Abstract: An automated system for delivery of messages to multiple recipients, and for processing of responses to the messages, includes a message client, message server, and system database. A message is created using a universal message form. The message content can be translated into multiple formats and sent to one or more different recipients using one or more different types of messaging devices, including pagers, telephones, fax machines, and e-mail readers. A recipient profile manager allows each recipient to select the messaging devices to be used for message delivery as well as preferred messaging schedules, priorities, and message security. Receipt of the messages by the recipients is verified, response requirements collected and consolidated from multiple sources and presented to the message originator in a structured format.

Abstract: A network server from information sources in a computer communication network. The method routes the information through the network server to a network client. The network client sends a request for requested information, which it desires from a requested information source. The network server inspects the request, and determines whether the request is a first request. If it is the first request, then the network server sends the first request to the requested information source, and the requested information is received from the requested information source by the network server. The network server associates the requested information, and then saves the associated requested information in a memory. Format and request instructions are sent by the network server and received by the network client. The network client uses the format and request instructions to send a second request for the requested information.

Abstract: A heating system for applying heat to a heat input air conditioning system generator. The system teaches a wave converting system for transforming radio waves into heat. The wave converting system is placed in association with a heat input air conditioning generator to transfer heat from the converting system to the air conditioning generator. The wave converting system is impacted by radio waves from a radio wave emitter such as a magnetron.

Abstract: A patient rotation system for rotating bedfast patients (P) on a periodic basis from his back to either side, from either side to his back, or from one side to the other side. The system includes, in combination, two major elements, a patient rotation device (10) and a rotation sheet (90) which permits a smooth, continual and rapid rotation of the bedfast patient (P).

Abstract: A door and method for fabrication of unitary six panel steel doors wherein frames members (stiles and rails or headers) are fabricated by forming metal stock into a cross-sectional channel configuration, cutting and swaging the channels into predetermined lengths. The stiles and rails of the frame members are swaged to provide frictional interconnection at the corners thereof upon assembly of the frame members (stiles and rails) into a rectangular frame configuration. Assembly of the frame is accomplished in a shuttle having two assembly jigs. Upon assembly, each frame is moved by the shuttle into a molding press wherein a panel of foam is molded within the frame. The shuttle moves back and forth through the molding press in a manner which provides for removal of a completed panel and assembly of an additional frame from one jig of the shuttle while the molding operation is accomplished within the molding press upon a frame retained within the other jig of the shuttle.

Abstract: A seal protection assembly for protecting an axle, wheel, gasket, and seal for a wheel attached to an axle on a vehicle. The assembly includes a body housing, a rim edge, and a mounting bracket. The assembly is mounted to the vehicle to protect the wheel axle, gasket, and seal from harmful contact with extraneous material from the operating environment of the vehicle, while allowing for maintenance access to the axle components. Multiple assembly sets for protecting all of the wheel seals on a vehicle are also disclosed along with a method for manufacturing the assembly.

Abstract: A stringed instrument with a plurality of strings arranged in a non-size sequential order to achieve new string arrangements. This invention teaches a tuned string arrangement for a stringed instrument or guitar with the tuned string arrangement utilizing a tuning sequence of ‘high e’, ‘high a’, ‘d’, ‘g’, ‘low B’, and ‘low E’. The standard prior art sequence of four guitar strings are reversed with ‘low E’ string and ‘high e’ string reversed in position, and the ‘low A’ string and ‘high b’ string reversed in position. The ‘low A’ string is tuned to a ‘low B’ note one tone higher than the original ‘low A’ note and the ‘high b’ string is tuned to a ‘high a’ note one tone lower than the original ‘high b’ note. Thus, a non-size sequence of strings is taught for new musical intervals between the strings.

Abstract: A portable stove that is especially useful for marine and recreational vehicle use in that the cooking vessel (pot or pan) holding the food or liquid is gimbaled to swing about perpendicular axes to remain upright despite substantial rolling or pitching of the marine vehicle and the movement of the recreational vehicle to prevent the spilling of the contents of the cooking vessel. The portable stove generally comprises a gimbal ring having two sets of gimbals or bearings therearound, a frame associated with one set of gimbals or bearings for pivotally supporting the gimbal ring, a hanger assembly associated with the other set of the gimbals or bearings and being pivotally supported by the gimbal ring, a fuel supply tank positioned within a basket formed in the hanger assembly, a burner assembly connected with the fuel supply tank, and a pedestal within the vehicle, associated with the frame for normally maintaining the frame in a vertical position.

