Abstract: A fishing lure imitating a winged prey has a cylindrical body having a conical front end and a rounded rear end, one or more first groupings of flexible strands, the multi-strand groupings disposed transversely through walls of the cylindrical body and secured thereto, the free ends of each multi-strand group protruding substantially orthogonally from the cylindrical body on opposite sides to imitate bird wings, one or more second groupings of flexible strands disposed through a rear wall of the cylindrical body and secured thereto, the free end of each multi-strand grouping protruding from the rear of the cylindrical body to imitate a bird tail, and a hook assembly disposed longitudinally through the cylindrical body, the hook assembly including a shank having a closed front eyelet and a partially open rear eyelet, and a hook attached to the shank at the rear eyelet.

Abstract: As part of handling a large amount of error information generated on a mainframe system associated, for example, with a telephone billing system, a utility software program allows a user to easily process the error information. The information is generated by the mainframe in flat file format and converted into spreadsheet format. This compilation of error messages is then sent electronically as a spreadsheet to an operator responsible for processing the error messages. The utility software automatically opens the spreadsheet and saves then information locally in a relational database. The operator then opens the database and disposes of the error messages. Upon completion, the utility software appends the disposed information to an SQL database residing on a network. The utility software then establishes communication with a mainframe and transfers the error message disposition to the mainframe where this information is merged with the existing error messages and disposed of accordingly.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed to an arrangement of first and second articles of footwear which may be used in a system or method for teaching a user a plurality of individual units according to a predetermined order. The arrangement is configured to sense movement of the feet of a user and to provide one of the individual units in response to each movement sensed of the first and second foot of a user. In an exemplary form, the arrangement may provide to the user, in proper order, the letters of the alphabet as the user walks or moves while wearing the articles of footwear.

Abstract: A system and method for automating an unbillable study are disclosed. Account information relating to an unbillable call is received from an unbillable study database. At least one database is searched to retrieve records corresponding to the account information. A single report comprising records retrieved from all of the searched databases is generated. The report may be stored in a query-able database.

Abstract: As part of handling a large amount of error information generated on a mainframe system associated, for example, with a telephone billing system, a utility software program allows a user to easily process the error information. The information is generated by the mainframe in flat file format and converted into spreadsheet format. This compilation of error messages is then sent electronically as a spreadsheet to an operator responsible for processing the error messages. The utility software automatically opens the spreadsheet and saves then information locally in a relational database. The operator then opens the database and disposes of the error messages. Upon completion, the utility software appends the disposed information to an SQL database residing on a network. The utility software then establishes communication with a mainframe and transfers the error message disposition to the mainframe where this information is merged with the existing error messages and disposed of accordingly.

Abstract: A control system to control the descent of a seafaring vessel, such as a lifeboat, into water is disclosed herein. The control system, and an accompanying method, control the descent speed of the seafaring vessel to minimise the possibility of setback after splashdown, and thus increase the probability of a safe and orderly launch.

Abstract: A telephone caller account management system is disclosed. The system includes a server computer having a customer account database created therein and a workstation in communication with the server computer. The workstation includes a monitor screen, a data entry device and a memory. The memory stores a first program and a second program. The first program, upon execution by the workstation, causes the workstation to display a first interactive form on the monitor screen, receive a first input from a user of the workstation, receive a second input from the user through the data entry device, and access a configuration file for the second program in response to the second input from the user. The first interactive form lists one or more configuration parameters for the second program along with corresponding current values for the one or more configuration parameters. The user sends the first input to the workstation through the data entry device.

Abstract: A telephone caller account management system is disclosed. The system includes a server computer having a customer account database created therein and a workstation in communication with the server computer. The workstation includes a monitor screen, a data entry device and a memory. The memory stores a first program and a second program. The first program, upon execution by the workstation, causes the workstation to display a first interactive form on the monitor screen, receive a first input from a user of the workstation, receive a second input from the user through the data entry device, and access a configuration file for the second program in response to the second input from the user. The first interactive form lists one or more configuration parameters for the second program along with corresponding current values for the one or more configuration parameters. The user sends the first input to the workstation through the data entry device.

Abstract: As part of electronically handling a large amount of data (e.g., error messages) generated within, for example, a telephone service provider's billing network, a configuration utility software allows a user to electronically change or update various configuration parameters for another software application, e.g., a loader application, and also to access the performance data generated by the loader application so as to optimize the performance of the loader application in varying data transfer situations. The loader application, in turn, is a computer-based data transfer application that electronically loads a large volume of data, e.g., telecommunication billing data, from one computer into another computer. After completion of data transfers, an error handler program facilitates electronic investigation and disposal of errors in the received data, thereby minimizing participation of human operators in the data error rectification process.

Abstract: As part of electronically handling a large amount of data (e.g., error messages) generated within, for example, a telephone service provider's billing network, a configuration utility software allows a user to electronically change or update various configuration parameters for another software application, e.g., a loader application, and also to access the performance data generated by the loader application so as to optimize the performance of the loader application in varying data transfer situations. The loader application, in turn, is a computer-based data transfer application that electronically loads a large volume of data, e.g., telecommunication billing data, from one computer into another computer. The loader application thus substantially reduces human involvement during transfers of large amount of data, and thereby also reduces errors typically associated with manual data entries by human data operators.

