Abstract: A system and method for processing information in unstructured or structured form, comprising a computer running in a distributed network with one or more data agents. Associations of natural language artifacts may be learned from natural language artifacts in unstructured data sources, and semantic and syntactic relationships may be learned in structured data sources, using grouping based on a criteria of shared features that are dynamically determined without the use of a priori classifications, by employing conditional probability constraints.

Abstract: An engine and drive train system suitable for personal or commercial transportation vehicles. The system converts the expansive energy of compressed air or gas into mechanical energy to produce motion or force. The engine of the present invention further uses the intrinsic kinetic energy of the vehicle in motion to generate and store compressed air or gas for in-situ or later use. The engine may also be used for braking by the introduction of high pressure air or gas at maximum displacement.

Abstract: A ceiling fan mounting system (10) is disclosed which includes an upper pre-mounted assembly (12) and a lower hanging assembly (13). The upper pre-mounted assembly includes a mounting plate (14) with a peripheral flange (16) having threaded mounting holes (17) therein. The upper assembly also includes a hanger (21) coupled to the mounting plate and having a stepped ball holding flange (23) with a beveled interior facing surface (24). The lower hanging assembly includes a downrod (29) coupled to a ball joint (31) and a canopy (32). The ball joint is configured to be received within the hanger ball holding flange and has a series of deformable ridges (33). The canopy includes a central opening defined by a central, stepped flange (35) adapted to receive and nest flushly against the exterior of the hanger ball holding flange. The canopy stepped flange fits flushly against the exterior of the hanger ball holding flange so as to encircle the C-shaped holding flange.

Abstract: A working tool (10) includes a gasoline motor (11), a working head (12), and a shaft assembly (14) extending between and mechanically coupling the engine and the working head. The shaft assembly includes a frame tube (18), a flexible drive cable (19), and an elongated coaxial drive cable centering device or support member (20) positioned between the drive cable and the frame tube. The support member includes a sheath (21) and a plurality of centering members (22). The centering members includes contacting elements (23) in the form of spiral or a flexible rubber bushings having a central tube (34) and a plurality of spaced annular rings or flanges (35).

Abstract: A foldable pillow (10) is disclosed having a pillow base (11) and a flexible strap (12) coupled to and spanning the pillow base. The pillow base is generally rectangular in shape having a top surface layer (14) and a bottom surface layer (15) which form an outer covering. The pillow strap is coupled to the pillow base closer to one end side (18) than the other end side. In use, the pillow may be folded and maintained in a folded configuration by tucking one end of the pillow below the strap.

Abstract: An automatic bead seating assembly to automatically move a bead seating assembly or manifold into contact with a wheel or tire assembly and cause the bead to be seated. The assembly comprises an extendable and retractable seater arm attached at one end to a base, with a bead seater or manifold assembly attached or mounted at the other end. The bead seater or manifold assembly may comprises a reservoir filled with compressed air or other gas, and a hose or pipe for movement of the air or gas from the reservoir to a nozzle of an appropriate size and shape to fit a particular wheel or tire. The seater arm extends forward until the bead seater or manifold assembly comes into contact with the wheel or tire assembly, whereupon air or gas from the manifold reservoir is released, causing the tire bead to be seated. The seater arm then retracts.

Abstract: Alternating electric current flow through a lamp fixture (L) of a maximum power rating is reduced without being terminated should a lamp be used in the fixture of a power rating that exceeds the fixture's maximum power rating. This is done using a thermally responsive switch (B) connected in series with a resistor (S) of relatively low resistance and in parallel with a resistor (P) of relatively high resistance, the switch and resistors being thermally connected, and by simultaneously passing alternating current to the fixture through an auxiliary line which has a diode (D1) that substantially halves current flow through the auxiliary line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely detecting, locating, and identifying chemicals and chemical compounds through optically opaque materials. Electromagnetic radiation in the Terahertz range emitted from an antenna array is modulated to excite target molecules. The apparatus then stops the excitation energy and the molecules emit an electromagnetic signature detectable by the device at standoff distances.

Abstract: A system and related methods for the management and evaluation of real estate appraisals comprising, a method of determining a standardized score representative of the accuracy and quality of a real estate appraisal. Data from the appraisal is extracted and evaluated according to a plurality of compliance and risk based rules applicable to the type of appraisal. Each rule is given a particular weight, and an appraisal score may be calculating by summing each instance of a rule triggered multiplied by the weight assigned to that rule. Weights may be set by experts, or determined by statistical analysis.

