Abstract: A tilt or rake adjustable steering column having a first or tilt lever locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism separate from the first locking mechanism. The second locking mechanism has a pivotable eccentric cam or locking wedge that engages a fixed member to hold the adjustable steering column in the event the first locking mechanisms fails. The tilt lever locking mechanism is linked by a spring to the second locking mechanism so that movement of the tilt lever locking mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position moves the pivotable eccentric cam from an engaged position to a non-engaged position.

Abstract: A method and system of performing secure user account purchases in the context of a commercial transaction, such as over the telephone, wherein the customer communicates with a custodial authorizing entity, such as a credit card company or issuing bank wherein such entity has previous knowledge of the account number as well as custodial control of other account parameters such as interest rate, payment history, available credit limit etc. The customer supplies the custodial authorizing entity with the account identification data such as the credit card number and may select one or more of a possible plurality of predetermined payment categories for the transaction, such as which define the dollar amount for the purchase and specific, predetermined time parameters within which authorization by the custodial authorizing entity will remain in effect.

Abstract: A method and system of performing secure credit card purchases in the context of a remote commercial transaction, such as over the telephone, wherein only the customer, once generally deciding upon a product or service to be purchased, communicates with a custodial authorizing entity, such as a credit card company or issuing bank wherein such entity has previous knowledge of the credit card number as well as custodial control of other account parameters such as interest rate, payment history, available credit limit etc. The customer supplies the custodial authorizing entity with the account identification data such as the credit card number and a requested one of a possible plurality of predetermined payment categories which define the dollar amount for the purchase and specific, predetermined time parameters within which authorization by the custodial authorizing entity will remain in effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating thermal images of various target dees and backgrounds as they would appear when viewed with a thermal viewer. A number of test elements of varying thicknesses are arranged in such a manner that upon solar heating the thermal signature thereof will represent the particular target for which the elements have been arranged, thereby eliminating the need for having to physically pursue the acquisition of the actual target for test purposes.

Abstract: This invention relates to automatic exposure control for an image-intensiation photographic camera through the employment of a capacitor discharge circuit. The electrical energy stored in a capacitor is discharged to activate an image intensifier tube which forms part of the photographic camera system. The characteristics of the capacitor discharge circuit are chosen to correspond to the energy required for proper exposure time through the image intensifier tube and onto a photographic emulsion.