Abstract: A device (10) and method for clamping or otherwise securing an esophagus between the crop and certain internal organs, including the viscera, and substantially simultaneously cutting or otherwise separating, or weakening for subsequent predictable separation, the esophagus at or near the clamped location, thereby avoiding pulling apart the crop and the resulting contamination of the carcass.

Abstract: A method for the cationic polymerization of unsaturated biological oils (e.g., vegetable oils and animal oils) based on the cationic reaction of double bonds initiated by superacids is provided. The process occurs under very mild reaction conditions (about 70-110° C. and atmospheric pressure) and with short reaction times. The polymerized oils have a viscosity about 10 to 200 times higher than the initial oil and relatively high unsaturation (only about 10-30% lower than that of initial oils).

Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.

Abstract: A GPS device and method for converting display information between a first display mode and a second display mode by negativizing pixels or other image elements, wherein negativizing entails converting relatively larger areas of lighter image elements to darker image elements and converting relatively smaller areas of darker image elements to lighter image elements so as to result in reduced total emission of light.

Abstract: A system for automatically moving a vehicle's mirrors between open and closed positions in response either to a signal received from a remote transmitter or to an action normally taken in the ordinary course of operating the vehicle, and thereby avoiding damage to the mirror. The system includes the mirror, a motor for moving the mirror to the open and closed positions, and an onboard controller for automatically providing an actuation signal to the motor in response to the occurrence of an actuation condition which results from an action normally taken in the ordinary course of operating the vehicle. The system may also include the remote transmitter located in an area of close clearance to provide a signal which causes the onboard controller to provide the actuation signal.

Abstract: A method of making an internal nasal apparatus (10) configured to retain and deliver a quantity of compound within the nose of a user over a minimum period.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment for an operating table preferably including two base portions adapted to rest on the frame of an operating table, a frame portion adapted to support a tray within the sterile field during surgery, and at least two support portions extending upwards from the first and second base portions, respectively, in order to support the frame portion.

Abstract: A waterborne coating composition comprising a waterborne epoxy coating with hydraulic cement, which is capable of a thin initial application. The coating composition may be made, stored and transported as a two-part composition, where each part is a pourable liquid. The waterborne epoxy composition cures under normal conditions and adheres to surfaces including masonry, concrete and metal.

Abstract: A device (10) for retaining and associating an animal with a transport system during transport to and through one or more processing operations along a processing line. The device (10) includes a pivot mechanism (12) for reliably controlling the orientation of the animal during upward and downward travel on the transport system. More specifically, the device includes a lower portion (14) for retaining the animal, and an upper portion (16) for coupling with the transport system. The lower portion (14) is pivotably coupled with the upper portion (16) and movable between a rearward position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially straight orientation relative to each other, and a forward position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially angled orientation relative to each other in the forward direction.

Abstract: A tracking attachment (10) adapted and operable to facilitate measuring the alignment characteristics of the rear suspension of a vehicle, including tracking (thrust angle), offset, toe-in and toe-out, and length characteristics. The tracking attachment (10) broadly comprises an adjustment component (12); a bar component (14); one or more target components (16); an alignment component (18); one or more attachment components (20); a centering component (22); and a locking component (24).

Abstract: A stable, substantially clear and homogeneous fuel composition contains an additive comprising a nitrogen donor and carrier, the nitrogen donor being present in an amount sufficient to reduce the NOx emissions of the fuel when subject to combustion and the carrier being selected to render the nitrogen donor soluble and to give the additive a molecular weight compatible with the energy properties of the fuel.

Abstract: A digital camera is adapted for being mounted to a bow for archery. The camera comprises a self-contained digital unit within a housing and is protected from vibrational disturbances caused by the release of the bowstring. A viscoelastic material is used to reduce vibrations. The housing is water resistant to protect the internal circuitry of the camera from environmental elements encountered during hunting. A secure digital slot is connected to the digital camera circuitry and can accept a SD flash memory card. The camera may also be connected for transmitting images to an external device for viewing.

