Abstract: The invention relates to information extraction systems having discriminative models which utilize hierarchical cluster trees and active learning to enhance training.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a step at the back of a pickup truck if the truck has a receiver hitch for holding a receiver bar. The preferred apparatus has a support structure secured to the tongue of the receiver bar with the hitch ball and nut. A pivot plate and a tread plate are pivotally mounted to the support structure, providing the step when in the horizontal position and allowing access to the hitch ball when in the vertical position.

Abstract: A hydraulic reactor system for minimizing mooring forces of a vessel attached to an offshore structure, by means of a ramp which enables access between the two, comprising a structural frame provided with a hydraulic piston utilizing a one-way pressure relief valve which allows inward movement with minimal resistance. Conversely, the outward movement of the hydraulic piston provides considerable resistance. The device is connected to, or involved in, a ramp structure allowing an extension or reduction in length of the radius of the geometric configuration as it pivots vertically when attached to a vessel on its outboard end. The upward movement energizes the system by compressive action with minimal resistance, while the downward movement produces considerable resistance to outboard movement of the vessel.

Abstract: A ramp transfer and mooring system for the transferring of personnel and/or material between two relatively moving objects, such as for example from a boat to an offshore platform, wherein the ramp system permits the safe transfer between the two by a unique, flexible but at least relatively solid design which has the capability of twisting and turning to offset the relative motion and which adjusts the relative motion to a gradual change between the two, and yet still has the capability and solidity to moor and help stabilize any sudden rolling action of the boat. The ramp transfer and mooring system of such a first exemplary embodiment (FIG. 1) includes six basic elements -- the ramp structure itself (FIGS. 2-10), the connection means between the ramp and the boat (FIGS. 11-18), and the connection means between the ramp and the stationary platform including a swivel head system (FIGS. 21-23), a king post/pivot deck structure (FIGS. 24-29), and an enclosed counterweight system.