Abstract: A method for producing a reducing nipple and a reducing nipple that may be used in place of the conventional pipe nipple/threaded reducer assembly typically used today to connect a branch or run pipe extending horizontally parallel to and positioned above a ceiling or in an open ceiling to a sprinkler head, where the nipple has an outlet end portion with an outlet and a wrenching portion, the method of producing a reducing nipple involving engaging a pipe section with a crimping die under the application of a crimping force.

Abstract: A personal financial assistant computer system and method includes customer terminals at financial institution branch offices or other locations. Each customer terminal stores financial information for the particular financial services (such as insurance, annuities, bonds, mortgages or loans) sold at that terminal. A display is also provided at each terminal for displaying selected information. At least one representative terminal is provided at a central location and includes a display and keyboard. A telephone link is also provided between the customer terminals and the representative terminals for voice communication. According to the invention, a representative at the representative terminal controls the customer terminal in response to commands initiated from the input device, thereby displaying financial service information at the customer terminal under control of the representative terminal.

Abstract: A terminal which is remotely controlled over a digital data line includes a computer and a videotelephone for sending and receiving audio, video and digital data over the digital data line. The terminal also includes a remotely controlled power strip which has power outlets and relays for remotely controlling AC power to and from the power outlets. The computer is connected to at least one of the power outlets. The terminal also includes a plurality of switches, each of which corresponds to a telephone number. The terminal also includes a supervisory interface controller which is responsive to selection of one of the switches to identify a telephone number corresponding to the selected switch and to direct the videotelephone to place a telephone call to the identified telephone number, via the digital data line.