Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to methods and systems for efficiently communicating data between an insurer and a non-referral repair shop, e.g., vehicle repair shops that are normally not preapproved by the insurer to perform the estimating and repair work. The methods and systems described herein are particularly useful for insurers utilizing non-referral repair shops for servicing vehicles involved in insurance claims. According to aspects of this invention, the insured may be able to select a non-referral repair shop, not delegated or preapproved by the insurer, thereby generally allowing the insured to select any available vehicle repair shop.

Abstract: A mount structure for a double ended type tungsten-halogen lamp is disclosed employing vibration damping elements to reduce the effects of mechanical shock and vibration. A thin layer of ceramic cement is interposed between the mount structure and lamp to improve the sealing arrangement related to a quartz lamp. A sealed beam headlamp unit employing the improved lamp mount construction is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a vest and backpack combination which can be adjusted to fit people of different sizes and configurations. In fact, the combination can be adjusted so that a person wearing the combination need not have anything between the persons's body and the combination or the person wearing the combination can have a jacket or a mackenole or a shirt between the wearer and the combination. This combination is useful for hunters, fisherman, backpacker and military personnel for carrying equipment such as fish hooks, food, dry clothes such as socks, and ammunition.

Abstract: An improved plastic reflector member for a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lamp is disclosed and, in particular, the use of said improved plastic reflector member for an all plastic PAR lamp or a PAR lamp which uses said improved reflector member. Said improved plastic reflector member utilizes a variable thickness wall member to form the parabolic shaped cavity wherein the wall thickness of its planar walls is sufficiently greater in the rim sealing region than in the adjoining wall region of said parabolic cavity to avoid mechanical and heat distortion.

Abstract: Invalid lift apparatus particularly adapted for installation in an automotive vehicle of the van type characterized by a passenger side door adjoining a loading floor. The apparatus includes a storage receptacle mountable below the loading floor to receive a platform for wheelchair passengers. The platform is extensible onto movable supports for raising and lowering relative to fixed supports attachable at opposite sides of the door opening. Limit switches are provided to control the extent of upward and downward movement of the platform, and to orient the platform in proper position for movement out of the way and onto the storage receptacle whereby ambulatory passengers can enter and leave the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved socket member for a wedge base type incandescent lamp is disclosed which includes resilient engagement means to mount the lamp and socket assembly for subsequent operation along with particular electrical termination means being provided in the lamp socket member to help facilitate automatic installation of the lamp and socket assembly. The preferred termination means further include insulation piercing elements to physically grip the insulated electrical conductors associated with said lamp assembly during final installation of the lamp and socket assembly.

Abstract: An improved plastic reflector member for a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lamp is disclosed and, in particular, the use of said improved plastic reflector member for an all plastic PAR lamp or a PAR lamp which uses said improved reflector member. Said improved plastic reflector member utilizes a variable thickness wall member to form the parabolic shaped cavity wherein the wall thickness of its planar walls is sufficiently greater in the rim sealing region than in the adjoining wall region of said parabolic cavity to avoid mechanical and heat distortion.

Abstract: An improved sealing means is provided for a sealed prefocused light source mount for a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lamp and, in particular, to improved leak-proof sealing means for an all-plastic PAR lamp or a PAR lamp comprising a plastic reflector. The improved mount construction utilizes a plastic block having mating parts which define a cavity from which lead wires extend and which is filled with an elastomeric polymer providing both a leak-proof seal around the lead wires as well as a more reliable barrier to moisture leakage through the mount assembly.

Abstract: Improved positioning means are provided to locate a light source at the focus of a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lamp and, in particular to improved positioning means which center said light source in the plastic reflector of a PAR lamp and preferably an all plastic PAR lamp. The preferred mount construction being employed utilizes a plastic block having mating parts which define a cavity from which lead wires extend and which is filled with an elastomeric polymer providing both a leak-proof seal around the lead wires as well as a more reliable barrier to moisture leakage through the mount assembly. The improved positioning means can be rib elements located in the receptacle means on said reflector to which said plastic mount is joined.

