Abstract: The present invention provides software, methods, and computer systems for displaying banner ads with a set of navigation options presented to an end-user, such as a customer or consumer, who selects or clicks on the displayed banner ad. The navigation options include URLs on a network to which the end-user computer is connectable. The invention includes software, systems, and methods for allowing the publisher to define and update the set of options. The invention includes software, systems, and methods for recording display event statistics for the banner ad whether the end-user is viewing the banner ad either off-line or on-line. The invention also includes a means for targeting and sending messages across the network to end-users.

Abstract: The invention includes customized software to be used on an end-user computer having fixed storage and an interface with a network server using a network. A GUI component controls a browser which accesses publisher content that is at least partially installed on the fixed storage. Software is provided for monitoring end-user behavior, on-line and off-line, and maintaining a local event statistics database of the end-user behavior including event data related to end-user events. Software is provided for detecting a network connection and transmitting at least a portion of the local event statistics database to the network server. Software is provided for compiling summary information from the local event statistics database wherein the summary information comprises the portion of the local event statistics database.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic plant watering system and method having a container for receiving a plant. The container has a dividing wall which divides the container into a plant-receiving area and a fluid container area for receiving a fluid container. When the fluid container is mounted in the fluid container receiving area, an actuator on the container actuates and opens a flapper valve so that fluid may pass from the container into the plant-receiving area. The container is situated a predetermined distance in the container-receiving area which defines the amount of water to be provided and maintained in the plant-receiving area.

Abstract: A method and system for generating, inventorying, storing and managing records and record forms is disclosed. The record management system and method utilizes a system record generator which generates a plurality of policies, record forms and the like in response to a questionnaire record. Customized record forms and policies are generated and stored in a unique record receiver having indicia for clearly identifying forms therein. A record holder is also provided for storing, inventorying, and managing the record forms used. The method and system are particularly useful for managing and insuring that record forms are completed for employees in a company by providing convenient means for visually identifying record forms, such as employment applications and the like, for ascertaining when one or more forms is missing by the presence of an empty compartment in the record holder.

Abstract: A system and method for creating at least one intelligent chart is shown comprising a computer having indicia means and a comparator line generator which are capable of generating intelligent, indicia-coded charts which are coded based on performance relative to pre-established thresholds. The system and method further comprise a comparator line generator for generating comparator lines which represent, for example, industry standard data or information. The system and method enable a user to quickly and accurately interpret and review data represented by the visual objects in the chart, as well as a company's performance relative to, for example, an industry standard.

Abstract: A method and system for generating, inventorying, storing and managing records and record forms is disclosed. The record management system and method utilizes a system record generator which generates a plurality of policies, record forms and the like in response to a questionnaire record. Customized record forms and policies are generated and stored in a unique record receiver having indicia for clearly identifying forms therein. A record holder is also provided for storing, inventorying, and managing the record forms used. The method and system are particularly useful for managing and insuring that record forms are completed for employees in a company by providing convenient means for visually identifying record forms, such as employment applications and the like, for ascertaining when one or more forms is missing by the presence of an empty compartment in the record holder.

Abstract: A method and system for generating, inventorying, storing and managing records and record forms is disclosed. The record management system and method utilizes a system record generator which generates a plurality of policies, record forms and the like in response to a questionnaire record. Customized record forms and policies are generated and stored in a unique record receiver having indicia for clearly identifying forms therein. A record holder is also provided for storing, inventorying, and managing the record forms used. The method and system are particularly useful for managing and insuring that record forms are completed for employees in a company by providing convenient means for visually identifying record forms, such as employment applications and the like, for ascertaining when one or more forms is missing by the presence of an empty compartment in the record holder.

Abstract: A cosmetic system and method is disclosed as comprising a housing having a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of cosmetic items, such as lipstick, eye liners, brushes, powders and the like, in one organized and portable holder. The cosmetic system further includes a sharpener for sharpening one or more of the cosmetic tools, such as the pencils/liners and a flip-open mirror for use when applying the cosmetics. The cosmetics and cosmetic tools, mirrors, sharpener and the like are all provided in one convenient storage receptacle or housing which is compact, portable and easily stored in a small area, such as in a purse, travel bag, suitcase, drawer or the like.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for use in a sewing machine. The clamp includes a frame and at least one adjustable presser member associated with the frame. The adjustable presser member applies a preselected amount of pressure to a workpiece located in a sewing machine and the clamp is adapted to be used with workpieces having varying thicknesses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for storing and hanging various articles. The storage and hanging system comprises an article receiver which is adjustable secured to a support and which is adjustable to a plurality of different positions such that articles may be hung on one or more rails of the receiver. Subsequently, the article receiver may be collapsed to a closed position so that the stored articles consume a relatively small amount of space. The system is convenient in that it provides a combination of storage containers, and jewelry clips and other clips, along with a mirror which is particularly useful when the system is being used, for example, at a school, office or even during traveling. The system is conveniently designed to be hung on a door or other suitable surface, but it is contemplated that the support for the article receiver may be mounted directly to a surface.

