Abstract: An enclosure for an input-output (IO) subsystem comprises: a backplane; a plurality of first slots for accepting corresponding IO option modules; a second slot for accepting an IO controller module; a plurality of first connectors corresponding to the plurality of first slots for connecting the corresponding IO option modules to the backplane; a second connector corresponding to the second slot for connecting the IO controller module to the backplane; and wherein the backplane includes communication links for interconnecting the second connector to each of the plurality of first connectors.

Abstract: Outgoing call log data associated with a call from a subscriber's terminal is provided by a system including a switch, which receives the call from the subscriber's terminal and launches a query in response to the call, and a service controller, which receives the query and forwards call data to an interface server in response to the query. The switch continues to process the telephone call after querying the service controller. The interface server obtains additional information from a directory database based on at least the received call data. An outgoing call log database receives and stores the call data and the additional information from the interface server as the outgoing call log data. A web server retrieves the outgoing call log data from the outgoing call log database, in response to a query from a web client, and displays the outgoing call log data at the web client.

Abstract: A latch-spring assembly has a handle with prongs extending from a finger-grip portion. One prong has a circumferential groove. A leaf spring has an anchor portion for attachment to a subassembly wall and a spring portion flexibly coupled to the anchor portion. The spring portion has a latching tab extending from one side and cylindrical portions. The prongs pass through openings in the subassembly wall to enter the cylindrical portions. One cylindrical portion has a compressible region, which is compressed within the groove of the one prong to secure the handle to the leaf spring. The latching tab extends through an opening in the sidewall when the leaf spring is attached to a subassembly sidewall. When the subassembly enters an enclosure, the latching tab engages a latch-receiving mechanism in the enclosure. Deflecting the handle laterally disengages the latching tab from the latch-receiving mechanism, thus releasing the subassembly from the enclosure.

Abstract: A rack-mounted bracket assembly comprises a main member having a first end, a second end, and a shelf therebetween. A set of long tabs is disposed on the first end of the main member. A set of short tabs is disposed on the second end of the main member. A retention latch is connected to the main member and limits the movement of the bracket within a rack.

Abstract: A portable, extremity-attachable device for dispensing skin treatment comprises a deformable housing having a skin treatment reservoir that is caused to dispense such treatment upon squeeze actuation. A set of valves permit proper operation of the device with different modes of use. Embodiments include a simple deformable, wrist-mounted device and a pumped based device with a rigid housing.

Abstract: Described is a connector assembly and interconnect system for absorbing physical tolerances. The connector assembly includes a shoulder screw, a spring, and an electrical connector. A barrel portion of the screw passes through hole in a flange of the connector. Secured to a structural member is a threaded portion of the screw. Coiled about the barrel portion of the screw, between the connector body and the structural member, is the spring. The interconnect system includes a second connector for mating with the electrical connector. One connector can be mounted in a chassis and the other to a subassembly. When the subassembly slides into the chassis, the connectors mate and compress the spring. A securing mechanism then couples the subassembly to the chassis, keeping the spring compressed and urging connectors against each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides safety confirmation or hazard warning to a technician in the field, e.g., by scanning an equipment identification label and comparing the identification to a schedule of equipment inactivation times. The systems and methods of the invention can optionally provide remote interactions to reschedule inactivations or to protect the technician by lock-out from a hazardous condition.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an electromagnetic shielding apparatus and method is provided. In one representative embodiment, an electromagnetic shielding apparatus is provided that comprises a plurality of spring fingers ganged together. At least one of the spring fingers includes an end extension adapted to facilitate a corner-to-corner contact with a mounting slot in a panel.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention include moving bird decoy apparatus and related methods that address a bird decoy whose wings may be moved to simulate wing stretching motions exhibited by birds such as geese and ducks. An automated wing motion element together with a power source may be capable of moving decoy wings to simulate wing stretching motions.

Abstract: A system and a method store, display and report outgoing call log data associated with telephone calls from a subscriber's telephone. The system includes a switch in one network that receives a telephone call from the subscriber's telephone and launches a query in response to an AIN trigger to a service control point. In response, the service control point forwards associated call data to an interface server in another network via a generic data interface. The interface server obtains additional information from a directory database and sends the call data and the additional information to an outgoing call log database, which stores the call data and the additional information as the outgoing call log data. A web server retrieves the outgoing call log data and displays it to the subscriber at a web client.

