Abstract: A one-hand engageable vacuum tool connection assembly for connection to a commercial vehicle vacuum system that includes: a vacuum tool connection assembly hose having a first end and a second end; an upper assembly and a lower assembly having a tool connector where the tool connector engages a second end of the lower assembly swivel cuff and is typically adapted to receive one or a plurality of different types of vacuum tools. The vacuum tool engagement assembly is typically free of any flapper valve, metal or spring biased elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robot which is suitable for travel through a pipeline. The inventive robot comprises at least one tracked drive means and at least one roller means that can swivel about an axis substantially normal to a rolling axis thereof, wherein said at least one tracked drive means and at least one roller means are provided with magnetic means for generating a magnetic adhesion force between the robot and an internal wall of the pipeline.

Abstract: A largely or totally automated lost item notification and recovery system that avoids language barriers by providing a short description of the item entered by the subscriber and stored in a database in any lost item notification message communicated to the subscriber concerning the item. The lost item notification message may also include an indication of the language used by the reporting party when placing the lost item report, and may also include an indication of the geographic location where the lost item report originated. The system may also activate pre-defined countermeasures associated with the lost item once the item has been reported lost and implement a reward system providing compensation to the reporting party or others upon successful return of the lost item.

Abstract: An Internet-based computing and communications system includes a virtual desktop computer facility that resides on the Internet and is thereby available to its users at any time and from any location. The virtual desktop computer includes a suite of fully integrated web-based messaging, collaboration and personal information management applications. That system operates in conjunction with a buffer facility that can initiate simultaneous calls via multiple gateways anywhere on the Internet and which can, in turn, call regular telephone numbers as instructed over the Internet by users. An adaptive buffering technique reduces time delays and data-packet transmission over the Internet.