Abstract: A system and method for data communication connecting on-line networks with on-line and off-line computers. The present system provides for broadcast of up to the minute notification centric information thereby providing an instant call to action for users who are provided with the ability to instantaneously retrieve further detailed information. The notification centric portions of information is wirelessly broadcast to wireless receiving devices which are attached to computing devices. Upon receipt of the information at the personal computer, the user is notified through different multimedia alerts that there is an incoming message. Wirelessly broadcasted URL's, associated with the data, are embedded in data packets and provide an automated wired or wireless connection back to the information source for obtaining detailed data.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for data communication connecting on-line networks with on-line and off-line computers. The present system provides for broadcast of up to the minute notification centric information thereby providing an instant call to action for users who are provided with the ability to instantaneously retrieve further detailed information. The notification centric portions of information is wirelessly broadcast to wireless receiving devices which are attached to computing devices. Upon receipt of the information at the personal computer, the user is notified through different multimedia alerts that there is an incoming message. Wirelessly broadcasted URL's, associated with the data, are embedded in data packets and provide an automated wired or wireless connection back to the information source for obtaining detailed data.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes; comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM), comparison to historical data, linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic terms.

Abstract: A system and method for data communication connecting on-line networks with on-line and off-line computers. The present system provides for broadcast of up to the minute notification centric information thereby providing an instant call to action for users who are provided with the ability to instantaneously retrieve further detailed information. The notification centric portions of information is wirelessly broadcast to wireless receiving devices which are attached to computing devices. Upon receipt of the information at the personal computer, the user is notified through different multimedia alerts that there is an incoming message. Wirelessly broadcasted URL's, associated with the data, are embedded in data packets and provide an automated wired or wireless connection back to the information source for obtaining detailed data.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes; comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM), comparison to historical data, linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic terms.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling structured communication among a social network is disclosed. The system enables a user to formulate a question and answer pattern including potential responses to the question based upon the form of question. The system then translates and transmits a message including the question and answer pattern to users over a plurality of different messaging platforms for eliciting responses to the question using the answer pattern. The system then aggregates responses to the question and presents the responses in a summary format. A language for defining messages according to static and dynamic content and other attributes is disclosed. Collaborative filtering reduces the decision space and as a result increases the possible range of specialized communications a user can choose from and apply or the message processing space available to contemplate alternatives resulting in more effective choices.

Abstract: A system and method for data communication connecting on-line networks with on-line and off-line computers. The present system provides for broadcast of up to the minute notification centric information thereby providing an instant call to action for users who are provided with the ability to instantaneously retrieve further detailed information. The notification centric portions of information is wirelessly broadcast to wireless receiving devices which are attached to computing devices. Upon receipt of the information at the personal computer, the user is notified through different multimedia alerts that there is an incoming message. Wirelessly broadcasted URL's, associated with the data, are embedded in data packets and provide an automated wired or wireless connection back to the information source for obtaining detailed data.

Abstract: Users access an on-line address service to register their name (which may be a pseudonym or other fictitious or imaginary identity) and a unique contact address that may be used directly or indirectly to address a message over another communication network to an associated listening device. Once a potential user has registered his on-line identity and contact information, other users accessing the address service can then designate one of the listed names, either by selecting the name from a display list of registered names (if all registered names are displayed) or by entering the designated name onto an appropriate form, whereupon the computer hosting the address service will broadcast a message addressed to the identified person's associated listening device. Once the message is received, the listening device notifies the associated user by causing the user's computer to initiate an appropriate visual and/or audio alert display concerning the contact attempt.

Abstract: Users access an on-line address service to register their name (which may be a pseudonym or other fictitious or imaginary identity) and a unique contact address that may be used directly or indirectly to address a message over another communication network to an associated listening device. Once a potential user has registered his on-line identity and contact information, other users accessing the address service can then designate one of the listed names, either by selecting the name from a display list of registered names (if all registered names are displayed) or by entering the designated name onto an appropriate form, whereupon the computer hosting the address service will broadcast a message addressed to the identified person's associated listening device. Once the message is received, the listening device notifies the associated user by causing the user's computer to initiate an appropriate visual and/or audio alert display concerning the contact attempt.

Abstract: A system and method for data communication connecting on-line networks with on-line and off-line computers. The present system provides for broadcast of up to the minute notification centric data thereby providing an instant call to action for users who are provided with the ability to instantaneously retrieve further detailed information. Information sources transmit data to a central broadcast server, which preprocesses the data for wireless broadcast. The notification centric portions of data are wirelessly broadcast to wireless receiving devices that are attached to computing devices. Upon receipt of the data at the computing device, the user is notified through different multimedia alerts that there is an incoming message. Wirelessly broadcasted URL's, associated with the data, are embedded in data packets and provide an automated wired or wireless connection back to the information source for obtaining detailed data.

