Abstract: A method of compensating for initial signal interference exhibited by a differential transmission line includes the step of determining whether the differential transmission line has been at a first differential voltage state for at least a first predetermined time period. The method also includes the step of transmitting a first data bit across the differential transmission line by impressing a first differential voltage having a first magnitude upon the differential voltage line in order to drive the differential transmission line from the first differential voltage state to a second differential voltage state if the determining step determines that the differential transmission line has not been at the first differential voltage state for at least the first predetermined time period.

Abstract: An inflatable raft tethering arrangement includes an inflatable raft and a tether. The inflatable raft has an aperture and a rigid reinforcement. The rigid reinforcement is disposed about the aperture. The tether includes a clasp, a cord, and a suction mechanism. The clasp is secured to the raft through the aperture and the cord secured to the clasp and the suction mechanism.

Abstract: An improved tarp cover system for covering the open-topped container body of a vehicle is characterized by the provision of generally U-shaped inverted hold-down arm that is pivotally connected with the front wall of the container body and that is spring biased to apply a downward force on the front portion of the cover when the container is in the completely closed condition, thereby to reduce flapping of the cover during transport. The flexible tarp cover is wound on a roll that is rotatably supported adjacent the front wall of the container. In a first embodiment, to cover the container, the free end of the cover is displaced rearwardly of the container by a cover arm that is pivotally connected with the side walls of the container. The cover arm is biased toward its rearmost container covering position by a pair of side mounted spring arrangements that include compression springs that are concealed within the hollow leg portions of the cover arm.

Abstract: A harness for an ABS therapeutic ball allows a user to perform aerobic exercises while seated on the ABS therapeutic ball. The harness includes a stabilizer portion having circumferential straps extending therefrom. A handle is positioned between the circumferential straps proximate a joining area thereof. An adjustment strap having a self fastening system also extends from the stabilizer portion of the harness and interacts with the joining area of the circumferential straps to provide a single, overall size adjustment of the harness to accommodate various sizes of ABS therapeutic balls. Once installed onto an ABS therapeutic ball, the user may perform various aerobic exercises while seated on the ABS therapeutic ball and firmly grasping the handle of the harness. The harness thus provides a secure, no-slip, and stable platform for aerobically exercising on the ABS therapeutic ball.

Abstract: A method of the present invention includes receiving a print request from a computer application running at a first computer. After which, all pertinent print information needed to complete the print request is obtained from the computer application by engaging the computer application with a print process controller at the first computer. Another step creates a spool file for the print request at the first computer. The spool file is then transferred by a file transfer manager from the first computer to a second computer. The method includes storing the spool file at the second computer for processing as a print job at the second computer. Preferably, the transferring of the spool file from the first computer to the second computer occurs over a wide area network. This method may further include the step of releasing the computer application from engagement with the print process controller when the print process controller obtains all pertinent information to complete the print request.

Abstract: An apparatus for planarizing a surface of a semiconductor wafer includes a wafer support configured to receive the semiconductor wafer so that the surface of the semiconductor wafer projects from the wafer support. The apparatus also includes a polishing member configured in the form of an endless unitary belt which is devoid of seams. The endless unitary belt is (i) positioned in contact with the surface of the semiconductor wafer and (ii) capable of moving in a linear direction relative to the surface of the semiconductor wafer so as to planarize the surface of the semiconductor wafer. An associated method of linearly planarizing a surface of a semiconductor is also described.

Abstract: A system and method compensates for drift in electronic touch screens. A plurality of touch areas and drift areas are defined for a touch screen. From location coordinates generated by the screen, a ratio between detected touch hits in each defined touch area and detected touch hits in each corresponding drift area is computed. The computed ratio is compared to a calibration threshold to determine whether the number of touch hits in the drift area are excessive. If they are, a correction vector for all or a portion of the screen may be computed and used to adjust subsequent location coordinates or a calibration signal may be generated. The calibration signal may be a data message transmitted to a remote site to indicate a service call is required at the site of the touch screen and computer. Preferably, the system includes a location adjustor that determines whether the adjustment vectors for a plurality of keypad areas have a corresponding direction and magnitude.

Abstract: A method of advertising with a retail system having a display monitor associated therewith is disclosed. The method includes the step of operating a kiosk of the retail system in order to obtain product information associated with a first item without transacting a sale of the first item. The method also includes the step of entering a record corresponding to the first item in a user profile in response to the kiosk operating step. Further, the method includes the step of operating a checkout terminal of the retail system so as to transact a sale of a second item. The method additionally includes the step of displaying an advertising message on the display monitor during the checkout terminal operating step based on the record corresponding to the first item which was entered in the user profile. An apparatus for displaying a customized advertising message with a retail terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of planarizing a wafer surface of a semiconductor wafer having an elevated portion extending therefrom is described. The method includes the step of positioning a fluid flow surface relative to the wafer surface so that (i) a space is defined between the wafer surface and the fluid flow surface, and (ii) the elevated portion of the semiconductor wafer is positioned in the space. The method also includes the step of advancing a fluid within the space so that the fluid contacts and erodes the elevated portion of the semiconductor wafer. An associated apparatus for planarizing a wafer surface of a semiconductor wafer having an elevated portion extending therefrom is also described.

