Abstract: An operator control assembly including at least one operator control mounted in a panel cover or dashboard with at least one opening for receivably mounting the operator control, and at least one printed circuit board mounted beneath the panel cover. A unique configuration of projecting members on the bottom of the operator control comes in contract with and engages sensors mounted on the printed circuit board. Depending on the number and arrangement of the projecting members a unique subset o sensors t engaged, providing a unique electronic ID for each operator control installed. This electronic ID can then be transmitted to an electronic control unit, which will alter its operation based on the types o operator controls currently installed.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly comprises a generally planar substrate. A functional switch and at least one identification switch are mounted to the substrate. A switch body supports a switch actuator which is movable between multiple positions. An arrangement of one or more projecting members extends from the switch body. The switch body is mounted on or to the substrate such that the switch actuator operatively engages the functional switch, and the arrangement of projecting members operatively engages at least one of the identification switches to create a unique electronic identifier for the electrical switch assembly.

Abstract: A system for removing pollutants from a liquid. The system has a tank with a bypass chamber, a treatment chamber, inlet and outlet ports. A dividing wall is located within the tank and defines the bypass chamber and the treatment chamber. The dividing wall has an inlet opening, one or more outlet openings, retaining rods forming a retention space at least partially below the inlet opening, and a vertically-extending weir between the inlet opening and the outlet opening(s). The inlet opening receives polluted liquid from the inlet port and the one or more outlet openings output a cleaned liquid to the outlet port. A float in the treatment chamber is adapted to float in a retention space formed by the retaining rods. The float is adapted to rise against the inlet opening when a fluid level in the treatment chamber reaches a predetermined level to substantially block the inlet opening.

Abstract: Industry statistics show that there is a persistent and high rate of IT Projects that fail to meet their goals in terms of budget, schedule, or user satisfaction. My invention is based on the observation that the software development process produces undesirable outcomes when there are inconsistencies between certain process artifacts. I refer to such inconsistencies as breakpoints (or alternatively as breakage points). Breakpoints cause there to be an undesirable divergence between what was expected as the outcome and what actually transpires as the outcome. My invention consists of a method for preventing undesirable outcomes in the software development process by: identifying the potential breakpoints within a specific instance of a business process; applying a set of procedures to detect the existence and severity of actual breakpoints; and applying curative measures to remove detected breakpoints and applying proactive measures to prevent the development of breakpoints.

Abstract: A work machine includes a bulkhead separating an operator cab from an engine compartment. An electronic module includes a cantilever arranged mounting flange mounted to the bulkhead. The electronic module includes a rigid and thermally conductive frame. An electronics board is mounted to one side of the frame, and a power board is mounted to an opposite side of the frame. The electronics board carries a plurality of electronic components, and the power board carries a plurality of replaceable power elements. Each power element is a fuse, relay and/or circuit breaker. A housing encloses the electronics board and the power board. The housing includes an access cover to the power board.

Abstract: An electrical assembly including a housing having an inner surface. At least one mounting feature protrudes from the inner surface. At least one heat sink is inserted onto the at least one mounting feature. At least one electrical component is in thermal contact with a portion of the at least one heat sink.

Abstract: A vehicle having a power and information system including a vehicle structural member, an insulated power conductor, a communication link and a modular distribution system. The modular distribution system is attached to the vehicle structural member. The modular distribution system is coupled with the power conductor and with the communication link. The modular distribution system includes a backbone module having an electrical power connection and at least one plug pack. Each plug pack includes a first connector, a second connector and a controller pack. The first connector is connectable to the backbone module. The second connector has a plurality of terminals. The controller pack selectively electrically connects at least one of the plurality of terminals to the electrical power connection dependent upon information received by way of the communication link.

Abstract: A vehicle having a power and information system including a vehicle structural member, an insulated power conductor, a communication link and a modular distribution system. The modular distribution system is attached to the vehicle structural member. The modular distribution system is coupled with the power conductor and with the communication link. The modular distribution system includes a backbone module having an electrical power connection and at least one plug pack. Each plug pack includes a first connector, a second connector and a controller pack. The first connector is connectable to the backbone module. The second connector has a plurality of terminals. The controller pack selectively electrically connects at least one of the plurality of terminals to the electrical power connection dependent upon information received by way of the communication link.

Abstract: A work machine includes a bulkhead separating an operator cab from an engine compartment. An electronic module includes a cantilever arranged mounting flange mounted to the bulkhead. The electronic module includes a rigid and thermally conductive frame. An electronics board is mounted to one side of the frame, and a power board is mounted to an opposite side of the frame. The electronics board carries a plurality of electronic components, and the power board carries a plurality of replaceable power elements. Each power element is a fuse, relay and/or circuit breaker. A housing encloses the electronics board and the power board. The housing includes an access cover to the power board.

Abstract: An animal trap is provided which includes spring-loaded cupped members for grasping an animal. The cupped members include two sets of opposed arms which are connected in a manner so as to move in unison. The cupped members are biased to a closed position and a trigger holds the cupped members apart to allow entry by an animal. The trigger may slip, break, or be eaten through to release the cupped members. The cupped members enclose an animal when the trigger is released.

