Abstract: A method for generating an integrated garment-model simulation is provided. The method includes scanning a human fit model to acquire first shape data representative of a portion of the human fit model; defining a three-dimensional surface simulation based on the first shape data; combining the surface simulation with medical data to define a model simulation; acquiring second shape data and material property data representative of a sample garment; defining a garment simulation based on the second shape data and the material property data; and combining the garment simulation with the model simulation to generate the integrated garment-model simulation.

Abstract: An anvil adapted to be received within an impact wrench comprises a round body and a square head. The square head is formed at an end of the round body. A tapered ramp extends from the round body to the square head. A radius is formed in the tapered ramp.

Abstract: A network includes a web site of an intermediary and web sites of respective product/service providers. A customer accesses a product/service provider web site, initiates a purchase transaction, and transmits body scan data to the product/service provider. The body scan data is generated by a third party having a body measurement system, but is owned and kept by the customer. Each product/service provider web site is configured to conduct a sales transaction with a customer in response to receiving body scan data from the customer, and to request a decryption key from the intermediary for decrypting the body scan data. Using information in the decryption key request, the intermediary identifies both who generated the body scan data and who the product/service provider is. The intermediary then pays revenues to the various third party body scan sites according to a predetermined formula and/or business arrangement.

Abstract: An anvil adapted to be received within an impact wrench comprises a round body and a square head. The square head is formed at an end of the round body. A tapered ramp extends from the round body to the square head. A radius is formed in the tapered ramp.

Abstract: A method for increasing security in the issuance of discount coupons to consumers includes providing a traceable, printable medium to remote users for the printing of discount offer data thereon in order to create negotiable discount coupons, each traceable, printable medium comprising at least one coupon shell including a prerecorded security code traceable to the remote user to whom it was provided. Identification data is maintained within at least one database related to each remote user to whom the traceable, printable medium was provided, the at least one database providing an electronic link between at least one aspect of the identification data and the prerecorded security code. An electronic connection is established to at least one issuing station that includes at least one searchable database of discount offers accessible via a distributed processing network.

Abstract: A garment-model computer simulation is provided that has a model portion and a garment portion. The model portion has a first layer and a second layer. The garment portion has a third layer. The first and third layers are organized with the second layer. The garment portion has an adjustable periphery that, when adjusted, distorts a node spacing within each of the first, second, and third layers.

Abstract: A method for increasing security in the issuance of discount coupons to consumers, the method comprising the steps of: providing printable medium to Remote Users to allow for the printing of discount offer data thereon to create negotiable discount coupons, each printable medium containing prerecorded data traceable to the Remote User to whom it was provided; exacting, recording and maintaining verifiable identification data related to each Remote User to whom the printable medium was assigned; and electronically linking at least one aspect of the identification data with the pre-printed, or pre-encoded data found on the printable medium assigned to a Remote User.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifter comprising brackets which are bolted to the base of the toilet and connected to a foot pedal lever system. The foot pedal is connected to one end of a lever, while the other end of the lever is connected to a lift bar member. When pressure is applied to the foot pedal, the lever pivots on a fulcrum to move the lift bar member upward. This movement elevates the lift bar member which is connected to a bar that is placed under the toilet seat to raise the seat as the lift bar member is elevated.

Abstract: A method for generating an integrated garment-model simulation is provided. The method includes scanning a human fit model to acquire first shape data representative of a portion of the human fit model; defining a three-dimensional surface simulation based on the first shape data; combining the surface simulation with medical data to define a model simulation; acquiring second shape data and material property data representative of a sample garment; defining a garment simulation based on the second shape data and the material property data; and combining the garment simulation with the model simulation to generate the integrated garment-model simulation.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw has a tooth form that decreases the cutting time of the saw blade and extends the life of the saw blade. The tooth height is longer than conventional metal cutting reciprocating saws. Also, the tooth form has a larger gullet. The tooth rake angle remains substantially constant during the life of the saw blade.

Abstract: A vehicle active network (12) communicatively couples devices (14-20) within a vehicle (10). Device operation is independent of the interface (22-28) of the device (14-20) with the active network (12). Additionally, the architecture of the active network (12) provides one or more levels of communication redundancy. The architecture provides for the total integration of vehicle systems and functions, and permits plug-and-play device integration and upgradeability.

