Abstract: An automobile seat possesses a seat back that includes a seat back frame to which an restraining device for a headrest is mounted. The headrest may be displaced from an initial position into an extended position against the head of the seat occupant. A locking process is provided by means of which the restraining device may be maintained in its extended position with respect to the seat back frame. The locking process device includes an engaging element pre-tensioned by a spring that may engage with the engagement recess formed on the restraining device. The locking process device includes a disengaging element to be operated by the seat occupant or other person that brings the engaging element out of engagement with the engaging recess in the maintained condition of the restraining device against the force of the spring.

Abstract: A business has a main office (13) which has a controller (225), a plurality of telephones, a plurality of computers, a PBX and/or an ACD (216), and a plurality of corporate resources (220) such as servers, hosts, applications, databases, routers, gateways, switches, a voicemail system, an e-mail system, and facsimile servers. A user at the main office (13) has access to the various corporate resources and also has a portable communications device (10), such as a laptop computer, with which to place a call to the controller via a communications link (11) such as the Internet, to send user commands to and receive the resultant status, information, or operation, from, the controller, to access any of the corporate resources and data, and to make calls to and receive communications from outside parties (12). In addition, the user may create a personal profile which causes the controller to forward selected communications to him, via the Internet, wherever the user may be.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed to improve the ability of a machine vision system to distinguish desired features of a target by taking images of the target under different one or more lighting conditions and using image analysis to extract information of interest about the target. Ultraviolet light is used alone or in connection with direct on-axis and/or low angle lighting to highlight different features of the target. One or more filters disposed between the target and the camera help to filter out unwanted light from the one or more images taken by the camera. The images may be analyzed by conventional image analysis techniques and the results recorded or displayed on a computer display device.

Abstract: A multimodal vehicle includes a ground based vehicle with an attached high-capacity airfoil parachute for deployment. The ground based vehicle includes a drive system for use on either land, water or both. Furthermore, the ground based vehicle is sized and dimensioned for transport of multiple vehicles in a cargo plane. The high-capacity airfoil parachute allows high-altitude deployment of the multimodal vehicle. The risers to the parachute may be adjusted for powered parachute flight rather than free fall flight. The ground based vehicle may include a propeller for powered flight.

Abstract: A navigational computer design for high altitude and other similar navigational needs includes a processor, which receives as input signals from navigational and navigational related sensors such as a GPS, compass, inertial measurement unit and sensors. Processor utilizes the navigational information to provide a display to the user indicating present navigational positional information as well is providing a flight path to follow to the target. The navigational computer includes a device that enables it to operate in a peer-to-peer network with other similar navigational computers such that during use, users may track one another. Once on the ground, the navigational computer may be used to continue navigation.

Abstract: The system and method provides an automatic telephone call back in response to a request for assistance made at a remote data terminal by an inquiring party. The inquiring party provides information at the data terminal, the information is transferred over a data path, such as the PSTN, the Internet, or any other WAN or LAN or combination thereof, to the automated telephone call back system. A data path interface at the automated back system provides an interface or gateway between the data path and an automated dialer system. The automated dialer system retrieves telephone numbers provided by the inquiring parties, schedules the call backs, and automatically dials the telephone numbers using a predictive dialer. If a connection is made, the dialer will automatically connect the called party to an available agent, and any additional information about the called party, if available, will be transmitted to the agent's terminal by the call back manager.

Abstract: A wire belt includes a plurality of interconnected links that form a belt having a small mesh size, large percent open-area, and high strength, without the use of transverse rods or complex weaving patterns. Each of the links includes a hinge portion and hanger portion. The hinge portion includes a first and a second section. The first section is disposed at an angle relative to the hanger portion. The second section includes two loops sized and shaped to fit around at least a portion of the hanger portion of an adjacent link such that the two links are rotatably interconnected to form a continuous belt without the use of transverse rods or complex weaving patterns. The second section may have a “U” or “V” shape, and may include an elongated section such that the hinge portion extends beyond a transverse axis of the hanger portion.

Abstract: The network comprises a master node and a plurality of slave nodes. To configure the network, the master node transmits over the network a hailing message at any attenuated level compared to normal communication signals to be transmitted over the network. Upon receiving the hailing message at one of the slave node, a reply message is transmitted, also at an attenuated level. Receiving the reply message at the master node allows it to configure the slave node from which the reply message originated. Also disclosed are a method of managing a network so as to monitor the connections between the slave nodes, and a method of managing a network when a recovery operation is required.

