Abstract: A tactile recognition language display device includes at least one language communication segment. Each language communication segment includes a top portion having a tactilly recognizable language symbol and a side portion having a corresponding visually recognizable language symbol. The language communication segment further includes engaging members for mounting language communication segments to form words or phrases displaying a message, such as in a public place. The language communication segments of the tactile recognition language display device are removably mounted in such a way that the tactilly recognizable portion of the displayed message is easily accessible to touch by visually-impaired individuals while the visually recognizable portion of the displayed message is easily viewed. The language communication segments are removably mountable on a mounting board which may be moved to various locations for conveying the tactilly and visually recognizable message.

Abstract: A point-to-multipoint communication system includes a central telephony unit having at least one telephony module interface coupled to at least one set of telephony modules. Each set of telephony modules includes a predetermined number of telephony modules connected in a daisy chained configuration. Each telephony module includes a plurality of terminal communication equipment interfaces which allow a corresponding number of terminal communication equipment to be coupled to each and every telephony module. Each terminal communication equipment responds to a unique terminal communication identifier which is transmitted with each message from the central telephony unit. The point-to-multipoint communication system includes a configuration mode which allows the system to automatically map its configuration including the number of telephony modules in each set and the number of terminal communication equipment coupled to any one telephony module.

Abstract: A timber expander and coupling system both expands at least one dimension of existing timbers and spans two existing timbers. The timber system includes first and second parallel spaced continuous members. Each continuous member includes a first portion extending in a first direction parallel to a timber, and a second portion, extending from the first portion, in a second opposite direction. The first and second continuous members are held in spaced, parallel relationship by either a cross-member, or an expander timber disposed in an expander timber receiver region formed by the second portions of the first and second continuous members. The first portions of the first and second continuous members form a timber coupling region, for coupling to timbers and for expanding the dimension of an existing timber, or for coupling to and spanning the distance between at least two timbers.

Abstract: A data storage system which automatically provides and maintains identical secondary data on a preferably geographically remote secondary data storage device. The system includes a primary host computer located in the first geographic location which is coupled to a primary data storage system also located in the first geographic location. The primary data storage system includes at least one primary data storage device on which primary data is to be stored, and a primary data storage system controller which receives data from the primary host computer and controls the storing of the primary data on the primary data storage device.

Abstract: A protective member for a display device such as an LCD display mounted in a display system provides protection to the display device against ultraviolet light and shock. In one embodiment, the protective member is mounted between the display device and at least one source of light energy which includes both ultraviolet light energy and visible light energy. In another embodiment, the protective member is used to actually fabricate the display device. The protective member blocks generally all of the ultraviolet light energy which has a wavelength of between 200 to 390 nanometers, while transmitting at least 90 percent of the visible light energy having a wavelength greater than approximately 410 nanometers. The protective member has a thermal coefficient of expansion (TCE) of between 45.times.10.sup.-7 /.degree. C. and 60.times.10.sup.-7 /.degree. C., so as to be useable with present day manufacturing processes for such display devices.

Abstract: A cache management system and method monitors and controls the contents of cache memory coupled to at least one host and at least one data storage device. A cache indexer maintains a current index of data elements which are stored in cache memory. A sequential data access indicator, responsive to the cache index and to a user selectable sequential data access threshold, determines that a sequential data access is in progress for a given process and provides an indication of the same. The system and method allocate a micro-cache memory to any process performing a sequential data access. In response to the indication of a sequential data access in progress and to a user selectable maximum number of data elements to be prefetched, a data retrieval requestor requests retrieval of up to the selected maximum number of data elements from a data storage device. A user selectable number of sequential data elements determines when previously used micro-cache memory locations will be overwritten.

Abstract: A tactile recognition language overlay system includes a piece of pliable material for covering a pressure sensitive or push button operated device, such as a keyboard or control panel. The piece of pliable material includes depressible portions which move below the piece of pliable material to contact detection regions disposed on the pressure sensitive device, such as keys on a keyboard. Each depressible portion has an engaging region which is adapted to engage a tactile recognition language block having at least a tactilly recognizable character, such as a Braille character. The tactile recognition language blocks may also include visual indicia. The depressible portions and engaging regions are spaced and oriented in a predetermined pattern corresponding to detection regions on the pressure sensitive device.

Abstract: A method for allocating resources, such as agents, to multiple tasks such as call campaigns in a telephony system includes establishing at least first and second tasks, each task including a pacing ratio, a task attribute, and at least one group of processes to be executed. The first and second task attributes are assigned to at least one resource which is provided for servicing the first and second group of processes. After the tasks are initiated, the resource having the first and second task attributes is allocated to servicing at least one process from each of the first and second groups of processes. The method also includes computing the balanced condition of each task and if the task is out of balance, reallocating system resources to each task for which the resource maintains a task servicing attribute.

