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: A method and system for detecting whether an antenna is property connected to a distributed antenna network. The current drawn by the antenna is measured and compared against an expected current draw or reference level. The measured level of current drawn by the antenna is indicative of whether the antenna is properly connected or is disconnected. The comparison results may be used as the basis for creating a status message, which is then communicated to a central monitoring unit for each antenna. The central monitoring unit may generate appropriate alarms in response to a status message indicating a fault condition at a particular antenna.

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: A system (10) and method for managing coin dispensation and reconciliation. The system (10) broadly comprises a controller logic, preferably in the form of a computer program stored on and executed by a computing device (14); a coin dispensing mechanism (16); and security package (22). The system (10) may be a configured for constructing cash drawers or coin canisters. In either case, the controller logic may receive input relating to past coin usage, analyzes the input to predict future coin usage, and transmits a control signal to the dispensing mechanism (16) to control dispensation of the coins based at least on part on the predicted future coin usage.

Abstract: Method and unit for recycling a bituminous membrane provided with at least one reinforcement, which membrane is reduced to pieces which are introduced into a recycling unit, provided with a first rotor, housed in a first stator, and where they are heated and ground, said pieces being conveyed into a chamber, delimited by an external wall of the first rotor and a recess arranged in a counter-element mounted on the stator, where they are subjected to a trituration, the pieces thus triturated then being discharged from the chamber by flowing along said external wall of the rotor.

Abstract: A vehicle straightening bench having a work platform with an inner track and an outer track. The platform has side edges and end edges with curved corners therebetween. A pulling tower assembly is movably mounted to the inner and outer tracks via a carriage having a generally triangular shaped wheel arrangement.

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 revenue balancing method and computer program that more quickly, accurately, and easily reconciles or balances revenue contained in cash drawers at the end of cashiers' shifts or breaks while at the same time building or constructing new cash drawers for new shifts. The method permits cash drawers to be constructed and/or replenished with coins from a perpetual inventory of loose coins rather than requiring the use of rolls of coins.

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). with the detectors (114, 116) disposed between the upper and lower laser pairs (122, 126, 124, 128). 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 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A vehicle straightening bench having a work platform with an inner track and an outer track. The platform has side edges and end edges with curved corners therebetween. A pulling tower assembly is movably mounted to the inner and outer tracks via a carriage having a generally triangular shaped wheel arrangement.

Abstract: A revenue balancing method and computer program that more quickly, accurately, and easily reconciles or balances revenue contained in cash drawers at the end of cashiers' shifts or breaks while at the same time building or constructing new cash drawers for new shifts. The method permits cash drawers to be constructed and/or replenished with coins from a perpetual inventory of loose coins rather than requiring the use of rolls of coins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining an attribute of an article during the transfer of the article by an article-feeding machine during the transfer of the article from one location to another location.

Abstract: The patient support apparatus includes a base frame and a patient support assembly. The patient support assembly is pivotably mounted the base frame and is moved by a first actuator to rotate between a horizontal position and an upright position. The patient support assembly includes an upper body portion, a lower body portion and a leg portion. The upper body portion, the lower body portion and the leg portion are pivotably interconnected with a linkage frame so that they can be moved in unison by a second actuator between a supine configuration and an upright, chair shaped configuration. Thus, the patient support apparatus is adjustable between a flat, bed shaped configuration and a seat shaped configuration and is also movable between a horizontal position and an upright position.