Abstract: An apparatus for testing a vehicle. The apparatus includes an actuator and a stand assembly supported by the actuator. The stand assembly includes a coupling device configured to attach to a vehicle, and the actuator is configured to move the vehicle in response to a computer-generated signal.

Abstract: A method for forming a wear resistant ceramic coating on an aluminum alloy article. The alloy preferably contains from about 85 to about 92 percent aluminum with a plurality of other oxidizable metals selected from copper, magnesium, zinc, and chromium. Less that about 2 percent total of other elements is usually present. In accordance with the invention, the alloy preferably contains less than 0.5 percent each of manganese, iron and silicon. An example of such an alloy is 7075 aluminum alloy. The method includes the steps of: a) immersing the article in an aqueous electrolyte containing from about 1.5 to about 2.5 grams per liter of alkali metal hydroxide and from about 6.5 to about 9.5 grams per liter of alkali metal silicate. In general no more than 1 g per liter of alkali metal pyrophosphate is present and no more than about 0.

Abstract: A disposable lid for a drinking cup includes a cover portion and a sliding member that is configured to slidably fit into a trench in the cover portion. The trench includes a drink opening on a floor of the trench and the sliding member is configured to cover and uncover the drink opening. In one embodiment, the sliding member includes side portions that extend longitudinally and upwardly from a central portion of the sliding member such that an outer edge of each side portion is located above the central portion of the sliding member. A gap width between the outer edges of the side portions of the sliding member is greater than a width of a mouth of the trench such that the side portions of the sliding member secure the siding member to the cover portion.

Abstract: A cup holder sleeve comprises an elongated strip including a top edge having a top length, a bottom edge having a bottom length, a first distal edge and a second distal edge. The cup holder sleeve is assembled by attaching the first distal edge to the second distal edge and further includes a fold line extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, wherein the elongated strip is folded along the fold line for storage. In an exemplary embodiment, a cut-out notch is located on the bottom edge of the elongated strip and at the fold line, such that when a beverage container is placed within the assembled cup holder sleeve, an extrusion at the fold line and at the bottom edge of the elongated strip is substantially eliminated by the cut-out notch.

Abstract: Message delivery system primarily for answering machines which provides a realistic sounding recorded message containing an individualized personal greeting which can be delivered onto one or more answering machines. This automated method of delivering a recorded personalized information message via an automated dialing system to automated recorders involves a series of steps of: forming a database of first names, determining frequency of occurrence of greatest number of the first names in the database; recording individual personal greetings to the first names having the greatest frequency of occurrence and, playing the individualized personally greeting without truncation onto answering machines associated with the first names having the greatest frequency of occurrence. This system provides a preliminary personalized greeting to the beginning of the generic message being delivered so that the recipient believes the message is coming from a real person.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for testing at least one performance characteristic of a vehicle.

Abstract: Interactive system for responding to conditions after an answering machine has been detected in an automatic telephone number dialing and announcing system so that realistic sounding recorded messages can be delivered without truncation. The system starts by: placing a telephone call to an answering machine; playing a recorded message onto the answering machine; monitoring the machine for echo cancellation sounds (sounds emanating from the answering machine) while simultaneously playing the message; repeating the playing of said message onto the answering machine while monitoring for echo cancellation sounds; and continuing to play the message until there are no echo cancellation sounds whereby the recorded message is launched unto the answering machine and continues playing the message to completion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for testing at least one performance characteristic of a vehicle.

Abstract: Message delivery system primarily for answering machines which provides a realistic sounding recorded message containing an individualized personal greeting which can be delivered onto one or more answering machines. This automated method of delivering a recorded personalized information message via an automated dialing system to automated recorders involves a series of steps of: forming a database of first names, determining frequency of occurrence of greatest number of the first names in the database; recording individual personal greetings to the first names having the greatest frequency of occurrence and, playing the individualized personally greeting without truncation onto answering machines associated with the first names having the greatest frequency of occurrence. This system provides a preliminary personalized greeting to the beginning of the generic message being delivered so that the recipient believes the message is coming from a real person.

Abstract: A disposable lid for a drinking cup the lid comprises a cover portion having a generally circular periphery, a drinking opening in the cover portion adjacent to the periphery, a handle opening in the cover portion, and at least one C-shaped rail that protrudes downwardly from an inside surface of the cover portion. The at least one C-shaped rail forms a longitudinal channel that extends from the handle opening to the drinking opening. The lid further comprises a sliding member having a handle. The sliding member is configured to slidably fit into the channel and have its handle extend through the handle opening in the cover portion, such that when a user places the handle in a first position, the sliding member uncovers the drinking opening and when the user places the handle in a second position, the sliding member covers the drinking opening.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a sleeve, which facilitates the gripping of, and insulates the hand from, a hot or cold container. The sleeve comprises of sheet foam of a thick, opaque, plastic material that is suitable for snuggly fitting over the exterior surface of a container while permitting any pre-printed indicia on the sheet foam to be visible there through. The sleeve is opaque enough to cover any printing on the container itself. The foam is also available in a variety of forms such as anti-static, laminated, expanded and high or low density which provide different degrees of protection. Different density plastic foam and film material is used to achieve the opaque, thick, gripping and insulating effect for use with a variety of containers.

Abstract: A strain relief for protection of electrical and other cords extending from a component. The strain relief is made from a hard plug piece which attaches to the case or housing of the component. The cord extends through this plug piece via a passageway. This plug piece has a plurality of holes therethrough which connect the passageway with its outer surface. An molded jacket is molded onto the plug piece, wherein the injected material extends through the holes, into the passageway, and surrounding the cord. The injected material is preferably softer than the material used for the plug piece. The result is a one piece strain relief which is bonded to the cord.

Abstract: An improved vacuum motor air intake for use on vacuum motor device with a funnel shaped shroud enclosing a portion of the vacuum motor housing adjacent a fan assembly. Combined with the funnel shaped shroud, a conical air deflection body directs air entering the motor in a laminar flow pattern.

Abstract: A collar assembly including cooling coils is provided to increase the top surface cooling of food being served from food pans which are mounted to extend down into a food service cabinet or counter. The collar is preferably lower in the front toward the server for easy access and higher at the back away from the server and on the sides for increased cooling. A principal cooling unit may be mounted in the cabinet to direct cold air onto the food pans; and the collar cooling coils and the principal cooling unit may be coupled to a single compressor and heat exchanger.

Abstract: A control unit for improving the use, simplifying the maintenance, and organizing the management of floor maintenance equipment. The control unit can include a processing unit, a mechanical input channel, a memory system, other input means, communication means, data output means, and sensors. The control unit is electrically interconnected with the floor maintenance equipment so that operations can be controlled and data can be stored regarding the use of the equipment. This data is also able to be exported from the memory system to a computer, such as one connected to the Internet.