Abstract: A window regulator is provided for operating a window pane of an automotive vehicle including a guide rail extending between opposite upper and lower ends. A lifter plate is slidably coupled to the guide rail. The lifter plate includes an integrated drum housing and is adapted for supporting the window pane. A motor assembly is fixedly secured to the lifter plate and includes a drive housing and a reversible motor. A drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the drive housing for rotation by the reversible motor. A cable drum is disposed in the integrated drum housing of the lifter plate for being rotatably driven by the drive shaft. A pair of cables having first ends connected to the cable drum are at least partially wound around the cable drum in opposite directions while second ends are connected to the upper and lower ends of the guide rail. The lifter plate, cable drum and motor assembly move together upwardly and downwardly along the guide rail in response to rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A device is provided for shielding a contactless smartcard or RFID tag from reading. The device can include a first panel for holding and presenting a contactless smartcard, a second panel comprising a shielding material that prevents unauthorized reading of information when the contactless smartcard is in proximity to or resting on the second panel, and a hinge coupling the first panel and the second panel. The hinge keeps the device closed for preventing unauthorized reading, and open when a force is applied for allowing authorized reading. The contactless smartcard can be inserted between the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: A pair of composite material substantially buoyant-in-water hand pliers including a pair of elongated metallic lever members each having a handle portion and a jaw portion and formed of higher rigidity metallic material having a density greater than water. The lever members are pivotally connected together at common central portions between the jaw and handle portions. Each handle portion is substantially encapsulated by an elongated molded-in-place contoured grip formed of material buoyant in water wherein the effective density of the pliers is in very close proximity to that of water. Uniquely configured jaw inserts are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides microwave attenuating, filled composite materials which contain a polymer or ceramic matrix and metallic tubules and processes for making the same and devices which contain such materials.

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable medium is provided for automatically configuring at least one un-configured data collection terminal (DCT) interfaced to a network utilizing TCP/IP protocol. The network may include a plurality of devices, including at least one client or server.

Abstract: The present invention provides microwave attenuating, filled composite materials which contain a polymer or ceramic matrix and metallic tubules and processes for making the same and devices which contain such materials.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device for open top, convertible or soft-topped vehicles that has a roll bar that is welded to an existing vehicle with sensors that trigger the deployment of airbags in an event of a vehicle roll-over to cover the top and the sides of the driver and passenger compartment.

Abstract: A method for generating multiple high-resolution PWM signals in which software interrupts are introduced at predetermined intervals to generate multiple high-resolution PWM signals from a conventional microprocessor. The software determines the purpose of the interrupt in an interrupt subroutine. An interrupt occurs when a compare register equals the timer. Another interrupt occurs when the timer overflows. The interrupts are the key to generating the multiple high-resolution PWM signals.

Abstract: A pair of preferably substantially buoyant-in-water hand pliers comprising a pair of non-metallic lever members each having a handle portion and a jaw portion and formed of material preferably having a density greater than water. The lever members are pivotally connected together at common central portions between the jaw and handle portions. Each handle portion preferably has one or more outwardly opening cavities formed into a side surface of the handle portions. An elongated tubular sheath preferably formed of material buoyant in water covers and sealingly encloses the cavities whereby the effective density of the pliers is less than that of water. An effective, durable, non-corrosive wire cutting arrangement is also provided, the components uniquely configured and supported in the non-metallic jaw portions.

Abstract: A platform (1) comprises a client device interface (5) is for communication with devices operated by students, in this case software students. The client device interface (5) comprises an XML web server (6) for method calls from client devices (7). The platform (1) also comprises a content interface (10) which is linked with a content database (11). Between the interfaces the platform (1) comprises a distribution mechanism (25) having a real time clock for controlling distribution of content to client devices (7). A decision mechanism (30) automatically controls access to content, and a synchronization controller (32) manages a group of platform synchronization tables (33). There is no need to download content every time a particular client device (7) accesses the platform (1), as automatic synchronization of the tables at the platform and client ends ensure full access control to content remaining on the client device (7).

