Abstract: A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage unites. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.

Abstract: An electronic system for use in a body of fluid is disclosed. The electronic system includes a first housing element and a second housing element. The second housing element is hermetically sealed to the first housing element, forming a first chamber there between. An electronic circuit is mounted within the first chamber. The electronic system further includes a second chamber internal to the second housing element. The second chamber is configured for holding a power source for the electronic circuit. Preferably, the power source is a battery pack. Also, the electronic system includes means for temporarily sealing the second chamber. Preferably, means for temporarily sealing the second chamber includes a detachable plug configured for coupling to the second housing element.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle parking brake control valve button including an elastomeric body and a plurality of elastic ridges. The body of the cover includes a rim and a recess designed to fit the contour of the control valve button. The ridges are designed to provide enough rigidity to support pressure applied thereto, and enough elasticity to absorb energy created by the actuation of the button. The absorption of the energy dampens the stinging sensation typically felt by the operator when actuating the parking brakes.

Abstract: A plunger assembly (30) is disposed on the access side of a conveyor (20). The conveyor (20) has a conveying surface upon which it transports articles by moving the conveying surface in a direction of flow (F). The plunger assembly (30) is mounted overhead vertically with respect to the conveying surface of the conveyor (20) such that sufficient clearance below the plunger assembly (30) is maintained to provide an access space through which the conveyor (20) and mechanisms and elements thereof can be accessed. Further, the plunger assembly (30) may be mounted both above and at least partially offset horizontally from the conveyor surface of the conveyor (20), such that no operative portion of the plunger assembly (30) breaks the plane (C) of the conveyor surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic assemblies for adding additional nodes to a communication network. The fiber optic assemblies include a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of electrical conductors for transmitting power with a protective sheath covering at least a portion of the same. The fiber optic assembly also includes an optical stub fitting assembly having a rigid housing attached to a optical portion of the composite cable, thereby furcating one or more optical fibers of the fiber optic cable into one or more optical fiber legs. One or more of the optical fiber legs may include one or more optical connector attached thereto. Optionally, the fiber optic assembly may further include a coaxial adapter for transmitting power.

Abstract: An attachment integrated claims (AIC) system includes an e-mail form (with specific fields that must be filled out) that adjusts itself, in both information required and formatting, to meet the demands of the receiving party. It is particularly advantageous for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) situations where a user must send similar (but not necessarily identical) messages to several organizations. This is particularly important where, once an e-mail is received by those organizations, the information in the message must be digitally integrated into differing legacy information systems. In other words, the AIC system permits transmission of a dynamic claim form and integrated attachment to an insurance carrier via a non-clearinghouse communications channel. An AIC system including several computers connected via a communications channel, an electronic file, and an operating method therefor are also described.

Abstract: A stabilized and guided conveyor belt (202) includes multiple transport chains (108) and interchangeable conveyor plates (100) that form the surface of the conveyor belt (202). The conveyor plates (100) can be easily attached independently of one another in a side by side fashion onto the transport chains (108) and are readily detachable from the transport chains (108) to facilitate replacement or rearrangement. Certain of the plates (100) function selectively as a platform on which to mount accessories such as lug members (136) and include means for receiving (134) accessories and for locking (138) accessories into place. The conveyor belt (202) is guided and supported by a smooth rail (420). Both the plate (100) and the rail (420) include interacting stabilizing features (130, 132, 424a, 424b) that cooperate to prevent buckling and rippling of the transport chain (108).

Abstract: There are provided fiber optic local convergence points (“LCPs”) adapted for use with multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) that facilitate relatively easy installation and/or optical connectivity to a relatively large number of subscribers. The LCP includes a housing comprising an access cover for separating the subscriber portion from the provider portions. A splitter module of the LCP may be joined to the interior side of the access cover or may be joined to the housing opposite the access cover. The LCP may also include a splice tray assembly and/or an input receptacle to facilitate convenient installation of the provider cable. The LCP further comprises a plurality of receptacles for selective optical connection of a plurality of subscriber drop fibers/cables.

