Abstract: A folding chair having a novel hinge and joint surface configuration that forms a substantially rigid structure approximating conventional non-folding chair designs. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a folding chair comprising a seat frame, a backrest frame hinged proximally to the rear edge of the seat frame and forwardly collapsible over the upper surface of the seat frame, and back legs hinged to the rear edge of the seat frame and forwardly collapsible over the lower surface of the seat frame. The chair, in one embodiment, further comprises front legs hinged to the seat frame and collapsible over the back legs. In an assembled state, the back legs and the backrest frame each abut against elements of the chair at joint surfaces, which limit the range of motion of the hinged members to thereby create a chair having a rigid support structure. In one embodiment, the seat frame, backrest frame, and back legs unfold into an interlocked configuration enhancing the stability of the chair.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating the aggregation or bonding of physical communications links into higher-bandwidth logical links. A novel link bonding and encapsulation protocol scheme that optimizes the efficiency of data transfer across the physical links, while still allowing for desired Quality of Service (QoS) levels to high-priority traffic, such as voice data, with low delay requirements. Data streams are divided and concurrently transported over multiple physical links that are aggregated or bonded together to form one logical link. At the receive end, the original cell streams are recovered from the bonded logical links. In one embodiment, the physical links are xDSL links transmitting and receiving signals via conventional copper twisted-pair cabling.

Abstract: An apparatus facilitating the lifting and movement of objects. The present invention, in one embodiment, features a curved rim extending around a mounting plate to which an object or an object carrier can be attached. The object is mounted off-center relative to the central axis of the curved rim. According to the invention, a counter-balancing weight offsets the moment associated with the object to allow the moving device to roll along a surface, and thereby move the object, with application of a small amount of force. According to embodiments of the present invention, the curved rims include at least one section having an increased radius of curvature relative to other sections of the curved rim to promote rotation of the moving device.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses directed toward an authoring tool that gives users the ability to make high-quality, speech-driven animation in which the animated character speaks in the user's voice. Embodiments of the present invention allow the animation to be sent as a message over the Internet or used as a set of instructions for various applications including Internet chat rooms. According to one embodiment, the user chooses a character and a scene from a menu, then speaks into the computer's microphone to generate a personalized message. Embodiments of the present invention use speech-recognition technology to match the audio input to the appropriate animated mouth shapes creating a professional looking 2D or 3D animated scene with lip-synced audio characteristics.

Abstract: An articulated stand having an adjustment mechanism featuring a hinge-and-wheel assembly. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an articulated, adjustable stand comprising an upwardly extending arm, a downwardly extending leg pivotally attached to the upwardly extending arm, a wheel rotatably mounted to a first end of the downwardly extending leg, and a spring element connecting the first arm member and the second leg member.

Abstract: A method for explicit data rate control is introduced into a packet communication environment (10) which does not have data rate supervision by adding latency to the acknowledgment (ACK) packet and by adjusting the size of the flow control window associated with the packet in order to directly control the data rate of the source data at the station (12 or 14) originating the packet.

Abstract: Improved foldable cabinets. One implementation features a novel configuration providing a highly compact and efficient form when such cabinets are in a folded orientation. One implementation of the foldable cabinet includes a hinge assembly with mating cutout sections in the hinged members.

Abstract: A folding chair having a novel hinge and joint surface configuration that forms a substantially rigid structure approximating conventional non-folding chair designs. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a folding chair comprising a seat frame, a backrest frame hinged proximally to the rear edge of the seat frame and forwardly collapsible over the upper surface of the seat frame, and back legs hinged to the rear edge of the seat frame and forwardly collapsible over the lower surface of the seat frame. The chair, in one embodiment, further comprises front legs hinged to the seat frame and collapsible over the back legs. In an assembled state, the back legs and the backrest frame each abut against elements of the chair at joint surfaces, which limit the range of motion of the hinged members to thereby create a chair having a rigid support structure. In one embodiment, the seat frame, backrest frame, and back legs unfold into an interlocked configuration enhancing the stability of the chair.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems that facilitate the design, production and/or measurement tasks associated with manufacturing and other processes. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to decision-making and logic structures, implemented in a computer software application, facilitating all phases of the design, development, tooling, pre-production, qualification, certification, and production process of any part or other article that is produced to specification. In one embodiment, the present invention provides knowledge of how the multiple characteristics of a given process output are related to each other, to specification limits and to pre-process inputs. This knowledge facilitates a reduction in measurement, analysis and reporting costs both prior to and during production. It also determines the changes needed to pre-process inputs in order to achieve production at design targets. It provides a prioritized order for relaxing design tolerances.