Abstract: A device for determining the integrity of a greensand mold comprising two or more measurement sensors or plates on a support or supports. The support may comprise a frame straddling a mold production line between the mold machine and the pour station. When the production line is stopped, the measurement sensors or plates are extended to contact opposing sides of a mold and determine electrical characteristics of the mold, including capacitance and inductance. By comparing the electrical characteristics of the mold to the electrical characteristics of recently tested molds in the production line, a determination can be made whether the mold should be used at the pour station.

Abstract: A system (100) for current and/or temperature control of light fixtures includes a sensor (110) structured to be in communication with a light fixture (150), sense a current flow or a temperature of the light fixture (150), and communicate an input signal relative to the current flow or the temperature; a variable switch (120) structured to be in communication with the light fixture (150) and regulate the current flow of the light fixture (150) in response to a control signal; and a controller (130) in communication with the sensor (110) and the variable switch (120) and structured to monitor the input signal communicated by the sensor (110), compare the input signal to a condition, and communicate the control signal to the variable switch (120) to control its operation. A method for current and/or temperature control of light fixtures includes providing the system (100), monitoring the current flow or the temperature of the light fixture (150); and regulating the current flow of the light fixture (150).

Abstract: A system and method for the authorization of access to a service by a computational device or devices. A software agent generates a digital signature for the device each time it attempts to access the service and send it to an authentication server, which compares the digital signature sent with one or more digital signatures on file to determine whether access to the service is permitted. The digital signature is generated by using hashes based on software and hardware configuration data collected from the device. The system may be used in conjunction with other authorization methods and devices.

Abstract: A clustering method yields a searchable hierarchy to speed retrieval, and can function dynamically with a changing document population. Nodes of the hierarchy climb up and down the emerging hierarchy based on locally sensed information. Like previous ant clustering algorithms, the inventive process is dynamic, decentralized, and anytime. Unlike them, it yields a hierarchical structure. For simplicity, and reflecting our initial application in the domain of textual information, the items being clustered are documents, but the principles may be applied to any collection of data items.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the low frequency audio response emanating from a pair of low frequency transducers housed within a cabinet. The low frequency transducers are electrically connected to a power amplifier and source of audio content. The resonant frequency (Fs) and amplitude (Q) are characterized as to the high-pass pole of the low frequency transducers as they are mounted within the cabinet. An equalizer is placed between the amplifier and source of audio content for canceling the complex pole of the low frequency transducers and for establishing a new complex pole at a cut off frequency below which the sound generated by the low frequency transducers will diminish.

Abstract: A transducer for the creation of acoustic energy omni directionally in a horizontal plane. The transducer includes a base plate, the base plate supporting a centrally located voice coil motor assembly and a hemi-toroidal diaphragm having a proximal edge and a distal edge. The proximal edge is appended to the centrally located voice coil motor assembly and the distal edge is appended to the base plate.

Abstract: A universal cable hanger or clamp that can accommodate a variety of cable sizes, and can be mounted on a variety of structures in a various ways. The hanger includes a fixed block with a movable block, where the fixed block can be clamped or attached to a fixed structure, and includes a pair of partially open curved sections adapted to receive and hold cables of various sizes. The movable block includes two curved or V-shaped or U-shaped arms that correspond to the partially open curved sections. As the movable block is inserted into the fixed block, the arms close off the curved space, in whole or in part, to grip and hold a cable in the space. Two posts on the movable block engage indentations in slots on the fixed block, thereby providing a curved space of fixed size corresponding to different cable sizes. Multiple hangers can be stacked.

Abstract: A booth with a plurality of spray nozzles for the application of sunscreen, insect repellent, aloe lotion, skin care products, or similar lotions or liquids to substantial portions of the human body. One or more spray nozzles are oriented to avoid opposing air or spray flows that may cause inefficient or uneven application of the lotion or liquid. Spray nozzles may be fixed or adjustable. The invention may include means for rinsing the body prior to application of the lotion or liquid to promote even and unobstructed application to the body, as well as means for washing down the booth between or after use is provided. Power may be provided by electrical power sources, a battery, or solar panel(s).