Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for associating electronic devices together based on received audio commands are described. Methods for associating an audio-controlled device with a physically separate display screen device such that information responses can then be provided in both audio and graphic formats using the two devices in conjunction with each other are described. The audio-controlled device can receive audio commands that can be analyzed to determine the author, which can then be used to further streamline the association operation.

Abstract: A GPS navigation system and method that includes the steps of identifying a destination; managing a route for the destination; pinpointing a geographical location for the destination; and optimizing a route to ensure that the geographical location coincides with the passenger side of a user vehicle upon arrival. The method in accordance with the present invention pinpoints the geographical location of a destination in correlation to the side of the road that the destination is positioned.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a novel method of purchasing commodities associated with a golf course at least includes: a) providing at least one kiosk under the dominion of a golf course operator; b) via the kiosk, providing to a prospective golfer, available tee times at the golf course; c) via the kiosk, allowing the prospective golfer to reserve one or more tee times; and d) at least partially via the kiosk, processing payment for the selected tee times. In another aspect of the invention, a novel method of purchasing commodities associate with a ski resort at least includes: a) providing at least one kiosk under the dominion of a ski resort operator; b) via the kiosk, providing to a prospective skier, ski lift information at the ski resort; c) via the kiosk, allowing the prospective skier to reserve one or more ski lift tickets; and d) at least partially via the kiosk, processing payment for the ski lift tickets.

Abstract: An automated check-in and check-out for a user needing rental space. Specifically, there is an electronic device configured to: provide information regarding the rental space available for rental; provide the user with a way to select desired information; and provide for entry of data needed to use the rental space. Provide automated reservation check in/out management without interaction of business personnel. The device works for rental space that is selected from the group selected from: RV Park, hotel, motel, resort cabins, property storage units, camp sites, harbor boat slips, cruise ship cabins. Additionally, the electronic device gives a list of services provided to a user at the rental space. Wherein the list of services provided to a user at the rental space is selected from the group consisting of: laundry pick-up and delivery, propane gas delivery, grocery delivery, pharmaceutical delivery, pizza delivery, and a mobile mechanic repair service.

Abstract: An electrical socket assembly is provided with contactors (50,51, FIG. 3) lying in a pin-receiving hole, which provides a high withdrawal force for the pin (31). Each contactor is of the type that includes a pair of circular bands and a plurality of inwardly-bowed beams extending between the bands to resiliently contact the pin. The assembly includes two of such contactors lying in tandem in the socket hole, to more uniformly guide the pin along the hole, and provide low contact resistance and a high resistance to withdrawal for a pin of given diameter. The socket includes two internal grooves (82,84) that each hold one contactor, and an intermediate wall (80) between the grooves that prevents the contactors from riding up on one another to jam the pin in the hole.

Abstract: A socket assembly is provided at the end of a heavy electrical cable which includes sockets designed to be pushed into connection with pins on an aircraft, to pass current between them, which provides low resistance to avoid heating while also providing a high withdrawal force to prevent the weight of the cable end from pulling it out of connection with the aircraft pins. The sockets include pin-receiving holes, with grooves in the hole walls for holding multi-beam contactors. Each contactor includes a pair of spaced circular bands and a plurality of beams extending between the bands and bowed radially inwardly to resiliently contact the pin. A socket includes two of such contactors, whose beams engage the plug at two locations spaced along the hole to more uniformly guide the pin along the hole and provide low contact resistance and a high resistance to withdrawal. The contactors are initially plastically deformed when the pin is first inserted, to assure that a high withdrawal force is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use at an airport for drawing in and paying out an electric cable, which reliably grips the cable even when it is covered with a slippery anti-freeze fluid used at airports. The apparatus includes a motor-driven traction wheel against which the cable is pressed, with the periphery of the wheel being concave and having a radius of curvature about the same as the cable so the cable can closely nest in it. The wheel has closely spaced treads that press through fluid on the cable to grip it, and has a circumferentially extending groove through which fluid can drain. The cable is pressed against the wheel by rollers that have concave peripheries to also closely surround the cable.

Abstract: An electrical box is provided at the outer end of an electrical power cable of the type that supplies power to aircraft parked at an airport, which enables rapid replacement of damaged switches in a compact and watertight arrangement. The electrical box includes a main connector assembly which has a plurality of conductor socket terminals connected to conductors in the cable, and a switch assembly which includes a plurality of switches. The switch assembly fits into a recess in the main housing, and includes projecting pins connected to the switches and which are received in corresponding conductor socket terminals on the main housing. Not only can switches be easily replaced, but the arrangement avoids the need for a bulky connection box where wires of switches are connected to free lengths of the conductors. The switch assembly includes a circular projection from which the pins project, the circular projection including a sealing ring which seals to a corresponding circular recess in the main housing.

Abstract: A bicycle of the type comprising a frame and a front and rear wheel rotatably mounted to the frame is provided with improved means for rotatably driving the rear wheel. The driving means comprises a right and left foot lever pivotally connected at one end to the frame and adapted to be alternately depressed by the feet of the bicyclist. Each foot lever is coupled by a link to a pivot rod pivotally connected to the frame so that the alternate depression of the foot levers rotates the pivot rod between a first and a second rotational position. A radial torque lever is secured to the pivot rod and coupled by a third link member to a radial torque lever on the rear wheel driving means.