Abstract: Improved seating or mounting pads are provided in a plastic reflector for a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lamp and, in particular, hollow mounting pads are located at each corner of a rectangular shaped plastic reflector member to avoid deformation of the parabolic cavity when the reflector member is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the reflector member is of a unitary molded construction which further includes a sealing rim and with said mounting pads comprising semi-circular hollow boss elements which are located on the rear surface of said sealing rim and project backwardly therefrom to terminate on the parabolic cavity surface.

Abstract: An improved sealing means is provided for a sealed prefocused light source mount for a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lamp and, in particular, to improved leak-proof sealing means for an all-plastic PAR lamp or a PAR lamp comprising a plastic reflector. The improved mount construction utilizes a plastic block having mating parts which define a cavity from which lead wires extend and which is filled with an elastomeric polymer providing both a leak-proof seal around the lead wires as well as a more reliable barrier to moisture leakage through the mount assembly.

Abstract: A planar-type multiple photoflash array is disclosed and including a circuit board with circuitry thereon for sequentially firing a plurality of flash lamps which are positioned horizontally in the cavities of an integral reflector and barrier member supported on said circuit board. The present improvement comprises further including spacing means between the contact and surfaces of the circuit board and barrier member to reduce the amount of radiant energy being transmitted by the flash lamps to radiant energy actuated switches and the circuitry of the circuit board member.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a plastic housing containing flash lamps having lead-in wires connected to a circuit board carrying switching circuitry for sequentially firing the flash lamps. A combined shield and flash indicator sheet is positioned between the circuit board and the rear of the housing and is contoured to have side portions extending along the side walls of the housing.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a housing elongated vertically and containing elongated flash lamps lying horizontally and stacked vertically, the flash lamps having lead-in wires extending from ends thereof near the sides of the housing and connected to a circuit board located behind the lamps. A conductive sheet-like shield is positioned between the circuit board and the rear of the housing and is contoured to have side portions extending frontwardly and between the lamp ends and the sides of the housing. Electrically insulative flash indicator material is positioned on the front surface of the shield and extends along the inside surfaces of the shield's frontwardly extending portions so as to prevent the lamp's lead-in wires from becoming shorted against the shield.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a plurality of flash lamps having lead-in wires connected to a circuit board, and a reflector unit positioned between the lamps and the circuit board. The reflector unit is made of plastic having an electrically conductive reflecting coating on its front surface, and the reflector unit is shaped to provide openings so that the conductive coating is adjacent to or touching electrical ground areas of circuitry on the circuit board, whereby the reflector unit functions to dissipate electrostatic charges thus preventing accidental flashing of lamps.

Abstract: A multiple photoflash lamp array is disclosed capable of producing a plurality of flashes for taking a plurality of flash pictures. The particular lamp construction includes a reflective unit having a plurality of adjacent reflectors or reflector cavities, each having a photoflash lamp mounted therein on a common base having a rigid molded plastic cover or shield which is light transmitting secured to said base and holding the entire assembly together. A butadiene styrene polymer is employed as the material of construction for said light transmitting cover means to provide better protection against shattering when the lamps are flashed than is obtained with the styrene homopolymer material now being used.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a plurality of flash lamps having lead-in wires connected to a circuit board, and a reflector unit positioned between the lamps and the circuit board. The reflector unit is made of plastic provided with an electrically conductive reflecting coating on its front surface, and is further provided with an integral tab member having a surface exposed to the front of the reflector unit, which surface is coated with said conductive coating, the tab being bent over so that its coated surface faces the circuit board and is in contact with an electrical ground area of the circuit board, whereby the conductive coating of the reflector unit is connected to electrical ground and functions to dissipate electrostatic charges thus preventing accidental flashing of lamps.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a plurality of flash lamps having lead-in wires connected to a circuit board carrying switching circuitry for sequentially firing the flash lamps. An electrically conductive reflector unit is positioned between the lamps and the circuit board. A conductive clip is clipped to the reflector unit and touches against an electrical ground point on the circuit board, whereby the reflector unit functions as an electrical shield for the circuitry.