Abstract: Arching mechanism, for instance for backrests of seats, medical or orthopaedic apparatus or casings and the like, with a pressure element wherein at least one traction element connected with a tensioning mechanism engages, which, when the mechanism is actuated can produce bulging by preserving a relative elevation of apex of the convexity; the arching mechanism can comprise a frame with inserted pressure elements actuatable by adjusting device(s), whereby frame segments are length-variable pressure elements; traction elements provided with tensioning mechanism can engage a slitted, overlapping or bellows-like bulging body for the opening and closing of these areas, which produces a curving of the bulging body in a predetermined direction or directions.

Abstract: An ostomy cartridge for use in host device in a mammal includes a body formed at elastomeric partially of polymeric material and a stem. The stem is secured to the body and is operable to permit insertion of the body into the host device and removal of the body from the host device. The stem and the body cooperate with one another and the host device to prevent flow of liquid and solid waste through the host device to the exterior of the mammal with which the host device is associated.

Abstract: A control system for a bulk material baler embodied in a machine readable data structure and including an instruction to a moveable guide track to move from a removed position to a closed position to create a guide track loop around a volume of bulk material to be baled while that bulk material is under compression and also including in instruction to a bale strap feed drive to feed a pre-determined length of strapping around the guide track loop, and including an instruction to a cutter to cut the end of the bale strap and including an instruction to a strap fastener to fasten together the ends of the bale strap and including an instruction to remove the moveable guide track section from around the bale and an instruction to release compression and an instruction to eject a bound bale.

Abstract: A mechanical fuse is used with ergonomic devices for seats such as automobile seats to allow the ergonomic devices to tolerate abusive loads without breaking a linkage, such as a traction cable, used to move the ergonomic supports. The traction cable is comprised of a sleeve with a wire disposed to slide axially through the sleeve. The mechanical fuse is installed with the sleeve divided into two sections, with an end of each section seated into a male component or a female component of the mechanical fuse. The male and female components of the mechanical fuse slide axially relative to one another but are restrained from sliding by insertion of a boss on one component into a detent on the other component. The boss and detent hold the male and female components together in a friction fit that resists axial movement. When an abusive force is applied to the fuse, the friction fit of the boss and detent is overcome so that the boss slides out of the detent in a radial direction.

Abstract: An ergonomic weight support device for a seat comprising a housing having a channel defined by at least one guide boss, an extending element having an unanchored weight supporting end and an engaged end slidingly disposed within the channel of said housing and an actuator fixedly attached to said housing and in moving communication with said extending element whereby said actuator mediates the weight supporting end of said extending element between a substantially retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A launcher (17, 50, 60) and an associated process for compressible materials (42) includes a frame (22), at least one upper roller (1), at least one lower roller (2) located below the at least one upper roller (1) within the frame (22), a transport mechanism (9) for transporting feed material between the at least one upper roller (1) and the at least one lower roller (2) and a rotational mechanism that is operatively connected to the at least one upper roller (1) and the at least one lower roller (2).

Abstract: A decorative stone impregnated with a transmutable lighting element, such as a light emitting diode, electrically connected to a power source. The lighting element contains an integrated circuit which controls its transmutable appearance. The decorative stone may be used in jewelry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gripping containers, each having a circumference, for dumping material in a material collection vehicle including more than one gripping mechanisms, wherein each of the gripping mechanisms can engage a container around at least one-half of the circumference of the container. In one embodiment, the gripping mechanism is attached to a base member and includes an outer gripping member pivotally attached to the base member and an inner gripping member pivotally attached to the base member and an actuating mechanism for moving at least one gripping member toward the other gripping member.

Abstract: A content data distribution system uses a single key and multiple program authorization to transmit a plurality of programs in multiplexed data packets such as those used in Digital Video Broadcasting. A receiver has a memory, a descrambler and a processor. Authorization indicators are transmitted among said data packets and stored in the memory. The authorization indicators identify a plurality of authorized data packets corresponding to at least one authorized program and further identifies a plurality of unauthorized data packets corresponding to at least one unauthorized program. Only authorized data packets are output from a receiver in decrypted form. Null sets are substituted for unauthorized data packets. Data packet tables may be rebuilt as necessary to replace tables lost in null set substitution. One key is used to encrypt all programs. Alternatively, a number of keys fewer than the number of authorized programs may be used for encryption. The keys may themselves be encrypted for transmission.

