Abstract: This device limits the angular rotation of a towed vehicle/trailer from jackknifing during a back-up maneuver. This device is for use on towed vehicle/trailer with a conventional hitchball type hitch comprised of a ball mount and hitchball. The device is comprised of removable contact plate with two rearward facing sides that act as stops that limits the angler rotation of the towed vehicle's hitch coupler. The two sides of the contact plate are at an angle that is optimal for safely turning a towed vehicle. The contact plate is held perpendicular to the base plate by two radial posts on the contact plate that mount into two mating holes in the base plate. The base plate is mounted horizontally on the underside of ball mount and secured by the hitchball and the hitchball's retaining nut.

Abstract: A system for providing information to at least one passenger onboard a mobile platform (such as a train, marine vessel, aircraft or automobile) is provided. The system includes a display device that displays the information. The system also includes a source of user input coupled to the display device that enables the at least one passenger to request the information. The information includes at least galley information. The system further includes a galley control module that generates galley data that includes at least one food service item available onboard the mobile platform, and a graphical user interface module that displays the at least one food service item available onboard the mobile platform to enable the at least one passenger to select at least one of the at least one food service item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a visual appearance of at least one window displayed on a screen after a change in a resolution of the screen includes a first step of receiving a display change notice indicative that the resolution of the screen is to be changed from a current screen resolution to a new screen resolution. A second step of determining the current screen resolution. A third step of determining the new screen resolution. A fourth step of generating at least one scaling factor based on the current screen resolution and the new screen resolution. A fifth step of transmitting a windows resize to a window drawing module for triggering drawing the window on the screen using the new visual parameters when the resolution changes from the current screen resolution to the new screen resolution.

Abstract: A document printing method includes receiving a print job of electronic document data representing a document including a security character string with at least one character defined in the electronic document data in terms of a security mark creation font. The security mark creation font is a scalable outline based font, wherein the security character string is defined with a selected security effect, and wherein the security mark creation font provides an indication of the selected security effect without implementing the security effect. An SI Font is selected that corresponds to the security mark creation font of the at least one character of the security character string. The SI Font includes a bitmap representation of the at least one character of the security character string. The SI Font is suitable for printing the security character string with the selected security effect.

Abstract: A method of formation of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) resonator or filter which is compatible with integration with any analog, digital, or mixed-signal integrated circuit (IC) process, after or concurrently with the formation of the metal interconnect layers in those processes, by virtue of its materials of composition, processing steps, and temperature of fabrication is presented. The MEMS resonator or filter incorporates a lower metal level, which forms the electrodes of the MEMS resonator or filter, that may be shared with any or none of the existing metal interconnect levels on the IC. It further incorporates a resonating member that is comprised of at least one metal layer for electrical connection and electrostatic actuation, and at least one dielectric layer for structural purposes. The gap between the electrodes and the resonating member is created by the deposition and subsequent removal of a sacrificial layer comprised of a carbon-based material.

Abstract: Creation and management of electronic files for a localization project. The electronic files are based on a data structure that defines the format and content of the electronic files and includes a first data structure portion that contains data that represents a plurality of references to localization project files. Moreover, the data structure includes a second data structure portion that is associated with the first data structure portion that contains data that represents a plurality of references to standard files.

Abstract: A belt sanding attachment tool suitable for use with a driver such as a bench drill, the belt sanding attachment tool being a complete unit and removable from the driver, and suitable for work operations such as grinding, polishing, sanding, finishing and the like. The belt sanding attachment tool has a rotating spindle providing a dual function of firstly providing the primary support of the whole belt sanding attachment tool to the driver, and secondly, providing rotary motion to a driving drum spaced from a second rotatable idler drum to direct and move an endless belt between the two drums. An outward biasing means is provided by way of a spring within a telescopic arm to keep the endless belt in tension.

Abstract: An auction method for specifying catalog contents for packaging and pushing to an electronic auction. The auction method is implemented in an electronic commerce exchange. The auction method includes the steps of specifying catalog contents for packaging for an auction operation hosted on the electronic exchange. Initial terms for the sale of the contents are then specified. The auction is then automatically initiated using the previously specified contents and the previously specified terms. The auction proceeds with the receiving of bids for the contents from remote bidders. The bids are received via a distributed computing network into which the electronic commerce exchange is communicatively coupled. A winning bid is selected by determining a most competitive bid out of the bids received for the contents. A sale of the contents is then completed based upon the terms of the most competitive bid.

Abstract: Soluble keratin derivatives are disclosed. The soluble keratin derivatives may include a soluble keratin protein having at least one substituted chemical group at a lysine group, terminal amine group and/or hydroxyl amino acid group of a soluble keratin protein. Soluble keratin derivatives may be formed by succinylation or quaternisation, or by reaction with fatty acid derivatives. The soluble keratin derivatives may be used in personal care formulations, and may also comprise mixtures of several different soluble keratin derivatives.

