Abstract: A system and method for providing a power signal to a local service portion of a communication system located in a densely populated area. A power multiplexer is provided having first, second, and third input connector assemblies, an output connector assembly, and a switching network. The output connector assembly is connected to a load in the communications network that is normally provided by a local utility power source. The input connector assemblies are connected to remote power sources of the communication system located outside the given local service area. The switching network connects one of the input connectors to the output connector assembly to pass to the load, as necessary, a power signal generated by one of the remote utility power sources. Because the remote utility power service and the local utility power service are unlikely to be disrupted in many situations, reliable power can usually be obtained even if local service is disrupted.

Abstract: A system and method for containing leaks from appliances. A fluid containment member has a bottom panel and four side panels. At least one of the side panels is movable relative to the bottom panel to allow the fluid containment member to be reconfigured among a plurality of configurations. In one configuration, one of the side walls is made substantially coplanar with the bottom panel to allow an appliance to be placed onto the bottom panel. In a second configuration all four side panels extend at an angle to the bottom panel to define a sump region that is enclosed on five sides. In a third configuration, all four side panels are substantially coplanar with the bottom panel to allow the fluid containment member to be stored in a flat configuration. Indicator means may be provided to indicate the presence of water in the sump region.

Abstract: A system of carbonizing water as part of making a carbonized beverage. There is a housing to contain the pressurized bottle of carbon dioxide, and also to define a chamber to receive a container of water. A pressure regulating valve maintains the carbon dioxide discharged from the carbon dioxide container at a predetermined lower pressure and directs the carbon dioxide to a selectively operable pressurizing valve that directs the carbon dioxide through a discharge nozzle into the water in the water container. The water container is closed by a mounting plug that interconnects with a receptacle block that is operably connected to the pressurizing valve, and also operably connected to a venting valve which is selectively operated to vent the remaining pressurized carbon dioxide after the carbonizing has been completed.

Abstract: A multi-color ink pad assembly with end user configurable pad/plate assemblies. The pad/plate assemblies comprise an absorbent pad impregnated with ink attached to a rigid mounting plate. Attachment means are provided which engage the mounting plate to attach the pad/plate assemblies onto a base such that the user may manually remove and reattach the pad/plate assemblies to the base in any number of configurations. Two detent members are formed on the mounting plates and a hole is formed in the base. The detent members pass through the hole and engage the base to help avoid inadvertent removal of pad/plate assemblies from the base. The end user thus has tremendous flexibility in constructing multi-color inking surfaces.

Abstract: A system for motion control in which an application is developed that is independent from the actual motion control hardware used to implement the system. The system comprises a software system that employs an application programming interface comprising component functions and a service provider interface comprising driver functions. A system programmer writes an application that calls the component functions. Code associated with the component functions relates these functions to the driver functions. A hardware designer writes driver code that implements the driver functions on a given motion control hardware product. The driver functions are separated into core and extended driver functions. All software drivers implement the core driver functions, while the software drivers need not contain code for implementing the extended driver functions.

Abstract: A double-sided, pressure-sensitive, adhesive tape which is dimensioned to form a strip for covering a substantial portion of the mounting surface of a previously-used nasal dilator, permitting one side of the strip to be secured to the nasal dilator, and the other side of the strip to be secured to the exterior surface of a human nose, thereby providing a means for reusing and extending the useful life of the nasal dilator which otherwise would be disposed of due to its loss of adhesive bonding capabilities incurred from the prior use.

Abstract: A foldable sawhorse that can be shipped and stored in a small volume. The sawhorse comprises first and second leg assemblies and a plurality of spacing members. The leg assemblies are preassembled at the factory. The spacing members are bolted onto the leg assemblies by the end user. Hinges are formed by tubular hinge members attached to the upper ends of the leg members; the hinge members are either nested one within the other to form the hinge assembly, or separate pin members can be provided that extend through two hinge members. The sawhorse is inexpensive to manufacture and ship but sturdy and flexible in use.

Abstract: An instructional system or method for statistics students. Twenty slots are defined into which one hundred data cubes are placed. The number of cubes per slot varies from one to ten, excluding six. The slots with ten cubes are arranged adjacent to a center line, and the number of cubes per slot drops as the distance between a slot and the center line increases. The cubes model a normal distribution curve and can be used to estimate probabilities and other statistics concepts. The system associates statistics computational methods with the fundamental concepts of statistics in a manner that enhances the students understanding of statistics as a whole. The system also enables students with low aptitude for math and quantitative methods to grasp the concepts of statistics and pass the college tests for entering those disciplines which require a standard knowledge of statistics for admission.

Abstract: A wall hanging device comprising a backing plate having a front surface and first and second rear surfaces formed on a slot defining structure. First and second slot portions are defined between the front surface and the first and second rear surfaces. The slot portions are spaced from each other to increase friction between a cord attached to a framed work and the device. The device has a reduced dimension portion located between the first and second rear surfaces that allows the device to be separated into first and second portions. The device can be used in a first mode in which the device is left whole and employed to hang a single framed work, a second mode in which the device is separated into two portions and employed to hang a single relatively large framed work, or a third mode in which the device is separated into two portions and employed to hang first and second relatively small framed works.

Abstract: A system or method for interconnecting a security system with a telephone system. The system comprises one or more lockout modules that are connected between non-priority telephone devices and a telephone line. A security panel is directly connected to the telephone line. The lockout modules comprise a switch means for disconnecting the telephone device attached thereto from the telephone line when the security panel connects to the telephone line. The lockout modules further comprise a latch device that gives the first non-priority telephone device to connect to the line exclusive use of the line against other non-priority telephone devices. The lockout module further comprises a circuit that inhibits the reconnection of the telephone devices to the line to allow the security panel to recover a high and dry telephone line. The lockout module may be modified to include a switch that allows other non-priority telephone devices to share the line.

Abstract: A system for allowing elongate members such as piles, caissons, and casings to be driven into the earth at inaccessible locations. The system comprises a structural assembly having a support assembly and a bracing assembly. The structural assembly is arranged on a ground engaging assembly. The bracing assembly engages the caisson as it is being driven to make sure that it is plumb as it is being driven and when it is subsequently in the earth. The ground engaging assembly is adjustable to alter the orientation of the structural assembly to maintain the caisson in a plumb orientation. The bracing assembly comprises a guide portion and an extension portion. The extension portion may be retracted and extended relative to the support assembly. The system employs a conventional vibratory hammer to drive the elongate member. The system may also include a helicopter to lift the various components and the elongate member to the desired location.