Abstract: In a vehicle occupant response system, a vehicle navigation system supplies a vehicle location information to a computer which formulates messages for SMS transmission by a cellular telephone device. The messages are relayed by a GSM network to an internet server. The server identifies a user account, for example from the telephone number of the device embedded in each message. The server then runs an application which is specific to a user which may comprise sending messages containing desired information to the vehicle and making available the current location of the vehicle to a user of a personal computer.

Abstract: A system which enables the position of each plurality of mobile labelled objects in a specified environment to be determined from the transit times to fixed receivers of ultrasound energy transmitted by object mounted transponders which are triggered by radio energy, wherein the specified environment is divided into cells each have a radio transmitter transmitting the radio triggered signals, these radio transmissions being multiplexed in accordance with identifying characteristics of the respective cells, no two cells with the same identifying characteristics overlapping one another.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of each of a plurality of objects in a specified environment by determining the transit times of slowly propagating measurement energy transmitted from a measurement energy transmitter on each object to a plurality of fixed measurement energy receivers in the specified environment, the transmission of the measurement energy being triggered by a burst of high speed propagating trigger energy into the specified environment from a trigger energy transmitter, the measurement energy transmitter on each object being triggered by an object-mounted trigger energy receiver, each burst of trigger energy being encoded so as to trigger one only of the measurement energy transmitters, wherein a coordinating control system determines the order in which the measurement energy transmitters are triggered, in response to updatable information relating to service demands of the trigger energy transmitter and/or objects.

Abstract: A system which enables the position of each of a plurality of movable labelled objects to be determined in an environment having two or more isolated zones, wherein the objects carry transponders which, in response to encoded radio signals, transmit ultrasonic signals of which the transit times to a plurality of fixed receivers are determined, the transponders in the different zones being triggered in a common timeslot but in staggered relationship for one zone as compared to another, and an algorithm is applied to verify the consistency of the transit times having regard to the possible movements of objects from one zone to another.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a labelled object within an environment containing a plurality of detectors sensitive to energy of a first type and located at known positions therearound, wherein the object has a transmitter for transmitting energy of the first type, and each object is labelled by means of a receiver forming part of a communication link with a remote controlling transmitter for triggering the object-mounted transmitter. The transit time between the transmitter and each detector is used to determine the straight line distances between the object and the receivers, to enable the position of the object relative to the receivers to be determined. The arrival and departure of an object into and from the environment is determined by a second communication link from a second transmitter on each object, to a remote receiver. The two communication links may be combined in a bi-directional radio communication system.

Abstract: A battery powered, joystick controlled wheelchair includes a battery by which a supply of power can be provided, a joystick by which voltages proportionate to degrees of lean from a neutral position can be produced from the supply of power, and a master power switch by which the supply of power to the joystick can be turned on and off. It is detected whether the voltages produced are forward or reverse direction voltages, and pulse width modulation, resulting in a pulse train, is provided. The pulse train is amplified to deliver driving power with a polarity consistent with a detected direction, and motors are driven by the driving power and, in turn, drive the wheelchair.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring from variable endpoints the location of a remote wearer of a wireless communications device is disclosed. The device is capable of determining its current geographic location from GPS signals or the like and comparing such location to a stored set of rules defining permissible or impermissible geographic zones. Upon breach of such rules, the device will automatically report notification of the breach to a central server which will communicate notification to a designated endpoint based on previously stored routing conditions. Endpoints are capable of querying or sending a message to the device directly. Further, the system provides for a network-accessible communications center, such as an Internet website, through which users of the system may send and receive data to the device, or modify the boundary rule sets or routing conditions as needed in near real time.

Abstract: A hot water dispensing system comprises a one-piece plastic tank having a main heating chamber, an expansion chamber, and an air collection chamber. The air collection chamber is disposed generally below the expansion chamber and alongside the main heating chamber. The main heating chamber is in fluid communication with the expansion chamber and the air collection chamber. The hot water dispensing system also includes a temperature control system having a heating element, a metal temperature sensing bracket, and a thermostat. The heating element is disposed within the plastic tank and connected to a metal temperature sensing bracket disposed outside the tank. The excellent conductive properties of a metal sheath that connects the metal temperature sensing bracket to the heating element allow the metal temperature sensing bracket to simulate changes in the temperature of water in the tank.

Abstract: The invention provides an analogue of a pharmaceutical active whose molecular weight is less than 25,000 Daltons, the analogue comprising a pharmaceutical active whose molecular weight is less than 25,000 Daltons covalently linked to a pendant molecular group wherein as a result of the administration of the composition to the human or animal body an active complex having a molecular weight of 25,000 Daltons or greater is present in the human or animal circulatory system. The analogue is hepatoselective when administered to the circulatory system. Preferably the analogue is an insulin analogue comprising an insulin or functional equivalent thereof covalently linked to the pendant molecular group wherein the active complex is an insulin complex. Such an insulin analogue may be used in a method of insulin replacement therapy.

Abstract: A method of adding time information to a data stream is provided. First and second timing sequences are linked with the data stream. The first timing sequence provides a permanent time record of when the data in the stream first originated. The second timing sequence is re-writable when the data stream is altered, for example by editing, so as to ensure an internally consistent time track is provided each time the data stream is changed. The timing sequences are derived from absolute references such as Global Positioning System (GPS) Time. The first and second timing sequences may be stored separately to the data stream. Two or more sets of second timing sequences may be provided, corresponding to different presentations of common sets of data streams.

