Abstract: A reverse based Electronic directory system is disclosed in which a subscriber can record a number of individual contact details about themselves, such as their telephone numbers (all types, including business, office direct line, business mobile, VoIP, home, personal mobile, facsimile) and e-mail addresses. The system allows other users to use one of these personal details as a search term in order to obtain other personal details. The system further provides for the ability to set permissions on any detail (such as personal details), so that they are not released without its owner's explicit permission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable mat comprising at least one removable sheet and a support sheet, wherein said at least one removable sheet and said support sheet are bonded together via thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, pressure bonding or embossing. The present invention also relates to a container comprising at least one disposable mat, rolled-up in a cylindrical configuration, to a method of promoting the sale of a disposable mat, and to a process of manufacturing a disposable mat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable mat comprising at least two removable sheets arranged in a stacked configuration. The removable sheets comprise an upper surface and a lower surface, and the kinetic coefficient of friction between the lower surface of a first removable sheet, and the upper surface of a second removable sheet positioned directly underneath said first removable sheet is from about 0.4 to 4. The present invention also relates to a container comprising at least one disposable mat, rolled-up in a cylindrical configuration, and to a method of promoting the sale of a disposable mat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of promoting the sale of a disposable mat comprising at least 2 removable sheets in a stacked configuration, comprising the step of displaying a container comprising at least one disposable mat, said disposable mat being rolled-up in a cylindrical configuration. The present invention also relates to a container comprising at least one disposable mat, rolled-up in a cylindrical configuration, and to a shelve displaying said container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable mat comprising at least two removable layers in a stacked configuration and a support sheet, said at least two removable layers being attached to said support sheet adjacent to at least a portion of the perimeter edge of said support sheet, said support sheet providing stiffness, non-slip and cushioning to said at least two removable layers, characterized in that said support sheet comprises a foam having a density of from 0.005 g/cm3 to 0.5 g/cm3. The present invention also relates to a container comprising at least one disposable mat, rolled-up in a cylindrical configuration, and to a method of promoting the sale of a disposable mat.

Abstract: A system and method for professional development for teachers which includes a structured framework for creating and providing online courses, qualification testing, instructional material, and mentoring teacher access, all subject specific to help teachers gain competency in their individualized teaching assignments and by extension help in the recruitment, development and retention of teachers leading to improved student achievement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to personal storage devices that are adapted to interconnection to personal mobility devices such as wheelchairs. In one embodiment an accessory bag is interconnected to a docking station with a tethering device that may stretch or be retractable.

Abstract: An circuit and method are provided for amplifying RF input signal to produce RF output signals with third-order intermodulation distortion products. The circuit and method use a feedback signal to control the bias voltage of the amplifier, such that the output third-order intermodulation distortion product increases monotonically with the RF input signal power. Specifically, the third-order intermodulation distortion product responds over a predetermined output power range by increasing three decibels in response to each one-decibel increase in input power.

Abstract: A method and system for managing the collision repair process after a vehicle has been damaged in a collision. The system includes a single point of contact that handles the auto insurance claims and manages the repair work to improve the entire claims handling process, from the initial claim to the final repair work.

Abstract: An circuit and method are provided for amplifying RF input signal to produce RF output signals with third-order intermodulation distortion products. The circuit and method use a feedback signal to control the bias voltage of the amplifier, such that the output third-order intermodulation distortion product increases monotonically with the RF input signal power. Specifically, the third-order intermodulation distortion product responds over a predetermined output power range by increasing three decibels in response to each one-decibel increase in input power.

Abstract: An circuit and method are provided for amplifying RF input signal to produce RF output signals with third-order intermodulation distortion products. The circuit and method use a feedback signal to control the bias voltage of the amplifier, such that the output third-order intermodulation distortion product increases monotonically with the RF input signal power. Specifically, the third-order intermodulation distortion product responds over a predetermined output power range by increasing three decibels in response to each one-decibel increase in input power.

Abstract: Key escrow is achieved without a key escrow facility. An escrow key pair is generated and stored in the terminal. A key escrow field that includes a traffic key encrypted with the escrow key is provided before encrypted traffic is communicated. When access to the traffic key is authorized, the escrow key is extracted from the terminal and used to decrypt the traffic key. The private portion of the escrow key is covered in the terminal with an escrow key access number. The escrow key access number is preferably generated by the terminal manufacturer with a secret algorithm using the terminal serial number. Alternatively, the escrow key is stored within a user token, rather than the terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for aid in swimming is described as including a foot receiving portion that is pivotally attached about an axis to a fin portion. A latch mechanism is attached to the fin portion that cooperates with a tapered nose protrusion that is attached to the front of the foot portion. A pair of forward stops are provided in the foot portion which cooperate with a pair of recesses that are formed in the fin portion which together limit the pivotal motion of the fin portion in a first direction until a first position is attained. The tapered nose protrusion cooperates with the latch mechanism in the first position to secure the fin portion in the first position. The latch mechanism includes a release to allow for the manual disengagement of the latch mechanism from the foot portion which, in turn, allows the fin portion to pivot in a second direction that is opposite the first direction until a second position is attained that is disposed approximately opposite the first position.

Abstract: An axial flow fan primarily for use in harsh and/or corrosive environments such as agricultural barns has a one-piece plastic moulded housing which defines an air flow passageway, and a direct drive fan assembly supported in the air flow passageway by a novel motor mount. The mount includes at least three radially disposed support arms of equal length which maintain the fan assembly in the center of the air flow opening despite distortions in the housing that might occur for example due to temperature changes. Each support arm is a thin and flat plate disposed edge on to the air flow so as to minimize resistance. The air flow opening is smoothly contoured to define a convergent conical inlet section and a divergent conical outlet section for improved efficiency of air flow.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column including a first mast jacket element mounted on a body of the vehicle, a second mast jacket element telescoped into a cylindrical passage in the first element, and a split bushing between the first and second elements. The bushing has a lip on an outside surface thereof which seats against the passage in the first mast jacket element to define a closed circumferential chamber around the bushing interrupted by the split in the latter. A plastic shim is molded in place in the closed circumferential chamber by injecting liquid plastic under pressure through a port in the first mast jacket element. Liquid plastic fills the closed circumferential chamber and clamps an inside surface of the bushing against an outer surface of the second mast jacket element to eliminate lash. Shrinkage of the plastic in the closed circumferential chamber reduces the contact pressure between the bushing and the second mast jacket element to minimize frictional drag.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing the rock formation of a structure, such as in the walls and ceiling of a mine shaft includes a forward portion having a given diameter and length and cross section and a larger diameter rear portion also having a given diameter and length and cross section. A tapered conical portion is attached between the forward portion and the rear portion thereby serving as a smooth interface therebetween. A slit, having a predetermined width gap, runs the full length of the apparatus and an annulus is provided that is attached to the rear portion to engage a mine shaft plate. To insert the apparatus into the formation, a first larger diameter hole is drilled into the formation approximately equal to or slightly in excess of the length of the rear portion. A second smaller diameter hole is then drilled along the same axis to an overall depth which equally or exceeds the length of the apparatus. The mine shaft plate is then placed over the apparatus before it is inserted into the drilled holes.

Abstract: A hollow core holder comprising a hollow cylinder with a passive cam locking element eccentrically rotatably mounted inside the cylinder such that a portion of the edge of the cam protrudes through a slot in the wall of the cylinder in one rotation status and is wholly within the cylinder in another rotation status. As the core holder is inserted into a hollow core, the cam comes into contact with the core, holding the core to the core holder until a release mechanism rotates the cam into the cylinder, out of contact with the core.