Abstract: The present invention discloses a unique and novel system for attaching auxiliary lens assemblies to primary lens assemblies without the need for magnets, and in a manner that resists disengagement in every direction. A primary lens assembly is disclosed having a primary bridge between the primary lenses.

Abstract: An indexable media player for providing various forms of communications in synchronized form from a remote host. The media player includes a video window, a content window and interactive windows to allow a user to communicate with the remote host. The media player also includes an indexable menu to allow users to select a desired segment for communication. An interactive component also allows collaborative interaction between the users and host of the media communication.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve actuator for use with an internal combustion engine. The electromechanical valve is formed by molding electromagnets in electromagnet receivers for easy formation and assembly of the electromechanical valve actuator. The molding material may include lubrication passages and cooling passages to improve the durability of the electromechanical valve actuator. A connector may also be integrally molded out of the molding material.

Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a transmission and an electric machine disposed therebetween. The electric machine includes a stator housing, a stator mounted within the stator housing and a rotor mounted radially within and coaxial with the stator. The electric machine further includes a first clutch disposed between the engine and the rotor, and a second clutch disposed between the rotor and the transmission. The first and second clutches include non-ferrous clutch plates which are adapted to be immersed in hydraulic fluid. The electric machine has a first mode wherein the electric machine provides torque to the engine, a second mode wherein the electric machine is driven by the engine and a third mode wherein the electric machine provides torque to the transmission. The first and second clutches are positioned radially within the stator housing and axially within the length of the stator housing.

Abstract: A system and method for bumping graphical components between display regions of a graphical computer interface are provided. The present invention bumps a selected graphical component in response to a signal from an input device. Bumping involves locating a destination location for the graphical component to be bumped, and moving the graphical component to the destination. The destination can be determined in any one of a number of different manners. Destinations can be located at a predetermined distance from an original location of a graphical component, at an “analogous” location on another display region, or at an open location in the same display region or another display region.

Abstract: Snapping graphical components relative to other graphical components in a display is disclosed. Collinear lines for each of the edges of a first graphical component are automatically determined. The collinear lines extend the edges of the display. When an edge of a second graphical component is moved to within a predetermined distance of one of the collinear lines, the edge of the second graphical component snaps to the collinear line. Snapping of the edge of the second graphical component to the collinear line of the first graphical component either repositions the second graphical component or resizes the second graphical.

Abstract: A system and method for managing software application windows in a graphical user interface having a desktop and taskbar display area are provided. Each instantiated program is represented as one or more graphical windows in the desktop and as a control tile in the taskbar. Control tiles are grouped into control tile groups that facilitate organization and single access control. Project control tile groups allow the grouping of multiple software applications. Additionally, minimized control tile group layout and state may be preserved and previewed prior to being restored.

Abstract: An animal restraint apparatus is provided to restrain an animal. The restraint apparatus comprises a first loop that fits over the animal's head and a second loop that is formed about the animal's torso when two straps are routed behind the animal's forelegs and releasably connected to a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly is equipped with at least one anchor member that releasably connects with a restraint member. The restraint member may be freestanding such as a leash or it may be attached to an anchorage. A method of restraining an animal is also provided.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for creating a signal that indicates the pressure of the fluid in an engine. A switch or sensor determines whether the actual pressure is greater or less than a threshold pressure. If the actual pressure is less than the threshold pressure, a sensed pressure (e.g., the output of a pressure sensor) is used. If the sensed pressure is greater than the threshold pressure, then the output is derived from an estimate of the fluid pressure, where the estimate is based on other operating parameters of the engine. The output signal can be used as an input to a display visible by an operator, controller logs, diagnostic systems, and the like.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for creating a signal that indicates the pressure of the fluid in an engine. A switch or sensor determines whether the actual pressure is greater or less than a threshold pressure. If the actual pressure is less than the threshold pressure, a sensed pressure (e.g., the output of a pressure sensor) is used. If the sensed pressure is greater than the threshold pressure, then the output is derived from an estimate of the fluid pressure, where the estimate is based on other operating parameters of the engine. The output signal can be used as an input to a display visible by an operator, controller logs, diagnostic systems, and the like.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a personalization system that uses rules to adjudicate and characterize a customer, or a customer's actions, and then to personalize a business function, such as a displayed page, based on the outcome of those rules.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a personalization system that uses rules to adjudicate and characterize a customer, or a customer's actions, and then to personalize a business function, such as a displayed page, based on the outcome of those rules. Rules may be used to create scenarios—potential series of events that characterize a customer's session. Scenarios may form the basis of campaigns—a set of possible scenarios that may have a start time and a stop time, within which the customer operates, and within which the rules-based system makes determinations and determines personalizations.

Abstract: A system and process for making live digital video feeds simultaneously available to multiple applications running on a computing device. This involves using a live image server that maintains a camera directory file containing the names of available feeds, and the name and location of an image file for each feed. The image file includes image data corresponding to a current frame of the feed and an index indicative of a frame sequence number. Each time a new frame becomes available, image data representing the frame is put into its associated image file, in place of previously stored image data. A client application chooses a feed from the camera directory file, then accesses the associated image file and makes a copy of the image data. When the client wants a new frame, it determines if the image file index has changed. If so, the client copies the new image data.

Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a transmission and an electric machine disposed therebetween. The electric machine includes a stator housing, a stator mounted within the stator housing and a rotor mounted radially within and coaxial with the stator. The electric machine further includes a first clutch disposed between the engine and the rotor, and a second clutch disposed between the rotor and the transmission. The first and second clutches include non-ferrous clutch plates which are adapted to be immersed in hydraulic fluid. The electric machine has a first mode wherein the electric machine provides torque to the engine, a second mode wherein the electric machine is driven by the engine and a third mode wherein the electric machine provides torque to the transmission. The first and second clutches are positioned radially within the stator housing and axially within the length of the stator housing.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a personalization system that uses rules to adjudicate and characterize a customer, or a customer's actions, and then to personalize a business function, such as a displayed page, based on the outcome of those rules.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved secure coupling for vehicle brake actuator units that allows for a stronger and more efficient units having the same or smaller overall profile. The coupling is used between the housing cup of either a service brake actuator or an emergency brake actuator, or both, and a corresponding adaptor where the housing cup(s) and adaptor are made of dissimilar metals. In the coupling, the cylindrical wall of the housing cup is substantially vertical, and the corresponding annular edges of the adaptor cup are provided with a uniquely shaped engagement structure. This structure allows the edges of the elastomeric diaphragm deployed in the actuator to extend away from the coupling at a substantially vertical angle, making available more surface area of the diaphragm to press against a pressure-transmitting plate inside. This allows the brake actuator unit to transmit more force, and/or to employ a stronger emergency brake spring, without increasing the size of the unit.

Abstract: A static electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit for the programming voltage line of an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) includes a pair of multiplexors consisting of MOS pass transistors for selecting between the power supply voltage and programmning voltage to be supplied to the EEPROM for its normal and programming modes of operation, respectively. One of the multiplexors performs the voltage selection in accordance with an externally generated differential control signal and a biasing voltage from the second multiplexor. The second multiplexor, in accordance with one of the phases of the differential control signal, automatically selects either the power supply voltage or programming voltage, whichever is larger, for use as the biasing voltage supplied to the first multiplexor.

Abstract: Novel bone-marrow biopsy, aspiration and transplant needles are described having several unique features. One unique feature is an offset handle which allows a user to use their index finger to guide a needle into a patient. Another unique feature is a cannula which has multiple cutting teeth that can be used to cut bone when the cannula is axially rotated. Yet another unique feature is a stylet with a highly effective cutting tip.