Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for controlling use of predetermined vehicle parking areas and/or transit in predetermined vehicle circulation areas. The system comprises a control unit in communication with a telephone network and a database, the database storing data including an electronic map of one or more of such areas. When the control unit receives a Short Message Services (SMS) message from a user, via the network, requesting access to one of the areas at a selected time, the message is com-pared to data in the database in order to assess whether or not to comply with the request. If it is determined that the request should be complied with, then the database is updated with an indication of an access reservation. The unit then sends the user an SMS message in response, either confirming the reservation or denying availability of access.

Abstract: A bottle is disclosed which comprises a neck that forms an upwardly extending mouth from and through which a liquid flows, and a first potion for preventing liquid residue from dripping upon the outer surface of the neck. The first portion includes at least one annular groove formed integrally with the outer surface of the neck near the mouth. The groove is defined by a frustoconical portion of the surface, coaxial to a central axis of the neck and having a diameter that decreases in a generally downward direction. It is also defined by an annulus-shaped portion, lying on a plane substantially normal to the axis and relatively smoothly filleted with the frustonconical portion. The maximum diameter of the annulus-shaped portion is substantially equal to the maximum diameter of the frustoconical portion.

Abstract: A device is provided for operating inflation and deflation valves of an air chamber of a scuba diver's balancing jacket. The device comprises inflation and deflation valves and a push-button for operating the valves that can be controlled by the diver. The device also has a handgrip projecting forwardly from a side position on a lower edge of the jacket, the push-button being situated on the handgrip.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing sole for footwear comprising an assembly of shock-absorbing modules placed side-by-side and arranged in the longitudinal direction. Each module includes a wire-shaped element made of a selected material of relatively high strength and rigidity folded in such a way as to form a succession of upwardly-pointing loops lying in a plane that passes through the longitudinal axis of the module and at right angles to the outsole. The loops are inclined in the same general direction so that whenever the sole contacts the ground, each loop bends with a compliance that depends on its relative length and, thereafter, tends to regain its original condition by means of a relatively quick return with what is substantially a damped aperiodic harmonic motion. The greater or lesser compliance of the assembly depends also on the greater or lesser transverse density with which the modules are arranged.

Abstract: A mold cassette and method for continuously casting thin slabs. The cassette comprises a trough including a pair of vertically disposed, opposed broad walls and a pair of opposed narrow walls. The trough has an entry end for receiving molten material and an exit end for dispensing the material. The narrow walls are generally wider at the entry end than the exit end and are adapted for sealing engagement with the broad walls so as to prevent leakage of the material therebetween. At least one of the narrow walls is oriented at a selected tilt and adjustable at the tilt for changing the width of the slab during casting. Back edges of at least one of the adjustable narrow walls are relieved a region corresponding generally to the transition zone of the trough. This allows positioning of the narrow wall in a generally less than vertical plane during casting while maintaining the broad and narrow walls in sealing engagement with one another.

Abstract: A device and method for lifting an aircraft wheel assembly. The device comprises first and second wheel-engaging supports connectable to a bearing structure and rotatable relative to one another between open and wheel-cradling configurations, the device further comprising an actuator connected to the bearing structure to enable raising or lowering of the supports relative to the ground when in the wheel-cradling configuration.

Abstract: A motorized, disposable toothbrush and method of using the same, the toothbrush including a housing with a handle portion, a neck portion and a head portion. At least one of the portions is constructed of a polymeric material. A brush head is rotatably mounted to the head portion, a variable, high speed motor being provided for effecting rotation of the brush head. The neck portion has a bend for orienting the brush head generally at a right angle for engagement of a user's teeth. A worm gear and flex joint assembly couples the motor to the brush head for effecting rotation thereof. A lithium based DC power source is provided for operation of the motor, power control being effected by a variable speed power control device which actuates rotation of the brush head in at least two power settings.

Abstract: A remote data acquisition and processing system is provided. One embodiment of the system of the present invention for use in monitoring utility operation includes at least one optical imaging device for generating computer-readable image data of a visual representation, generated by a utility meter, of utility operation-related data. A host processor, which is remotely located from the optical imaging device and the utility meter, is also provided in this embodiment of the present invention for generating the utility operation-related data from the image data and for storing the image data.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a water mist to sunbathers comprising: a pair of pipe sections having perforations along the lengths thereof for mounting mist producing nozzles, a flexible hose connecting the pipes one to the other, and a valve at an inlet to the pipe assembly for controlling the flow of water through the pipes. A cap at one end of the apparatus seals the pipe assembly and causes water flowing into the pipes to be forced through the nozzles, thereby producing a fine mist. The flexible hose not only permits adjustment of the distance between the pipes to facilitate use by a number of sunbathers, but also enables the apparatus to be folded for transportation or storage.