Abstract: A power lift assembly includes a lift stand. An actuating unit is detachably coupled to the lift stand and includes an actuating unit frame, a hydraulic unit carried by the actuating unit frame, a hydraulic piston extendable and retractable with respect to the hydraulic unit and an actuating unit arm positional between first and second positions on the actuating unit frame. The actuating unit arm operably engages the hydraulic unit to extend and retract the hydraulic piston at the first and second positions, respectively, of the actuating unit arm. A lift arm is pivotally carried by the actuating unit frame and releasably engages the lift stand. The hydraulic piston engages the lift arm.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a fingerprint scanner having an ultrasonic wave detector, a platen, an ultrasonic wave generator located between the detector and the platen. The invention may be embodied as a method of scanning a finger. One such method includes providing a platen, a detector and a generator, the generator being placed between the platen and the detector. A finger may be provided on the platen, and an ultrasound wave pulse may be sent from the generator toward the finger. The wave pulse may be reflected from the finger, and received at the detector. The received wave pulse may be used to produce an image of the finger.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a fingerprint scanner having an ultrasonic wave detector, a platen, an ultrasonic wave generator located between the detector and the platen. The invention may be embodied as a method of scanning a finger. One such method includes providing a platen, a detector and a generator, the generator being placed between the platen and the detector. A finger may be provided on the platen, and an ultrasound wave pulse may be sent from the generator toward the finger. The wave pulse may be reflected from the finger, and received at the detector. The received wave pulse may be used to produce an image of the finger.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an energy storage and generation system, comprising a cable system having a first end portion located at a first elevation and a second end portion located at a second elevation, a plurality of mass carriers supported by the cable system, one or more motor generators coupled with the cable system and with an energy grid, a control system in communication with at least the one or more motor generators, a first mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the first elevation, and a second mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the second elevation that can be higher than the first elevation. The one or more motor generators can move the cable system in an energy storing state and be moved by the cable in an energy generating state.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a fingerprint scanner having an ultrasonic wave detector, a platen, an ultrasonic wave generator located between the detector and the platen. The invention may be embodied as a method of scanning a finger. One such method includes providing a platen, a detector and a generator, the generator being placed between the platen and the detector. A finger may be provided on the platen, and an ultrasound wave pulse may be sent from the generator toward the finger. The wave pulse may be reflected from the finger, and received at the detector. The received wave pulse may be used to produce an image of the finger.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as an identity assurance system or method. A system according to the invention may have a biometric sensor capable of providing static biometric indications, a strap capable of positioning the sensor on an organism, and a computer in communication with the sensor. The computer may have software running on the computer in order to (a) cause the computer to determine whether there is a match between a subsequent static biometric indication and an initial static biometric indication, and (b) cause the computer to send a signal indicating whether a match was determined in order to assure the identity of the organism.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an energy storage and generation system, comprising a cable system having a first end portion located at a first elevation and a second end portion located at a second elevation, a plurality of mass carriers supported by the cable system, one or more motor generators coupled with the cable system and with an energy grid, a control system in communication with at least the one or more motor generators, a first mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the first elevation, and a second mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the second elevation that can be higher than the first elevation. The one or more motor generators can move the cable system in an energy storing state and be moved by the cable in an energy generating state.

Abstract: The present invention provides shade tolerant wiring solutions for solar systems. Elements are grouped and wired in parallel within a group such that the total current of a group is substantially the same among multiple groups. Such a wiring scheme can be applied to solar targets (e.g., solar cells), solar , and solar modules.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a fingerprint scanner having an ultrasonic wave detector, a platen, an ultrasonic wave generator located between the detector and the platen. The invention may be embodied as a method of scanning a finger. One such method includes providing a platen, a detector and a generator, the generator being placed between the platen and the detector. A finger may be provided on the platen, and an ultrasound wave pulse may be sent from the generator toward the finger. The wave pulse may be reflected from the finger, and received at the detector. The received wave pulse may be used to produce an image of the finger.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a fingerprint scanner having an ultrasonic wave detector, a platen, an ultrasonic wave generator located between the detector and the platen. The invention may be embodied as a method of scanning a finger. One such method includes providing a platen, a detector and a generator, the generator being placed between the platen and the detector. A finger may be provided on the platen, and an ultrasound wave pulse may be sent from the generator toward the finger. The wave pulse may be reflected from the finger, and received at the detector. The received wave pulse may be used to produce an image of the finger.

