Abstract: A system for checking the level of system security on a PC platform is disclosed. The system comprises of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) unit. The RFID unit scans a PC platform and extracts relevant security information from its Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). The extracted information is analyzed by a data processing system connected to the RFID unit to determine if the security access available on the PC platform is adequate. A threshold adequacy level is established by a system manager. When the security on the PC is inadequate, a signal is generated to alert the network manager and/or the user of the PC to upgrade the PC's security.

Abstract: Driving task dispatching by an operating system in a multiprocessor computer system is accomplished with a virtual switching queue which accepts highest priority tasks from multiple switching queues which in turn are accessed by instruction processors seeking tasks. Overload, plucking and stealing of tasks may be used to effectively balance load within the computer system. Dynamic reconfiguration used where regular queues lose underlying instruction processors.

Abstract: Enhanced security in controlling access to data files stored in a read/write storage device is achieved in that the storage device may be specifically linked to a specific computer system, and linked in such a way that access will be granted only when a series of exchanges exemplary of that linkage occurs. Access to data stored in a read/write storage device is to be granted only when the device is associated with a specific computer system and further only when appropriate password entry is verified by the storage device.

Abstract: A chair has a seat (4) and a backrest (5) which are independently pivotable within limits at extremities. The seat is biassed upwardly at the front and the backrest is biassed forwardly. The seat and the backrest have a common pivot joint (8), under the center of gravity of the occupant. There are no occupant-operated controls as the chair responds automatically to the posture of the occupant, providing full support at all relative positions of the seat and the backrest in a balanced manner for occupants of a wide range of weights.

Abstract: A chair has a seat and a backrest which are independently pivotable within limits at extremities. The seat is biased upwardly at the front and the backrest is biased forwardly. The seat and the backrest have a common pivot joint, under the center of gravity of the occupant. There are no occupant-operated controls as the chair responds automatically to the posture of the occupant, providing full support at all relative positions of the seat and the backrest in a balanced manner for occupants of a wide range of weights.

Abstract: A chair has a seat (4) and a backrest (5) which are independently pivotable within limits at extremities. The seat is biassed upwardly at the front and the backrest is biassed forwardly. The seat and the backrest have a common pivot joint (8), under the centre of gravity of the occupant. There are no occupant-operated controls as the chair responds automatically to the posture of the occupant, providing full support at all relative positions of the seat and the backrest in a balanced manner for occupants of a wide range of weights.

Abstract: An actuator for a chair mechanism lock moves locking members such as clutch leaves between an open position at which they are free to move relative to each other and a closed position at which they are pressed together. The actuator has a first arm which is connected on one side to the mechanism housing, and on the other side to a second arm. The second arm is in turn connected to the head of a bolt which engages the clutch leaves. The first arm incorporates a handle. In a relaxed position the actuator does not exert any pressure on the clutch leaves. To close the lock, the handle is pulled upwardly to bring the first and second arms over center at which they exert pressure on the clutch leaves.

Abstract: The invention provides a restraint and transfer device for restraining a seated passenger, such as a child, for transport in a vehicle and for mechanically lifting the passenger in and out of the vehicle. A mounting frame is secured to a passenger seat of the vehicle with standard lap and shoulder seat belts. A cushioned transfer seat insert is used to seat the passenger in a suitably adapted wheelchair, during lifting in and out of the vehicle, and within the vehicle securely mounted to the frame. As a result, the passenger remains seated in a rigid supporting transfer seat insert. The passenger is not subjected to physical handling and the risk of injury to the caregiver and passenger is reduced during transfer. Releasable body postural positioning belts secure the passenger to the insert and the configuration of insert cushions, supports and postural belts can be flexibly adapted to suit the needs of each individual passenger.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for servicing air-conditioning systems employing electronic processing means for initially diagnosing the air-conditioning system and, thereafter, if tests or repairs are needed, for guiding the mechanic to correction of its defective operation and for charging the system with refrigerant and oil. The apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment, includes a microprocessor operable in three modes: a "system selection" mode during which the type of system being serviced is identified; a "diagnose" mode during which the microprocessor receives signals indicative of the high and low side pressures of the air-conditioning system and develops a list of possible causes of system malfunction, and a "charging" mode during which the microprocessor automatically charges the system with the desired amount of refrigerant and oil.

Abstract: In a gas burning installation a pilot burner is provided with means to control the amount of atmospheric air introduced into the fuel gas in the burner tube, the means comprising a restriction in the tube upstream of where air enters and a variable choke downstream of where air enters, which choke affects the resistance to the flow of gas along the tube.