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: A solar tracking apparatus which is movable from a morning position to an evening position, the apparatus comprising a support means to which a solar device can be supported, a cylinder, the cylinder including a ram which is extendable from and retractable into the cylinder, an expansion chamber which forms part of or which is in fluid connection with the cylinder, a liquid in the cylinder and the expansion chamber, the liquid having a boiling point which is greater than the maximum operating temperature of the cylinder and the expansion chamber, a return means to cause the apparatus to be returned to the morning position, and rotation means associated with the ram to rotate the apparatus from the morning position to the evening position upon extension of the ram.

Abstract: A device for applying balancing weights to vehicle wheels in wheel balancing machines, comprising: a detector for the position of an indicator that can slide on rectilinear guides with respect to a wheel supported rotatable on the frame of a balancing machine; removable locking elements the indicator in at least one direction of sliding activatable when a preset position of the indicator is reached and comprising at least one first and second gears, supported rotatable on the wheel machine which mesh with each other; transmission elements for transmitting motion of the indicator to the first gear; and motion elements for moving a third gear between an inactive configuration, in which it is disengaged from the first and second gears, and a locking configuration, in which the third gear is engaged with the teeth of the first and second gears to prevent their rotation.

Abstract: An improved system for processing at least partially structured data includes a method for comparing a population of terms in a term repository, including standardizing each term within the population of terms based on at least one standardization rule. The method also includes comparing at least a pair of terms including determining a match between the terms if, once standardized, they are substantially identical.

Abstract: A first L-shaped bracket is secured to the door and has an aperture aligned with an aperture extending through the door. A second L-shaped bracket having substantially the same size and shape as the first bracket has a rod which, in the locking position, extends through the aperture in the door bracket and door. In the non-use position, the rod extends through an aperture in the outwardly extending section of the door bracket. The outwardly extending section of the door bracket also has a second aperture. The handled bracket has an aperture on each section aligning with the second aperture in the outwardly extending section to accommodate a padlock.

Abstract: A mold for maintaining alignment between mold halves despite a thermal differential between the mold halves. The lock comprises (1) a T-shaped member, consisting of an enlarged, rectangular head and a tongue extending therefrom, and (2) a receptacle with an outwardly opening U-shaped pocket to receive the tongue of the T-shaped member, when the mold halves are pressed together. A vertical conduit is formed in the head and tongue of the T-shaped member, and a horizontal channel, extending through the tongue, intersects the lower end of the conduit. At lest one groove is defined in each side wall of the conduit. A grease fitting is located in a blind hole in the head of the T-shaped member, so that lubricant flows through the vertical conduit, into the horizontal channel, and into the grooves in the opposite side walls of the tongue. The grooves are usually formed in pairs, and are configured in an intersecting X configuration.

Abstract: In a ball sport racquet, for example, a tennis racquet, made up of a main or racquet head frame, a throat with a throat bridge and side bridges diverging to the throat bridge and extending into a shaft, and strings fastened on the main frame and on the throat bridge, the throat bridge can move restrictedly relative to the main frame at least in one axis direction perpendicular to the plane of the strings and/or can rotate on the racquet frame on an axis extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the racquet.

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 method and system producing and transmitting pulsed or continuous wave signals through one or more optical fibers to a plurality of remote sensors provided in a hostile environment. The produced signals transmitted along one of the optical fibers would be demultiplexed and transmitted to separate sensors. The sensors would then modulate these signals which would then be combined onto a single output optical fiber which is to be analyzed. A spectrometer or other signal processing device, generally included in a shielded environment, would be utilized to process the modulated signals.

Abstract: Calibrating a receiver for a satellite positioning system. At preset intervals, a plurality of calibration signals are generated and applied to the receiver. The plurality of calibration signals correspond to a plurality of satellite signals, respectively, from the satellite positioning system. A relative time-delay bias from a delay estimation algorithm within the receiver. The time-delay bias is stored, preferably with the receiver. The receiver receives the plurality of satellite signals from the satellite positioning system. The plurality of satellite signals are processed with the time-delay bias. The processing reduces effects from the satellite receiver and improving estimate of the differential delay and total electron content (TEC).

