Abstract: A child positioning insert including a frame with a first column and a second column, where the first and second columns are positioned vertically. The first column has a first guide and the second column has a second guide, where the first and second guides extend along a portion of the length of each column. A shoulder roll connects to the frame via the first column and the second column, so that the shoulder roll is perpendicular to the first column and the second column. The shoulder roll has a backing that connects to the first guide and to the second guide such that the backing can move vertically along the first and second guides. A head support member connects to the frame in a position above the frame and above the shoulder roll, so that the head support member includes a first support member to substantially prevent lateral motion of a person's head in a first direction and a second support member to substantially prevent lateral motion of the person's head in a second direction.

Abstract: Methods for authorizing actions using mobile phones. Embodiments include receiving from a person having authority to authorize the action, an identification of a phone number for obtaining authorization for the action, receiving from a person seeking the action a request for authorization of the action, sending an automated first message through a mobile phone network to the mobile phone, including a description of the action for which authorization is requested, and receiving, from the first mobile phone, a second message, which authorizes the action. Actions that are authorized, in different embodiments, include computer access, physical access, and financial transactions. In various embodiments, the phone number may be received through the mobile phone network through the Internet, through a local signal, or directly from the user.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle hitch ball is provided. The assembly includes a housing with a coupler socket adapted to receive a hitch ball. A ball clamp is disposed within the interior of the coupler housing and is movable toward and away from the coupler socket. The ball clamp has a clamping portion that retains the hitch ball within the coupler socket with the ball clamp positioned toward the coupler socket in a hitch ball retention position. A guide ramp is disposed within the coupler housing rearward of the coupler socket. The guide ramp projects toward the ball clamp and slopes upward and forward toward the coupler socket. A lateral guide member is disposed on the ball clamp rearward of the guide ramp. The lateral guide member cooperates with the guide ramp surface to limit forward movement of the ball clamp into the coupler socket.

Abstract: Information or items that otherwise might be carried in a person's wallet or purse may be managed and stored on a mobile phone. Embodiments include a software application loaded on a mobile phone and an Internet website through which certain information can be transmitted to the phone by the user, third parties, or both. A user may be alerted to certain information or changes in information that meet certain criteria. The website may provide secure storage for information, filter information, and send encrypted and compressed nuggets or fractions of information to the phone for storage based on topic. E-mails may be searched for information, information may be sent to different parties, and signals may be sent locally to exchange information. Personal information may include account information, credit information or credit related information, financial information, or travel information, for example.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating access and proving positional awareness using mobile phones. Embodiments for authenticating access include receiving identification indicia from a person seeking access, sending a message to a person having authority for access, and receiving either a second message indicating that the person has taken an affirmative action to indicate authorization, or a password that was provided in the first message. Access may be computer access or physical access, as examples. Methods of providing positional awareness include obtaining or storing location coordinates, monitoring the location of a mobile phone, and providing an alarm, for example, through a second mobile phone. In a number of embodiments, location coordinates are automatically obtained from Internet websites. In some embodiments, parents can monitor the location of their children to make sure they do not get too close to a reported residence of a registered sex offender, for instance.

Abstract: A door anti-latch device includes a base mounted to a door or a door frame, and a lever rotatably mounted to the base so that the lever can rotate about a pivot point from an open position to a latching position. The lever includes a handle end and an opposing stop end. The lever can be rotated between the open position and the latching position by moving the lever handle. The lever stop prevents the door from latching when the lever is in the open position and will not prevent the door from latching when the lever is in the latching position. The door anti-latch device can be moved from the open position to the latching position without leaving the room or opening the door.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an online marketplace for the sale of goods and services associated with self-help moving and relocating are described. A customer enters an online marketplace where vendors offer services and goods relating to moving and relocating, specifically in the “do-it-yourself” moving field. The venue for the online marketplace is an Internet web site or a site on a computer network and is operated by a host that determines which vendors will be listed on the site. Once in the marketplace, the customer can view informational content on numerous vendors providing services relating to moving and relocating. Based on the estimates provided by the marketplace as well as reviews, ratings, customer feedback, and background information on the vendors, the customer selects a vendor and “prepays for” the vendor's services on the marketplace. The customer is then provided a confirmation code.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle hitch ball has a housing with an interior that defines a coupler socket adapted to receive a hitch ball. A ball clamp is disposed within the interior of the coupler housing and is movable toward and away from the coupler socket. The ball clamp has a clamping portion that retains the hitch ball within the coupler socket with the ball clamp positioned toward the coupler socket in a hitch ball retention position. A guide ramp is disposed within the coupler housing rearward of the coupler socket. The guide ramp projects toward the ball clamp and slopes upward and forward toward the coupler socket. A lateral guide member is disposed on the ball clamp rearward of the guide ramp. The lateral guide member cooperates with the guide ramp surface to limit forward movement of the ball clamp into the coupler socket.

Abstract: Information or items that otherwise might be carried in a person's wallet or purse may be managed and stored on a mobile phone. Embodiments include a software application loaded on a mobile phone and an Internet website through which certain information can be transmitted to the phone by the user, third parties, or both. A user may be alerted to certain information or changes in information that meet certain criteria. The website may provide secure storage for information, filter information, and send encrypted and compressed nuggets or fractions of information to the phone for storage based on topic. E-mails may be searched for information, information may be sent to different parties, and signals may be sent locally to exchange information. Personal information may include account information or travel information, for example.

