Abstract: An apparatus, including an alert device having a receiver, and method are provided for receiving location-specific alert information broadcast via particular telecommunication transmitters operating within a cellular, PCS, or other wireless telecommunications network, thereby allowing delivery of a location-specific message to a user without requiring the input of data representative of the location of the alert device's receiver. The alert device includes a receiver for receiving digital messages in the form of broadcast short messages on a digital control channel, a microcomputer having a monitoring circuit that monitors received digital messages for the presence of an alert code associated with alert messages regarding an alert condition, and a plurality of peripheral devices which produce various tones and flashing lights in response to the alert device's reception of an appropriate alert message.

Abstract: A process for making, or preparing, a reduced-calorie fruit and/or vegetable spread product including whole, natural fruit(s) and/or vegetable(s), or combinations thereof, having improved flavor, texture (e.g., mouth feel), color, and nutritional value as compared to fruit and/or vegetable spread products made with conventional processes. More particularly, the process of the present invention includes a pasteurization step, using a swept-surface heat exchanger, for making fruit and/or vegetable spread products having reduced caloric and sugar content and having increased soluble dietary fiber content. The minimal processing of the present process enables the produced fruit and/or vegetable spread products to retain flavor, texture, color, vitamins and other nutrients which are, typically, lost in traditionally-processed fruit and/or vegetable spread products.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for analyzing feet which utilize matrixes of pressures sensors and optical sensors connected to a controller and a monitor. An apparatus of the invention includes a housing which houses a controller and a monitor and defines left and right foot wells for receiving left and right feet, respectively. The floor of each foot well includes a pressure pad assembly which includes a matrix of pressure sensor contacts covered by a variably resistive pressure pad to form pressure sensor matrixes. A digital signal processor normalizes and smoothes the pressure data for display on the monitor. Infrared LED's and phototransistors are located around the perimeter of each foot well and are utilized to measure the length, width, and heights of a foot. A microprocessor addresses each LED and phototransistor separately. The controller reads data created by the DSP and IR microprocessor, calculates additional data, and displays the resulting data on the monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the signal-to-noise ratio of a composite input signal having a desired signal and one or more undesired, noise signals mixed therewith. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a phase coherence filter which improves the signal-to-noise ratio of a composite input signal having a periodic signal and an aperiodic signal by interfering a sample of the composite input signal taken at a current time during a current cycle of the periodic signal with one or more previous samples of the composite input signal taken at one or more respective previous times during one or more respective previous cycles of the periodic signal, where the periodic signal at the respective previous time(s) of the respective previous cycle(s) is substantially in-phase with the periodic signal at the current time during the current cycle. The phase coherence filter includes a memory, an adder, and an attenuator.

Abstract: A rolling window screen assembly for use with a window assembly. The screen assembly is deployable in at least three positions. The first engagement position exists wherein the flexible screen may be extended over the entire window. The second engagement position exists wherein the flexible screen is releasably engaged to a sash to enable the flexible screen o be deployed dynamically according to the position of the sash. Finally, the flexible screen may be disengaged from the window assembly and retracted to expose substantially all of the window opening. A pull-cord apparatus having a pull-down non-elastic cord interfacing with an elastic take-up cord may be utilized for manipulating the flexible screen.

Abstract: A site preparation/concrete finishing apparatus for operation in an area having a base surface above which concrete reinforcing elements have been positioned prior to pouring of concrete within the area and for use in finishing concrete poured within the area. The site preparation/concrete finishing apparatus comprises a movable vehicle having at least one lift arm, a plurality of specially-tailored wheels for supporting the movable vehicle entirely within the area in continuous contact with the surface and for enabling continuous movement of the movable vehicle relative to the surface absent damage to the concrete reinforcing elements beneath the movable vehicle, and a concrete finishing device connected to the lift arm for fine grading and leveling of the area and for screeding and floating concrete poured within the area. Each wheel of the plurality of wheels includes a hub and a plurality of members extending radially therefrom.