Abstract: An amusement or educational device comprising a plurality of interlocking collars slidable along and rotatable about a common shaft, and bearing elements of a multi-element relationship about their circumferences. In one embodiment, the collars are configured to allow users to construct fortunes, words, sentences, equations, or other relationships by selectively interlocking adjacent collars to align word, mathematical, sentence or other appropriate elements disposed around the collars. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a fortune-telling or entertainment device allowing users to compose fortunes or other relationships by selectively combining multi-word sentence fragments disposed around the circumference of interlocking collars.

Abstract: A folding lounge chair easily folded from an open seating position to a flat planar configuration, including an outer ring frame and a cover attached to the outer ring frame to form a back rest and seat. The folding lounge chair features an arrangement of V-shaped legs pivotally attached to the outer ring frame and a rod that releasably secures the V-shaped legs to hold the assembly in the open seating position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to joint restraining systems for concrete constructions. In one embodiment, the present invention is a novel method for creating joint restraints that employs a pipe dowel. As more fully described below, the present invention substantially reduces the time and labor involved in tying a series of parallel dowels into a rebar matrix. For example, the present invention eliminates the need to cut out sections of rebar. Rather, embodiments of the present invention require only a single cut in each rebar section along the line of the intended joint, rather than two cuts to remove a section of rebar. The present invention also eliminates the time and effort associated with tying dowels into the rebar matrix. In another embodiment, the present invention is a novel pipe dowel mechanism that, in addition to the advantages described above, obviates the need to apply a messy protective coating, such as grease, to a smooth dowel.

Abstract: Amusement ride that allows for enhanced control of the ride path and, thus, the riders' experience. In one embodiment, the ride allows for manual control of the acceleration, speed and direction of the carrier into which at least one rider is secured. In one embodiment, the ride also allows for selection of one from a plurality of pre-programmed ride paths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new intravenous catheter stabilizing device comprising a disposable catheter assembly and a reusable strap having a hole or aperture therein. The catheter assembly includes a hub portion and a catheter, as is conventional in the art. The aperture or hole in the strap is configured such that the hub of a catheter assembly may extend at least partially therethrough. The strap of the present invention has attachment means located thereon and proximal to the aperture for attaching the catheter assembly to the strap such that the hub portion of the catheter assembly extends at least partially through the aperture of the strap. The strap further includes fastening means for securing the strap around a limb of a patient. When the device of the present invention is assembled and used as intended on a limb of a patient, the hub of the catheter partially extends through the aperture in the strap thereby allowing attachment of an intravenous tube with a standard luer lock mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved spinning reel having a reel body of unitary sidewall construction. More specifically, the present invention provides a spinning reel having a reel body of unitary sidewall construction with a front or a back opening and an associated plate that removably attaches to the reel body opening to thereby enclose and hold the internal mechanisms and parts of the spinning reel. The use of the present invention allows a fisherman to substantially assemble and/or disassemble the spinning reel of the invention without the aid of tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new report cover system that is useful for providing the user with a convenient, integrated tuck closure device for securing the front cover and thereby enclosing the desired report contents. The present invention also provides a report cover system with a novel information layout, wherein an inner face of the report cover and any text or other materials printed on, attached thereto, or visible therethrough, are visible as the user turns the pages of the report contents. The report cover system includes back cover means, a front cover, and at least one front cover strip, to which the report contents are attached, such that there is a groove by and between the report contents and an inner face of the front cover strip(s). The new report cover is closed by tucking an edge of the front cover into the groove created by and between the front cover strip and the report contents attached thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fishing reel rotor-mounted bail system. More specifically, the present invention provides a bail system wherein a tension spring is pivotally inserted at a first end to a rotor arm and at a second end to a bail banjo or bail hinge such that the tension spring applies a tensile force or moment to the bail banjo or hinge thereby biasing the bail mechanism in either the open or closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new customizable folio or report cover system that is useful for presenting customized optical characteristics to both the outer and inner faces of a folio cover. The customized optical characteristics are presented at the outer and inner faces of the folio cover as the result of selective replacement of insert sheet(s) that are placed into a pocket formed between the outer and inner faces of the folio cover. The outer and inner faces of the folio cover each have at least one cutout section(s), of any desired shape or design, through which selective part(s) of the replacement sheet(s) can be viewed. The insert sheet(s) have optical characteristic(s) that are different from those of the outer and inner faces of the folio cover, at least in those areas of the insert sheet that can be seen through the cutout section(s).