linear expansion coefficient, and a high modulus of elasticity possible. The invention relates to: a process for producing modified cellulose fibers which includes a modification reaction step of reacting cellulose with an aromatic compound in an organic acid to thereby modify the cellulose with an aromatic-ring-containing substituent; cellulose fibers modified with aromatic-ring-containing substituent; a dispersion of the cellulose fibers; and a cellulose fiber composite obtained from the same.

The present application provides preparations for changing the color of keratinic fibers, containing in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, at least one color-changing agent, at least one soap, at least one non-ionic surfactant of formula (I), in which R1 denotes an alkyl or alkenyl residue having 5 to 21 carbon atoms, R2 denotes a C2-C4 monohydroxyalkyl residue, and R3 denotes hydrogen, a C1-C4 alkyl residue or a C2-C4 monohydroxyalkyl residue, and at least one propellant wherein the preparation is in the form of a foam, and a proportion of gas in the foam is at least 50% by volume.

Systems and methods for treating small elongated fibrous and particles of certain materials, e.g., PTFE materials in a suspension are presented. In some instances, high-intensity ultrasound (or acoustical energy) is applied to a sample of the material, through a fluid coupling medium or suspension, to achieve a material transformation in the sample. In various embodiments, fibrillation of particles of PTFE or similar materials is accomplished, or the formation of extended structures of these materials is caused or enhanced. Also, the ability to separate long fiber samples by ultrasonic or acoustic cavitation action is provided.

The present invention refers to a process of making a fibrous structure, wherein roughly graded material is provided to rotating, apertured drums. The drums have at least one needle roll in their inside. The roughly graded material is agitated inside the drums, whereby fibers or small fiber clusters are separated from each other. These fibers and small fiber clusters are flung through the apertures to the outside of the drum, where they are directed onto a foraminous carrier to form a fibrous structure. The fibrous structures are especially useful in absorbent articles.

Apparatus for producing spread fiber bundles by strategic use of tension control throughout the device and use of higher differential speeds between driven rollers and line speed of the running fiber bundle are provided herein, along with methods for producing spread fibers, prepregs, and articles of manufacture therefrom.

The present invention provides cellulose-based fibers including cellulose and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polysiloxane, a polyacrylic acid, a polyacrylamide, an m-aramid, and a polyvinylalcohol/polystyrene copolymer, and a tire cord including the same. Furthermore, the cellulose-based fibers of the present invention have an advantage in superior elongation and tenacity of the prior cellulose fibers by blending at least one polymer having a functional group that is capable of a hydrogen bond with a hydroxyl group of a cellulose molecule.

An apparatus for making a carbon nanotube yarn includes a tube and a bobbin. The tube has an opening capable of introducing organic solvent into the tube. The tube further has an inlet and an outlet defined through lateral walls thereof. The inlet is capable of accepting one or more carbon nanotube yarn strings and the outlet is capable of accepting the carbon nanotube yarn. The bobbin is positioned around the tube for collecting the carbon nanotube yarn as it comes out of the outlet.

A fiber sample conditioning system having a comb for engaging and retaining fibers to form a beard, and at least two rotating brushes for brushing the fibers simultaneously from opposite sides of the beard in a direction along the fibers away from the comb.

A processing line of bast fiber is provided. The processing line is comprised of various devices for carding, cutting, degumming, high temperature washing, separating and water washing, softening, drying, batching and applying oil, permeating and reconditioning, stretching-breaking carding, and combing and sorting. The processing line of bast fiber can improve production efficiency, and improve the yield of long hemp fibers. Moreover, the produced fiber has stable quality and is convenient for post-processing.

The invention described relates to a polyolefin blend composition suitable for spunbond fiber or filament compositions, and to fabric compositions and composite constructions therefrom, said blend comprising a) from 60-98 wt % of at least one random propylene copolymer having a comonomer content of from 8 to 25 wt % and a crystalline melting point (Tm) as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of from about 40° C. to about 110° C.; and b) from 2-40 wt % of at least one substantially isotactic polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer comprising one or more C2 and/or C4-C8 comonomer, having a crystalline melting point (Tm) as determined by DSC greater than or equal to 120° C. The blends of the present invention typically have a melt flow rate (MFR) of from 100 g/10 min to about 500 g/10 min.

