Abstract: The conveyor belt includes a plurality of links having alternating wide linking portions and narrow linking portions. The wide and narrow linking portions preferably form an undulating shape. In one embodiment, the conveyor belt is a flat wire conveyor belt having linking rods extending through apertures in the alternating wide and narrow linking portions. In another embodiment, the conveyor belt is a balanced weave belt having wire links woven around linking rods to form the wide and narrow linking portions.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently processing check or other non-cash financial instrument-initiated is disclosed. The method includes the steps of accepting a check from a person initiating a non-cash financial transaction at a point of identification terminal. The checking account number is input into the point of identification terminal and is communicated to a remote database site, having stored therein a database of digital photographic images of authorized users of checking accounts. The database is searched and any digital photographic images associated with the transmitted account number are retrieved and transmitted to the point of identification terminal where they are displaying on a display means and a comparison is made between the images and the physical appearance of the person tendering the check.

Abstract: An inspection system and method uses a first illumination apparatus to illuminate one or more features, such as solder balls on an electronic component or other protruding surfaces or features on an object being inspected. Once the object being inspected is illuminated, a first reflected image of the plurality of features is captured by an illumination detection device. The first reflected image is stored in an image buffer. The object being inspected is then illuminated by at least one additional illumination apparatus. Each additional illumination apparatus is selected so that it differs from the other illumination apparatuses in either geometrical arrangement, degree of diffusion or illumination characteristic. An additional reflected image of the object is then captured by the illumination detection device while the object is illuminated by each additional illumination apparatus. Each additional reflected image is also stored in an image buffer.

Abstract: A louver laminated with a very thin film (i.e. a transfer film, very thin layer, etc . . . ) for use in the construction of window blinds such as Venetian blinds, and the like, the louver having opposed top and bottom surfaces, as well as opposed first and second side surfaces each laminated with a very thin film. More particularly, the film is so thin, that the boundary edges of the film, once laminated to a surface of the louver, are imperceptible to human touch, i.e. they are tactilely invisible. An apparatus and method for making a louver laminated with a very thin film is further proposed.

Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.

Abstract: An improved stringed instrument soundboard system. The system includes a soundboard frame having a peripheral rim member, which extends from first and second ends of the soundboard frame. The peripheral rim member defines a peripheral shape of the soundboard frame. The soundboard system also includes an acoustic grill, which is made up of at least one grill sections, and which corresponds substantially to the shape of the soundboard frame. Each grill section has a peripheral rim, which is attached to the peripheral rim member of the soundboard frame.

Abstract: An inspection system and method for optically inspecting substantially the entire circumference of a cylindrical surface, such as a cigarette is provided. The system includes first and second moveable supports for supporting and transporting the cigarette so that a first side of the cylindrical surface of the cigarette is presented to a first visual inspection apparatus and a second side, which includes at least those portions of the cylindrical surface of the cigarette not included in the first side, is presented to a second visual inspection apparatus. Each visual inspection apparatus includes an illumination source for illuminating the presented side of the cigarette's surface. Each illumination source is configured to direct light onto the cigarette's surface substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cigarette at a low, acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The problem solving skills development system is used, for example, as a puzzle or game, to develop problem solving or analytical skills in visually impaired individuals. The system includes a supporting board having sliding pieces arranged in a grid, for example, a 4 by 4 grid of 15 sliding pieces and one empty position. The sliding pieces include tactilly recognizable regions that are arranged into a predetermined pattern by sliding and shifting the appropriate pieces. The tactilly recognizable regions can include characters, such as letters that can be arranged to form words or phrases, numbers that can be arranged in numerical order, or any other symbols. Some of the tactilly recognizable regions can also include blank surfaces to make the puzzle easier for individuals at lower ages or abilities. The system preferably includes tactile recognition blocks that have the tactilly recognizable regions and that can be removably engaged with the sliding pieces.

Abstract: An expandable abrasive sleeve is used on an inflatable tool for abrading or finishing a surface of a workpiece. The inflatable tool includes an inflatable bladder clamped at first and second ends of a core having an elastomeric outer core portion. The inflatable bladder is inflated by a pressurized medium and forms a pocket or chamber around the elastomeric outer core portion. The expandable abrasive sleeve is disposed around the inflatable bladder and expands from one end to the other end when inflated. The expandable abrasive sleeve includes an elastomeric backing and abrasive strips adhered to the elastomeric backing in an overlapping arrangement. In one embodiment, the elastomeric backing includes stiffeners embedded therein and extending generally longitudinally.

Abstract: A task processing system such as a telephony call center and telephony call center management system downloads and processes unscheduled events such as inbound and outbound call records, in real time. A real time event server such as a real time call record server receives unscheduled events such as call records from an external record source, and places them in a real time call record table. The outbound campaign manager requests call records, and processes the real time call records in the same manner as other call records. A method for processing such real time events includes scheduling an ordered list of tasks, and commencing processing. When an unexpected event occurs, a predetermined task is selected in response to the event. The predetermined task is then integrated into the ordered list of scheduled tasks and processed.

