Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for displaying map information on a computing device. Data are stored for rendering a simulation of travel along one or more road segments prior to embarking on travel along the road segments. The simulation is comprised of a sequence of views of the road network along each road segment from vantage points above or along the road network. Each road segment may be part of a calculated route and the simulation may include views for all the road segments contained in the calculated route. While the computing device is being conveyed along each road segment, the data stored for the simulation is used to show a view of the road network that includes the current position of the computing device on a display of the computing device.

Abstract: A method for developing traffic messages for broadcast is disclosed. Data indicating a plurality of traffic conditions on a road network are obtained. For each of the traffic conditions, the data provides a start location at which the traffic condition begins and an end location at which the traffic condition ends. For each of the traffic conditions, a road length from the start location to the end location is determined. The traffic conditions are assigned a priority based upon the road lengths. The data indicating the traffic conditions are transmitted in the assigned priority as a plurality of traffic messages.

Abstract: A method for developing traffic messages is disclosed. Data indicating traffic speed at a plurality of locations on a road network are obtained. Each of the locations is assigned a unique location reference code. The data indicating traffic speed for the location reference codes assigned to locations along a road of the road network are evaluated. Locations reference codes along the road having related traffic speeds are grouped into at least one congestion event along the road. The congestion events are transmitted as traffic messages.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for displaying map information on a computing device. Data are stored for rendering a simulation of travel along one or more road segments prior to embarking on travel along the road segments. The simulation is comprised of a sequence of views of the road network along each road segment from vantage points above or along the road network. Each road segment may be part of a calculated route and the simulation may include views for all the road segments contained in the calculated route. While the computing device is being conveyed along each road segment, the data stored for the simulation is used to show a view of the road network that includes the current position of the computing device on a display of the computing device.

Abstract: A method for developing traffic messages for broadcast is disclosed. Data indicating a plurality of traffic conditions on a road network are obtained. For each of the traffic conditions, the data provides a start location at which the traffic condition begins and an end location at which the traffic condition ends. For each of the traffic conditions, a road length from the start location to the end location is determined. The traffic conditions are assigned a priority based upon the road lengths. The data indicating the traffic conditions are transmitted in the assigned priority as a plurality of traffic messages.

Abstract: A method for developing traffic messages for broadcast is disclosed. Data indicating a plurality of traffic conditions on a road network are obtained. For each of the traffic conditions, the data provides a start location at which the traffic condition begins and an end location at which the traffic condition ends. For each of the traffic conditions, a road length from the start location to the end location is determined. The traffic conditions are assigned a priority based upon the road lengths. The data indicating the traffic conditions are transmitted in the assigned priority as a plurality of traffic messages.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide traffic information to end users. The traffic information is contained in traffic data messages that use location reference codes to identify locations along roads. A data structure is formed that relates a set of location reference codes assigned to locations along roads by a first data supplier to another set of location reference codes assigned locations along roads by a second data supplier. The data structure is used to form traffic data messages containing location reference codes assigned by the first data supplier based on traffic data messages containing location reference codes assigned by the second data supplier.

Abstract: In a rectifier bridge, a method and system for starting a DC-driven device without the occurrence of a current surge. The input of the rectifier bridge is connected to a three-phase source and a storage capacitor is connected across the output of the rectifier bridge. At least two of the three input terminals of the rectifier bridge are each connected in series to a respective AC capacitor. Each of the capacitors is connected in parallel with a respective controlled switch which functions to short-circuit the capcitors subsequent to the storage capacitor being charged.

Abstract: A gingival retraction cord tool comprising a handle which has a front end formed into an elongated barrel and a rear end formed into an enlarged body. The enlarged body includes an outer end which is movable relative to the elongated barrel. Extending through the elongated barrel and the enlarged body is a through hole and located within that through hole is a length of gingival retraction cord. From the front end of the elongated barrel the retraction cord is formed into a closed loop. Movement of the outer end is between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position the cord is not movable relative to the elongated barrel and when in the unlocked position the cord is movable relative to the elongated barrel. The loop is to be placed around a tooth with the cord to be moved relative to the handle to decrease the size of the loop and snugly locate the cord about the tooth. The loop is then further decreased in size by twisting of the handle to tightly locate the loop on the tooth.

Abstract: A gingival retraction cord applicator comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped handle from which extends at one end thereof a loop of gingival retraction cord which is in the shape of a closed loop. The loop is to be placed around the tooth with the cord twisted by turning of the handle in order to decrease the size of the loop and snugly locate the loop on the tooth with the cord then being physically packed between the gum and the tooth.

Abstract: A dispenser for a quantity of a retraction cord where the cord is impregnated with a medicinal substance. The outer free end of the cord is conducted through an outlet hole formed within a cover which closes the access opening into the internal chamber of the housing where the cord stored. A lid is mounted on the cover with this lid including a cutting blade. This lid is movable between an open and a closed position and when in the open position the free outer end of the cord can be pulled from the dispenser a desired amount. As the lid is closed, the cutting blade severs the cord permitting the severed strand of the cord to be utilized. The remaining cord within the dispenser is closed to the ambient thereby keeping the stored cord in the dispenser from contamination.