Abstract: A method for conducting a review including the step of detecting a payment request from a vendor; generating a review based on the payment request; and, transmitting a reference to the review to a customer, wherein the reference provides a link to retrieve the review. A system for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carrier for large objects includes forming a bag from a sheet of plastic film material. The bag is sized to receive a large object and has an opening for placing the object into the bag. An extension is formed on at least one side or end of the bag. The extension comprises a plurality of layers of the plastic film material. Handles are formed as openings in the extension.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mattress carrier includes forming a bag from a sheet of plastic film material. The bag is sized to receive a mattress and has an opening for placing the mattress into the bag. An extension is formed on at least one side or end of the bag. The extension comprises a plurality of layers of the plastic film material. Handles are formed as openings in the extension.

Abstract: A system and method links first and second computers of a network to implement a single signon feature. The use has a first username for accessing the first computer and a second username for accessing the second computer. The first computer generates a link request having a plaintext component including the first username and the second username and an encrypted component formed by encrypting the plaintext component using an encryption process and a secret. The link request is sent to the second computer, which validates the unencrypted information then generates an encryption result by encrypting the unencrypted information using the encryption process and a second secret known to the second computer and associated with the first network computer. The second computer compares the encryption result with the encrypted component of the incoming link request to determine whether the link request is valid.

Abstract: A system and method links first and second computers of a network to implement a single signon feature. The user has a first username for accessing the first computer and a second username for accessing the second computer. The first computer generates a link request having a plaintext component including the first username and the second username and an encrypted component formed by encrypting the plaintext component using an encryption process and a secret. The link request is sent to the second computer, which validates the unencrypted information then generates an encryption result by encrypting the unencrypted information using the encryption process and a second secret known to the second computer and associated with the first network computer. The second computer compares the encryption result with the encrypted component of the incoming link request to determine whether the link request is valid.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting a two-dimensional image or bitmap of a handwritten manuscript into three-dimensional data The three-dimensional data can be used to automatically recognize features of the manuscript, such as characters or words. The method includes the steps of: converting the two-dimensional image into three-dimensional volumetric data; filtering the three-dimensional volumetric data; and processing the filtered three-dimensional volumetric data to resolve features of the two-dimensional image. The method can be used, for example, to differentiate between ascenders, descenders, loops, curls, and endpoints that define the overall letter forms in handwritten text, manuscripts or signatures.

Abstract: A vehicle skirt panel assembly includes a skirt panel comprising a thermoplastic material and including a plurality of panel sections each having one or more ribs on its exterior. The skirt panel is mounted to the vehicle so the skirt panel projects below the side of the vehicle and the skirt panel can move relative to the vehicle to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the skirt panel without deforming the skirt panel. One or more struts are mounted between the vehicle and a lower portion of the skirt panel. The strut is adjustable and is deformable to absorb an impact to the exterior of the skirt panel. The strut is bendable by hand to allow the skirt panel to be returned to the original position.

Abstract: The rate and distribution system of the present invention enables an user to more accurately and quickly generate specific rental rates employing a browser-based system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rate and distribution system includes an interactive graphical mapping interface depicting the geographic location of the entities of an equipment rental business. The mapping interface preferably comprises a touchscreen and is configured to allow an user to define a region by selecting it on the map. Upon defining a region, the system enables the user to set a rental rate for the defined region. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the system enables the user to identify the equipment category to which the rate applies and select a future effective date for the rate.

Abstract: An insert for protecting the breathing airway of an infant conforms to the incline angle of an infant seat, such as a car seat, high chair, stroller, or jogger. Preferably the insert is hinged so it can be used in an infant seat or laid flat for use on a changing table or other flat surface. In use, two side rolls contact the infant to prevent it from moving sideways. A bottom roll prevents slouching in the seat and supports the infant's legs when laid flat. Preferably, the bottom roll is removable so the insert may be used with larger infants who do not need the provided support. An adjustable shoulder roll extends between the side rolls and can be moved up or down for proper placement behind the infant's shoulders. The shoulder roll compensates for the infant's rearward-elongated head, keeping it in a natural position to avoid compromising the airway. The rolls are preferably made of memory foam and covered by machine-washable fabric.

Abstract: A mobile pump system includes a wheeled trailer adapted to transport the mobile pump system. Mounted to the trailer are a hydraulic fluid supply system, a power source and an adjustable pipe system that includes a discharge pipe section, an intake pipe section and a swivel section coupled between the intake pipe section and the discharge pipe section. The swivel pipe section allows the discharge pipe section and the intake pipe section to be pivoted independently of each other. Hydraulic cylinders and extensible pivot arms pivot the discharge pipe section and the intake pipe section so that they can be positioned at various angles with respect to the trailer frame. A submersible hydraulic pump is mounted to the intake pipe section and is driven by the power source and hydraulic fluid supply system.

Abstract: An electrical spring probe has an elongated contact and a helical spring. The spring probe is mounted in a through hole of a non-conductive substrate. The elongated contact includes a head with a V-slot groove for engaging a solder ball lead of an IC package, a shoulder providing a surface to retain a helical spring and a beam for providing a short contact path through the spring. The helical spring is disposed about the contact, with contiguous coils on each end. The upper end of the spring is secured to the contact shoulder immediately under the head. The middle coils of the spring have a larger diameter than the contiguous coils on either end to retain the spring probe assembly in the non-conductive substrate. The bottom end of the helical spring has contiguous coils some of which extend below the substrate surface to make electrical contact with a printed circuit board. The bottom contiguous coils are of a reduced diameter and have a center axis offset from the main axis of the spring probe assembly.