Abstract: A workpiece pallet for transporting and holding one or more workpieces to be sewn in a programmable sewing machine. The workpiece pallet comprises a frame member having a locator which can be removably secured to the frame member. In a preferred embodiment, the locator comprises a base plate having a plurality of flanges which cooperate with mating flanges on the frame member so that the base plate is detachably supported therein. The base plate has a plurality of posts which facilitate locating one or more workpieces in the workpiece pallet. The workpiece pallet also comprises a universal coupler for permitting a plurality of sets of plates to be pivotally and detachably coupled to the frame member. The universal coupler comprises a plurality of first connecting members located on the frame member and a plurality of second mating connecting members which are located on each plates of the sets of plurality of plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for fusing tabs of a hook or loop fastener material to opposing ends of an elongated band of cooperating hook or loop fastener material. The tabs are fed from two sources of a first material on opposing sides of a bonding station. The band is formed from a supply of a second material which is first fed to a transfer device having first and second grippers. The grippers transfer the band of material to the bonding station in a direction transverse to the transfer of the tabs to the bonding station, and the ends of the band are placed in overlapping relationship with the tabs. Subsequently, a pair of ultrasonic welding horns are moved into contact with the overlapping material to fuse the band of material to the tabs. The apparatus operates under the control of a programmable controller and the length of the band may be varied by altering a length of the second material fed between the grippers of the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A clamping device for use in a sewing machine. The clamping device includes a clamping plate having a downwardly facing clamping surface for clamping a first workpiece to a sewing surface of a sewing machine wherein the clamping plate is supported for vertical movement beneath a sewing head for the sewing machine. The clamping plate is provided with a vacuum aperture which is in fluid connection with a vacuum source wherein the vacuum source draws a second workpiece into engagement with the clamping plate. A support plate is provided for supporting the second workpiece beneath the clamping plate and a feed mechanism is provided for feeding the second workpiece onto the support plate.

Abstract: A sewing station is disclosed including a workpiece clamp shuttle for loading and shuttling a bulky workpiece to be sewn to a sewing location of a sewing machine. The workpiece clamp shuttle includes a support surface for supporting a bulky workpiece and a clamp for clamping the bulky workpiece to the support surface at a loading station wherein the bulky workpiece may be easily loaded onto the support surface. The sewing machine includes apparatus for driving the clamp and the support surface from the loading station to the sewing location where the bulky workpiece can be sewn. In addition, a method for sewing a bulky workpiece in a sewing station is disclosed including the steps of preclamping the bulky workpiece at a loading location, and transferring the preclamped bulky workpiece from the loading location to a sewing location where the workpiece may be clamped and sewn.

Abstract: A modular air bag construction system is disclosed wherein an airbag is constructed by providing a main panel, attaching reinforcing material to predetermined locations on the main panel and forming holes through the main panel at the predetermined locations, and subsequently attaching a face panel to the main panel and trimming the face and main panels to a desired rounded configuration. The present system uses substantially rectangular panels whereby conveying and accurate placement of the panels is facilitated. The present system is conducive for implementation as an automated system and eliminates expensive and time consuming precutting of the air bag components.

Abstract: A material handling system for forming an air bag in a plurality of workstations. The system includes a pallet for holding a workpiece in a predetermined orientation and a locator for locating the pallet in a plurality of workstations for performing different operations on the workpiece. The pallet is provided with structure for aligning the pallet in at least two workstations for performing different operations on the workpiece. The workstations preferably include a sewing station and a punch press station wherein the pallet is adapted to be accurately aligned in each of the stations for performance of respective sewing and hole cutting operations. The locator is operable for moving the pallet from a loading station to the sewing station and then to the punch press station. Further, the locator is operable to subsequently move the pallet to an unloading station or to a further workstation.

Abstract: A side-by-side material feed system is provided for feeding two dissimilar strips of material. The material is fed along parallel feed paths by first and second drive mechanisms which move the material toward respective cutters. The operation of the feed mechanisms and the cutters is controlled by a programmable controller which permits each of the material strips to be fed and cut to form pieces of predetermined length which may be removed by an operator or conveyed to a subsequent station for further processing.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for use in a sewing machine. The clamp includes a frame and at least one adjustable presser member associated with the frame. The adjustable presser member applies a preselected amount of pressure to a workpiece located in a sewing machine and the clamp is adapted to be used with workpieces having varying thicknesses.

Abstract: A side-by-side material feed system is provided for feeding two dissimilar strips of material. The material is fed along parallel feed paths by first and second material feeders which move the material toward respective cutters. The operation of the feeders and the cutters is controlled by a programmable controller which permits each of the material strips to be fed and cut to form pieces of predetermined length which may be removed by an operator or conveyed to a subsequent station for further processing. In a further embodiment of the invention, the feeders are supported on an ergonomic arm mounted to a portable cart whereby the feeders may be used at different sewing stations and the ergonomic arm may be positioned at an optimum location for each of the sewing stations.

Abstract: A modular air bag construction system is disclosed wherein an air bag is constructed by providing a main panel, attaching reinforcing material to predetermined locations on the main panel and forming holes through the main panel at the predetermined locations, and subsequently attaching a face panel to the main panel and trimming the face and main panels to a desired rounded configuration. The present system uses substantially rectangular panels whereby conveying and accurate placement of the panels is facilitated. The present system is conducive for implementation as an automated system and eliminates expensive and time consuming precutting of the air bag components.