Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes two skis turned by a handlebars gripped by a user. A shaft formed of two sections couples the handlebars to the skis. The sections are angled with respect to one another and coupled to one another by means of a U-joint oriented such that for small rotations from a straight orientation of the handlebars the U-joint transfers a greater force to the skis than for rotations between large angled orientations of a range of angled orientation of the handlebars.

Abstract: A method is presented for a mobile agent object to discover services available in a host-computing environment. According to an embodiment of this method, the mobile agent object requests a service listing from the host environment. The host environment returns a service listing to the mobile agent object in response to the request for the service listing. The mobile agent object then determines if a particular service is within the returned service listing and requests the particular service if the particular service is determined by the mobile agent object to be within the returned service listing.

Abstract: An ultrasound transceiver scans an organ and processes the echogenic signals to produce three-dimensional, two-dimensional, and one-dimensional information of the organ. The 3-D, 2-D, and 1-D information is utilized to determine the thickness, surface area, volume, and mass of the organ wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aggregating and using data corresponding to physical samples in a virtual environment. The method includes receiving a first physical sample, sensing a first aspect of the first sample to generate first sample first aspect data, storing the first sample first aspect data in a datastore, sensing a second aspect of the first sample to generate first sample second aspect data, storing the first sample second aspect data in the datastore, generating first sample transformed data by running a first series of algorithms using at least one of the first sample first aspect data and the first sample second aspect data, and storing the first sample transformed data in the datastore.

Abstract: A system and method providing a media server system are disclosed. A software module for storage on a computer and operable by the computer is provided to receive a media request for a media selection from a media source including video and audio data. The media selection is retrieved, and a media signal conveying the media selection is communicated. A communications hub receives the media signal and transmits the media selection for play on a remote media device. A receiver configured to communicate with the communications hub and with the remote media device receives the media selection and communicates the media selection to the remote media device for play. A set of media preferences associated with an identifier allows for selectable access to media content. A plurality of remote interfaces each can be coded for generating an identifier, whereby using a particular remote interface invokes a set of media preferences.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning an inertial reference system, which is coupled to a moveable body, is provided. The method includes obtaining unaided navigation state information from an unaided source, and obtaining aiding state information from an aiding source. The unaided navigation state information is generated by the unaided source using navigation information provided by an inertial reference, and the aiding state information is generated by the aiding source using navigation information provided by at least one external reference. The method also includes determining an unaided navigation solution using the unaided navigation state information, and determining an aided navigation solution using a combination of the unaided and aiding state information. As a default, the method provides the unaided navigation solution for navigating the movable body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a harness adjustment system that may be used in various applications including backpacks, windsurf harnesses, kite-board harnesses, mountain climbing harnesses, utility harnesses, backpack shoulder straps, tie-down straps, and various belts for numerous applications. The harness adjustment system includes a first webbing strap, a winding reel, a cable tension member, and a strap lock. The winding reel is secured to a first portion of the strap. The cable is interconnected between a second portion of the strap and the winding reel. The cable loops from the strap to the reel such that winding of the reel retracts the cable to pull the second portion of the strap toward the first portion. The lock is coupled to the first strap second portion. The lock is selectively engageable with the second portion of the strap to relieve tension from the cable. Both cam and plate locks are disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor cleaning system includes a treating region, a processing region, and a conveyor belt traveling from the treating region to the processing region. A distributor positioned across the treating region deposits a film of ozonated water on the conveyor belt. In the processing region, the conveyor belt is exposed to soiling agents such as grease and other animal matter. A high-pressure rinser may be positioned over the treating section such that the distributor is positioned between the high-pressure rinser and the processing region. Ozonated water may be generated by a system including first and second tanks. The first tank is filled with ozone gas and water. After a predetermined time, undissolved ozone gas is released. The contents of the first tank are then transferred to a second tank along with more ozone gas. After waiting a predetermined time period, undissolved ozone gas is released from the second tank.

Abstract: Methods, systems, techniques, and computer-readable media for device-independent media transactions, such as the transaction, acquisition, presentation, and publication of media, are provided. Example embodiments provide a Device Independent Video Transaction System (“DIVTS”), which enables a user to transact for media such as streamed video on any device that can receive streamed data over a broadband connection and output video data to a display. In one embodiment, the DIVTS comprises a user interface which is based upon a “quilt” metaphor and is configured to present a uniform mechanism for specifying media to be acquired, directing the presentation of acquired media, and initiating transactions related to the specified media. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Fruit items are positioned between vertical pins located in the calyx and stem hole of said fruit item, thereby securing the fruit item by a compressive force through its core. A core tube surrounding the upper pin descends to meet the lower pin, thereby completely piercing the fruit item and isolating its core inside the tube. A cushioned ram pushes the edible portion of the fruit item down over the core tube, through a cassette of radial knives, creating a plurality of wedges that fall immediately into an enzyme bath. The bath seals freshness into the fruit item's cell structure by preventing contact with oxygen. The solid core is ejected and the edible outside portion of the fruit item is not touched or bruised by mechanical handling.