A method and a device for the dry forming of a fiber web, in which a multiplicity of fibers or fiber mixtures are fed to a forming head by means of an air flow is described. The forming head produces a fiber stream which is introduced into a clearance of a forming zone between the forming head and a laydown belt. To obtain as uniform a construction of the fiber layer as possible during the laying down of the fibers, the fibers of the fiber stream run through the clearance within the forming zone with free sections of different lengths. To this end, the forming head and the laydown belt are held in a non-parallel arrangement, with the result that the clearance is formed by different spacings between the laydown belt and the forming outlet of the forming head.

A processing agent containing five specified kinds of components including esters and ethers as required components is used in the production or fabrication process of synthetic fibers such that superior spinning property is maintained and synthetic fibers with superior yarn quality and dyeing property can be obtained. Aqueous liquids of such processing agents, processing methods using such liquids and synthetic fibers obtained by such methods are also presented.

A pressure steam treatment apparatus according to the invention includes a pressure steam treatment chamber and labyrinth sealing chambers. The labyrinth sealing chambers are respectively arranged on a fiber bundle inlet and on a fiber bundle outlet of the steam treatment apparatus, having a running path of the fiber bundle in a horizontal direction and having plural labyrinth nozzles on top and bottom of the running path. The difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the distance in the perpendicular direction of the top and bottom side labyrinth nozzles, of a pair of opposing labyrinth nozzles is 0.5 mm or smaller when the ambient temperature of the labyrinth sealing chamber is 140° C. This structure ensures that the energy cost can be reduced, the deformation of the apparatus and also, the raise of fuzz on the fiber bundle and fiber bundle breakage can be prevented at the same time.

A rotary drum for a fiber-stacking device includes a drum body, pattern plates each having a single fiber-stacking depression, and holding mechanisms each detachably holding a corresponding pattern plate on the outer circumferential surface of the drum body. Each holding mechanism has a fixed hook and a moveable hook. The fixed hook is immovably attached to one side of the drum body and forms a first groove with the drum body. The movable hook is attached to the other side of the drum body to be moveable between a holding position and a release position, forms a second groove with the drum body at the holding position, and opens the second groove at the release position. When the movable hook is at the holding position, the two side parts of the pattern plate are accommodated inside the first and second grooves.

Device for mechanically splitting finite textile fiber bundles, comprising n individual fibers (n≧2) in fiber bundles having less than n individual fibers and/or individual fibers, characterized in that in a milling chamber that is closed off from the outside and that has one or more dead spaces of at least 10% of the milling chamber volume and in which one or more rotating striking elements operate in a non-cutting manner and so as to reduce load peaks and at a rotational speed that can be adapted to the material but that is at least 200 r.p.m., the material is adjustably input in different amounts in batches, treated for an adjustable duration, and then discharged again from the milling chamber.

The invention relates to a clothing carrier (3) for flexible or semi-rigid clothings (2) for processing fiber material, wherein the clothing carrier (3) has a longitudinal direction (6) and a transverse direction (7). The transverse direction (6) corresponds to a working direction (A) of the clothing (2). The clothing carrier (3) exhibits a maximum tensile force (FL) in the longitudinal direction (6) which is greater than a maximum tensile force (FQ) in the transverse direction (7).

A working assembly (1) includes a rotatable hollow drum or cylinder (2) having a cylindrical wall (3) with ends having transverse header walls (4) with openings (16, 17), and with a longitudinal shaft (5). The external lateral surface of the cylindrical wall (3) has a clothing device intended to interact with the fibers being carded. First and second support uprights (6, 7) are fixed in operation, and adapted to support the ends of the shaft (5) of the drum or cylinder (2) for rotation about a preferably horizontal axis. The support uprights (6, 7) and the drum or cylinder (2) are configured and coupled with each other such as to define at least one fluid path for a flow of a refrigerating fluid, which extends through the openings (16, 17) and inside the drum or cylinder (2) and is adapted to cause cooling of the lateral cylindrical wall (3) thereof.