Abstract: A method for simplifying a mathematical model is disclosed. The method obtains a data set and identifies a plurality of variables within the data set. The method also performs a clustering analysis by dividing the data set into groups, where each group has a cluster center. The method further replaces the plurality of variables with a plurality of cluster distances. The method also uses the plurality of cluster distances as a plurality of independent variables in a model creation process.

Abstract: A current transformer cabinet is disclosed having an electrical meter coupled to current transformers. One or more disconnect switches arranged between the source conductors and the load conductors. The disconnect switches include a link member that allows the disconnecting of electrical service from the load conductors by rotation of the link from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for setting a trip-point temperature value for detection of an over-temperature condition in a chip when a reading from a main temperature sensor exceeds the trip-point temperature value. In one embodiment, the trip-point temperature value is set to a known temperature limit value offset by a temperature difference, ?T. ?T is calculated by taking the difference between a reading of the main temperature sensor and a reading of another temperature sensor, remote from the main temperature sensor, while a heat-generating circuit is enabled. The main temperature sensor is distal from heat-generating circuit on the chip and the remote temperature sensor is proximate the heat-generating circuit. For multiple heat-generating circuits on the chip, a ?T is determined for each of the heat-generating circuits, and the largest ?T is used to calculate the trip-point temperature value. Advantageously, the largest ?T determination may be done only once.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining a measurement of a portion of a load in a basket that is rotatably supported provided, the method includes: a) determining, a dry load measurement; b) spinning, the basket that is rotatably supported in order to gradually remove the liquid from the load, wherein the liquid is removed substantially by centrifugal force on the basket that is rotatably supported; c) determining a wet load measurement, wherein the dry load measurement is less than the wet load measurement; d) comparing the dry load measurement to the wet load measurement to determine a remaining liquid measurement; and e) repeating c) and d) until the remaining liquid measurement substantially is within a predetermined percentage threshold of about 0 percent to about 50 percent of the wet load measurement.

Abstract: An electrical connector is mounted to a printed circuit board with a number of electrical circuits thereon for mating with a complementary plug. The electrical connector has a connector member and an IC bonded to connector member and combining with the connector member into a single unit. The connector member includes an insulative housing and a number of integrated electrical contacts attached thereto. The insulative housing has a mating face and a mounting face. Each electrical contact includes a retention engaging with the insulative housing, a mating section extending from one end of the retention section to the mating face, and a mounting portion extending from the other end of the retention section to the mounting face. The electrical contacts is electrically connected the printed circuit board and the IC.

Abstract: A dual crankshaft internal combustion engine is symmetrically constructed to form a perfectly balanced engine assembly. A first crankshaft, having a first end, a second end, and being formed of a shape and with a torsional flexibility, is housed within a cylinder block and connected to a first series of cooperating pistons and cylinders. A second crankshaft, having a first end and a second end, is formed of substantially the same shape as the first crankshaft and has substantially the same torsional flexibility as the first crankshaft. The second crankshaft is also housed within the cylinder block and connected to a second series of cooperating pistons and cylinders, while being positioned parallel to the first crankshaft, with the first end of the first crankshaft being positioned adjacent to the second end of the second crankshaft.

Abstract: A method of providing digital data services between a communications service provider and a customer site over a communications loop may include predicting a level of performance of the communications loop without coupling a modem to the communications loop at the customer site to provide a predicted level of performance of the communications loop. The communications loop may be qualified for an initial qualified level of digital data service based on the predicted level of performance of the communications loop. After qualifying the communications loop, digital data service may be provided over the communications loop at the initial qualified level using a modem coupled to the communications loop at the customer site, and a measured level of performance of the communications loop may be obtained based on data communicated between the communications service provider and the modem over the communications loop. The measured level of performance may then be compared with the predicted level of performance.

Abstract: A burr hole plug comprises a plug base including a flange configured for being mounted around a burr hole, an aperture through which an elongated medical device may pass, and tabs configured for extending within the cranial burr hole to center the plug base relative to the cranial burr hole. The burr hole plug further comprises a retainer configured for being mounted within the aperture of the plug base to secure the medical device. A method may comprise locating the plug base within a burr hole, such that the tabs are disposed within the burr hole to center the plug base relative to the cranial burr hole, introducing the elongated medical device through the cranial burr hole and into the brain tissue of the patient, mounting the retainer within the aperture of the plug base, and actuating the retainer to secure the medical device.

Abstract: A system for editing a multi-media narrative is provided, including an authoring application for inserting a media element within the multi-media narrative; said authoring application executable within a browser; said media element stored within a cache of said browser, inaccessible to a user of said browser; a database on a server for storage of said media element and said multi-media narrative; and a text to speech converter for converting text input by the user into a media element.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a portable device for the distribution of electrical power in one or more interchangeable, predefined configurations and methods of use.

Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor includes a first body having an internal passageway defining an inlet and an outlet, a coupler having an internal passageway defining an inlet and an outlet, the coupler being pivotally mounted to the body at the outlet of the body wherein the internal passageway of the coupler is in communication with the internal passageway of the body, and the coupler having at least one pivot axis. Further, the monitor includes a counterbalance device, which comprises an annular member mounted to the first body at the pivot axis.