Abstract: A caulk carrying device includes a plurality of compartments for holding tubes of caulk, a handle, and a cavity for receiving and holding a caulk gun. Preferably integrally molded from plastic, the carrying device may include a projection for piercing tubes of caulk and bores in the compartments that are centrally located to facilitate stacking of multiple carrying devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating navigation signals for a vehicle in an auto-avoidance situation. In one embodiment the method includes analyzing two or more paths with respect to information about obstructions stored in a database. The method disclosed then selects a path and generates navigation signals, if an auto avoidance situation exists.

Abstract: A can opener (100) has two pivotal handles (110 and 120), a traction wheel (200) and a cutter blade (300) movable by respective handles (110 and 120) for cutting open a can, and a pivotable lever (400). There is a ratchet assembly (500) driven by the lever (400) upon reciprocation for operating the traction wheel (200) and cutter blade (300), which has a ratchet wheel (510) connected with the traction wheel (200) and a spring-loaded pawl (520) movable by the lever (400) for turning the ratchet wheel (510) in a driving direction (D) upon reciprocation of the lever (400). The pawl (520) has front and rear ends (521 and 522) taken in the driving direction (D), with the front end (521) in engagement with the lever (400) and the rear end (522) engageable with the ratchet wheel (510) for turning the same.

Abstract: A device, method and computer program product for locating aircraft with respect to airport runways and taxiways, determining if a conflict exists between an aircraft having operating the invention and another aircraft, and generating and annunciating conflict awareness advisories as a function of determining that a conflict exists.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing output noise of optical gyros. The apparatus includes a sensing system for circulating counter-propagating light beams and producing an output light beam, a coupler having multiple ports and supplying an input light beam to the sensing system, a first detector coupled to the coupler for detecting a rotation rate based on the output light beam, a second detector coupled to the coupler for detecting noise based on the input light beam, and at least one optical device coupled to one of the ports of the coupler. The optical device is configured to reduce a spectral mismatch between the input light beam received by the second detector and the output light beam received by the first detector.

Abstract: Methods and system are provided for driving light through a sensing coil of an optical gyro. The system includes a photodetection circuit having an input for receiving an optical output from the sensing coil and having an output, and a signal processing circuit having an input coupled to the output of the photodetection circuit and having an output for supplying an output signal to modulate the sensing coil. The photodetection system produces a digital signal from the optical output. The signal processing circuit produces a feedback signal from the digital signal and adds a random number to the feedback signal to produce the output signal.

Abstract: A container opening tool includes first and second legs hingedly secured to one another. Each leg has proximal and distal portions each having an aperture wall including a gripping material. The aperture walls form of the first and second legs are positionable to form proximal and distal apertures. The aperture walls of the distal portions define an elongate aperture, such as an oval or ellipse. Bottle opening flanges secure to the first and second legs and project into the proximal aperture. When the legs are pivoted together, the flanges are positioned adjacent one another and function as a single bottle opener. A blade secures to the second leg near the distal end positioned within a recess formed proximate the distal end of the second leg. A projection is formed on the distal end of the first leg and positionable proximate the blade to press a bag against the blade.

Abstract: A direction finding antenna system for determining the relative bearing of a second aircraft from a first aircraft in conjunction with a Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). The system includes a first antenna and a second antenna located on a top surface of the first aircraft, spaced apart along a first axis, as well as a third antenna and a fourth antenna located on a bottom surface of the first aircraft, spaced apart along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The system further includes a transmitting, receiving, and processing system coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth antennas, wherein the transmitting, receiving, and processing system is configured to transmit TCAS interrogations, receive TCAS replies, and process the TCAS replies to determine the relative bearing of the second aircraft from the first aircraft.

Abstract: An expandable shoe includes an outer shell and an adjustable inner assembly within the outer shell. The inner assembly includes a first sole portion, a second sole portion, and a screw drive. The screw drive has a screw passing through a screw insert mounted to one of the first and second sole portions and a screw-receiving portion attached to the other of the first and second sole portions, so that turning the screw causes the sole portions to move relative to one another, thereby adjusting a dimension of the shoe. The shoe includes a manually operable control to turn the screw without the need for tools. The control is operable between a first position in which the control resists movement around an axis defined by the screw and a second position in which the control can be used to turn the screw to adjust a dimension of the footwear.