Abstract: A lopping apparatus includes a first handle having a first blade storage compartment. The lopping apparatus further includes a first blade member connected to the first handle, the first blade member having a first cutting portion. The lopping apparatus additionally includes a second handle having a second blade storage compartment. Moreover, the lopping apparatus includes a second blade member connected to the second handle, the second blade member having a second cutting portion. The lopping apparatus additionally includes a first connecting link pivotally coupled to both (i) the first handle at a first pivot location which defines a first pivot axis, and (ii) the second handle at a second pivot location which defines a second pivot axis. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis define a line L. The lopping apparatus is positionable in a lopping mode of operation and a storage mode of operation.

Abstract: A transverse connector for a spinal column corrective device for interconnecting two components connectable with vertebrae of a spinal column includes a first member having a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion, the connector portion including an opening for receiving the first component, a second member having a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion, the connector portion including an opening for receiving the second component, and a clamp extending between the first and second member body portions, the clamp being movable into a tightened position to lock the first and second members into position relative to one another, and a loosened position to permit adjustment of the position of the first and second members relative to one another. The first and second member body portions having mating retaining surfaces to prevent relative movement between the first and second members when the clamp is in the tightened position.

Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a first bagging station and a second bagging station which is spaced apart from the first bagging station. The terminal also includes an item transport mechanism. The item transport mechanism is positionable between a first transport position and a second transport position. The item transport mechanism is configured to transport a first item for purchase of the number of items for purchase to the first bagging station when the item transport mechanism is positioned in the first transport position. The item transport mechanism is further configured to allow a second item for purchase of the number of items for purchase to be advanced to the second bagging station when the item transport mechanism is positioned in the second transport position. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retail terminal includes a first terminal cabinet and a second terminal cabinet. The retail terminal includes a controller secured to the first terminal cabinet, the controller having a controller data port associated therewith. The retail terminal also includes a port expander device secured to the second terminal cabinet. The port expander device has a first expander data port, a second expander data port, and a third expander data port associated therewith. The retail terminal also includes a first retail peripheral device secured to the second terminal cabinet. The first retail peripheral device has a first peripheral data port associated therewith. The retail terminal further includes a second retail peripheral device secured to the second terminal cabinet. The second retail peripheral device has a second peripheral data port associated therewith. The controller data port is electrically coupled to the first expander data port via a first data cable.

Abstract: A bulkhead adapter for a DOT rated bulkhead installed on a flatbed vehicle includes a pair of wings attached one to each side of the bulkhead. Each wing includes a vertical member attached to the side panel of the bulkhead and an upper member extending from the upper end of the vertical member. Each upper member is configured for attachment to the corner of the upper panel of the bulkhead, which may be curved or rounded. A compressible seal is disposed between each wing and the bulkhead. The wings are attached with suitable fasteners such as bolts or screws. The wings are preferably made of metal such as steel or aluminum. The adapter widens the bulkhead to allow for the installation of a flexible cover system such as the Conestoga® system to cover the bed of the vehicle to protect the cargo space from inclement weather and road debris.

Abstract: A method and apparatus dissipates heat generated by an electronic device. The apparatus includes a channel structure that is in thermal communication with heat generated by the electronic device. The apparatus further includes a pump array operative to advance fluid within the channel structure. In addition, the apparatus includes a baffle array positionable in relation to the channel structure in a first group position and a second group position, wherein fluid advancing within the channel structure is diverted to flow (i) in a first flow path defined in the channel structure when the baffle array is positioned in the first group position, and (ii) in a second flow path defined in the channel structure when the baffle array is positioned in the second group position.

Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a terminal base having (i) a customer side, and (ii) a personnel side which is opposite the customer side. The checkout terminal also includes a code entry device secured to the terminal base. The code entry device is operable in (a) an assisted mode of operation in which a first item for purchase is entered with the code entry device by retail personnel, and (b) a self-service mode of operation in which a second item for purchase is entered with the code entry device by a customer. During operation of the code entry device in the personnel mode of operation (a) the retail personnel is positioned on the personnel side of the terminal base, and (b) the customer is positioned on the customer side of the terminal base. During operation of the code entry device in the self-service mode of operation the customer is positioned on the customer side of the terminal base. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tablet arm apparatus providing a re-positionable and stowable tablet work surface which is easily mounted on a chair or integrated into a chair design is described in which movement in each axis is independent and is accomplished by an articulating arm assembly or a single inexpensive two-axis hub.

Abstract: A kit for assembly of a modular joint prosthesis (10) includes at least two shank/body elements (22/20) sized for insertion into the shank of the bone and at least two head members (48) sized to replace one bearing surface of the joint. Each shank/body element (22/20) has a collar (58) that has a shallow width and a circular plan view and that is formed to overhang a resected level of the bone. The collar (58) has a male taper on its side wall (64). Each head member (48) has a first geometric axis (52) therethrough and defines a part spherical cavity (49) with a skirt (66) extending about the cavity (49). The skirt (66) provides a female taper for receiving and providing a mechanical connection with the male taper on the side wall (64) of each collar (58). A second axis extends (55) through the skirt (66). The first axis (52) and second axis (55) may be coincident or offset from one another.

Abstract: A wind-actuated hold-down mechanism is provided for restricting movement of a deployment component of a flexible cover deployment system associated with an open-topped container. In certain embodiments, the mechanism includes a vane member pivotably mounted to either the container or the deployment component. The vane member can include one locking element that engages another locking element mounted on the other of the container or the deployment component. The hold-down locking mechanism in certain embodiments is configured to restrict movement of a bail member for a cover deployment system. Other embodiments are configured to engage the end of a transverse bow. A hold-down mechanism can be biased to a neutral position clear of engagement between the container and the deployment component, using either a mechanical biasing component or a gravity biasing feature.