Abstract: A pump assembly (100) having a pump housing (206 and 208) and a rotor (222) rotatingly disposed within the housing, the rotor having a plurality of slots (226). The pump assembly includes a plurality of vanes (224), each vane moveably disposed in one of the plurality of slots, and an input shaft (228) coupled to the rotor for applying a torque to the rotor. The pump assembly (100) also includes a prime mover (400) for generating a torque and a magnetic coupling unit (300) for magnetically transferring the torque generated by the prime mover to the input shaft. The vanes may have a leg (256) which extends radially inward from a blade (254). The rotor and input shaft may be integrally formed.

Abstract: A rotary vane pump (200) for pumping a fluid. The rotary vane pump includes a pump housing (206 and 208) and a rotor having a plurality of dividing members (232) and a plurality of slots (226) disposed between adjacent dividing members. The rotary vane pump also includes a plurality of strengthening members (240), each strengthening member disposed in one of the plurality of slots and coupled to adjacent dividing members. The rotary vane pump also includes a plurality of vanes (224), each vane moveably disposed in one of the plurality of slots.

Abstract: A shelter is disclosed for an animal, the shelter including demountable first and second frames adapted to be releasably connectable to a flexible support and a flexible cover, providing a substantially enclosed space for receiving an animal, particularly a dog, when the shelter is in use. Each of the first and second frames, the flexible support and flexible cover are manufactured from lightweight materials. The components of the shelter can either be totally or partially dismantled to be packed together in a substantially flat configuration.

Abstract: A refuse bag supporting device comprises a refuse bag supporting frame and a plurality of legs which are both pivotal relative to the frame and retractable to facilitate supporting refuse bags either vertically or horizontally and to facilitate convenient storage of the refuse bag supporting device.

Abstract: A method of determining if one web site has the same information as another web site includes receiving a signal to select a form configured to find data in a file containing information displayed on a web site and accessed via a network, applying the selected form to the file and selectively identifying item information available in the file, copying identified item information to a first data file, the identified item information being related to a specific product or service, and comparing the first data file and a second data file to determine if the specific product or service of the first data file is related to the specific product or service of the second data file.

Abstract: A method of providing voice access to Internet-based information and services includes receiving a signal indicating a communication connection request in which the communication connection request is initiated by a user of a communication apparatus, establishing a communication connection with the communication apparatus of the user, receiving voice information from the user, and communicating voice information responsive to the voice information received from the user. The responsive voice information includes Internet-based information.

Abstract: A delayed action switch actuator includes a spring attached to one corner of a face plate, a suction cup and a ring-like toggle engaging member, sized to surround the toggle passing through the face plate, connecting the spring to the suction cup. The spring is sized to be in tension when the toggle-engaging member is in a toggle-engaging position. The suction cup is affixable to a roughened surface area on the face plate. The suction cup forms an imperfect seal with the roughened surface area, which results in the suction cup releasing after a period of time, such as a minute or two. The toggle is located between the point of attachment of the spring on one side of the face plate and the roughened area on the other side of the face plate. When the suction cup releases, the spring, which is in tension, pulls on the toggle-engaging member which subsequently trips the toggle.