Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for activating an electronic lock in an intelligent switched telecommunications network having a plurality of Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) components. A call is received from a device communicating with the telecommunications network. The call is from a calling party to a called party. Processing of the call within the telecommunications network is suspended. A database is queried for a telephone number of the called party. The database stores telephone numbers of called parties subscribing to a lock service provided by a telecommunications service provider. The lock service allows a user to remotely activate an electronic lock using the telecommunications network. If the query is successful, processing of the call within the telecommunications network is resumed. The call is used to activate the electronic lock.

Abstract: A splice connector assembly for mechanically and selectively electrically connecting first and second conductor members includes a connector body adapted to receive the first and second conductor members. The connector body includes a first body member and a second body member adapted to engage the first body member. First and second electrically conductive terminals in the connector body are adapted to electrically engage the first and second conductor members, respectively. An electrically conductive bridge member is mounted in the connector body such that the bridge member is movable between a closed position, wherein the bridge member electrically connects the first and second terminals and thereby the first and second conductor members, and an open position, wherein the bridge member does not electrically connect the first and second terminals so that the first and second conductor members are not electrically connected by the splice connector assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for cutting cable. The apparatus has an elongate handle having a first end and a second end, and the first end has a first jaw member. A second jaw member pivots about the handle to form a set of jaws moving between an open position and a closed position. The set of jaws has a first cutting surface opposite a shaped supporting surface that receives and holds the cable being cut. The first cutting surface cuts the cable when the set of jaws is moved to the closed position. A channel in an outer surface of the apparatus includes a second cutting surface protruding from the channel for slitting an outer sheath of the cable. Wherein the cable is laid in the channel and, as the cable is pulled along the channel, the second cutting surface slits the outer sheath of the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly tenderizing meats such as poultry meats includes clamping the meat between plates to prevent contraction and toughening of the meat muscles and chilling, thereby alleviating long holding and refrigeration, as is the current practice. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus may be automated to tenderize meat continuously.

Abstract: There is provided a distribution system and a wiring format which will not only provide for a common enclosure, which will help to centralize the entrance of services to a facility, but will also organize the services throughout the facility. In particular, the invention includes an enclosure that will house telephone/audio distribution equipment, video distribution equipment and other systems which are desired by the facility owner.

Abstract: Electrically insulative boots for substantially covering conductive connector housings and, in particular, conductive connector housings with a plug skirt and/or a receptacle skirt. The boots include a first electrically insulative shield connected to a second electrically insulative shield. The first shields include first and second plug flaps and/or first and second receptacle flaps. The flaps cover the plug skirt and/or a receptacle skirt when not connected to a mating connector assembly. The receptacle flaps are cammed away from the receptacle skirt by the plug flaps of a mating connector assembly allowing the plug skirt and receptacle skirt of mating connector assemblies to be adjacent to one another while the extractor of such mated connector assemblies remain electrically insulated.

Abstract: There is provided a distribution system and a wiring format which will not only provide for a common enclosure, which will help to centralize the entrance of services to a facility, but will also organize the services throughout the facility. In particular, the invention includes a signal distribution module that directs input signals to appropriate output signals throughout the facility. The signal distribution module will provide for easy installation and reconfiguration of the signal distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a tube key dispenser (18) which comprises a key (12) and a locking bracket (10). The tube (14) to be dispensed is inserted between projecting arms (22) of the key (12), and, while holding a locking member (26) of the locking bracket (10) against the tube, the key head (20) is turned causing the substance in the tube (14) to be dispensed.

Abstract: An invalid car lift is presented which comprises a bar which is mounted on the inside of a car with the help of a strap. A winch device is mounted in bearing relationship on the bar so that the winch may be moved laterally along the bar. The winch may be of the well known type which includes a handle attached to suitable rope or metal line and includes a hook. The hook is engaged to a basket. Thus, when a person in a wheelchair is brought up to the car and positioned under the winch, the person may be lifted off the wheelchair by the winch/basket. Thereafter the winch is rolled along the bar and into the car. Next, the winch is lowered and the person is disconnected therefrom. The bar preferably is hinged so that it may be easily folded and stored in the trunk during transportation.

Abstract: Each sled runner or rail from a conventional snow sled is provided with a pair of skis for attachment thereto. In particular, the section of the sled which bends or twists in response to the sled handle has a sled ski attached thereto which corresponds to the length of the bending section while the remaining length of sled rail has a second, separate sled ski attached thereto. As a result, when the handle is actuated in the desired direction, the metal sled rails will bend in that direction and the section of sled ski attached thereto will easily be directed in the direction of the bent sled rail. In this way, control and maneuverability of the sled is greatly increased relative to the numerous single piece sled ski attachments typically found in the prior art.

Abstract: A self-propelled pontoon aquatic vehicle is presented which comprises a central pontoon having a seat, pedals and steering mechanism thereon. Paddle wheels are located on either side of the pontoon and include an inner tube with cleats fused thereon surrounding a foamed core. Preferably, the pontoon is comprised of a foamed plastic material.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dumping a hatchery tray is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a lifting platform suitably fitted with a tray sensing limit switch to control a double acting air cylinder which lifts the hatchery tray on the platform up and through a 100.degree. arc past vertical onto the open top of a hopper which receives the waste from the tray. Initial spring loaded starting and stopping devices are included as well as kick-off-arms to remove the hatchery tray from the hopper after dumping.

Abstract: A target game is presented wherein marbles or the like are tossed by contestants at two square or rectangular baskets mounted side-by-side on a wall. The two baskets are positioned above and fully surrounded by a large receptacle which catches any marbles which miss the baskets and the above mentioned wall is an elongated wall of the large receptacle. The lower end of the large receptacle includes a storage bin for marbles and an access door.