Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of providing system integrity and positive audit capabilities to a positive identification system. The use of access authority information units to gain access to the positive identification system solves the problems of open, unsecured and unauditable access to data for use in point of use identification systems. In order to secure the rights to the data that is needed to make mass identification systems operate, it must be shown that records will be closed and secure, as well as that there will be an audit trail of access that is made to the data. This system solves those problems through the use of a system and method for identification with biometric data and/or personal identification numbers and/or personalized devices embedded with codes unique to their assigned users.

Abstract: A metal abrasive belt is used to grind, debur, sand, cut, finish or otherwise abrade a workpiece. The metal abrasive belt includes a continuous metal belt and abrasive particles electroplated onto at least a portion of an outer surface of the continuous metal belt. The abrasive particles are electroplated by electrochemically depositing an electroplating matrix, such as a Nickel matrix, in the presence of abrasive particles, such as diamond or Cubic Boron Nitride particles. The abrasive particles can be electroplated to form selected abrasive and non-abrasive regions on the continuous metal member, for example, by masking selected regions of the continuous metal belt. One embodiment of the metal abrasive belt includes one or more perforations extending through the continuous metal belt. The perforations facilitate cooling and allow swarf to pass through the continuous metal belt while abrading a workpiece.

Abstract: A telephony call center management system allows agents to be assigned and grouped into work groups. A supervisor is assigned to supervise one or more work groups. Supervisors may move agents between work groups that the supervisor oversees. A supervisor may also assign unassigned agents to a work group which the supervisor controls. The supervisor may view statistics on the performance of only those agents assigned to a work group to which the supervisor is assigned.

Abstract: A mounting system and method includes a mounting device for handling an object during treatment or preparation and for mounting the object to a display member for displaying the object. The mounting system and method is particularly suited for use by a taxidermist to handle and mount a fish or other animal prepared by the taxidermist. The mounting device includes a mounting plug adapted to be received in a recessed region in the display member. One or more object engaging members extend from the mounting plug to engage and secure the object. A mounting rod extends from a second end of the mounting plug and includes a gripping region, for easy gripping and handling by a user. The mounting method includes inserting the mounting rod through an aperture in the display member so that the mounting plug is received into the recessed region in the display member. A fastener is then engaged with a fastener engaging region on the mounting rod to secure the mounting device to the display member.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining the file record format and characteristics for a data file of unknown file record format. At least a portion of an unknown file is obtained from a file source, such as a mainframe computer. At least a portion of the file is examined to determine whether the file is EBCDIC or ASCII encoded. File type, including print, card, text or binary, is determined. File headers and trailers are detected and removed. Line delimiters such as carriage return, linefeed or new line characters are detected. Periodic character patterns are searched for, such as a space followed by one or more numeric digits, to determine file record length and contents. Once the file record format is determined, a user may verify and modify the data. This system and method can be used by a data processing system, including a telephony system which accesses data records to determine parties in a database to contact, and automatically dial those parties.

Abstract: A folded heat conducting member heatsink includes a base portion and a folded heat conducting member secured into engagement with the base portion with one or more folded heat conducting member securing element, such as annealed metal inserts. The folded heat conducting member includes at least first and second heat conducting portions, such as fins, extending from a fold portion engaged with one or more grooves in the base portion. The securing element or insert is swaged or deformed to force the heat conducting portions into engagement with the groove of the base portion. The method of making the heat sink includes: inserting one or more securing elements, between the heat conducting portions; inserting the heat conducting portions into the groove of the base portion; and applying pressure to the securing elements, such as with an impacting die, to swage or deform the securing elements. The base portion and heat conducting portions of the folded heat conducting member are made of a heat conductive material.