Abstract: An automated management system for monitoring and controlling distribution and storage of money tills, and linking tracking of employee productivity to time in receipt of a till. The system comprises a cabinet, a control panel, and a personal computer. The cabinet is mounted through a wall to provide an interface having a front side accessible from a first area and a rear side accessible from a second area, such as a cash room. The interior cabinet space is divided into till compartments that are selectively accessible from both the front and rear of the cabinet. Tills are loaded and removed from the rear by cash room personnel and from the front by cashiers. The system is operable to anticipate, based upon work schedules, needed till types or amounts; compile and maintain useful associated records, including employee productivity; and link to other systems to further improve efficiency.

Abstract: A computer system (20) having a security domain (22), at least one client business domain (26), and a plurality of client terminals (34) utilizes a hidden link dynamic key manager (24, 84) and a database structure that includes encrypted data entities (30C, 30D) and a security identification attribute (32) for storage of encrypted data. Methods for encrypting data and for storing, decrypting, and retrieving encrypted data operate on the computer system (20), which also includes an information database (62) and a key database (44). The key database (44) is isolated from the information database (62). The hidden link key manager is stored in the security domain (22) and includes a system key manager (84) operable to generate system keys with system key common names and an encryption key manager (24) operable to generate encryption keys having encryption key identifications. The key managers (24, 84) operate on a key server (40), which is mirrored by a secondary key server (42).

Abstract: A method is provided for scheduling an appointment by a service provider and for load leveling by the service provider. In the context of a vehicle collision repair service provider, the instant invention permits the service provider to balance the intake and outflow of new repair jobs to improve the work flowing through the service provider's facility. Through the instant invention, job drop-off slots and job delivery slots are allocated throughout a production period based upon production goals and capacities for the service provider. The program determines a first available drop-off slot for a specific job and presents the slot as a possible schedule option for scheduling the appointment. Load leveling between multiple facilities of a service provider is accomplished by allowing one facility to access the schedule database of an other facility and schedule appointments.

Abstract: An improved laser scanning apparatus (46) for determining frame or unibody alignment or misalignment of a vehicle (40) is provided, which includes a laser assembly (54), a pair of rotatable mirror assemblies (56,58) and laser detectors (114,116) located within an enclosed housing (50,52). The laser assembly (54) has an upper pair of lasers (122,126) located in known, spaced relationship above a lower pair of lasers (124,128); detector assemblies (114, 116) are also provided including substantially parabolic reflective surfaces (118a, 120a) with detectors (114a, 116a) disposed substantially at the focal point of the surfaces (118a, 120a). The apparatus (46) is used in conjunction with a plurality of individually coded reflective targets (44) which are suspended from known reference points on the vehicle (40).

Abstract: A low profile hospital bed includes a mattress support frame and pivotably mounted wheel frames. Lift actuators connecting between the mattress support frame and the wheel frames move the wheel frames between a folded position and an unfolded position. When the wheel frames are in the folded position, the lift actuators are relatively horizontal and thus unable to provide enough vertical force to move the wheel frames. Accordingly, connecting between the actuators and the wheel frames are leverage members which rotate and urge the wheel frames away from mattress support frame during an initial, first stage of movement as the wheel frames partially unfold. After the first stage of movement, the leverage members function as simple mechanical links between the lift actuators and the wheel frames as the lift actuators continue to power the complete unfolding of the wheel frames.

Abstract: A method of making an internal nasal apparatus (10) configured to retain and deliver a quantity of compound within the nose of a user over a minimum period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for replacing a pole in an electrical utility support structure while the supported electrical wires remain energized. The method comprises erecting a replacement pole adjacent to a pole to be replaced, and providing a pivotable support arm on the replacement pole so that it will be engageable with the cross arm support carrying the electrical wires of the utility support structure. The support arm is adapted to lift and support the cross arm, whereupon the replaced pole may be disengaged from the cross arm and removed. A guy wire provides support for maintaining the load weight of the cross arm laterally on the replacement pole. The guy wire helps to transfer the supported load centrally on the replacement pole to prevent the supported weight from causing the replacement pole to lean. Mounting brackets are provided for attachment to the replacement pole which provide a base for connection and pivoting of the support arm.