Abstract: The invention provides an analogue of a pharmaceutical active whose molecular weight is less than 25,000 Daltons, the analogue comprising a pharmaceutical active whose molecular weight is less than 25,000 Daltons covalently linked to a pendant molecular group wherein as a result of the administration of the composition to the human or animal body an active complex having a molecular weight of 25,000 Daltons or greater is present in the human or animal circulatory system. The analogue is hepatoselective when administered to the circulatory system. Preferably the analogue is an insulin analogue comprising an insulin or functional equivalent thereof covalently linked to the pendant molecular group wherein the active complex is an insulin complex. Such an insulin analogue may be used in a method of insulin replacement therapy.

Abstract: Digitized audio information is compressed by retrieving a first audio sample from a digitized audio signal and storing it in its entire, uncompressed, form. The next audio sample is then retrieved and a signed difference between the first audio sample value and the next audio sample value is computed. If this difference value can be represented in fewer data segments than would be required to represent the next audio sample, the difference value is stored, rather than the value of the next sample, otherwise the next sample is stored. The invention proceeds in this fashion until the entire PCM audio signal is compressed and stored. The compressed data stream is decompressed to generate an output data stream by retrieving a stored sample and examining it to ascertain whether it is a difference value or a flag which indicates that the following data represents a coded amplitude value.

Abstract: Digitized audio information is compressed by retrieving a first audio sample from a digitized audio signal and storing it in its entire, uncompressed, form. The next audio sample is then retrieved and a signed difference between the first audio sample value and the next audio sample value is computed. If this difference value can be represented in fewer data segments than would be required to represent the next audio sample, the difference value is stored, rather than the value of the next sample, otherwise the next sample is stored. The invention proceeds in this fashion until the entire PCM audio signal is compressed and stored. The compressed data stream is decompressed to generate an output data stream by retrieving a stored sample and examining it to ascertain whether it is a difference value or a flag which indicates that the following data represents a coded amplitude value.

Abstract: A self-latching handle for storage batteries includes a cam mechanism formed integrally with the ends of the battery handle, the cam mechanism cooperating with the battery housing as the battery handle is rotated downwardly from a vertical attachment position to a horizontal storage position to lift the ends of the battery handle to move pivot post portions of the battery handle into pivot apertures formed in the cover of the battery housing and to lock the battery handle to the battery housing while permitting the battery handle to be pivoted between the horizontal storage position and a vertical use position without becoming detached from the battery housing.

Abstract: Provided are compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R.sub.1 are the same or different lower alkyl groups and R.sub.3 is hydrogen or CHO--.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuous removal of liquids from sludges. The apparatus includes an endless driven lower pervious belt and an endless driven upper impervious belt. The impervious belt is supported by an upper frame positioned above a fixed lower frame member by spring-loaded, adjustable hydraulic cylinders. The two belts are driven at different speeds to provide continuous shear on sludge pressed between the belts. Each belt is supported on a plurality of horizontally spaced rollers with the rollers for the upper belt and the rollers for the lower belt being longitudinally offset from each other. The horizontal roller spacing from the point of contact of the upper belt to the sludge as it is fed in between the belts is of a diminishing progression which may be arithmetic, geometric, or a combination thereof from the point of contact of the upper belt on the sludge to the discharge end.

Abstract: Provided are novel 5-alkoxy-2-alkyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines of the formula ##STR1## wherein A is CHO--, HOOC--CH.dbd.CH--, or HOOC--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, R and R.sub.1 are the same or different lower alkyl groups, and acid addition salts and quaternary ammonium salts thereof.

Abstract: Provided are 5-alkoxy-2-alkyl-7,8-cyclopentano[ h]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-1'-ones of the formula ##SPC1##Wherein R and R.sub.1 are the same or different lower alkyl groups, acid addition salts and quaternary ammonium salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of the compounds useful as hypotensive agents, and processes of producing the compounds.Also provided are novel 5-alkoxy-2-alkyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline intermediates of the formula ##SPC2##Wherein A is CHO-, HOOC-CH=CH-, or HOOC-CH.sub.2 -CH.sub.2 -, R and R.sub.1 are the same or different lower alkyl groups, and acid addition salts and quaternary ammonium salts thereof.

Abstract: Provided are novel cyclopentano-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines of the formula ##SPC1##Wherein R and R.sub.1 are the same or different lower alkyl groups, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or a lower alkyl group, m is an integer from 1 to 2, n is an integer from 1 to 2 and m + n equals 3, and acid addition salts thereof, processes for making the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of the compounds useful as hypotensive agents. Also provided are intermediates of the formula ##SPC2##Wherein R and R.sub.1 are the same or different lower alkyl groups and R.sub.3 is hydrogen, CHO--, ##EQU1## wherein R.sub.2 is hydrogen or a lower alkyl group.

Abstract: N-substituted cyclopentano[h]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines of the formula ##SPC1##Wherein R and R.sub.1 represent hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower akanoyloxy or aryl-lower alkanoyloxy groups, R.sub.3 represents hydrogen or a lower alkyl group and R.sub.4 represents a lower alkyl, arylcarbonyl, aryl-lower alkyl, benzhydryl-lower alkyl, lower alkanoyl, aryl-lower alkanoyl, benzhydryl-lower akanoyl or benzhydrylcarbonyl group, and acid addition salts and quaternary ammonium salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds useful for lowering blood pressure in animals.