Abstract: The present invention provides shade tolerant wiring solutions for solar systems. Elements are grouped and wired in parallel within a group such that the total current of a group is substantially the same among multiple groups. Such a wiring scheme can be applied to solar targets (e.g., solar cells), solar , and solar modules.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as an identity assurance system or method. A system according to the invention may have a biometric sensor capable of providing static biometric indications, a strap capable of positioning the sensor on an organism, and a computer in communication with the sensor. The computer may have software running on the computer in order to (a) cause the computer to determine whether there is a match between a subsequent static biometric indication and an initial static biometric indication, and (b) cause the computer to send a signal indicating whether a match was determined in order to assure the identity of the organism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fingerprint scanning system and a method of scanning a fingerprint. A system according to the invention may have (a) an imaging surface capable of receiving a finger, (b) a rotatable disk, the disk having a pivot-location about which the disk rotates, (c) an ultrasound transducer joined to the disk and capable of providing information corresponding to a fingerprint of the finger, (d) a disk driver capable of rotating the disk in order to cause the transducer to move along a substantially circular path, (e) a linear driver capable of moving the pivot-location linearly, (f) a measurer capable of measuring linear positions of the pivot-location and arcuate positions of the transducer; and (g) a coupler capable of producing sets of coupled information, each set comprising one linear position of the pivot-location, one arcuate position of the transducer and information produced from the transducer at the pivot-location and arcuate position.

Abstract: The invention includes methods, systems and devices for authenticating transactions. A method may begin by enrolling at least two biometric specimens to a database. A false acceptance ratio (“FAR”) is determined for each of the specimens, and authorization options are identified. A cost value is calculated for at least one of the options to provide a calculated cost value (“CCV”). The CCV may be a function of the FAR(s) of the specimen(s) corresponding to the option. An acceptable cost value range (“ACV range”) may be identified, and compared to the CCV. If it is determined that the CCV is in the ACV range, then the option is selected. If the CCV is in the ACV range, then a set of biometric samples is provided (the “sample set”). The sample set is compared to the biometric specimens, and it is determined whether the biometric samples match the biometric specimens. If the biometric samples match the biometric specimens, then the transaction is authorized.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as an identity authentication system or method. A system according to the invention may have a biometric sensor capable of providing static biometric indications, an adhesive capable of positioning the sensor on an organism, and a computer in communication with the sensor. The computer may have software running on the computer in order to (a) cause the computer to determine whether there is a match between a subsequent static biometric indication and an initial static biometric indication, and (b) cause the computer to send a signal indicating whether a match was determined in order to authenticate the identity of the organism.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as an identity authentication system or method. A system according to the invention may have a biometric sensor capable of providing static biometric indications, an adhesive capable of positioning the sensor on an organism, and a computer in communication with the sensor. The computer may have software running on the computer in order to (a) cause the computer to determine whether there is a match between a subsequent static biometric indication and an initial static biometric indication, and (b) cause the computer to send a signal indicating whether a match was determined in order to authenticate the identity of the organism.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of deciding whether a data set is acceptable for making a decision. A first probability partition array and a second probability partition array may be provided. A no-match zone may be established and used to calculate a false-acceptance-rate (“FAR”) and/or a false-rejection-rate (“FRR”) for the data set. The FAR and/or the FAR may be compared to desired rates. Based on the comparison, the data set may be either accepted or rejected. The invention may also be embodied as a computer readable memory device for executing the methods.

Abstract: An extended cab for a pick-up truck includes an interior cargo storage space between a rearwardmost portion of a rear seat and the rear wall of the cab.

Abstract: A reversibly extensible headrest for an automotive vehicle is disclosed including a three link triangular linkage arrangement having a transverse manual or motor operated shaft oppositely threaded along two portions, at least one pair of links each mounted to the headrest at a common pivot point and to a respective one of the oppositely threaded portions. A third link is mounted to the headrest spaced from the common pivot point and one of the threaded portions. The mounting of the links to the threaded shaft being by way of corresponding threaded nuts. In the extended position the one pair of links are maintained in longitudinal side-by-side abutment providing lateral stability to the headrest.

Abstract: In an assembly of two members that are threadably secured and have opposed radially extending sealing surfaces that may experience forced relative tilting there is provided an elastomeric sealing ring that engages these surfaces and has a radially facing circumferential V-shape groove providing lips that are preloaded between the sealing surfaces but do not touch each other on application of a predetermined securing torque and then on forced relative tilting of the members which tends to unseat the ring at some circumferential location the lips at this location remain preloaded while flexing to maintain sealing while at the diametrically opposite location the lips are forced toward full contact.