Abstract: A system and method of balancing the torque applied to a stringed instrument's neck and headstock that allows the stringed instrument's neck and headstock to deflect evenly when a tremolo device included in said stringed instrument is operated is provided. The system includes a suspension string tree, which passes over each of the instrument strings at the instrument headstock intermediate a string nut and the tuning machines. The suspension string tree includes two adjustable fasteners, which pass through the string tree at opposite ends thereof and which adjustably retain the suspension string, tree to the headstock at a desired distance and vertical angle with respect to the headstock. The method includes balancing the torque applied to a stringed instrument's neck and headstock by the instrument's strings by adjusting adjustment fasteners located at opposite ends of, and which adjustably retain, a suspension string tree that passes over all of the instrument strings to an instrument headstock.

Abstract: A new biosensor device and biosensor device manufacturing method improves upon the prior art by providing high reliability devices that can be manufactured on an extremely low cost basis and which are amenable to quality control procedures, which can be performed on individual fibers as well as the devices themselves. The improved biosensor devices are manufactured by first synthesizing a plurality of functional moieties onto a plurality of fibers, which may be solid and/or hollow, wherein at least one fiber receives one moiety. Once the functional moieties are synthesized onto the fibers, the fibers are bundled in a predetermined arrangement. The bundled fibers are then bonded or fused together to fix their predetermined arrangement. Finally, the bonded fiber bundle is sliced into a plurality of individual devices or chips.

Abstract: A recycled asphalt roofing material for use on sloped roofs, which provides the required elevated melt point without using prior art methods of oxidizing the asphalt prior to incorporation into the roofing material is provided. The recycled asphalt roofing material is made up of approximately 30% flux asphalt and approximately 70% reclaimed asphalt roofing material. The fibrous backing in the reclaimed material modifies the asphalt in such a way as to provide the required elevated melt point. The manufacturing process for recycled fiberglass mat-based roll and shingle roofing, in its preferred embodiment, consists of impregnating a roofing material backbone, such as a fiberglass or polyester mat with recycled asphalt material to form inner and outer layers of recycled material and then applying optional second inner and outer layers of standard asphalt coating to the inner and outer layers of the recycled material.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus and method illuminates one or more reflective elements, such as solder balls on an electronic component or other protruding surfaces or objects. The illumination apparatus includes one or more arc shaped or arc shape arranged light sources that provides a substantially even illumination across the one or more reflective elements. An illumination detection device detects light beams reflecting off of the illuminated reflective elements for forming a reflected image. A method of processing the reflected image includes locating one or more points on each reflected image element representing an illuminated reflective element. The points on the reflected image elements are used to located the pattern of the reflected image elements and/or to fit an outline around each image element corresponding to a known percentage of the true dimensions of each solder ball or other reflective element.

Abstract: A poseable figure has a spine system that is capable of a wide range of life-like movement and capable of being positioned and maintained in numerous life-like poses. The spine system includes of plurality of mating spine segments engaged, in a friction fit, with one another such that the mating spine segments swivel with respect to one another. A soft body portion, such as a foam, is disposed around the spine system to simulate the flesh of the figure and to allow the spine system to be moved into a wide range of positions. In one embodiment, first and second appendage connectors couple a first and second pair of appendages, such as arms and legs, to the spine system such that the appendages swivel with respect to the spine system and can be moved and held in numerous positions. A resilient member preferably extends through the mating spine segments and engages with the head of the figure to hold the head in swiveling engagement with a neck segment coupled to the spine system.

Abstract: A wire link connection system includes at least first and second wire connection links that connect a first wire link to a second wire link, for example, as a splice connection in a wire conveyor belt. The wire connecting links include linking portions that link the first and second wire links. One of the wire connecting links includes a female coupling portion such as a coupling loop at or proximate one end, while the other wire connecting link includes a male coupling portion, such as a coupling hook, at or proximate one end. The male coupling portion engages the female coupling portion in a "snap" fit to couple the first and second wire connecting links. The female coupling portion or coupling loop defines an aperture and the male coupling portion or coupling hook includes a flared head such that the male coupling portion is received in the aperture and the flared head engages and locks with the coupling loop.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching an abrasive article to a backing pad is provided. The system includes a backing pad including loop-textile material applied to an attachment surface thereof and an abrasive article, which is removably attached thereto. The abrasive article has at least first and second surfaces including a plurality of abrasive particles adhered thereto. The first surface of the abrasive article includes abrasive particles having a size and density selected to provide a desired surface finish of a workpiece surface being abraded with the abrasive article. The second surface includes a plurality of abrasive particles having a size and density selected to releasably engage textile loops extending from the loop textile material applied to the backing pad attachment surface. Various embodiments, including double-sided sandpaper sheets and sanding screens, which adhere to the textile loops extending from the loop textile material applied to the backing pad attachment surface are disclosed.

Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.

Abstract: An object storage, organization and selection system which is used to store and organize objects, such as o-rings, to facilitate selection of the objects. The system includes a tool kit having tools used to extract old objects, to select objects, and to install the objects. The system also includes a plurality of resealable storage containers for containing the objects. Each of these resealable storage containers includes indicia for indicating one or more characteristics of the objects contained in the resealable storage container, such as the size and type of o-ring stored in the resealable storage container. The system further includes a portable organizing container, such as a box, for containing and organizing the resealable storage containers. The portable organizing container includes one or more data tables containing data pertaining to the selection of objects.