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.

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: A vacuum cleaner floor tool in which offset air intake openings create multiple organized vortices in the vacuum chamber of the floor tool. Air intake openings on the side of the tool produce horizontally oriented vortices and allow the cleaning to be effective along the edge of the tool. A curved or broadened tool edge prevents the tool from being drawn into carpet by vacuum, and allows it to be pushed with little resistance across carpet even though the vacuum within the vacuum chamber is strong enough to produce high air flow through the air intake slots.

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: The present invention is a vacuuming apparatus convertible between a backpack mode, a canister mode and an upright mode. Additionally, the present invention is convertible into a handheld mode and a blower mode. Each of these modes are accomplished through attachments which are able to be easily attached and detached together. The apparatus has a power unit having an electric motor and impeller; a base unit containing a filter; a backpack unit for use in the backpack mode; a canister unit for use in the canister mode; a blower unit for use in the blower mode; a handheld unit for use as a handheld vacuum cleaner in a hand held mode; and a work bench waste collection mode.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process for initiating a telephone call, comprises the steps, performed by a processor, of: receiving a network request identifying a telephone number and an account number; retrieving from the database a telephone number associated with the account number; and signaling a telephone switch to place a call connecting instruments corresponding to the telephone number from the request and the telephone number retrieved from the database.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system with a variable geometry. A moveable suspension arm is pivotally attached to a vehicle chassis. A biasing/dampening mechanism is operatively attached to the vehicle chassis at a first end. An actuator mechanism operatively connects the second end of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the moveable suspension arm. The actuator mechanism has a mechanism for moving the second end along at least one axis when the vehicle is in a static or dynamic mode to increase or decrease the motion ratio or displacement of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the total displacement of the suspension system relative to the vehicle chassis. A control mechanism is provided for activating the actuator mechanism.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process for initiating a telephone call, comprises the steps, performed by a processor, of: receiving a network request identifying a telephone number and an account number; retrieving from the database a telephone number associated with the account number; and signaling a telephone switch to place a call connecting instruments corresponding to the telephone number from the request and the telephone number retrieved from the database.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system with a variable geometry. A moveable suspension arm is pivotally attached to a vehicle chassis. A biasing/dampening mechanism is operatively attached to the vehicle chassis at a first end. An actuator mechanism operatively connects the second end of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the moveable suspension arm. The actuator mechanism has a mechanism for moving the second end along at least one axis when the vehicle is in a static or dynamic mode to increase or decrease the motion ratio or displacement of the biasing/dampening mechanism to the total displacement of the suspension system relative to the vehicle chassis. A control mechanism is provided for activating the actuator mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting sealant into the packing chamber of a valve requiring no venting of pressure within the valve. The apparatus which includes an interior valve is attached to the valve body by drilling and tapping a connection or by friction welding. A high pressure packing gland is attached to the apparatus and a drill bit is passed through the combination to complete an opening into the packing chamber. The drill bit is withdrawn past the interior valve, which is closed and then out of the combination. The packing gland is removed and a sealant injection device attached. The interior valve is opened and sealant injected into the packing chamber. The valve is closed, a completion plug installed into the end of the fitting, and a completion cap with a sealing ring is installed over the entire valve and fitting, thereby forming multiple redundant seals.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier having at least one lateral cross rail selectively positionable along longitudinally extending side rails. Stanchions are connected to opposite ends of the cross rail and slidably engage longitudinally formed interior cavities in the side rails. A latch is coupled between each stanchion and each side rail to releasably latch each stanchion and the cross rail in a selected, fixed position along the side rails. An actuator controls the latch. In one embodiment, the actuator is formed by a movable lateral fit between the stanchion and the interior cavity in the side rails permitting lateral movement of each stanchion in each side rail upon push or pull of either stanchion. In another embodiment, the actuator includes a movable operator connected by cables to at least one latch pin carried by a stanchion which is releasably engageable with one of a plurality of spaced apertures formed longitudinally along a side rail.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner floor tool is provided with a vacuum chamber housing top cover, and parallel front and rear floor engagement bars. Floor engagement bars are provided with a plurality of air bypass slots extending up from a floor engaging bottom surface of the front and rear bars. Said bypass slots together have a total cumulative cross-sectional area within the range of 85% to 115% of the cross-sectional area of a top cover orifice. The top cover orifice is interconnected to a wand-receiving socket. A brush is provided attached to the rear beater bar.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing CICS data streams with a sequence of user interface contexts for use with automated time and attendance computer programs and the like systems which operate in a mainframe environment having CICS with extended attributes feature. The present invention provides a windowing type scheme allowing an operator overlay information panes and store changes made on the bit map thereby incorporating the video display of a changed bit map into an overlay pane.