Abstract: An animal habitat for housing animals which allows the animals to move between two or more modules or chambers. The animal habitat comprises a plurality of lower tier modules having passageways therebetween for allowing animals to move from a lower tier module to an adjacent lower tier module and a plurality of upper tier modules having passageways therebetween for allowing animals to move from one upper tier module to an adjacent upper tier module.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clip mechanism having a first clip and a second clip and a crossed orientation. This crossed clip mechanism has opposed ends which are biased to frictionally or biasedly grasp the lip of a hub or the hub itself. If the lip of the hub is not available, holes can be placed in the opposed ends to receive the bolts on the face of the hub. The opposed ends also extend outwardly to be releasibly received by the inside of the hub cover.

Abstract: This invention presents a method of clearing a sensor field of debris, including liquids, through the use of an air curtain. An embodiment of this invention addresses the problem of impurity buildup in the sensing field of an optical sorter. An air curtain is created which prevents film buildup between the light sensor and the light source by blowing material and impurities, which form the film as they fall off articles being sorted, out of the sensing field.

Abstract: A foot throttle for boats wherein an eccentric is rotated by operation of a foot pedal and wherein the eccentric is biased directly against an adjustable limiter thus eliminating imprecise positioning of the throttle caused by loose tolerances in the pedal mechanism which actuates the eccentric.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing moisture to one or more plants on a continuing and consistent basis. The moisture dispensing apparatus comprises a reservoir or container, a filament for suspending the reservoir or container from a suspension device, one or more hollow funnels, a wall mount for holding one or more containers having plants therein, and a member for controlling the flow of moisture to the one or more plants.

Abstract: A splash guard and storage apparatus for use with plungers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a shield, a handle, grip, and basin. The plunger rod may be inserted through the shield, handle, and grip. The shield may be positioned along the length of the handle with the grip to block debris that might be expelled during the use of a standard plunger to unclog an apparatus such as a sink or toilet. Additionally, the shield is designed to be attached to the basin, and the apparatus further includes several locking embodiments to keep the shield attached to the basin. The basin further includes several embodiments of the base, such as the addition of dimples or ribs, to allow fresh air to circulate around the suction cup of the plunger. Additionally, a mesh weave may be inserted into the basin to allow for retention of anti-bacterial chemicals, which contact the plunger during storage.

Abstract: A fluid actuator system disposed for internally increasing fluid pressure therein. The system includes a first fluid actuator including a cylinder provided with a first axial bore having a first piston and piston rod reciprocally mounted therein. The first cylinder is provided with first and second inlet and outlet fluid passages communicating into the first axial bore for directing fluid in and out of the first axial bore. A second fluid actuator is provided which has a cylinder provided with a second axial bore having a second piston and piston rod reciprocally mounted therein. The second cylinder is provided with third and fourth inlet and outlet fluid passages communicating into the second axial bore for directing fluid in and out of the second axial. An end closure assembly common to the first and second cylinders for sealing one end of each of the cylinder is provided. The end closure assembly includes structure therein for internally increasing fluid pressure of the fluid actuator system.

Abstract: An electronic auction and motor vehicle auction information system allows remote users to interactively participate in motor vehicle auction sales of motor vehicles using a personal computer. Additional user applications associated with the system permit users to access and search a system database and display data about motor vehicle auction dates and locations, vehicle inventory, industry news, and vehicle sales history. A dealer Direct application allows commercial vehicle sellers to import their vehicle inventories into the system for sale to participating dealers.

Abstract: A sports bag for housing and transporting the equipment of a baseball/softball team. The sports bag comprises a flexible container with side walls and a top cover, a plurality of inserts for housing bats, one or more inserts for housing balls, a plurality of compartments for storing gloves, helmets, catcher's equipment, scorebooks, and the like, a strap for carrying purposes, one or more openings for the easy dispensing of balls, and hooks for attaching the sports bag to a fence to allow the sports bag to serve as a bat rack.

Abstract: An excavating attachment for conventional earth moving equipment that is capable of moving a shovel in generally horizontal, linear, non-arcuate, paths to dig and remove soil and other material from underneath a structure such as a series of pipes leading to a chemical facility. The excavating attachment comprises a frame including structure for securing same onto the free end of the longitudinally extending boom of conventional earth moving equipment, flexible hoses for connection to the power plant of the conventional earth moving equipment, a pair of parallel hollow, tubes; a shovel member including a pair of parallel, steel tubes, for reciprocating movement within the hollow tubes of the frame, and a shovel or scoop; and hydraulic cylinders secured to the frame and the shovel member and in communication with the flexible hoses for reciprocating the shovel member relative to the frame in linear, non-arcuate paths.