Abstract: A bulk material measuring and dispensing system includes a hopper assembly containing a bulk material coupled to a volumetric measuring and dispensing device, for measuring a predetermined volume of the bulk material and dispensing the predetermined volume of the bulk material. A dispensing mechanism is coupled to the volumetric measuring and dispensing device, for receiving and measuring a predetermined volume of bulk material in one position, and for dispensing the bulk material into a bulk material dispensing passageway another position. The volumetric measuring and dispensing device may include a rotatably mounted cylindrical member having a measuring chamber which receives and measure a predetermined volume of the bulk material and rotates to dispense the predetermined volume of bulk material.

Abstract: A method for maintaining disconnected call record events in a pending condition is provided until an available agent is acquired to service the disconnected call record event. The method includes the steps of reprioritizing the disconnected call record event to a lower priority level value and comparing the priority level value of the disconnected call record event with the priority levels of the additional pending call record events. Upon the disconnected call record event having a priority level value equal to or higher than the additional call record events, an available agent is requested and a second outbound call is placed for the previously disconnected call record event. The requested available agent is connected to the second outbound call upon an outside party answering the second outbound call.

Abstract: A ceremonial roll of material that can be easily unrolled and used is described. The roll contains a small layer or strip of releasable adhesive located on the floor surface of the roll within a starting end region of the roll. This adhesive is then pressed onto the floor itself before the roll is rolled down the aisle or walkway to be used. The adhesive will hold to the floor during the unrolling but can easily be removed by pulling up at an angle from the floor. The ceremonial roll may be made from a host of materials but a non-woven material made from long, natural and synthetic fibers is preferred.

Abstract: A combination square and multi-purpose hand tool can be utilized as a large number of hand tools including a square, bevel square, stud and ceiling strapping spacer, clamp, caliper, string tender, and scribe. A first L shaped member includes a blade portion and a handle portion. A second member is pivotably and slidably coupled to the blade portion of the first member. Individual member dimensions such as the overall length of the first member, the maximum extended length of the second member along the first member, and the width of the blade portion of the first member are pre-established at selected lengths and widths, to provide predetermined functions for the present multi-purpose hand tool such as a stud spacer, ceiling strapping spacer and string tender.

Abstract: An interconnect device for a power supply blade having two flat sides comprising a first portion having a fiat surface for contact with one flat side of the blade, and a second portion having a flat surface facing the first flat surface for contact with the other flat side of the blade. One flat surface is translatable toward and away from the other flat surface to engage and disengage the blade, respectively.

Abstract: An extension tube system for a dust particulate dispenser and a method of using the extension tube system are disclosed. The system includes a flexible duster extension tube having a central body portion with a first diameter, a first coupling end with a larger diameter, and a second dispensing end with a smaller diameter. The first coupling end is inserted over an outlet region of a dust particulate dispenser. Additional extension tubes can be connected to the second dispensing end of an extension tube to extend the reach to an area where dust particulates must be applied. A flexible duster extension tube cleaner having a cleaning element is used to clean remaining dust particulates from within the extension tubes. After the dust particulates are dispensed through the extension tube system, each extension tube is disconnected, and the tube cleaner is gripped at one end so that the cleaning element at the other end can be inserted into each flexible duster extension tube.

Abstract: A transportable basketball net assembly for temporary use on a basketball rim, installed from the ground using only the basketball. Installation is accomplished by closing temporarily the bottom of the net by use of a clip or equivalent means secured to the net, then inverting and disposing the net assembly over the basketball, then throwing the ball and net assembly into position on the basketball rim, the clip or equivalent releasing under the force and weight of the falling ball, thus opening the net. The net assembly is dislodged and removed by throwing the ball up through the rim, contacting the net and the flanged collar with upward force from below.

Abstract: A wire conveyor belt includes a plurality of interlocked wire elements having closed ends. The interlocked wire elements have U-shaped regions which are interlocked with corresponding U-shaped regions of adjacent wire elements to form the conveyor belt. The closed end regions are formed after the wire elements have been interlocked. Each closed end region is formed by bending the end of each wire element around the adjacent interlocked wire element so that the end is adjacent to and overlapping the wire element forming a region having a substantially triangular, circular, or square shape. Each closed end region forms a space which is less than the diameter of each wire element for preventing other portions of the wire conveyor belt or other wire conveyor belts from catching on the closed end regions. A method of making such a wire conveyor belt requires first interlocking the wire elements and subsequently forming the closed end regions.

Abstract: A method for producing a Batik-type image on cloth. Artwork is generated manually or via a computer graphic art program, which contains an outline of a Batik-type image to be produced on cloth. The outline simulates wax drip lines. Coloration is then added to selected areas, and the artwork is color separated into individual images. Simulated wax crack lines are then added to the color separations. Screens for each individual color are produced, and the cloth is printed using a discharge type ink. The result is an image very similar to Batik style dyeing.

