Abstract: A blind system comprising a plurality of slats having a ballistic resistant material; a control system operably configured to cause a change in state of the blind from an open state to a protective closed state; and a sensing system operably configured to detect a threatening event, wherein the sensing system upon sensing the threatening event triggers the control system to transition from the open state to the protective state such that in the protective state, the blinds are adapted to be resistant to penetration by high-speed ballistic objects

Abstract: This invention includes a method of creating a navigation route based on certain criteria along several possible routes. One such criterion can be property values along routes. A navigation system using such a method can operate either off-line, with property values retrieved from a database previously, or on-line, with real-time retrieval of property values from a database. The retrieval is done using a communication interface. The system can include a GPS unit for determining the present location of the system, and the system with such a GPS unit can create a property-value-based navigation route from the present location to the destination without the driver being required to know the present location. Other criteria can include values of cars, boats, or airplanes registered at locations along routes. Routes along which are residences of criminals can be avoided.

Abstract: An intrusion deterrence accessory device for an enclosure having an original door or panel for limiting access to the enclosure includes a replacement door or panel for the enclosure, the door or panel being directly substitutable for the original door or panel; a dispenser for a deterrence substance operably mounted to the replacement door or panel; and an intrusion sensor operably mounted to the replacement door, wherein the dispenser is operable to dispense the deterrence substance when an intrusion is sensed by the intrusion sensor.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus for sweeping or clearing debris from a surface, such as cuttings generated in a machining operation that have collected on a collecting surface, comprises rotatable wiper arms and dependent wiper blades. The wiper apparatus can be self-powered or it can be driven by a screw mechanism that engages the wiper arms, causing the wiper arms to rotate. The wipers are capable of relative movement in relation to the wiper arms, and the wipers may be rigid or flexible. Springs can be used to mount the wipers to the wiper arms. According to one embodiment, the wiper apparatus comprises a central portion including a hub to which the wiper arms are secured and a base adapted to be secured to the collecting surface. The hub is rotatably mounted to the base.

Abstract: Channel changing apparatus for automatically scanning or incrementing the channel on a radio, television or other receiver and pausing for a set period of time on each channel to allow a user to preview to content. A scan speed adjustment control allows the user to vary the length of the preview period. The channel changing apparatus may be provided on a remote control device or integral to the receiver.

Abstract: Channel changing apparatus for automatically scanning or incrementing the channel on a radio, television or other receiver and pausing for a set period of time on each channel to allow a user to preview to content. A scan speed adjustment control allows the user to vary the length of the preview period. The channel changing apparatus may be provided on a remote control device or integral to the receiver.

Abstract: Two enclosure are secured together to provide a safe the size and shape of a box spring for supporting a mattress. Wheels and handles are provided for transport. Fasteners for the enclosure, wheels, and handles are accessible only from the interior of the enclosures to inhibit unauthorized movement of the safe.

Abstract: A video image of a space is monitored and compared to a reference image. Correlation of the images indicates presence of unwanted persons or objects or the occurrence of unwanted events. When programmed comparison criteria are met, an alarm is activated, the space is displayed on a monitor, and the image is stored in memory. Reference images are stored during dedicated or ongoing learn modes.

Abstract: Conventional control modules, such as vehicle control modules, VCM, powertrain control modules, PCM, or engine control modules, ECM, provided with diagnostic and/or emulation ports, or simply with portions of the wiring harnesses which are devoted to diagnostic or emulation functions, are retrofitted with an adapter module which allows the originally manufactured control module to be reconfigured to operate in a dramatically different protocol without any system redesign. The memory within the originally manufactured control module can be disabled, bypassed or rewritten to store a new program contained in one of a plurality of programs in an adapter memory or contained in one of a plurality of memories in the adapter module. One application includes retrofitting conventionally manufactured gasoline or diesel vehicles to run on alternative fuel, such as propane, compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas and the like.

Abstract: The ability of an automotive computer for controlling an engine is enhanced by allowing the automotive computer to be controlled by an arbitrarily selected one of a plurality of engine control programs according to arbitrary driver discretion. The bus connecting the computer and memory of a conventional automotive computer is connected to a computer controlled operator interactive control module and an expanded memory. The operator interactive control module allows a human operator to select one of a plurality of memories for coupling to the automotive computer to control engine performance. User on-site customization of the engine control program is permitted by allowing direct downloading of an engine control program into the automotive computer through the operator interactive control.

Abstract: The ability of an automotive computer for controlling an engine is enhanced by allowing the automotive computer to be controlled by an arbitrarily selected one of a plurality of engine control programs according to arbitrary driver discretion. The bus connecting the computer and memory of a conventional automotive computer is connected to a computer controlled operator interactive control module and an expanded memory. The operator interactive control module allows a human operator to select one of a plurality of memories for coupling to the automotive computer to control engine performance. User on-site customization of the engine control program is permitted by allowing direct downloading of an engine control program into the automative computer through the oeprator interactive control.