Abstract: A universal telephony application client (TAC) that can be dynamically configured for a specific telephone call campaign running on a telephony platform system where upon the beginning of a call campaign, the universal TAC is initialized from an initialization profile specific to a telephone call campaign. The universal TAC operates as individual TAC threads to control processing of call records or incoming calls according to the parameters provided in the initialization profile. The initialization profile is modifiable before a call campaign, at the commencement of a call campaign, or at any time during a call campaign. All campaign TACs created subsequent to modifying the initialization profile will be modified to include the new parameters.

Abstract: A malleable sealing membrane is used to seal openings, regions or other apertures in a house or similar structures to prevent the entry of pests or other unwanted elements. The sealing membrane includes a mesh substrate having a sealing compound coated on one or more sides and embedded within interstices of the mesh substrate. One or more release backings cover the sealing compound to protect the sealing compound prior to the application of the sealing membrane. The sealing membrane is prefabricated for later use in sealing applications. In use, the sealing compound on one side of the mesh substrate is exposed, for example, by removing one of the release backings. The exposed sealing compound is applied against the structure along the opening, region or aperture. The second release backing can then be removed.

Abstract: An expandable band and locking mechanism is used to install and secure a flexible sealing element, such as a rubber seal or gasket, against an internal annular surface, such as in a manhole or pipe. The expandable band is capable of expanding and being locked at various diameters. The expandable band preferably has a plurality of deviations or ribs that provide a plurality of pressure points against the sealing element. The expandable band includes a first locking region, such as an end locking portion of the band, and a second locking region, such as one or more adjustable locking elements or notches in the band. The locking mechanism preferably includes a locking member having a first locking tab for engaging with the end locking portion of the band and a second locking tab for engaging with one of the adjustable locking elements or notches in the band. The locking mechanism further includes a housing for covering the locking member and engaging the band.

Abstract: A system and method for illuminating an area proximate a trailer, such as a boat or snowmobile trailer. At least one area illuminating light is connected to an area illuminating lighting control member. The area illuminating lighting control member receives and interprets trailer lighting control signals for determining when to activate and deactivate the area illuminating light. Control signals include is a trailer tow vehicle "lights on" condition combined with a second trailer lighting control signal, such as a "reverse lights on" indication, or indications from a water sensor or manual switch. The area illuminating lighting control member also receives a set of trailer lighting control signals for automatically deactivating the trailer illuminating lighting, including a "running light off" indication, a "brake lights on" indication, and/or a "turn signal lights on" indication.

Abstract: An inflatable tool is used for abrading or finishing a surface of a workpiece. The inflatable tool includes an inflatable bladder clamped at first and second ends of a core having an elastomeric outer core portion. The inflatable bladder is inflated by a pressurized medium and forms a pocket or chamber around the elastomeric outer core portion. An abrasive sleeve is disposed around and secured by the inflatable bladder when inflated. The elastomeric outer core portion provides a resilient support surface for the inflatable bladder and the abrasive sleeve while abrading a workpiece. One example of the abrasive sleeve includes one or more bulging abrasive regions created by one or more slots in the abrasive sleeve. One example of a method of using the inflatable tool includes abrading a surface of a workpiece with one or more bulging abrasive regions, and chamfering both sides of a hole extending through a workpiece.

Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring a threaded member such as a screw or bolt in a substrate material includes an anchoring sheath for receiving the threaded member. The anchoring sheath includes annular anchoring ribs formed around a body portion of the anchoring sheath and at least one longitudinal rib extending along at least a portion of the body portion of the anchoring sheath and extend outwardly from the anchoring sheath. In a sheath with more than one longitudinal rib, the longitudinal ribs lie in different planes which intersect at the longitudinal axis of the anchoring sheath. The anchoring sheath preferably includes top and bottom regions which have no annular or longitudinal ribs. The bottom region can have an extended length to accommodate threaded members of varying lengths and a hole providing drainage of water, ice, or other debris as the threaded member is tightened into the sheath.