The device for producing a uniform or profiled fleece or a fiber flock mat includes a material dispensing device which produces a fleece and a transport device for the further transport of the fleece. The device also includes a measuring device to determine a transverse profile and a longitudinal profile of the fleece by measuring the mass per unit area of the fleece across its width, and a profile-changing device for supplying individualized fibers or fiber flocks to the fleece. A control unit controls the profile-changing device on the basis of the results of the measuring device in such a way that the profile-changing device supplies the individualized fibers or fiber flocks section by section in a targeted manner. Thus, depending on the purpose of the application, a uniform fleece or a fleece with a nonuniform transverse profile or longitudinal profile can be produced.

A pumping system frame assembly for use in supporting a horizontal pumping system on a platform includes a central body assembly, a motor plate connected to the central body assembly and a plurality of platform support assemblies connected to the central support member. The central body assembly includes a central support member that has an upper face and a pair of side rails connected to the upper face. A central brace extends along at least a portion of the central support member.

The present invention relates to a tube fastening structure for fastening a tube in a radiant floor heating system, the tube fastening structure comprising a bottom layer and at least one fastening element. The bottom layer is fixed on ground and has a surface of loop members. The fastening element has a plurality of hook members on a first surface thereof, and the plurality of hook members are configured to be mechanically fastened to the surface of the loop members of the bottom layer. After the tube is placed on the bottom layer, the fastening element is configured to fasten the tube in a manner of surrounding the tube by a mechanical fastening between the plurality of hook members and the surface of the loop members of the bottom layer.

A connection device for setting up an arrangement of a plurality of loudspeaker boxes that are suspended beneath one another comprises a first assembly rail which is provided for assembly on a first loudspeaker box and to which a latching part is attached, and a second assembly rail which is provided for assembly on a second loudspeaker box and to which a retaining element that interacts with the latching part is attached. Herein, a free path length of a longitudinal displaceability of the latching part in relation to the first assembly rail is preselectable. Furthermore, the position of the retaining element in relation to the second assembly rail is preselectable.

A transformable bed for examinations in pediatric ophthalmology, especially suitable for the use of general anesthesia when conducting eye examinations, is provided. The bed may include a fixed bed board, a movable bed board, a movable seat, a movable support, a securing strap, and a main frame. The bed may be fixedly connected to the top of the main frame, the movable bed board may be rotationally connected to the top of the main frame, and the movable seat may be rotationally connected to the top of the main frame. The securing strap may be disposed on the movable bed board, in which one end of the movable support may be removably connected to the movable bed board, and another end may be removably connected to the main frame. The transformable bed may function both as an anesthesia bed and a handcart, and may be quickly switched therebetween.

Levitation devices are disclosed for use with beds. In one embodiment, the levitation device is configured to facilitate rotation of a mattress with respect to a box spring. In another embodiment, the levitation device is configured to facilitate making a bed which allows sheets and blankets to be tucked between the mattress and the box spring without the need to lift the mattress. In a third embodiment, the levitation device functions as a hybrid device and can be used for making a bed or rotating a mattress.

A movable lift device including a rotatable bed which can be lifted or rotated by a user, with laying a user thereon. The movable lift device having a rotatable bed includes a base frame comprising a plurality of wheels installed therein; a post rotatably coupled to the base frame, the post upwardly extended from the base frame a predetermined length in an “L” shape; and a bed comprising a bed part that is able to ascend along the post, the bed part allowing a user to lie thereon. The post rotatably supporting the bed has an “L” shape and the supporting point of the post rotatably supporting the bed is formed in the center of the base frame, such that the structure may be stably maintained even when the bed having the patient lying thereon is rotated, only to prevent an accident of overturning the movable lift device.

A foldable bed may include a first bed unit and a second bed unit. The first bed unit has a first bed frame and a second bed frame. Underneath the first and second bed frames are restorable leg and rear leg, so the first bed unit can be safely disposed on the ground. One side of the first and second bed frame has a first joint mechanism. The second bed unit has a first bed frame and a second bed frame, which are supported by a supporting leg, so the second bed unit can be safely disposed on the ground. A long slot on the first bed frame and second bed frame is provided for a securing unit to insert to connect with a connecting hole of the first joint mechanism, so the first bed unit and second bed unit can be connected as a foldable sofa bed.