Abstract: A cache management system and method monitors and controls the contents of cache memory. Cache memory is organized into at least a first section for storing data waiting to be written to a longer term data storage device, and a second section for storing data elements which have been written to the longer term data storage device. A time indication provider provides a time indication signal to a cache indexer, for maintaining a cache index representing data elements which are stored in cache as well as an indication that a data element must be written to a longer term data storage device. A cache manager is responsible for placing data elements into and removing data elements from the cache memory. The cache manager determimes the amount of time that the data element has been stored in cache as well as the average period of time that elapses between a data element being inserted in cache and being removed from cache.

Abstract: An extension tube system for a dust particulate dispenser and a method of using the extension tube system are disclosed. The system includes a flexible duster extension tube having a central body portion with a first diameter, a first coupling end with a larger diameter, and a second dispensing end with a smaller diameter. Additionally, the second dispensing end includes a dust particulate collection region which serves to prevent dust particulates from spilling out of the duster extension tube when such action is not desired. The first coupling end is inserted over an outlet region of a dust particulate dispenser. Additional extension tubes can be connected to the second dispensing end of an extension tube to extend the reach to an area where dust particulates must be applied. A flexible duster extension tube cleaner having a cleaning element is used to clean remaining dust particulates from within the extension tubes.

Abstract: A bulk material measuring and dispensing system includes a hopper assembly containing a bulk material coupled to a volumetric measuring and dispensing device, for measuring a predetermined volume of the bulk material and dispensing the predetermined volume of the bulk material. A dispensing mechanism is coupled to the volumetric measuring and dispensing device, for receiving and measuring a predetermined volume of bulk material in one position, and for dispensing the bulk material into a bulk material dispensing passageway another position. The volumetric measuring and dispensing device may include a rotatably mounted cylindrical member having a measuring chamber which receives and measure a predetermined volume of the bulk material and rotates to dispense the predetermined volume of bulk material.

Abstract: A method for maintaining disconnected call record events in a pending condition is provided until an available agent is acquired to service the disconnected call record event. The method includes the steps of reprioritizing the disconnected call record event to a lower priority level value and comparing the priority level value of the disconnected call record event with the priority levels of the additional pending call record events. Upon the disconnected call record event having a priority level value equal to or higher than the additional call record events, an available agent is requested and a second outbound call is placed for the previously disconnected call record event. The requested available agent is connected to the second outbound call upon an outside party answering the second outbound call.

Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring a threaded member in a substrate material includes a plastic anchoring sheath for receiving the screw. The plastic anchoring sheath includes annular anchoring ribs formed around a body portion of the anchoring sheath and at least three longitudinal ribs extending along at least a portion of the body portion of the anchoring sheath preferably parallel to a longitudinal axis of the anchoring sheath. The longitudinal ribs extend outwardly from the anchoring sheath and lie in different planes which intersect at the longitudinal axis of the anchoring sheath. The anchoring sheath preferably includes top and bottom regions which have no annular or longitudinal ribs. The plastic anchoring sheath may be coated with a resilient, elastomeric coating.

Abstract: A transportable basketball net assembly for temporary use on a basketball rim, installed from the ground using only the basketball. Installation is accomplished by gathering and holding the net material to one side to close the lower end of the net, inverting and disposing the net assembly over the basketball, then throwing the ball and net assembly into position on the basketball rim, the net then falling open under the weight of the falling ball. The net assembly is dislodged and removed by throwing the ball up through the rim, contacting the net and the flanged collar with upward force from below.

Abstract: A power interconnect system for electronic assemblies, for providing electrical connections between a power supply and a remote electrical conductor element, such as a power bus bar. An electrically insulating block is connected to a bus bar, and holds captive a power coupling connector element for engaging and connecting the bus bar to a power supply. The power coupling connector element includes a conductive end and an insulative end to prevent the supply from shorting out or shocking a maintenance person in contact with the insulative end even when the system is powered up. The conductive end has a larger diameter than the insulative end and the entire power coupling connector element is held captive within the block of insulating material when mounted to a power bus bar, to prevent the power coupling connector element from becoming loose within an electronic assembly.

Abstract: An exterior surface mount for mounting a member such as a vent or pipe on an inclined roof or a wall of a building in which the member extends through an opening in the wall or roof. The mounting is disposable on the exterior of the wall or roof wholly from within the building. The mount includes an upper support or flashing member having a peripheral flange with dimensions that are larger than the opening so the flashing member covers completely the opening. The opening has one dimension larger than the smallest dimension of the flashing so that the flashing member can be slipped through the opening from the inside of the building and fitted on the outside of the wall or roof. A member receiving aperture is disposed within the flashing and is arranged to receive the vent or pipe. Gasketing is provided to seal any spaces between the aperture and the exterior of the member.

Abstract: A ceremonial roll of material that can be easily unrolled and used is described. The roll contains a small layer or strip of releasable adhesive located on the floor surface of the roll within a starting end region of the roll. This adhesive is then pressed onto the floor itself before the roll is rolled down the aisle or walkway to be used. The adhesive will hold to the floor during the unrolling but can easily be removed by pulling up at an angle from the floor. The ceremonial roll may be made from a host of materials but a non-woven material made from long, natural and synthetic fibers is preferred.