Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing an interoperable communications system including a plurality of otherwise disjunct communication systems each including at least one communications device. The system includes a plurality of system interface controllers each coupled to one of the communication systems and a common network for connecting the communication system and associated communications devices to the common network. A controller is coupled to each of the system interface controllers. The system interface controller being operable in response to commands from an authorized controller wherein the connection between each of the communication systems and the common network is controlled by a controller associated with, and authorized to control each communication system.

Abstract: A financial transaction system that does not require the need for cash, checks or credit cards to carry out financial transactions. In return for prepayment of specified sum, a bar coded wristband is issued to a customer. On issuance of the wristband, a data base record is created that is cross-referenced with the bar code number, as well as an account number, an issue date and a present balance of the account. When the user wishes to purchase goods or services, the bar code of the wristband is scanned, and the amount of the transaction is then placed into the system. The corresponding account is debited. The wristband is constructed so as to be waterproof, and includes an adhesive strip with small tear strips for fastening around the user's wrist. An attempted removal of the wristband is effective to substantially destroy it and render it unusable to other persons.

Abstract: A method for controlling an adjustable gain in an amplifier having an output power level and an adjustable gain is disclosed. The method includes an enhancement to a conventional Automatic Gain Control (AGC) function that distinguishes between a signal caused by oscillation and a signal that actually appears in the amplifier's passband. The method also controls unwanted and out of control amplifier oscillation using an iterative correlation process. The method prevents gain “hunting” if the output signal level is near the “set point” of the maximum permitted output level by implementing some degree of Hysteresis. The correlation process is performed by tracking a specified number of alternating gain increase/decrease cycles. If in any cycle the gain is not changed, or is changed in the same direction as in the previous cycle, the correlator is reset and the process begins again.

Abstract: The sun visor has a decorative cover securely affixed over a core formed of foldable first and second core halves. Receiving surfaces defining a planar end are formed on each of the first and second core halves and extend substantially continuously between opposed ends.

Abstract: The sun visor has a decorative cover securely affixed over a core formed of foldable first and second core halves. Receiving surfaces defining a planar end are formed on each of the first and second core halves and extend substantially continuously between opposed ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a valve to another device such as a device, such as a device for separating a solid from a liquid. A valve seat according to the present invention is friction fitted into an orifice defined by the device and a conduit is attached to the valve seat via a removable spline.

Abstract: The sun visor includes a core formed of first and second foldable halves. A recess is formed in one of the halves and receives a filler member. In one aspect, the filler member has a thickness the same as the depth of the recess. A cover is mountable over the core and the filler member. Another aspect, a mirror assembly is mountable in the recess. In one aspect, the mirror assembly is mounted in the recess, with the cover interposed between the mirror assembly and the core half Lock projections carried on the mirror assembly are extendible through apertures in the core half into engagement with lock receivers carried on the other core half to attach the mirror to the core when the core halves are locked together. The mirror assembly may include a mirror, or a frame surrounding a mirror, or an optional pivotal cover carried on the frame or optional illumination elements carried in a frame for illuminating the mirror.

Abstract: A sun visor that has a core formed of first and second foldable halves. A guide is mounted on one of the core halves and receives a support arm. A carrier has a through aperture. The support arm moveably extends through the guide into the carrier. Ribs are formed on each of the core halves and respectively engage oppositely opening channels in the carrier to support sliding movement of the carrier and the core as the core is moved relative to the support arm. In a non-sliding configuration, a short length support arm extends through the guide with the carrier, with the carrier non-moveably mounted in the guide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a valve to another device such as a device, such as a device for separating a solid from a liquid. A valve seat according to the present invention is friction fitted into an orifice defined by the device and a conduit is attached to the valve seat via a removable spline.

Abstract: In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the invention provides a rotationally resistive pail, pail support and coupling. The apparatus includes a pail, and a lid for closing the pail in a closing position, and for supporting the pail in a supporting and locking position. The pail has notches in the base of the pail. The lid has corresponding lugs for vertical interlocking and rotationally resistive engagement with the notches when the lid is in the supporting position. When the lid is in the supporting position, the lid supports the pail vertically and laterally, and the mating engagement of the lid and pail resists relative rotation between the lid and the pail.