Abstract: An automatic evacuation assistance system, for assisting animals or people in existing a structure includes an event detector, such as a smoke detector for providing an event detection signal. The event detection signal is received by an exit control device which is coupled to an exit opening, for allowing the exit opening to open, providing an exit path to the outside of a structure. A sensory attractant transmitter transmits a sensory attractant in the form of a sound, smell, or visual signals to attract the person or animals to the exit path and exit opening.

Abstract: A data processing system including automated forms generation uses data displayed at a predetermined position on a data terminal display screen and a data processing function selector, to automatically retrieve a pre-established form stored in a data processing system. In one embodiment, the form includes a number of uncompleted fields. The data processing system retrieves at least one datum from at least one data field displayed on the screen, and automatically inserts the data in a predetermined uncompleted field of the form. The partially or fully completed form is then stored for later retrieval, updating and printing by the data processing system.

Abstract: A bulk straw loading system includes one or more bulk straw staging members having a plurality of compartments which receive, organize and store straws. The straws are detected and counted as they are received. A bulk straw staging member compartment opening temporary closure device insures that at least two compartments full of straws can be stored in a bulk straw staging member prior to being unloaded to a bulk straw transport device. A bulk straw transport device provides the straws to a bulk straw packager such as a boxer or bagger. A bulk straw loading system controller utilizes straw manufacturing speed information from a straw extruder, cutter or wrapper and combined with straw count information, effectuates rotation of each bulk straw staging member as appropriate.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling irregular shaped linear items comprising a hopper for holding a plurality of irregular shaped linear items, and a lifting device operable with the hopper for upwardly removing the items from the hopper. The upward movement of the lifting device rotates the items in the hopper providing a substantially parallel and transverse feed alignment of the items to the lifting device. The apparatus further includes a device to separate and deliver product or items in spaced relationship, and a device for delivering the spaced product to a continuously moving conveyor. The continuously moving conveyor delivers product to a v-shaped trough where the trough angle is selected to provide downward deflection of product or items delivered by the moving conveyor system.

Abstract: A portable self-standing sports enclosure which may be opened and closed by a single person. A carrier frame contains at least one foldable frame section. Each foldable frame section includes an enclosure support member. The foldable frame sections fold into and are locked to a carrier frame for transportation. The foldable frame sections may be hinged to allow the frame to fold to half their normal height. An optional carrier frame with wheels allows easy transportation. Netting proximate the frame members completely encloses the sports activities inside.

Abstract: A pump overload control assembly is for use with an electric motor driven pump in a water pumping system. The assembly includes a pump overload control device coupled to a fluid responsive switch, thereby forming a pump overload control circuit that interrupts the current flow to the motor in response to an overload of current flow to the motor. The pump overload control device includes a resettable overload protector and indicator mechanism that visually indicates when an overload has occurred and breaks the current flow through the circuit, for example, in response to heat generated from the overload current flow. The fluid responsive switch opens and closes the circuit in response to the fluid being pumped to an external source, for example, when the fluid pressure level falls below or rises above a predetermined pressure level.

Abstract: A multi-path digital signal processor for use in a telephony system provides a first data path for interfacing to a local area network, a second data path for interfacing to an industry standard computer backplane bus, and at least one third data path for interfacing to at least one time division multiplexed digital signal path. The Digital Signal Processor may transmit and receive data by any or all of these means to allow efficient data transfer and processing by the Digital Signal Processor in a telephony system.

Abstract: A portable visual acuity testing system and method is used to measure the visual acuity of a person being tested. The portable visual acuity testing system includes a portable visual acuity testing structure and a plurality of interchangeable image display cards adapted to be engaged with the structure. Each image display card includes one or more images, such as a Snellen letter or Allen figure, of a predetermined size. A distance measurer, such as an ultrasonic distance measuring device is included within the portable visual acuity testing structure. When the portable visual acuity testing device is positioned at a distance from the person being tested at which the person can see or visually recognize the image, the distance measurer is activated to automatically and accurately measure the distance to the person being tested.