Abstract: A dye donor sheet comprising a dye resisting substrate, a release layer coating thereon, on which is coated a continuous layer of sublimation dye which is coated over substantially the entire surface of the release layer and incorporating at least in its surface a bonding medium which is capable of causing the dye to adhere to the thermoplastic print of a printed sheet placed in contact with the layer of dye and subjected to heat and pressure, thereby to produce a dye transfer sheet.

Abstract: A rangefinder system employs three laser rangefinders for determining three dimensional coordinates, each rangefinder using a steerable mirror for aiming the rangefinder beams at a series of retroreflectors. The beams are modulated at 1.5 GHz. The system includes a signal at an offset frequency of 1 kHz for phase detection. A digital phase detector under control of a local computer, as is the mirror, computes phase difference which is used to measure the distances to the retroreflectors. Correction is made for zero point phase drift of the circuit of each rangefinder and a benchmark reference to a distant retroreflector corrects for atmospheric effects on the measurements. A central computer directs the implementation of the tasks of the local computers of each rangefinder and computes and displays trilateration computation results made from the three rangefinders. The system can measure the distance to five different points per second with ranges up to 120 m at all accuracy of about 50 .mu.m.

Abstract: A magnetic fingerprint dusting brush comprising a handle (10) incorporating a projecting magnet (14) at one end, and a powder cartridge which is a push fit onto the handle, said cartridge comprising a shroud (16), which includes an inner blind sleeve (18) which extends coaxially from an inner cylindrical sleeve (20) of larger diameter, whereby the section (18) receives the magnet (14) and section (20) receives the lower end of the handle (10) when the cartridge is fitted in place on the handle, and a cap (24) which assembles with the shroud (16) to form a reservoir around the shrouded magnet containing a measured quantity of ferrous powder particles (26) carrying dusting powder which align on the shrouded magnet to form a bristle like array (28) exposed when the cap (24) is removed.

Abstract: A charging device for charging paper and other flexible material comprising a cylindrical cavity (16) in a housing (10) having an inlet and an outlet (typically a single slit) (12)) into which and from which the flexible medium (14) can pass. Centrally along the axis of the cavity is a charging conductor (28) and the conductive interior of the cavity (20) and the conductor (28) are connected to opposite sides of a source of potential (38). A perforated cylindrical guide (30) may be located within the cavity so as to define a narrow annular gap around which the flexible medium can pass. Three rollers (32,34,36) forming entrance and exit nips for the flexible medium (14) may be located at the entrance/exit slit.

Abstract: The development of a compact non-electrical mains supply based photocopier is described in which a piezo-electric crystal generator or a battery operated capacitor discharge circuit EHT supply is employed for generating the high voltage for charging the photoreceptive paper.The EHT supply for charging the paper is additionally used to provide the source of power for the light source (typically one or more fluorescent gas discharge tubes).The photocopier incorporates all the facilities to charge and subsequently apply toner and fix the latter in place, with a light-proof housing.

Abstract: A portable camera is described by which electrostatic photocopies can be obtained instead of conventional photographs. The camera includes conventional aperture and optical focusing means for producing an image, a surface on which the image is formed, electrode means for electrically charging the surface, an integral EHT generator for producing a high voltage pulse for application to the electrode, a shutter for controlling the passage of light to the surface and a means for applying a printing medium to the surface for retention thereon in dependence on the level of electrical charge remaining at different points over the surface after exposure to the light image.Rollers and a reservoir of a suspension of printing medium particles serve to apply the printing medium to the surface and heated rollers or pressure rollers are used to fix the print.

Abstract: A first method of revealing a fingerprint involves the charging of the surface bearing the fingerprint to a high electric potential and applying finely divided carbon to the charged surface to form a pattern thereon corresponding to the fingerprint.The finely divided carbon may be dusted or sprayed on or may be in suspension in a dielectric liquid into which the charged surface is introduced.In another method the surface is charged while submerged in the dielectric liquid, under the action of an electric field in the dielectric.In another method an electrically charged sheet is brought into contact with a surface bearing a fingerprint and after being removed, the charged sheet has applied to its surface finely divided carbon which adheres thereto depending on the charge pattern remaining thereon after contact with the fingerprint.The pattern of finely divided carbon can be fixed in position by applying thereover a transparent protective layer.

Abstract: A portable camera is described by which electrostatic photocopies can be obtained instead of conventional photographs. The camera includes conventional aperture and optical focusing means for producing an image, a surface on which the image is formed, electrode means for electrically charging the surface, an integral EHT generator for producing a high voltage pulse for application to the electrode, a shutter for controlling the passage of light to the surface and a means for applying a printing medium to the surface for retention thereon in dependence on the level of electrical charge remaining at different points over the surface after exposure to the light image.Rollers and a reservoir of a suspension of printing medium particles serve to apply the printing medium to the surface and heated rollers or pressure rollers are used to fix the print.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described by which photocopies can be obtained from documents and the like without the need for optical means for forming focused images of the documents.