Abstract: A user-computer interaction method for use by a population of flexibly connectible computer systems and a population of mobile users, the method comprising storing information characterizing each mobile user on an FCCS plug to be borne by that mobile user; and accepting the FCCS plug from the mobile user for connection to one of the flexibly connectible computer systems and employing the information characterizing the mobile user to perform at least one computer operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and apparatus for the removal of bacteria, microbes and other cell growth from a body of water by the application of an electromagnetic signal to a section of pipe communicable with the body of water.

Abstract: An identification card, typically of the proximity type, having on its outer structure a numeric keyboard. When approaching a high security entrance, the user enters into the card a PIN code known only to himself or a few others. The PIN code entry is compared to a reference code within the card and if correct enables the logic system of the card. When the card is next placed in proximity to a reader antenna, a normal read occurs, that is the data of the card is transferred to the reader. The card acts as a data source. Identification data is transferred during the read action, and also financial transactions, and an emergency code if the user is under duress and requests emergency help. The data sent to the reader is also optionally sent to a higher order data processing system such as a central computer. In a second embodiment, the proximity circuits and antenna are made integral to a hand held palm top or lap top computer or cell phone.

Abstract: A remote control catheterization system (20) includes a propelling device (28), which controllably inserts a flexible, elongate probe (26) into the body of a patient (22). A control console (34), in communication with the propelling device, includes user controls (38, 40) which are operated by a user of the system remote from the patient to control insertion of the probe into the body by the propelling device.

Abstract: A caddy receivably retains a two-way messaging pager. The caddy has a connector for power and data transfer between the pager and caddy. The caddy can also be equipped with a magnetic strip card reader. This enables remote transactions using a magnetic strip card such as a credit card or debit card. The caddy has serial bus ports for attaching the caddy to peripheral devices such as printers and taxi fare meters.

Abstract: A therapeutic wrap designed to be applied to various portions of an individual, such as the neck and shoulders. The wrap contains a plurality of narrow channels into which a filler material, such as Basmati rice, is provided. Various herbs such as chamomile or lavender are also provided within each of the channels to allow for aromatherapy.

Abstract: A dispensing system (200) for chewable pet toys (100) contains multiple toys and dispenses them at intervals determined by one or more modes of operation. A display (220) and keypad (400) are used to enter programming data into the memory of a microprocessor (315). When the system is in operation, the display indicates progress through the program, the mode of operation whether MANUAL, RANDOM, or BMOD (behavior modification), the time elapsed, and the number of toys remaining. At various times, sounds emanate from a loudspeaker (320), vibration emanates from a vibrator (328), light emanates from a light source (325), and odor emanates from an odor generator (327). Toys are dispensed down a ramp (225), at predetermined times, or at predetermined times modified by random numbers. Predetermined dispensations permit modification of the pet's behavior (BMOD). Random variations on a predetermined schedule of dispensations (RANDOM) prevent the pet from memorizing a schedule.

Abstract: A cantilevered mobile bed/chair apparatus for safely transferring a patient from and to a hospital type bed comprises three hinged together segments forming back, seat and foot platforms operating in conjunction with a four wheeled, rectangular base. The hinged together platforms convert from a fully adjustable chair mode to a bed mode by a first jack located beneath the seat platform. The platforms are raised and lowered by a second jack associated with a telescoping tower attached to an E frame. The telescoping tower is mounted vertically from one side of the rectangular base, and when extended, has a height greater than a hospital bed. The E frame, which supports the platforms, is cantilevered horizontally from the top portion of the telescoping tower, and the height thereof is controlled by the second jack mounted together with the bottom portion of the telescoping tower, to the wheeled base. The side edges of the platforms are beveled or angled downward.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pierceable sealing element for a liquid outlet, especially an ink outlet opening of an ink reservoir in inkjet printing means, and an ink reservoir with one such sealing element which has a membrane which can be pierced by a hollow needle for removing liquid, and the hollow needle can be surrounded sealed from the outside by the pierced seal element. To form an improved seal with low production and installation cost it is proposed as claimed in the invention that the membrane is surrounded by an annularly peripheral sealing profile which can be twisted in the manner of a torus at least partially around a peripheral line when the membrane has been pierced, a sealing surface which runs radially on the inside being formed.

Abstract: The engine includes a cylindrical rotor, set up in the interior of a stator, limited by two flat surfaces forming a first chamber to provided the admission phase and the compression phase and another chamber to provided the expansion phase (D1) and the exhaust phase. The chambers are separated by two section. The peripheral interior surface of the stator is adjusted to the rotor periphery and its extension corresponds to the gap between two pistons.

Abstract: An attachment (3) for a vacuum gun (2), for introducing new coolant into a cooling system of a vehicle after spent coolant has been drained from the cooling system. The attachment (3) comprises: a body (4) having a first inlet (36) for air left in the cooling system of the vehicle after spent coolant has been drained from the cooling system; a second inlet (37) for the new coolant; an outlet (38); a passage (39) connecting the outlet (38) to each of the inlets (36, 37); and, a jumper valve (40) located within the passage (39). The jumper valve (40) is moveable between a first closed position and a second open position, and it is biased with a coil spring (41) to remain in the first position. Whilst a vacuum is applied to the attachment (3) by the vacuum gun (2), the jumper valve (40) is in the second position and air may be drawn from the cooling system to form a partial vacuum within the cooling system.

Abstract: A patient lifter has a patient support platform that made be lowered until it touches the floor. Once in this position, it is a simple matter for a single person to place a patient who is prone on the floor onto the patient platform. Once on the platform, the patient support platform can be raised to a height sufficient to transfer the patient onto a bed or chair. The invention has many different devices for raising and lowering the patient support platform which may be chosen. The device is provided with wheels so that it may be easily transported to the site of the patient and be used to move the patient from place to place.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a standardization and commoditizing the process of technology contracts and creating method for assessing, scoring, ranking and rating technology vendors for the purpose of comparing vendor bids on a project and for structuring and pricing insurance/surety contracts. Intrinsic and two-way vendor ratings are established for each of the vendors in a particular project. This two-way rating is used to provide a risk adjustment to the nominal bid of each of the vendors. The two-way rating is also utilized to structure and calculate an insurance premium based upon the probability that the vendor would fail/default on the delivery of a technology project.

Abstract: A glide board, especially a ski or snowboard, is provided with a profile rail system on the top of the board at least in the area of the binding consisting of at least one profile rail extending in the longitudinal direction of the glide board and serving to fasten functional elements, for example a binding or elements thereof or a binding plate, by pressing functional elements onto the rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel ceramic/metal substrate, especially to a multiple substrate with a ceramic plate or ceramic layer.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe having a barrel with an open end, a base end and an internal bore; a needle assembly including a needle base member located inside the bore and releasably engaged with the base end and a needle which protrudes through the base end of the barrel; a plunger slidable within the bore, the plunger having a piston releasably engaged therewith and a chamber having air evacuated therefrom, the chamber being scaled at one end by the piston; wherein the piston includes means for engaging the needle base member such that in use when the plunger is depressed and the piston approaches the base end of the barrel, the piston can engage the needle base member, the needle base member is released from the base end and the piston is released from the plunger such that the piston needle base member and needle can be forced into the chamber by atmospheric pressure, wherein the needle base member is releasably engaged with the base end of the barrel by means of a split ring movable from an engagement position