Abstract: Proposed is a luminaire, with a housing and a luminous means receptacle for fitting a luminous means in the housing, in which the luminous means receptacle is connected to the housing via a bearing means which is suitable for altering the position of the luminous means receptacle with respect to the housing, with the result that the luminous means can be replaced in a convenient manner. An advantageous method for changing a luminous means is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a PDP structure comprising a first substrate, a second substrate and a Waffle barrier rib structure located between the first and second substrate. The Waffle barrier rib structure comprises three first barrier ribs having different width and a plurality of second barrier ribs perpendicular to the first barrier ribs. The second barrier ribs are located between the two first barrier ribs, and connect the wider structure of the two first barrier ribs. Therefore, discharge spaces are formed. Because of different width, the height difference of the barrier rib structure is formed after thermal process. Hence, gas can pass through the barrier ribs structure between the front and the back substrate sealed together.

Abstract: A folding frame for a tricycle, scooter or child's bicycle, with a front frame part on which the front wheels can be mounted at least indirectly, a rear frame part on which the rear wheels can be mounted, a swivelling joint with a front articulated part which is mounted on the front frame part, and with a rear articulated part which is mounted on the rear frame part, the first of the two articulated parts has a first recess and the second of the two articulated parts has a second recess and a third recess, the first recess and the second recess in the position of use of the frame are in alignment, and the first recess and the third recess in the folded position are in alignment, and the first articulated part and the second articulated part are locked against one another in the position of use and in the folded position via a pin which can be moved in the recesses.

Abstract: A system for determining the skill of a player eliminates the element of chance by comparing players who have the same initial position. In the case of cards, the initial position is the hand dealt to the player and in tile games, it is the initial distribution and arrangement of tiles. A player with a less than advantageous initial position may win a game over an opponent having a better initial position. It cannot conclusively be said whether this win is due to the good play of the winner or the bad play of the loser. However, it can clearly be said that the winning player has a higher skill level than the losing player.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of optimizing the displacement of a viscoelastic fluid in a pore, tube, duct, channel, fracture, porous medium or interconnected latticework or in an interconnected assembly of pores, tubes, ducts, channels, cavities and/or fractures using a fluid with a lower viscosity. The inventive method consists in displacing the viscoelastic fluid using a displacing fluid which supplies a signal thereto comprising pressure pulses at an optimum frequency. In this way, the moisture layer between the displaced fluid and the walls of the pores, tubes, channels, cavities, fractures or porous medium is dynamically reduced during said displacement, thereby facilitating optimum extraction.

Abstract: An exercise nutritional program focuses on overall health of the user and is part of an overall fitness regimen including exercise. Proper weight and weight maintenance is an ancillary benefit of following a nutritional program and will be achieved by years of following the nutrition program in conjunction with the exercise and fitness program. The nutritional program separates foods into carbohydrates, proteins and fats and adjusts the percent of calories from each group depending on the goal of general weight maintenance, increased shape and definition or significant weight loss. An exercise program is also tailored to these three goals. In implementing the program, three connected shapes, preferably rings, or containers, representing the carbohydrate, protein and fat groups are used. Each ring is desirably a different color so that the user can readily ascertain which ring corresponds to which food group listed on the menus provided.

Abstract: A table tennis table has a lower frame and two playing surface boards. The lower frame comprises vertical struts which are used as carrier elements and are arranged opposite each other along the width of the table tennis table. The playing surface can be transferred from a first position, in which the playing surface boards are vertically oriented and the guides are arranged in a lower position, to a second position, in which the playing surface boards are horizontally oriented and the guiding elements are arranged in an upper position. Upper and lower safety levers maintain the guides in either position. An actuation lever moves the safety levers to allow movement of the playing surface.