Abstract: This application describes a system for contraband and weapons detection. The system comprises a coplanar sensor array, electronic drive circuitry, a data acquisition circuit, a video frame grabber, a video camera, and a computer control unit with a control module installed. Properly constructed and aligned, the system allows for the detection of very small magnetic moments, which surround ferromagnetic materials. This ferromagnetic detection allows users to screen personnel for contraband electronic devices and concealed weapons.

Abstract: A method of relieving hot soak pressure in a fuel rail of a fuel injected internal combustion engine includes pressurizing fuel with a fuel pump when the engine is operating, and conveying the pressurized fuel through a check valve that prevents backflow of fuel from the fuel rail toward the fuel pump. A bypass path is in fluid communication between a location downstream of the check valve and a location downstream of the fuel pump and upstream of the check valve. The bypass path is opened when the engine is not operating so as to relieve fuel pressure downstream of the check valve to a level below a system operating pressure. Apparatuses are provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system and communications network. The system comprises a multi-tiered network for obtaining information from utility meters and communicating the information to a central database. A plurality of terminal units are each operatively connected to a utility meter to sense operational data of the utility meter and transmit the data through the network when polled. A plurality of primary units are each operatively connected to a utility meter to sense operational data of the utility meter and transmit the data through the network. The primary units also request data from one or more of the terminal units by polling the terminal units, and transmit that data through the network. Data collection units receive data from the primary units and transmit the data to a central host computer. The network is configurable so that status information or requests can be transmitted from the terminal units to the host computer or from the host computer to any of the terminal units.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert and a cable jacket. The at least one optical waveguide and at least one dry insert are at least partially disposed within a cavity of the cable jacket. The at least one dry insert has a first and second portion that are connected to one another. In one embodiment, at least one fold is present between the two portions.

Abstract: A fuel injector control modification module is configured to modify primary fuel injector control signals provided by an engine control unit of an internal combustion engine. The module is particularly adapted to modifying fuel injector control signals based upon detected variations in fuel provided to the engine. Information indicative of fuel type is obtained by the module from an onboard diagnostic port associated with the engine control unit. The information may comprise fuel trim information which is generated, at least in part, from exhaust gas oxygen content information provided to the engine control unit. The module may modify or completely replace the primary fuel injector control signals at one or more times with secondary signal, such as to accommodate changes in fuel type. The module is particularly suited to addition to an existing engine to adapt the engine to run upon alternative fuels not contemplated by the original engine manufacturer.

Abstract: A non-round fiber optic cable that has improved crush performance is disclosed. The fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, at least one strength element, and a cable jacket having a cavity. The at least one optical fiber is disposed within the cavity. The cable jacket further includes a concave upper wall and a concave lower wall disposed on opposite sides of the cavity, thereby improving the crush performance along the major axis of the optical fiber cable. In other embodiments, the fiber optic cable is a portion of a cable assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods employing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to provide multi-channel, multi-access voice communication capabilities.

Abstract: Devices and methods according to the invention allow measurement of deformation of objects by installing on them one or several of lasers or other light sources and a corresponding number of arrays of photo-sensors. The light beams may be shaped so that the response of the sensors may be processed to calculate the bend and twist of the object. By positioning the lasers and sensors in sequence, a cumulative calculation of the deformation is made possible. The applications include anemometry, a variety of blades, buildings, towers and other structures where deformation needs to be measured.

Abstract: A system for installing sub-surface fluid transport tubing and pressure testing coupling seals in a vertically oriented geothermal heating/cooling system installation, and particularly in a direct exchange system installation, includes providing an elevated containment area, that has a confined space opening, supported by extensions/poles, within which opening an upper portion of the fluid transport tubing segment, to be installed within the borehole, can be positioned and contained. The system further includes pressure testing above-ground segmental coupling seals, by using moderate gas pressure applied via temporary gas hose and plug connections to respective ends of the operatively connected fluid transport line set.