Abstract: A method and system for designing circularly knitted garments are provided. The method includes designing a model of the circularly knitted garment, stretching the model from a first size to a second size, and governing the stretching with one or more user definable rules. The system includes a circular knitting machine, a controller for controlling the circular knitting machine with a machine code, a tool for saving a model of the circularly knitted garment as a first output, and a conversion program for converting the first output into the machine code. The tool has a stretching function for changing a size of the first output using one or more user selected rules.

Abstract: A mannequin form having a first section and a second section is provided. The first and second sections are made of a selected material that is resistant to damage from a stress selected from the group consisting of heating, cutting, dying, and any combinations thereof. The second section is releasably secured to the first section to define a predetermined three-dimensional shape. The first section abuts the second section to define a first smooth mating line.

Abstract: A method and system for designing circularly knitted garments are provided. The method includes designing a model of the circularly knitted garment, stretching the model from a first size to a second size, and governing the stretching with one or more user definable rules. The system includes a circular knitting machine, a controller for controlling the circular knitting machine with a machine code, a tool for saving a model of the circularly knitted garment as a first output, and a conversion program for converting the first output into the machine code. The tool has a stretching function for changing a size of the first output using one or more user selected rules.

Abstract: A vehicle active network (12) communicatively couples devices (14-20) within a vehicle (10). Device operation is independent of the interface (22-28) of the device (14-20) with the active network (12). Additionally, the architecture of the active network (12) provides one or more levels of communication redundancy. The architecture provides for the total integration of vehicle systems and functions, and permits plug-and-play device integration and upgradeability.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transmitting handshaking signals between two peer devices using only two signal lines. The apparatus is symmetrical in that either peer device uses substantially the same signals and logic states to rouse the other. Only two handshaking signals are defined, but each handshaking signal has a dual meaning that is determined by various intermediate logic states in each peer device. Thus, the same signal that is generated by peer device A and sent to peer device B to tell peer device B that peer device A is awake and ready to receive a data transmission, is also generated by peer device A and transmitted to peer device B to request peer device B to wake up.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for remote users to access the world wide web without requiring large bandwidth connections. The system is intended mainly for use by traveling users. The mobile users are connected to a remote server which is in wireless communication with a central, land-based server. The central server communicates with a telecommunication network, such as the internet. The remote server communicates with the central server to periodically update the website information on the remote server. The mobile remote user is connected directly to the remote server, and thus indirectly to the internet. Hence the user's connection with the remote server gives him or her the look and feel of a direct website connection. Because the remote server periodically receives updated website information from the central server, which may be limited to partner websites as well, the bandwidth required for the transmittal of such information is minimized.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sharing a SIM card between two masters. The invention may be embodied in so-called multi-mode radiotelephones that use SIM cards to store and access information. The multi-mode radiotelephone includes at least two master components and a single SIM card. The method and apparatus synchronizes and coordinates communications from either master component directly to the SIM card, thereby allowing a single SIM card to directly service two master components.

Abstract: A retractable key assembly comprising a key top and an externally extending pivot arm. The pivot arm allows arcuate movement of the key top about a pivot axis such that the key top can be used in an upper, active keying position or stored in a lower, inactive position. The use of a pivot arm enables a lower profile keyboard when the keyboard is in the retracted, inactive position. Displacement of the internal actuation assembly allows the keytop to actually rest on the keyboard base. A translatable base member is useful to raise or retract the key assembly. The disclosed key assembly provides an aesthetic appearance and improved keying accuracy, relative to conventional keyboard arrangements.

Abstract: A low profile tactile keyswitch including a horizontally positioned elastic column spring which buckles under an axial load to provide a tactile feel for the keyswitch. The ends of the spring are maintained between two spring holders which are urged together as the keybutton is depressed. Stabilizing arms pivotally attached to the keybutton are used to stabilize the keybutton and also to carry extensions which engage the spring holders to move them together as the keybutton is depressed. The keyswitch is operable to be placed in an inactive configuration in which the keybutton is lowered without placing the spring under added compression.