Abstract: For baby strollers, particularly umbrella strollers, a device to prevent tipping comprising a pair of rearward extension bars. Each bar is adapted to extend rearwardly over or nearly over one of the rear wheels of the stroller. Each curves downwards so as to clear the wheel over or near which it extends and then curves to present a distal end section at least approximately parallel to the surface on which the stroller sits. Each bar is provided with a clamp by which it may be attached to the stroller. The clamp is adjustable to optimize tip prevention and loosenable so that the extension may be folded transversely for storage or transport.

Abstract: A business method utilizes a dedicated electronic shopping network having a database and wireless receiving and transmitting components. The network is provided at a retail-type architectural facility where space is rented to a plurality of independent retail entities. For each respective one retail entity, data pertaining to goods offered for sale by the respective one entity is loaded the database. Queries from hand-held electronic personal shopping devices pertaining to goods offered for sale by the retail entities are received via the wireless receiving components. The wireless transmitting components transmit, to the hand-held electronic personal shopping devices, data from the database responsive to respective queries.

Abstract: For baby strollers, particularly umbrella strollers, a device to prevent tipping comprising a pair of rearward extension bars. Each bar is adapted to extend rearwardly over or nearly over one of the rear wheels of the stroller. Each curves downwards so as to clear the wheel over or near which it extends and then curves to present a distal end section at least approximately parallel to the surface on which the stroller sits. Each bar is provided with a clamp by which it may be attached to the stroller. The clamp is adjustable to optimize tip prevention and loosenable so that the extension may be folded transversely for storage or transport.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly has first and second connector units which are connectable with each other. One of the connectors has a shell which has a variable number of tabs projecting therefrom. The number and position of the tabs can be selected so that different connectors can be distinguished from each other. A set of switches are mounted on a base adjacent the other connector. The switches are engagable tabs so that the status of the switches represents the number and position of the tabs, thereby generating electrical signals uniquely identifying the connectors.

Abstract: An initiator assembly for use with an assembly for use in a vehicular safety restraint installation such as in an airbag inflator or micro-gas generator is provided. The initiator assembly includes an integral, one-piece insert member that is injection molded with insulating material to an initiator. The insert member suitably engages a housing of the assembly for properly holding the initiator assembly in place relative to the housing both before and after the initiator is activated. The insulating material defines a receiving portion for receiving a shorting element. The shorting element creates a short circuit between a pair of initiator electrical terminals. The insulating material further defines an interface having a keyed mating portion for receiving a correspondingly shaped electrical connector in electrical contact with the electrical terminals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of reducing deleted messages in a transmitter that sends messages organized in frames, superframes, and logical channels are provided. At least one of the channels includes structure messages that describe the organization of the frames and logical channels and a number of frames to be read by a receiver, including a number of additional frames that should be read when at least one displaced message exists. One method includes the steps of finding messages to be displaced; placing found messages in a displacement queue, and assigning messages to a frame according to a predetermined order of logical channels, including any displaced messages that fit in the frame. A message is displaced if it will not be sent in a frame of at least one logical channel and will timeout before it can next be sent, and if a message is placed in the displacement queue, then an information element is set in a message, indicating that the number of additional frames is to be read.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating interaction between a human individual and other individuals with whom he or she has indicated an interest in or attraction for, or with whom he or she has a shared ‘mutual attraction’. A computer system receives inputs from various individuals indicating an attraction for or interest in other individuals. Individuals are directly notified through the system of the other individual's interest regardless of whether or not a ‘mutual attraction’ exists. When the system determines that a ‘mutual interest’ exists between individuals, it indicates the current availability or logged-on status of both individuals. In addition, the system provides a means for a user to indicate, change and communicate his type or level of interest in another individual.

Abstract: A digital radio communication system has a mobile station and a base station, the mobile station transmitting messages to the base station in a series of frames. Each frame has a header with a frame number and an optional polling indicator. A method of determining whether the base station is capable of receiving a message in automatic retransmission request (ARQ) format is provided. The method includes the step of transmitting from the mobile station to the base station a single frame in ARQ format with a polling indicator set such that the base station is prompted to send a status frame in ARQ format if the base station is capable of receiving messages in ARQ format. The method also has the step of determining if a status frame in ARQ format is sent from the base station to the mobile station in response to the single frame. A mobile station operating according to the method of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing revision management of linked data entities and user dependent terminology. The present invention provides a novel method to implement revision management so that when a referenced data record is revised, no manual updating of any referencing data record is required to reflect the corresponding change. When defining a referencing data record, a user designates a choice of version of the referenced data record to be used with the referencing data record thereafter. Specifically, the user can either specify a particular version, in which case that particular version of the referenced data record will be used when the referencing data record is subsequently accessed, or the user can elect to use the “revision of record”, in which case the version of the referenced data record currently identified as the “revision of record” will be used.