Abstract: A digital camera is adapted for being mounted to a bow for archery. The camera comprises a self-contained digital unit within a housing and is protected from vibrational disturbances caused by the release of the bowstring. A viscoelastic material is used to reduce vibrations. The housing is water resistant to protect the internal circuitry of the camera from environmental elements encountered during hunting. A secure digital slot is connected to the digital camera circuitry and can accept a SD flash memory card. The camera may also be connected for transmitting images to an external device for viewing.

Abstract: An automated management system for monitoring and controlling distribution and storage of money tills, and linking tracking of employee productivity to time in receipt of a till. The system comprises a cabinet, a control panel, and a personal computer. The cabinet is mounted through a wall to provide an interface having a front side accessible from a first area and a rear side accessible from a second area, such as a cash room. The interior cabinet space is divided into till compartments that are selectively accessible from both the front and rear of the cabinet. Tills are loaded and removed from the rear by cash room personnel and from the front by cashiers. The system is operable to anticipate, based upon work schedules, needed till types or amounts; compile and maintain useful associated records, including employee productivity; and link to other systems to further improve efficiency.

Abstract: A computer system (20) having a security domain (22), at least one client business domain (26), and a plurality of client terminals (34) utilizes a hidden link dynamic key manager (24, 84) and a database structure that includes encrypted data entities (30C, 30D) and a security identification attribute (32) for storage of encrypted data. Methods for encrypting data and for storing, decrypting, and retrieving encrypted data operate on the computer system (20), which also includes an information database (62) and a key database (44). The key database (44) is isolated from the information database (62). The hidden link key manager is stored in the security domain (22) and includes a system key manager (84) operable to generate system keys with system key common names and an encryption key manager (24) operable to generate encryption keys having encryption key identifications. The key managers (24, 84) operate on a key server (40), which is mirrored by a secondary key server (42).

Abstract: A method is provided for scheduling an appointment by a service provider and for load leveling by the service provider. In the context of a vehicle collision repair service provider, the instant invention permits the service provider to balance the intake and outflow of new repair jobs to improve the work flowing through the service provider's facility. Through the instant invention, job drop-off slots and job delivery slots are allocated throughout a production period based upon production goals and capacities for the service provider. The program determines a first available drop-off slot for a specific job and presents the slot as a possible schedule option for scheduling the appointment. Load leveling between multiple facilities of a service provider is accomplished by allowing one facility to access the schedule database of an other facility and schedule appointments.

Abstract: An improved laser scanning apparatus (46) for determining frame or unibody alignment or misalignment of a vehicle (40) is provided, which includes a laser assembly (54), a pair of rotatable mirror assemblies (56,58) and laser detectors (114,116) located within an enclosed housing (50,52). The laser assembly (54) has an upper pair of lasers (122,126) located in known, spaced relationship above a lower pair of lasers (124,128); detector assemblies (114, 116) are also provided including substantially parabolic reflective surfaces (118a, 120a) with detectors (114a, 116a) disposed substantially at the focal point of the surfaces (118a, 120a). The apparatus (46) is used in conjunction with a plurality of individually coded reflective targets (44) which are suspended from known reference points on the vehicle (40).

Abstract: A method of making an internal nasal apparatus (10) configured to retain and deliver a quantity of compound within the nose of a user over a minimum period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for replacing a pole in an electrical utility support structure while the supported electrical wires remain energized. The method comprises erecting a replacement pole adjacent to a pole to be replaced, and providing a pivotable support arm on the replacement pole so that it will be engageable with the cross arm support carrying the electrical wires of the utility support structure. The support arm is adapted to lift and support the cross arm, whereupon the replaced pole may be disengaged from the cross arm and removed. A guy wire provides support for maintaining the load weight of the cross arm laterally on the replacement pole. The guy wire helps to transfer the supported load centrally on the replacement pole to prevent the supported weight from causing the replacement pole to lean. Mounting brackets are provided for attachment to the replacement pole which provide a base for connection and pivoting of the support arm.

Abstract: A revenue balancing method and computer program that more quickly, accurately, and easily reconciles or balances revenue contained in a first cash drawer while at the same time building or filling a second cash drawer.