Abstract: As part of electronically handling a large amount of data (e.g., error messages) generated within, for example, a telephone service provider's billing network, a configuration utility software allows a user to electronically change or update various configuration parameters for another software application, e.g., a loader application, and also to access the performance data generated by the loader application so as to optimize the performance of the loader application in varying data transfer situations. The loader application, in turn, is a computer-based data transfer application that electronically loads a large volume of data, e.g., telecommunication billing data, from one computer into another computer. The loader application thus substantially reduces human involvement during transfers of large amount of data, and thereby also reduces errors typically associated with manual data entries by human data operators.

Abstract: An automatic tank clean out system provided in the slurry collection tank a soil reduction system. When the slurry collection tank becomes full, the vacuum system is automatically shut down to prevent the slurry mixture from being drawn into the vacuum pump. When it becomes necessary to empty the slurry collection tank, the liquid contents can be drained through a valve in the tank. A series of nozzles, such as fan nozzles, are provided which are connected to a water supply pipe running axially through the tank. These fan nozzles are actuated to deliver high pressure water to automatically clean the tank.

Abstract: A kit for making a personalized hands operated puppet, the kit comprising a sculptable block of material, such as a flexible foam, that may be readily cut and trimmed to form a head portion that can be manipulated by the hand of the puppeteer. The kit may further include a piece of fabric to be glued to the mouth opening to help stimulate the mouth of the puppet, a pair of eye balls to be inserted in eye sockets, an elongated sleeve, with simulated arms, for receiving the puppeteer's hand to operate the mouth motions of the puppet, and a pair of rigid wire members that may be used by the puppeteer's other hand to manipulate the arms of the puppet. A process for making the puppet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A kit for making a personalized hands operated puppet, the kit comprising a sculptable block of material, such as a flexible foam, that may be readily cut and trimmed to form a head portion that can be manipulated by the hand of the puppeteer. The kit may further include a piece of fabric to be glued to the mouth opening to help simulate the mouth of the puppet, a pair of eye balls to be inserted in eye sockets, an elongated sleeve, with simulated arms, for receiving the puppeteer's hand to operate the mouth motions of the puppet, and a pair of rigid wire members that may be used by the puppeteer's other hand to manipulate the arms of the puppet. A process for making the puppet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reduction system using water pressure and vacuum excavation and including a water supply tank, water pump, vacuum pump, slurry collection tank, a system for tilting the collection tank, handheld reduction tool, and a drive system. The reduction tool, or wand, is used to deliver high pressure fluid, such as water, to the ground in order to loosen soil directly in front of the tool. The tool includes diametrically opposed nozzles which are angled with respect to one another such that pressurized water delivered from the nozzles is directed in a fashion to slice the ground in a generally spiral or helical fashion as the tool is pressed downward into the ground. As the soil is loosened by the pressurized water delivered from the nozzles, the loosened soil is sucked away to form a hole in the ground, and such loosened soil (a slurry when mixed with the water) passes upwardly through the tool in a vacuum air-flow created by the vacuum pump and is deposited in the slurry collection tank.

Abstract: As part of electronically handling a large amount of data (e.g., error messages) generated within, for example, a telephone service provider's billing network, a configuration utility software allows a user to electronically change or update various configuration parameters for another software application, e.g., a loader application, and also to access the performance data generated by the loader application so as to optimize the performance of the loader application in varying data transfer situations. The loader application, in turn, is a computer-based data transfer application that electronically loads a large volume of data, e.g., telecommunication billing data, from one computer into another computer. The loader application thus substantially reduces human involvement during transfers of large amount of data, and thereby also reduces errors typically associated with manual data entries by human data operators.

Abstract: As part of electronically handling a large amount of data (e.g., error messages) generated within, for example, a telephone service provider's billing network, a configuration utility software allows a user to electronically change or update various configuration parameters for another software application, e.g., a loader application, and also to access the performance data generated by the loader application so as to optimize the performance of the loader application in varying data transfer situations. The loader application, in turn, is a computer-based data transfer application that electronically loads a large volume of data, e.g., telecommunication billing data, from one computer into another computer. The loader application thus substantially reduces human involvement during transfers of large amount of data, and thereby also reduces errors typically associated with manual data entries by human data operators.

Abstract: As part of electronically handling a large amount of data (e.g., error messages) generated within, for example, a telephone service provider's billing network, a configuration utility software allows a user to electronically change or update various configuration parameters for another software application, e.g., a loader application, and also to access the performance data generated by the loader application so as to optimize the performance of the loader application in varying data transfer situations. The loader application, in turn, is a computer-based data transfer application that electronically loads a large volume of data, e.g., telecommunication billing data, from one computer into another computer. The loader application thus substantially reduces human involvement during transfers of large amount of data, and thereby also reduces errors typically associated with manual data entries by human data operators.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system having a source of pneumatic fluid and a pneumatically operated device to be operated by the source when interconnected thereto by a valve construction when the same is in one operating condition thereof. The valve construction interconnects the atmosphere to the device when in another operating condition thereof. The valve construction has a housing provided with a chamber and three spaced ports leading to the chamber, one of the ports being interconnected to the source of fluid, another of the ports being interconnected to the device and the remaining port being interconnected to the atmosphere. A valve seat separates the one port from the other port and the remaining port. A movable valve member controls the valve seat, the valve member closing the valve seat when the valve construction is in the other condition thereof and opening the valve seat when the valve construction is in the one condition thereof.