Abstract: A process for forming a foamed thermoplastic earplug, comprising the steps of extruding a foamed body of thermoplastic material; shaping the foamed thermoplastic material; and at least partially separating the resulting shaped material for forming individual earplugs.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reviewing and updating a subscriber's telecommunications services, including a Caller ID service, using a graphical user interface via multiple data networks. The method includes presenting service data to the subscriber via the data networks and transmitting a data message from the subscriber to an intelligent peripheral via at least one of the data networks. The data message indicates a subscriber's desired update to a selected telecommunications service. The method also includes converting the data message into a protocol compatible with an integrated service control point. The converted data message is identical to a data message that the intelligent peripheral would create if the subscriber had entered the desired update via an interactive voice response system.

Abstract: A mount for a computer drive. The mount has a base structure having a plurality of lateral retainers and a top structure mountable to the base structure over a drive region. The top structure also has an arcuate drive interface extendable into the drive region.

Abstract: A personal misting umbrella consists of a water distribution tubing network that exists within the umbrella canopy. Its placement within and attachment to the spreader and rib umbrella canopy support structure enables the canopy to be operated in an unhindered manner within its stored and unfurled configurations as required by the user. Upon connection of the water distribution tubing network to a source of pressurized water, such as a personalized container-air pump combination, the user can selectively fill the canopy with a fine water mist, cooling the shaded air beneath the canopy through evaporative cooling.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wrist- or forearm-mounted device for dispensing a small amount of alcohol-based disinfectant hand rub, moisturizer, or other hand medicament. Even powder-based hand treatments can be dispensed using the present invention. A wristband or other attachment means affix the device to arm or wrist. Various locations are feasible including the top, side, or underside of the wrist or forearm. One embodiment provides for a finger-mounted geometry. In a preferred embodiment, the device is in the form of a low profile, wrist-mounted dispenser with a nozzle that produces a small amount of dispensed skin treatment when actuated. In an advanced embodiment, the dispenser is of a pressure multiplying design that shoots a single “dose” of liquid under pressure when mildly actuated by the fingers of the hand.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an arm-mountable device for the discharge of hand treatment medications into the palm of the hand. In it simplest embodiment, the device is a compressible squeeze bladder with nozzle that is affixed to the underside of the wrist with a wristband. The contents of the bladder are ejected in a small burst to the palm of the hand upon initiation of compression of the bladder by the free hand. Features of various advanced embodiments include pressure multiplying squeeze bladders, plunger-based devices, and adjustable nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to ear muffs and in particular to an earmuff that are to be used in conjunction with headphones for portable radios, cassette players and the like. The outer surface of the earmuff is a solid shape resembling a standard earmuff while the inner side that faces the ear breaks apart into 2 C-shape donut halves to accommodate the placement of the headphone speaker. This design allows the earmuff to be positioned around the headphone speaker by means of the 2 C-shape donut halves and reconnect together around the headphone speaker in order to stabilize against the headphone and allow space for the headphone band and speaker wire between the connected respective halves of the donut. The earmuff makes use of the unique donut design to accommodate various styles of portable headphones while providing maximum insulation to the ear. The earmuffs are detachable and can be exchanged.

Abstract: The invention provides certain novel metal oxide materials which exhibit superconductivity at elevated temperatures and/or which are useful in electrode, electrolyte, cell and sensor applications, or as electrochemical catalysts. The metal oxide materials are generally within the formula Rn+1−u−sAuMm+eCunOw  (1) where n≧0 and n is an integer or a non-integer, 1≦m≦2, 0≦s≦0.

Abstract: Fuel Cell Powering system and method minimizing the number of motive drive sources and controlling fuel/air ratios by employing differentials including variable speed mechanisms between compressors and between compressors and expanders; by utilizing flow control devices for separate fluid streams including separate exhaust streams; by utilizing independent compressor/expander chambers; and by injection of water into exhaust streams prior to expansion.