Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for providing wireless telecommunications service providers roamer visibility for on-line customer support and a fraud data feed for reducing losses due to fraud, obviating the need for each provider to purchase data from a central clearinghouse. Monitoring devices are coupled to existing network links (e.g., SS7 telecommunications links) or network elements (e.g., an STP pair), and are adapted to capture certain data regarding user traffic. The captured data is in turn provided via a wide area network or other transmission means to a message processor. The message processor collates raw messages received from the data capture devices and produces roamer visibility and fraud data. This subscriber-related data can be used to populate one or more databases available for query by on-line client workstations, or may, in the case of fraud-related data, be provided as a wire feed or other transmission to a fraud detection system or other wireless service providers.

Abstract: A line isolation device (LID) for use in an ADSL system provides a single low pass filter that filters out the higher band ADSL signals for all of the Plain Old Telephone Services (POTS) terminal devices within a customer's premises. The LID may be easily added to an existing ADSL system by routing signals from a customer bridge through the LID. The LID has a low pass filter for removing the ADSL signals and also has a bypass path for carrying unfiltered ADSL and POTS signals to an ADSL transceiver unit. The filtered POTS signals are supplied back to the customer bridge and to binding posts on the customer bridge where all POTS terminal devices receive their POTS signals. The re-routing of the signals within the NID through the LID can be easily accomplished by disconnecting a testing jack on the customer bridge and routing the signals through the LID. Alternatively, the customer bridge may be completely removed from the NID and replaced with a customer bridge having an integral low pass filter.

Abstract: Interactive interfaces to video information provide a displayed view of a quasi-object called a root image. The root image consists of a plurality of basic frames selected from the video information, arranged such that their respective x and y directions are aligned with the x and y directions in the root image and the z direction in the root image corresponds to time, such that base frames are spaced apart in the z direction of the root image in accordance with their time separation. The displayed view of the root image changes in accordance with a designated viewing position, as if the root image were a three-dimensional object. The user can manipulate the displayed image by designating different viewing positions, selecting portions of the video information for playback and by special effects, such as cutting open the quasi-object for a better view.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. The computer contains a life time counter that counts the amount of time the computer has been used from the time of purchase. The count data is useful in accessing how often a computer has been used if a purchaser return it to the manufacturer. The counter also assists manufacturers to accurately track and resolve field failures in addition to in-house quality testing. This provides a competitive advantage by allowing the computer design to be changed based on actual use conditions and increases field reliability and reduces costs in areas which are over-designed.

Abstract: Hinges for orthopedic and rehabilitation braces allow intuitive, convenient and positive control and adjustment of the limits to which the braces may extend or flex. Such hinges also allow convenient locking of such braces. A flexion switch and an extension switch allow convenient repositioning of stops or limits which limit flexion and extension of the brace. Such switches may be repositioned, however, only with repositioning pressure for moving the switch to a new position combined with safety pressure for unlocking the switch. A brace locking switch may also be included. Such hinges promote more effective post-operative and rehabilitation results because they among other things allow users easily to change the flexion, extension and fixation limitations of their braces conveniently and in real time such as during post-operative and physical therapy sessions and workouts.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit having anterior and posterior housing members for enclosing all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The LCD display is mounted to a support frame with a plurality of fasteners. A plurality of spring members are inserted between the LCD display and the support frame for absorbing pressures exerted on the display.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle. The computer has a unique configuration in which input/output connectors of a typical motherboard are placed on a separate riser board positioned perpendicular to the system board.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to electrostatic spraying systems for liquids and specifically to an improved spray-charging nozzle system having increased reliability, consistency, safety and power efficiency for long-term operation in harsh agricultural and industrial applications. The invention achieves these advantages by: a) management of the interaction of any externally-originating electric fields with the droplet-charging electric-induction field being applied within the nozzle, including partial or total exclusion of the former fields; b) maintenance of the charge-induction electric field at the droplet-formation zone by precluding or minimizing leakage of charge in all directions from the induction electrode; c) protection of electronic and nozzle components from damage due to inadvertent overcurrents; and d) facilitation of non-tedious, convenient, trouble-free inspection and cleaning of the nozzle under harsh field conditions.

Abstract: A method for the adjustment of pH in textile processing or other solutions, including recreational waters, that includes the use of urea sulfate or its equivalent.

Abstract: A runout compensator is provided that angulates a face surface by adjusting two members whose mating surfaces have been machined to slant relative to the central axis of each member. A first member has a shaft over which slides the second member so that the mating surfaces of each member come into and are maintained in contact. Rotating the second member about the shaft of the first member varies the angulation of a face surface. Correctly adjusting the runout compensator, which is attached to a lathe, and a load plate assembly providing biasing to hold the workpiece between itself and the runout compensator, allows the workpiece to be firmly held in the angled position needed to compensate for the runout in the workpiece as the workpiece is turned upon a lathe.

Abstract: Devices and processes are disclosed for controlling and measuring precisely the many variables associated with fiber wear and transfer among materials. Specifically, one embodiment of the invention involves a slide and track arrangement for translating rotary motion of a crank shaft into reciprocal or, if desired, orbital motion of a second pad holding a sample or abrasive material against a first pad holding a sample material. The translation apparatus is such that even when orbital motion is selected, a constant angular relationship between the pattern of the materials held on the first pad and second pad is maintained.

Abstract: Permanently soil resistant polymeric compositions that have fluorochemical dispersed throughout the polymer are prepared by melt extrusion of the fluorochemical with the desired polymer. Preferred polymers for extrusion with the fluorochemical are polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyamide.

Abstract: Conveyors containing powered rollers arranged in zones, each of which zones may be independently controlled. Such conveyors are particularly useful in transitioning object flow from a constant speed conveyor such as in a plant or warehouse, to manual offloading operations which tends to be more intermittent in nature. The independently controlled zones automatically activate and deactivate in a manner that allows objects to accumulate in a compact fashion on the conveyor when offloading operations stop, but once again to space themselves apart from one another as offloading operations resume and flow once again reaches steady state. This increased spacing during steady state flow allows the conveyor to begin absorbing objects in the accumulation mode if and when offloading stops again. Among other beneficial effects is an ergonomic one: Workers are freed from the stress of knowing that objects flowing on the conveyor will simply be propelled off the end if they take a momentary break.

Abstract: A revetment panel for installation along embankments and other earthen structures, including structures partially or fully covered by water, which utilizes a fabric web having a plurality of compartments separated by selvage. The web is formed of two fabric layers, which are woven separately on the same loom to form the compartments, and interwoven to form the selvage. The fabric layers are separately woven to form slots in the selvage which allow cables to pass through the web, and which allow filler material to flow between compartments during filling. The web is transported to its installation site, and placed. The compartments in the web are then inflated with the filler material, which may be cementitous slurry or mortar consisting in part of sand and gravel found near the installation site, or simply a mixture of sand, gravel, and water. The resulting matrix of forms interconnected by fabric and cable provides a durable, economical and flexible erosion control layer.