Abstract: A system (10) for coupling first and second vessels (12,14) to minimize movement therebetween while allowing for lightering. The system (10) comprises rams (20,22) and coupling heads (36,38) associated with the first vessel (12), and receivers (24,26) associated with the second vessel (14) for receiving the coupling heads (36,38). The system (1) allows for at least three configurations: a first configuration in which the rams (20,22) are extended and the coupling heads (36,38) are rotated such that first faces (42) interlock with the receivers (24,26); a second configuration in which the rams (20,22) are extended and the coupling heads (36,38) are rotated such that second faces (44) abut the receivers (24,26); and a third configuration in which the rams (20,22) are retracted such that the coupling heads (36,38) do not interact with the receivers (24,26). Lightering is accomplished by a series of short-duration switches between the second and third configurations.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising, an engine management unit, a combustion chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, a fuel supply mechanism to supply gasoline to the engine, a valve train mechanism to permit introduction of air to the inlet port of the combustion chamber and release exhaust gases from the outlet port of the combustion chamber, and an external recirculating system whereby exhaust gases from the outlet port may be passed to the inlet port, wherein, the engine management unit is operable to, control the valve train mechanism to retain and/or rebreathe exhaust gases within the combustion chamber to cause the engine to operate in a controlled auto ignition combustion mode, and control the external recycling system to supply exhaust gases to the inlet port in the controlled auto ignition combustion mode, such that self-ignition occurs in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is a system for supplying air and controlling the flow of air into and out of the chambers of a patient supporting air mattress. It includes an electric motor powered variable speed blower, a two position rotary valve, air mattress supply lines communicating between the rotary valve and the chambers of the air mattress, a continuous exhaust line also connected to the rotary valve, stepper motor controlled valves in the air mattress supply lines, pressure sensors between the stepper motor controlled valves and the chambers of the air mattress and a control unit for controlling the stepper motor controlled valves to control the amount by which the chambers of the air mattress are inflated.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a mattress (20) for a variable width bed. The mattress (20) has a top section (40) positioned on a base section (50, 60) with the top section (40) having a width greater than the width of the base section (50, 60), so that wing portions of the top section (40) extend beyond the sides of the base section (50, 60). The top section (40) may also have a pair of relief notches (140) defined therein with one relief notch (140) positioned generally above each side of the base section (50, 60). The mattress (20) cooperates with one or more expansion members (30) that are sized so that when placed at the side of the base section (50, 60) and below the wing portion of the top section (40) the sleeping surface of the mattress (20) will be substantially flat and substantially seam and crease free.

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing attachment for removeably mounting auxiliary lenses on standard styles of eyeglasses configurations eyeglasses, and that will securely retain the auxiliary lenses in desired position without obstructing or distorting the view of the wearer or damaging the lenses of the eyeglasses, includes a pair of auxiliary lenses attached to a bridge member, and at least one gripper member associated with each auxiliary lens adapted to engage a rear upper surface of the eyeglasses frame or lenses, at or near the connecting bridge of the eyeglasses frame.

Abstract: A device for engaging first and second terminal ends of a vehicle track and drawing the terminal ends together in order to facilitate their connection to form a closed loop of track. The device comprises first and second coupling ends for engaging respective terminal ends of the track; a terminal guide plate; and two guide rods and a threaded drive rod extending between the first coupling end and the terminal guide plate and passing through the second coupling end. Fittings are provided at both ends of the drive rod. Turning either or both of the fittings causes the drive rod to turn, which causes the second coupling end to move toward the first, thereby drawing the first and second terminal ends together. In alternative embodiments, this screw-type drive mechanism is replaced by ratchet-type and hydraulic/pneumatic-type drive mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for allowing a moving user to automatically determine and store locations (11) over an extended period of time, to display the series of such locations (11), and to actively assist in returning to an earlier location. The apparatus (10) includes an antenna (16) for facilitating satellite lock, a fastening mechanism (18) for positioning the antenna (10) for best reception, and a satellite lock indicator (20) for communicating loss of satellite lock. The apparatus (10) also includes a timer (26) for measuring an interval during which the apparatus (10) is in a power-conserving sleep mode, and after which the user's current location is automatically determined. Active assistance in returning to an earlier location, either by traveling back along the path earlier traveled or by traveling along a more direct route, is accomplished by warning the user whenever the user's course deviates from the path or route.

Abstract: A process for enhanced oil recovery from an extraction operation comprises the steps of selection of an appropriate hydrocarbon bearing stratum; providing at least one production well and one injection well; and injecting into the target stratum a slurry formed from sand, viscous liquids or oily sludge, which is delivered at or near formation fracture pressures. Monitoring of bottom hole pressure is carried out, to permit delivery of the slurried wastes in a series of injection episodes, in which the length of the episodes and interinjection periods is determined by maintaining the bottom hole pressure within a preselected range. The position and spread of the slurried wastes within the target stratum may be monitored through the use of additional monitoring steps.

Abstract: A low profile hospital bed includes a mattress support frame and pivotably mounted wheel frames. Lift actuators connecting between the mattress support frame and the wheel frames move the wheel frames between a folded position and an unfolded position. When the wheel frames are in the folded position, the lift actuators are relatively horizontal and thus unable to provide enough vertical force to move the wheel frames. Accordingly, connecting between the actuators and the wheel frames are leverage members which rotate and urge the wheel frames away from mattress support frame during an initial, first stage of movement as the wheel frames partially unfold. After the first stage of movement, the leverage members function as simple mechanical links between the lift actuators and the wheel frames as the lift actuators continue to power the complete unfolding of the wheel frames.

Abstract: An automated management system for monitoring and controlling distribution and storage of money tills, and linking tracking of employee productivity to time in receipt of a till. The system comprises a cabinet, a control panel, and a personal computer. The cabinet is mounted through a wall to provide an interface having a front side accessible from a first area and a rear side accessible from a second area, such as a cash room. The interior cabinet space is divided into till compartments that are accessible from both the front and rear of the cabinet. Tills are loaded and removed from the rear by cash room personnel and from the front by cashiers. The system is operable to anticipate, based upon work schedules, needed till types or amounts; compile and maintain useful associated records, including employee productivity and link to other systems to further improve efficiency.