Abstract: A device for a high-clearance motor vehicle is provided. Preferably, the device comprises a linear actuator, a hollow tube having a first helix and a second helix; a step arm connected at a distal end to the linear actuator such that when the linear actuator applies a linear force to the step arm, the step arm rotates. A first end portion of a distal end of the step arm inserted in the hollow tube extends through the first helix and a second end portion of the distal end of the step arm inserted in the hollow tube extends through the second helix. When the device is operated, depending on user selection, the device can serve as a vehicle step, protect the vehicle door(s), or be in a retracted position.

Abstract: A device for a high-clearance motor vehicle is provided. Preferably, the device comprises a linear actuator, a hollow tube having a first helix and a second helix; a step arm connected at a distal end to the linear actuator such that when the linear actuator applies a linear force to the step arm, the step arm rotates. A first end portion of a distal end of the step arm inserted in the hollow tube extends through the first helix and a second end portion of the distal end of the step arm inserted in the hollow tube extends through the second helix. When the device is operated, depending on user selection, the device can serve as a vehicle step, protect the vehicle door(s), or be in a retracted position.

Abstract: A system performs thread synchronization across layers of code that implement an application, including native code, system code, and code in a virtual machine (“VM”). The system makes a call by the native code to the system code; and sends a message by the system code to the code in the VM. The system then sends a first response by the code in the VM to the system code; and sends a second response by the system code to the native code, where each one of the native code, the system code, and the code in the VM implements wait and notify functionality for communication with other codes that implement the application.

Abstract: A system performs thread synchronization across layers of code that implement an application, including native code, system code, and code in a virtual machine (“VM”). The system makes a call by the native code to the system code; and sends a message by the system code to the code in the VM. The system then sends a first response by the code in the VM to the system code; and sends a second response by the system code to the native code, where each one of the native code, the system code, and the code in the VM implements wait and notify functionality for communication with other codes that implement the application.

Abstract: A device for a high-clearance motor vehicle is provided. Preferably, the device comprises an elongated step; and one or more supports, wherein each of the one or more supports includes: a lift bar; a base; and an actuator; wherein the base holds the actuator and the lift bar is pivotally attached to the base on a distal end and to the step on the opposite end; and wherein, when the device is operated, depending on user selection, the actuator either lowers the lift bar causing the step to be positioned for use or raises the lift bar causing the step to be retracted, and if retracted, the step blocks at least one door of the motor vehicle making it difficult to steal the motor vehicle. Additionally, when the step is retracted, the step impedes “ding” damage from an adjacent motor vehicle.

Abstract: Optical fiber fanout devices include a housing having a fiber telescoping cavity therein. An optical fiber tubing receiving opening in the housing extends to the fiber telescoping cavity. The optical fiber tubing receiving opening is configured to secure a plurality of optical fiber tubes therein. An optical fiber receiving opening in the housing also extends to the cavity. The optical fiber receiving opening is displaced from the optical fiber tubing receiving opening by a distance selected to define an arc for an optical fiber extending from the optical fiber receiving opening to the optical fiber tubing receiving opening that exceeds a minimum bend radius for the optical fiber.

Abstract: Optical fiber fanout devices include a housing having a fiber telescoping cavity therein. An optical fiber tubing receiving opening in the housing extends to the fiber telescoping cavity. The optical fiber tubing receiving opening is configured to secure a plurality of optical fiber tubes therein. An optical fiber receiving opening in the housing also extends to the cavity. The optical fiber receiving opening is displaced from the optical fiber tubing receiving opening by a distance selected to define an arc for an optical fiber extending from the optical fiber receiving opening to the optical fiber tubing receiving opening that exceeds a minimum bend radius for the optical fiber.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for forming a seal about an elongate object includes a resilient seal member and a loading mechanism. The seal member includes an inner wall surface defining a channel to receive the elongate object. The inner wall surface includes at least one annular rib extending into the channel to engage the elongate object. The loading mechanism is adapted to selectively apply a compressive load to the seal member such that the inner wall surface is expanded inwardly to exert a sealing pressure on the elongate object.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide for performing integrated market account planning. A first server calculates promoted volume information reflecting an estimated quantity of a product sold to a retailer during a trade promotion. The first server also receives, from a second server, non-promoted volume information reflecting an estimated quantity of the product sold to the retailer during a time period when there is no trade promotion. Thereafter, the first server creates a complete volume forecast from the promoted volume information and the non-promoted volume information, and sends the complete volume forecast to the server.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide for planning deals. A deal master module provides a user interface for users to create a record with information reflecting characteristics of a first deal for inclusion in a deal hierarchy, and create a record with information reflecting characteristics of a second deal for inclusion in the deal hierarchy. The deal master module may form the deal hierarchy using the records by assigning a hierarchical relationship between the records for the first deal and the second deal. One of the deals is considered a top-level deal in the hierarchical relationship, and the other one of the deals is considered a sub-deal in the hierarchical relationship. The deal master module may thereafter make deal information available to a user to develop a potential trade promotion to promote one or more products or services, the deal information being derived from the deal hierarchy.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide for generating a trade calendar. A trade calendar module launches a query comprising search criteria for searching information pertaining to trade promotions. The trade calendar module then populates a trade calendar with information responsive to the query, including each trade promotion that meets the search criteria. The trade calendar module also causes the trade calendar to be displayed the trade calendar. The trade calendar simultaneously displays marketing activities corresponding to a portion of the information in the trade calendar.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide for integrating promotion planning with promotion execution. A module creates a trade promotion object reflecting a potential trade promotion and creates a promotion condition record for condition information reflecting a price discount corresponding to the potential trade promotion. The promotion condition record includes an identifier corresponding to the trade promotion object. Thereafter, the module sends the promotion condition record to a backend system that tracks promotion condition records to determine liabilities owed to retailers.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide for performing integrated promotion planning. A first sever receives baseline demand information from a second server. The baseline demand information is an estimate of consumer demand for a specified product from a specified retailer. The first server calculates incremental information reflecting an increase in demand due to a trade promotion involving the specified product and retailer, then sends the incremental information to the second server. The second server generates an alert when the baseline demand information and incremental information indicate that demand exceeds supply.

Abstract: An improved automotive air bag assembly includes a sheet metal housing having a cover formed of a homogeneous plastic. The cover is formed with locking arms for engaging the rim of the housing. Two of the locking arms are clamped onto the rim by a clamping member and two orthogonal locking arms are not so clamped. The cover defines tear lines whose thickness varies to control the sequence and direction of tear whereby doors are created whose hinges form in thickened regions of the cover material.