Abstract: An adjustable lifting mechanism for use as or with a seating apparatus. The lifting mechanism has a base to which a pivot of a parallelogram structure is attached. A spring extends from a first link of the parallelogram to an adjustable termination point on a second link of the parallelogram to form a lifting triangle. A lifting power adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the spring termination point with respect to the main pivot. An extension is in fixed relation to one of the four parallelogram links, and is configured to maintain its angle with respect to the horizontal when angles of the parallelogram are varied upon raising or lowering the lifting mechanism between a sitting mode and a standing mode. The extension thus serves as a base for a rear seat section.

Abstract: A dual-state caster apparatus having a caster head with a state-change pivot configured to change the steering axis of the caster apparatus. A braking system with a brake control cable is incorporated into the caster apparatus wherein the state-change pivot and the braking system are configured to allow a wheel to swivel without interference with the brake control cable.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism has a base to which a pivot of a parallelogram structure. A spring extends from a first link of the parallelogram to an adjustable termination point on a second link of the parallelogram to form a lifting triangle. The spring termination point is displaced from a main pivot of the parallelogram to create an adjustable “lever arm” to vary the lifting force. A lifting power adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the spring termination point. An extension is in fixed relation to one of the parallelogram links and maintains its angle with respect to the horizontal when angles of the parallelogram are varied upon raising or lowering the lifting mechanism between a sitting mode and a standing mode. The extension serves as a base for a rear seat section. A front seat section is pivotally attached to the rear seat section allowing it to swing downward upon elevation of the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A chatbot system, a method of operating a chatbot system, a mobile application and a method of operation of a mobile application for providing conversational communications between a user and a primary system via chatbot. The communications utilise a modified message comprising a main component and a supplementary component.

Abstract: A convertible seat and an elevating walker chair having a convertible seat. The chair elevates by a parallelogram mechanism that can be functionally connected to a seat deployment mechanism to allow the seat to transform between a saddle and seat upon changes in saddle/seat elevation.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism has a base to which a pivot of a parallelogram structure. A spring extends from a first link of the parallelogram to an adjustable termination point on a second link of the parallelogram to form a lifting triangle. The spring termination point is displaced from a main pivot of the parallelogram to create an adjustable “lever arm” to vary the lifting force. A lifting power adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the spring termination point. An extension is in fixed relation to one of the parallelogram links and maintains its angle with respect to the horizontal when angles of the parallelogram are varied upon raising or lowering the lifting mechanism between a sitting mode and a standing mode. The extension serves as a base for a rear seat section. A front seat section is pivotally attached to the rear seat section allowing it to swing downward upon elevation of the liftin mechanism.

Abstract: An elevating walker chair that allows both riding and walking. The chair elevates by a parallelogram power unit. The seat transforms between a saddle and seat upon changes in saddle/seat elevation. Also a lifting parallelogram power unit structure. Disclosed is an elevating walker chair for people with limited mobility resulting from compromised musculature, coordination or balance, or for able bodied individuals that must perform tasks for which assistance is desired.

Abstract: A chatbot system includes a parent chatbot and a plurality of sub-chatbots. Each sub-chatbot is associated with a specific domain. The parent chatbot is adapted to receive a user query and direct the user query to a relevant sub-chatbot. Each sub-chatbot includes at least one chatbot dialog, and is adapted to respond to the user query using the at least one chatbot dialog. Each sub-chatbot is implemented by a program entity adapted to return a return function. The return function is a function configured to accept a context object unique to the sub-chatbot as an input argument. The at least one chatbot dialog is accessed by at least one access function. The access function is a function configured to accept the context object of the sub-chatbot.

Abstract: A dual-state caster apparatus having a caster head with a state-change pivot configured to change the steering axis of the caster apparatus. A braking system with a brake control cable is incorporated into the caster apparatus wherein the state-change pivot and the braking system are configured to allow a wheel to swivel without interference with the brake control cable.

Abstract: A chatbot system, a method of operating a chatbot system, a mobile application and a method of operation of a mobile application for providing conversational communications between a user and a primary system via chatbot. The communications utilise a modified message comprising a main component and a supplementary component.

Abstract: A chatbot system includes a parent chatbot and a plurality of sub-chatbots. Each sub-chatbot is associated with a specific domain. The parent chatbot is adapted to receive a user query and direct the user query to a relevant sub-chatbot. Each sub-chatbot includes at least one chatbot dialog, and is adapted to respond to the user query using the at least one chatbot dialog. Each sub-chatbot is implemented by a program entity adapted to return a return function. The return function is a function configured to accept a context object unique to the sub-chatbot as an input argument. The at least one chatbot dialog is accessed by at least one access function. The access function is a function configured to accept the context object of the sub-chatbot.

Abstract: A support vest configured to conform to a wearer's natural movements, allowing forces to be applied to selected areas, and permitting varying attachment points for a supported load. The support vest has a waistband, ventral and dorsal spar systems extending upward therefrom, the ventral and dorsal spar systems attached to a ventral and dorsal plate, respectively and connected to one another via should straps. Pivot systems are provided at the superior and inferior ends of the spar systems.

Abstract: An elevating walker chair that allows both riding and walking. The chair elevates by a parallelogram power unit. The seat transforms between a saddle and seat upon changes in saddle/seat elevation. Also a lifting parallelogram power unit structure. Disclosed is an elevating walker chair for people with limited mobility resulting from compromised musculature, coordination or balance, or for able bodied individuals that must perform tasks for which assistance is desired.

Abstract: A support vest configured to conform to a wearer's natural movements, allowing forces to be applied to selected areas, and permitting varying attachment points for a supported load. The support vest has a waistband, ventral and dorsal spar systems extending upward therefrom, the ventral and dorsal spar systems attached to a ventral and dorsal plate, respectively and connected to one another via should straps. Pivot systems are provided at the superior and inferior ends of the spar systems.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a computer readable storage medium accessible to the processor and bearing instructions executable by the processor to cause the processor to determine whether to apply a basic discount to an account of a seller of products based at least in part on determining whether the seller has adhered to a seller agreement. The instructions also cause the processor to determine whether to apply an efficiency discount to the account based at least in part on determining whether at least one efficiency metric has been satisfied, determine whether to apply a strategy discount to the account based at least in part on whether at least one strategy metric has been satisfied, and determine whether to apply an execution discount to the account based at least in part on whether at least one execution metric has been satisfied.

Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables extend through both a fastener and a base of the locking member and are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like structure. The fastener is releasably snap-fitted into the base of the locking member and secured therein by a magnetically attractable tine. The ratchet mechanism includes a housing containing a spool and a locking pawl. A bottom wall encloses a portion of the housing and includes a rotatable central portion having a key receiving recess for unlocking the spool from the pawl. The housing has a rotatable top wall portion which includes a flip-up handle for rotating the top wall portion and the internal ratchet to tighten the cable about an article. An alarm system is contained in the housing of the ratchet mechanism and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. An LED located within the housing provides a visual indication that the alarm system is activated.

Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.

Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.

Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap, have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.

Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.