An electric bed has a bed frame, multiple boards, and a motor structure. The bed frame comprises a lower bed frame and an upper bed frame, and the upper bed frame and the lower bed frame are connected by a connecting structure. The multiple boards are hinged, and at least one board is fixed onto the upper bed frame. The motor structure comprises a connecting rod, a slide bar, and a horizontal pushing motor system. The connecting rod has one end hinged with the first board of the multiple boards. The slide bar extends in the width direction of the bed frame and is arranged in a sliding chute in the length direction of the bed frame, so that it can slide along the length direction of the bed frame.

A bed vibration system to provide controllable vibrations beneath a mattress, which is located on a bed, the system comprising: a frame attachable to the bed by at least four suspension modules; at least two vibration modules, each vibration module having a rotatable element; at least two travel tracks attachable to the frame, the travel tracks configurable to have the at least two vibration modules respectively displaceable thereupon; and a vibration module control unit configurable to control vibrations and displacement of the respective vibration modules.

Disclosed is a bed clothing system that has a bottom sheet and top sheet attached together at the corners of the foot end of the bed clothing system. At the foot end of the bed clothing system on the corners, where the top and bottom sheets are attached, a stretchable piece of material is disposed in a vertical direction so that the bed sheet system is able to accommodate to any size and thickness of a mattress, while also remaining securely fixed on a mattress.

A movable privacy screen includes a plurality of privacy screen segments that are attachable to a bed or gurney. The plurality of screen segments include at least first and second screen segments. Each of the first and second screen segments include a first support pole, a second support pole and a coupler. The first support pole has a variable length to permit the first support pole to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The second support pole has a variable length to permit the second support pole to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The coupler movably couples the first and second support poles to the bed in a spaced relation to permit the first and second support poles to move between an upstanding use position and a lowered storage position. A fabric-like screen member is coupled to each of the first and second support poles. The fabric-like screen member is sized to extend between the first and second support poles, and is movable between a raised use position and a lowered storage position.

A bed with an integral toilet includes a frame, a mattress and a support for supporting the mattress on the bed frame. The mattress and support define an opening extending through the mattress and support. A robotic system removes and replaces a cushion for filling the opening and for replacing the toilet in alignment with the opening. An integral bidet, a source of clean water, a nozzle, a variable speed pump and mechanism for connecting a source of water to the bidet are included. A second opening in a lower portion of the toilet is connected to a waste storage tank. An odor eliminator is provided and a remote control allows a patient to control the unit.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for sensing and communicating sensed downhole parameters using a hybrid micro-structured fiber optic cable are provided. The micro-structured fiber optic cable may be used to communicate and/or amplify sensor signals indicative of the sensed downhole parameters. These sensed downhole parameters may include one or more of a downhole temperature, pressure, magnetic field, electromagnetic energy, radioactivity, telemetry signal, or some other downhole measurement. The micro-structured fiber optic cable may include opto-electronic circuitry built into the internal structure of the cable for modulating the optical signal based on the sensed parameters. The opto-electronic circuitry may include diodes, triodes, and other components that are communicatively coupled to external sensors used to measure downhole parameters. The opto-electronic circuitry may include an internal sensor in the form of a functional material disposed within the micro-structured fiber optic cable for measuring downhole parameters.

A system, method, and device for improving the functioning of security tags for use with merchandise are provided. A security tag device, to be used in conjunction with a tag monitoring device, may be provided with a product. The product may be conductive or may have metallic packaging. The security tag may include a planar dielectric substrate having a first side and an opposing side. An electronic article surveillance (EAS) circuit may be placed on the first side of the planar dielectric substrate. A ferrite sheet having a first side and an opposing side may be coupled to the opposing side of the planar dielectric substrate. A metal backing sheet may be coupled to the opposing side of the ferrite sheet. The planar dielectric substrate may be centered or offset on the ferrite sheet and the ferrite sheet may be centered or offset on the metal backing sheet.

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.

In one aspect, a method of operating a movable barrier operator includes engaging a flexible driven member with a drive of the movable barrier operator. The method includes moving the flexible driven member in a first direction to move a movable barrier connected to the driven member and monitoring the position of the movable barrier. In response to the movable barrier reaching a given position, the driven member is moved in a second direction without moving the movable barrier to remove slack from the driven member. A movable barrier apparatus includes a movable barrier controller operatively coupled to the movable barrier operator. The movable barrier controller is configured to cause the movable barrier operator to reverse direction of the flexible driven member a distance after stopping movement of the movable barrier without moving the movable barrier.