Abstract: A locking device having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a locking arm prevents a closed door from being opened. The locking arm is pivotably mounted to the lower portion of the locking device and positioned in cavities of the upper portion and the lower portion. A pivot bolt is operatively attached to the lower portion and an end of the locking arm. A locking bolt extends transverse and through the locking arm and through the lower portion for securing the locking arm. The locking bolt has a key or detent, which is received by a corresponding groove in the lower portion. The locking arm extends vertically from the lower portion upwardly above the lower edge of the door, thereby preventing the door from being opened outwardly when in a closed position. The upper portion and the lower portion are preferably bulbous shaped.

Abstract: A seismic air gun includes an operating chamber, a firing chamber, a port, and a longitudinally disposed cavity sized and shaped to accept a plurality of wires. A moveable shuttle includes a shuttle flange within the operating chamber at one end and a firing shuttle flange at the other end proximate the port and firing chamber. The return force urging the shuttle from the unloaded position to the loaded position is independent of the radial thickness of the shuttle and is directly proportionate to the difference between a first and a second radial cross-sectional thickness of the shuttle flange. As a result, the return force can be optimized without any resulting loss of structural integrity to the shuttle, thereby allowing the port to stay open longer and increasing the amplitude of the primary seismic wave. Seals allow the gun to operating without water lubrication.

Abstract: A screening connection device for a circuit board mounted within a housing possesses a plug component attached to the exterior of a housing wall by means of securing screws that may be coupled to a socket component mounted to the interior of the housing wall through a cutout in the wall. The plug component includes a screening connection in electrical contact with the securing screws to connect the shield of a cable connected to the plug component whose electrical lines may be connected to the circuit board via the plug component and the socket component. In order to provide contact elements between the securing screws of the plug component and the conductor on the circuit board provided to conduct the screen potential that are simple to manufacture, that provide positive contact, and that are robust components, screening plates are mountable so that they are fixed to the circuit board so that at least one conductor for connection of the screen potential may be brought into contact.

Abstract: A ballast system for use in a cargo bed of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck, provides generally even weight distribution over rear or powered wheels of the vehicle. The ballast system provides additional weight to the cargo bed of the vehicle, thereby improving stability, handling, and rear wheel traction, especially during inclement weather, such as in snow or rain. The ballast system may be rolled-up into a compact roll during non-use for convenient storage. The ballast system has a plurality of weighted cross-members laminated, attached, or bonded between two generally pliable mats. The cross-members are, preferably, equally spaced apart from each other along widths of the mats and transverse to a longitudinal direction of the cargo bed of the vehicle. The ballast system is readily rolled-up into a compact roll for convenient storage.

Abstract: A forced hot air ice cream scoop and heater for facilitating the removal of ice cream from its container having a handle portion having a first end and a distal end, an inlet and an outlet at the first end of the handle portion, a body having a ladle disposed on the distal end of the handle portion, an air passageway extending from the inlet of the handle portion to the ladle and back to the outlet of the handle portion, wherein the passageway is in fluid connection with the inlet and the outlet, a heater having a heating element for generating heat and a blower for distributing the heat as hot air through the passageway, thereby heating the ladle. A temperature sensing device may be provided for sensing the temperature of the hot air, while an adjustable temperature setting device may also be provided for adjusting the temperature of the hot air.

Abstract: A jig 10 includes a base plate 12 adapted to be secured to a router and is capable of forming circles, ovals, of the like as well as the traditional router functions. The base plate 12 includes a tip aperture 14 sized and shaped to accept a router tip of the router and also includes a channel 16 disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal face of the base plate 12. A slider 18 is sized and shaped to fit within the channel 16 and move along a longitudinal axis of the channel. A locking mechanism 22 secures the slider 18 to the base plate 12, thereby preventing any longitudinal movement of the slider 18 relative to the base plate 12. The slider 18 optionally includes a pivot peg 20, preferably removably secured within one or more apertures 24 along the length of the slider 18. Alternatively, the slider 18 may include a fence 30 disposed proximate a first end.