Abstract: A mist-refining humidification system for humidifying a controlled environment which incorporates a mist generation means totally immersed within a flowing air stream and a multi-direction, mist migration path to deliver a very fine mist to a humidity controlled environment. In accordance with the most preferred embodiments, the mist-refininig humidification system comprises a mist nozzle assembly positioned within the controlled environment and totally immersed within a laterally flowing air stream to deliver a mist into a mist-refininig assembly. The mist-refining assembly, also located within the controlled environment, defines a mist migration path that includes changing path directions to aid in removing and breaking up larger droplets found in the mist.

Abstract: An auxiliary breathing apparatus comprising, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, an interface assembly removably interposed and coupled between a compressed gas source and a mouthpiece. The interface assembly includes a pair of vertically-opposed actuators pivotally mounted relative to a valve remotely-located from the compressed gas source. The vertically-opposed actuators extend partially through the interface assembly and partially through the mouthpiece for receipt by a user's teeth. The remotely-located valve connects to a body portion having an insert which receives the remotely-located valve and places it into fluid communication with the compressed gas source. A valve actuator, residing within the insert and having a bore, depresses a valve stem of a source valve which extends partially into the insert at one end and partially into the compressed gas source at an opposite end.

Abstract: A variable-offset, poultry deboning system having a conveyor fitted with variable-offset, poultry support arms that bend toward the sides of the conveyor and create a two-sided, poultry deboning-conveyor. The support arms are installed so that successive arms turn toward opposite sides of the conveyor. Poultry support fittings, including, but certainly not limited to, deboning cones and half-pads are mounted on the top of each support arm. Support arms that bend toward the same side of the conveyor are fitted alternately with deboning cones and half-pads. However, in one alternative configuration, all support arms are fitted with deboning cones, while in another alternative configuration, all support arms are fitted with deboning half-pads. Additionally, in still other alternative configurations, products-conveyors may be mounted above the conveyor bed or on each side of the conveyor bed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a covering anchor device capable of anchoring various types of coverings, including beach towels and picnic blankets, to the ground. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the covering anchor device includes a restraining portion which defines a V-shaped passageway extending through the restraining portion. The restraining portion includes a plurality of opposite protrusions which extend into the passageway to engage and exert restraining forces on a portion of a covering residing within the passageway. The opposite protrusions divide the passageway into a plurality of subpassages and form gaps between each pair of opposing protrusions. The width of subpassages and gaps decreases for each subpassage and gap located progressively nearer an end of the passageway, thereby increasing the restraining force exerted on a portion of the covering passing through such subpassages and gaps.

Abstract: A variable-offset, poultry deboning system having a conveyor fitted with variable-offset, poultry support arms that bend toward the sides of the conveyor and create a two-sided, poultry deboning-conveyor. The support arms are installed so that successive arms turn toward opposite sides of the conveyor. Poultry support fittings, including, but certainly not limited to, deboning cones and half-pads are mounted on the top of each support arm. Support arms that bend toward the same side of the conveyor are fitted alternately with deboning cones and half-pads. However, in one alternative configuration, all support arms are fitted with deboning cones, while in another alternative configuration, all support arms are fitted with deboning half-pads. Additionally, in still other alternative configurations, products-conveyors may be mounted above the conveyor bed or on each side of the conveyor bed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to provide enhanced wide area audio response services through an enhanced wide area studio response network which includes a central controller and a plurality of audio peripherals distributed over a wide area, each audio peripheral being connected to telephone lines for receiving and originating telephone calls, converting received analog audio signals into digital representations, recording and storing digital representations, converting stored digital representations into analog audio signals, playing audio signals over connected telephone lines, and communicating with, including receiving commands from, the central controller over a Packet Switched Public Data Network (PSPDN), which controller is a highly reliable general purpose controller which offers utility grade service to each audio peripheral and utilizes Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) tables for various applications, including voice messaging, audio text, remote information provider accessing, and testing to provi