Abstract: A farm implement for guiding a barrier material into a layered material comprises a turntable for holding the barrier material, a guide apparatus for guiding the barrier material into the layered material, and a crossbar to which is attached the turntable and a hitch portion for attaching the crossbar to a vehicle. The guide apparatus comprises a vertical support post that attaches the guide apparatus to the crossbar, a guide slot hingedly attached to the vertical support post, a platform and at least one roller attached to the guide slot, and at least one cap hingedly attached to and positioned above the guide slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved method of accessing work tools by users who choose to use the pickup truck as the means of transportation and containment of the work tools they use on a regular basis. The present invention also incorporates a protective lining for the bed of the pickup truck. The protective lining in the bed of the pick-up doubles the system's utility. The protective liner allows the bed of the pickup truck to be used for carrying additional cargo.

Abstract: A harvesting machine for harvesting stalk crops, such as maize or the like, has at least two cutting and intake units which have a series of drum-like cutting and intake elements which can be rotated about essentially vertical axes and are fastened to supporting elements. It is arranged for at least one cutting and intake unit to be pivoted about a pivot axis which is positioned in the direction of travel. When the cutting and intake units are in a transporting position, the view in the direction of travel is significantly improved. This is achieved by at least two intake and cutting units being arranged so they can be pivoted in opposed directions so that one overlies the other in the transporting position and so that those on one side of the machine are spaced from those on the other side of the machine at that position.

Abstract: A central controller remotely controls and configures sets of receivers to receive programs in a broadcast signal and recast selected sets of programs to selected sets of media devices over a computer network. Each receiver has an input module that receives programs from the broadcast signal, a control module that receives a control stream from the central controller, and a recasting module that reformats and transmits selects programs over the computer network. The receivers use the control stream to configure the selected sets of programs and the selected sets of media devices. The recasting module is uncoupled from the control module so that the receiver's recasting of selected program content can be different for different sets of receivers, thereby allowing any combination of broadcast programs to be recast by any set of receivers to any set of media devices. The receiver also has a storage module and interrupts the live recasting of the broadcast signal to spool out a locally stored file.

Abstract: A multi-purpose vessel for use when recovering material from a bottom surface of a body of water. The vessel includes a hull and a dredge assembly mounted to the hull. The dredge assembly is adapted to recover the material from the bottom surface. A conveyor system is provided, with the conveyor system including a first portion adapted to receive the material from the dredge assembly, a moveable second portion, and a distribution portion. The second portion is moveable to a first position in which the second portion is adapted to receive the material from the first portion and to convey the material to a first desired location disposed a first distance away from the hull. The second portion is further moveable to a second position in which the second portion is adapted to convey the material to the distribution portion. The distribution portion is adapted to convey the material a second distance greater than the first distance away from the hull.

Abstract: A transformable catheter includes a sheath having a length which is a substantial fraction of the entire length of the transformable catheter and a bore therethrough. A preformed inner catheter having a complex curve formed into the distal end thereof is disposed in the sheath bore. By axially moving the inner catheter with respect to the sheath, various tip shapes may be achieved. At least one wire runs from the proximal end of the sheath to the vicinity of the distal end of the sheath to selectively deflect the distal tip of the sheath as desired by the user to assist in reformation and transformation of the tip of the catheter. By suitable manipulation of the wire and of the inner catheter with respect to the sheath, the shape of the exposed portion of the distal end of the inner catheter may be transformed to any of a variety of shapes.

Abstract: The system supports monitoring of receiver network status by providing an email return path for receiver status information. Remote locations provide access to an internet capable LAN, which the integrated receiver decoders use to send parameter information to the central server using the internet protocol. Unit status and parameter information is sent in a binary format using standard email protocols to transfer the data. The server translates the binary data and stores the receiver status, allowing the user to browse the latest status of any receiver which has sent back a report.

Abstract: A method of forming a liner for a passage such as a sewer includes forming panels composing the liner using a neat resin of a first density and a polymer concrete of a second, higher density. The neat resin is inserted into a mold cavity before the polymer concrete and is displaced upwardly by the polymer concrete pour to impregnate a fiber layer disposed along the periphery of the mold cavity. Resulting panels preferably have an offset joint to increase the joint strength between upper and lower panels forming the liner.

Abstract: A fork and jaw grapple having two forks and a jaw for wedging under, prying up, gripping, moving and handling materials. The forks have tips with angles for prying between and under materials. The jaw being a hydraulically actuated upper jaw that moves about a pivot point via a cylinder for grabbing, gripping and holding materials during pick-up, transport and place down.