Abstract: A symbolic language teaching and communication system is disclosed which includes at least one block having a pattern of raised protrusions with rounded top surfaces for tactile discrimination. Each pattern represents an alpha-numeric character for recognition by a visually impaired individual, and the block has indicia on one of the sides corresponding to the alpha-numeric character for recognition by a non-visually impaired individual. Each block also has a curved region on one of the corners of the block to provide for the proper orientation of the block on a block retaining slate when forming words or sentences with a plurality of blocks. The block retaining slate also has a rounded corner to provide for the proper orientation of the block retaining slate when forming or reading words or sentences on the block retaining slate. The blocks are removably engaged with the block retaining slate by protrusions which are frictionally engaged with protrusions on the block retaining slate.

Abstract: A connector system for coupling first and second venting devices, at least one of which comprises a flexible vent pipe, includes a venting device connector having first and second ends. A first end of the venting device connector includes an inner vent member having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the flexible pipe to which it is to be coupled. An outer flexible vent pipe restraining member circumferentially surrounds an end portion of the inner vent member and has an inside diameter substantially larger than the inner vent member, and generally larger than the outside diameter of a grooved exterior region of the flexible vent pipe to which the connector is to be coupled. A circumference reducer allows the first end of the venting device connector to be securely and releasably attached to the flexible vent pipe.

Abstract: A data storage system with data mirroring and reduced access time data retrieval includes at least one pair of rotating data storage media each having a plurality of generally identical data records. Each rotating data storage medium includes position indicators, for providing one or more indications of the rotational position of each of the rotating data storage media with respect to its associated fixed position read/write mechanism. A position monitor receives the rotational position indications from each rotating data storage medium and computes and monitors the rotational position of each rotating storage medium with respect to its associated read/write mechanism.

Abstract: An in-line fluid medium driven charging system includes a fluid medium driven generator disposed in a fluid medium directing tube. The fluid medium driven generator includes an auger shaped, fluid medium engaging member and is coupled to an electrical generator. Rotation of the auger shaped, fluid medium engaging member by intercepting a flow of a fluid medium causes rotation of the electrical generator, thereby generating electrical energy which recharges and assists in maintaining the life of a battery in a moving vehicle.

Abstract: A smart telecommunications supervisor management workstation with monitoring system provides real-time operation statistics and graphical representation of system operation in real time. A standardized graphic user interface and a mouse-driven point and click user friendly interface minimize keyboard entry. A management workstation also generates reports using off-the-shelf spreadsheet packages incorporates data management functions via a highly refined user interface. The management workstation comprises an integrated system for generating alerts based on user-defined criteria for database information. Color-coded or shaded monochrome displays provide ease of viewing. Extensive use of icons allows quick identification and selection of management control functions.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a grooming system including a plurality of user selectable grooming implements which can be releasably and pivotably coupled to a fixed length or extendible grooming implement pole includes selecting a first grooming implement from among a plurality of grooming implements, releasably and pivotably coupling the grooming implement to the grooming implement pole, and grooming the animal such that the grooming implement rotates about the axis of the grooming implement pole. Additional steps may include selecting second and subsequent grooming implements, releasably and pivotably connecting these grooming implements to the pole and grooming the animal with the selected implement.

Abstract: A cache management system and method monitors and controls the contents of cache memory coupled to at least one host and at least one data storage device. A cache indexer maintains a current index of data elements which are stored in cache memory. A sequential data access indicator, responsive to the cache index and to a user selectable sequential data access threshold, determines that a sequential data access is in progress for a given process and provides an indication of the same. The system and method allocate a micro-cache memory to any process performing a sequential data access. In response to the indication of a sequential data access in progress and to a user selectable maximum number of data elements to be prefetched, a data retrieval requestor requests retrieval of up to the selected maximum number of data elements from a data storage device. A user selectable number of sequential data elements determines when previously used micro-cache memory locations will be overwritten.

Abstract: A timber expander and coupling system both expands at least one dimension of existing timbers and spans two existing, timbers. The timber system includes first and second parallel spaced continuous members. Each continuous member includes a first portion extending in a first direction parallel to a timber, and a second portion, extending from the first portion, in a second opposite direction. The first and second continuous members are held in spaced, parallel relationship by either a cross-member, or an expander timber disposed in an expander timber receiver region formed by the second portions of the first and second continuous members. The first portions of the first and second continuous members form a timber coupling region, for coupling to timbers and for expanding the dimension of an existing timber, or for coupling to and spanning the distance between at least two timbers.

Abstract: A coordinated movement exercise apparatus which provides coordinated and resistive exercise to a user includes a base section to which are coupled first and second pivotable members connected diagonally by a connecting member. The first and second pivotable members and the connecting member combine to form a "Z" shaped exerciser section which insured coordinated exercise movement by the user. At least one resistive member is coupled between the connecting member and one of the first and second pivotable members to provide resistance to motion when in use by the user. A seat is also included on the exercise apparatus as well as hand and foot gripping or engaging members.