Abstract: For an electronic fish scale including a molded housing having upper and lower portions for supported hand grasping and a pair of opposed C-shaped jaws which open when a jaw actuator is manually moved upwardly to receive a lower lip of a fish securely held and unhurt between the jaws when closed for weighing the fish, a jaw tip cover for the lower distal end portion of each jaw half. The jaw tips or GRIP SOCKS are over-molded of resistant plastic material to enhance gripability of fish lips and to reduce harm to the fish when released.

Abstract: A pair of preferably substantially buoyant-in-water hand pliers comprising a pair of non-metallic lever members each having a handle portion and a jaw portion and formed of material preferably having a density greater than water. The lever members are pivotally connected together at common central portions between the jaw and handle portions. Each handle portion preferably has one or more outwardly opening cavities formed into a side surface of the handle portions. An elongated tubular sheath preferably formed of material buoyant in water covers and sealingly encloses the cavities whereby the effective density of the pliers to less than that of water. An effective, durable, non-corrosive wire cutting arrangement is also provided, the components uniquely configured and supported in the non-metallic jaw portions.

Abstract: A learning system (1) comprises control functions (2), and student interfacing functions (3). The system (1), at a high level, also comprises a set (4) of stored third party software development tools which can be launched by an opening function within the learning controller (2). The system (1) also comprises a set (5) of stored challenges called practice sets, each for presenting a challenge to a student involving use of one or more software development tools. A task engine (6) controls the presentation of challenges to students. A support engine (7) manages retrieval and outputting of support content and instruction tutors for guidance of a student. A judging engine (8) automatically analyses software developed by a student to generate a result. The result provides a competency profile, something which is very valuable to the student as it clearly indicates deficiencies in ability or knowledge.

Abstract: A non-conductive substantially buoyant-in-water hand tool comprising an elongated handle portion formed of non-corrosive, non-conductive material having a density greater than water and an elongated working tool connected to and extending axially from a proximal end of said handle portion. The handle portion has one or more outwardly opening cavities formed into a side surface of the handle portion. An elongated tubular sheath formed of material buoyant in water covers and sealingly encloses and forms one or more airtight cavities whereby the effective density of the hand tool is less than that of water.

Abstract: A hand held fishing gaff for manually engaging and lifting fish from water having a multi-position fish hook. The handle preferably has a straight main portion and a gripping portion which is arcuately shaped and extends away from a longitudinal axis of the straight portion. A fish hook is connected to the handle and is lockably positionable in a plurality of different rotationally aligned positions about the longitudinal axis. A fish hook detent interconnected between the handle and fish hook shank is selectively self-locking into one of a plurality of positional orientations of the fish hook. The device is preferably buoyant in water and the handle preferably has a uniform oval cross section to enhance gripability.

Abstract: The present invention includes an emergency lighting device comprising, at least one light emitting diode (LED), a local energy source such as a lithium ion battery, a control circuit in electric communication with the at least one LED and further sensing a main power supply, and a reflector for broadcasting light produced by the LED to designated areas. In particular, the present invention transforms existing fluorescent, incandescent or halogen light fixtures into emergency lighting systems for homes, hospitals, hotels, nursing homes and businesses. The device includes a power sensor for triggering the control circuit to engage the LEDs when electrical service is disrupted, thereby broadcasting a wash of light over an otherwise darkened room or corridor.

Abstract: A personal watercraft having a shroud portion. The watercraft includes a hull formed from an upper portion secured over a bottom hull. The hull defines an engine compartment sized to contain an internal combustion engine for powering a jet propulsion unit. The jet propulsion unit includes a steerable water discharge nozzle. The upper portion includes a straddle-type seat, a top deck, and a shroud, where a portion of the sidewalls of the shroud curve inward to form pockets at a point generally aligned with the knees of an operator seated on the personal watercraft.