Abstract: An integrated system for the administration of insurance companies is disclosed which includes a personal computer, a network and one or more file servers. The system further includes software for performing a plurality of functions which are interconnected and automatic. Manually entered data is verified, integrated into the database and the appropriate functions performed. A built-in audit system allows all transactions to be retrieved and all communications to be documented. A system allows for predefining via an activity scheduler first types of entered data that are processed by an activity processor in real time and second types of entered data that are queued for processing at another time.

Abstract: The invention provides control systems and methodologies for controlling a process having one or more motorized pumps and associated motor drives, which provide for optimized process performance according to one or more performance criteria, such as efficiency, component life expectancy, safety, emissions, noise, vibration, operational cost, or the like. More particularly, the subject invention provides for employing machine diagnostic and/or prognostic information in connection with optimizing an overall business operation over a time horizon.

Abstract: An integrated system for the administration of insurance companies is disclosed which includes a personal computer, a network and one or more file servers. The system further includes software for performing a plurality of functions which are interconnected and automatic. Manually entered data is verified, integrated into the database and the appropriate functions performed. A built-in audit system allows all transactions to be retrieved and all communications to be documented. The system further includes an automatic system for profiling the program to the needs of an individual insurance company so that all transactions correspond to the desired features and parameters selected by the user.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for telomerizing a conjugated diene which comprises reacting said conjugated diene with a compound containing active hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst system comprising at least one transition metal compound, at least one phosphorus-containing compound, and at least one salt which forms a liquid under the conditions of the telomerization process.

Abstract: The load distributing arrangement includes a load distributing member of the type described which is configured to define a running board for a vehicle, and a mounting apparatus for removably mounting the load distributing member in position on the vehicle so that the load distributing member serves as a running board, in use. The load distributing member may be formed of a plurality of steel channel sections attached to one another in a side-by-side relation, and the sides of the channel sections may form reinforcing ribs to inhibit deformation of the of the load distributing member, in use. The steel channel sections may include perforations to inhibit slipping of persons standing on the load distributing member, and to provide purchase for tires of a vehicle, when the load distributing member is used in its application as a sand ladder.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for telomerizing a conjugated diene which comprises reacting said conjugated diene with a compound containing active hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst system comprising at least one transition metal compound, at least one phosphorus-containing compound, and at least one salt which forms a liquid under the conditions of the telomerization process.

Abstract: A rigid three-dimensionally shaped fiber network structure having improved post-yield dimensional recovery is provided. The fiber network structure is formed from a fabric containing (A) at least one oriented, semi-crystalline monofilament yarn made from a first thermoplastic polymer, and (B) a second thermoplastic polymer which effects bonding of the monofilament cross-over points. The fiber network structures are useful in a variety of articles, including sandwich panels, various spacers, drainage systems, and energy absorption structures.

Abstract: A fuel-gauging system has an ultrasonic probe mounted in a tank, the probe being connected to a processor unit via an electrical signal path comprising two lengths of electrical wires and a piezoelectric transformer connected in series between the two lengths of wires. The transformer has two piezoelectric elements mounted on opposite sides of the wall of the tank so there is no direct electrical passage into the tank. The piezoelectric elements are matched to the resonant frequency of the probe so that signals of different frequencies are heavily attentuated.

Abstract: Laminated fiber network structures having high resilience, good cushioning properties, and excellent impact-resistance include at least one layer of a three-dimensional fiber network material and a second layer, which may be a planar material (e.g. a fabric, film, or sheet) or a second layer of a three-dimensional fiber network material. The surfaces of the two layers face each other and are bonded together at their points of contact. The three-dimensional fiber network material is a fabric made from thermoplastic filaments that are at least 0.1 mm in diameter, where the fabric has an array of projections and optional depressions pushed out of one or both sides of the fabric.

Abstract: A mixing and dispensing head is designed for use in a two component foam system. The head includes a body having a mixing chamber formed therein along a longitudinal axis and having a dispensing channel downstream of the mixing chamber. At least two supply portions are connected to the body, with each of the supply portions for supplying one of the components to the mixing chamber at a component entry location. Each of the component entry locations is longitudinally offset from each other. A rotating mixing member within the mixing chamber for mixing the components together to form the foam product. The mixing member includes a cylindrical core having indentations in the core and having angled vanes extending from the core. A shutoff portion is provided for stopping the flow of product from the dispensing channel.

Abstract: A rigid three-dimensionally shaped fiber network structure having improved post-yield dimensional recovery is composed of a deformed textile fabric network structure containing: (A) at least one oriented, semi-crystalline monofilament yarn containing a thermoplastic polymer and disposed in the deformed fabric so as to provide a plurality of monofilament cross-over points therein; and (B) a cured crosslinkable resin impregnating the deformed network structure so as to effect bonding of all or substantially all of the monofilament cross-over points.

Abstract: An electronic syringe for use in administering anesthetic and the like injections or for aspirating fluids. The electronic syringe is particularly well suited in dental applications where a precise level of hand control is required. The syringe housing is a compact, pen-style arrangement that may be gripped between the middle and index fingers of the practitioner's hand which allowing for thumb-free operation. Motorized, optionally cordless, operation with speed control and data collection is also provided such that an injection can be preformed on a patient in a steady, painless, non-intimidating manner. When connected to a processing device, the data collection feature is capable of updating a patient database with the mount of anesthetic and the like injected for record keeping purposes.

Abstract: Wax crystal modifiers for fuel oils are derived from ethylene-alpha olefin polymers with terminal unsaturation, preferably obtained by polymerization in the presence of a metallocene catalyst, optionally together with other cold flow improvers.

Abstract: A stretcher is provided which is usable for ophthalmic surgery and other similar operations. It includes a pivotably mounted backrest assembly and a headrest which is pivotably mounted to the backrest assembly. The headrest is substantially narrower in width than the remainder of the stretcher to provide easier access to a patient's head. A receptacle including a locking mechanism is centrally positioned beneath the headrest. It includes a passage which receives the mounting member of a wrist rest assembly or a headrest extension assembly. The headrest extension assembly is mounted to the headrest for providing a full width surface area for the patient's head.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a work article on a work surface. The apparatus includes a base member having an opening therein, a work article support member attached to and positioned above the base member, the work article support member having an opening therein positioned in at least partial alignment with the opening of the base member, and means attached to the base member and positioned between the base member and the work surface for allowing the base member and the work article support member to rotate with respect to the work surface. A storage tray having an opening positioned in at least partial alignment with the openings of the base member and the work article support member can be attached to the base member and positioned between the base member and the work article support member.

Abstract: A press-in reversing knob for a ratchet wrench which has a self-contained retaining means. The reversing knob includes a generally cylindrical member having an annular flange at its upper end and resilient inwardly-deformable projections extending radially outward from its lower end. A cylindrical bore formed in the plug includes a coaxial annular retaining groove spaced downwardly from the top of the bore. As the reversing knob is pressed into the bore, the resilient projection is deformed inwardly by the walls of the bore until the projection engages the retaining groove and springs outwardly. The retaining groove retains the projection to prevent the reversing knob from becoming upwardly disengaged from the bore while accommodating rotational movement of the projection as the reversing knob is turned.