Abstract: A comfort pad having a visco-elastic body encased in a film and fabric adapted to transfer the long term energy distribution properties of the visco-elastic body to the user is provided. A bottom surface of the visco-elastic body may provide frictional resistance so that neither film nor fabric is required, yet the comfort pad may removably secure to a harder structure, providing comfort to the user at this pressure point. The present invention may include an attachment assembly for mechanically and removably attaching the comfort pad between the harder structure and the user.

Abstract: A comfort pad having a visco-elastic body encased in a film and fabric adapted to transfer the long term energy distribution properties of the visco-elastic body to the user is provided. A bottom surface of the visco-elastic body may provide frictional resistance so that neither film nor fabric is required, yet the comfort pad may removably secure to a harder structure, providing comfort to the user at this pressure point. The present invention may include an attachment assembly for mechanically and removably attaching the comfort pad between the harder structure and the user.

Abstract: This invention is a semi-permanent personal comfort pad designed to provide for relief from discomfort produced through pressure points on the human body typically occurring when in a sitting position. It will consist of a visco-elastic polymer with a variation in density and shear properties formed into a variety of shapes, thickness and contours, encased in a polymer film and covered with a flexible fabric cloth to provide for additional comfort and to accommodate the aesthetic needs of the user. The flat bottom portion of the personal comfort pad shall have a semi-permanent adhesive and as an alternate the visco-elastic polymer will be used as an adhesive by perforating the film on the bottom of the comfort pad. In those applications where applying an adhesive to a cloth or leather is inappropriate, a flat plastic plate with accompanying straps with hook and loop attachments will be utilized as the means to attach the comfort pad to the surface.

Abstract: A computer controlled method that enables a mailer to control when recipients will receive mail mailed by the mailer. The method involves receiving a mailing composition, the desired mailing in home delivery date ranges and carrier schedules; utilizing a prediction model built from historical delivery data to predict when the quantities of mail will arrive for the mailing; and using the prediction model to determine preferred induction dates for the mailing.

Abstract: A computer method that is used to predict when recipients of mail pieces will contact a call center in response to information contained in the mail pieces. The method involves, utilizing previous mailing campaign data to determine when the mail piece arrives in the home and when a call center is contacted in response to information in the mail piece; and predicting call volumes based initially on previous campaign data and as the mailing campaign progresses updating call center predictions based on current mailing campaign data.

Abstract: A computer method that is used to control call center volumes for a range of dates. The method involves utilizing previous mailing campaign and call center response data to determine when the mail arrives in the home and when a call center is contacted in response to information in the mail; predicting the call center volumes based initially on the previous campaign and call center response data and as the mailing campaign and call center responses progresses updating call center predictions based on current mailing campaign data; and determining in home mail volumes needed to control call center volumes.

Abstract: A computer method that determines the best day of the week for a recipient to receive a mail piece that is part of a mailing campaign. The method includes by applying a unique code to each mail piece in the mailing; tracking the mail piece to determine when the mail piece is received by a recipient; correlating the recipient's response to information contained in the mail piece with the day of the week when the mail piece is delivered to the recipient.

Abstract: A method utilizing a computer to predict what volumes of mail will arrive at a given destination on a given date. The method is accomplished by: utilizing the composition of a mailing campaign that contains a plurality of mailing shipments that contain a plurality of containers containing a plurality of mail pieces; making a prediction curve for each container when the shipment is inducted at a carrier facility; and building a mailing campaign prediction based upon the container predictions; wherein each shipment prediction curve is added to the mailing campaign prediction at the date when the shipment is inducted at the carrier facility.

Abstract: An ultrasonic real-time inspection method which is user-friendly in an interactive environment to provide ease of operation, as well as a combination of consistency, thoroughness, and speed of operation in flaw detection not achievable by other methods. The method offers significantly increased pattern recognition capability, which provides greater automation potential and reduced missed detection and false alarm rates.

Abstract: A rubberized conveyor belt fastener is provided including a plate portion and elastomeric material that extends beyond lateral sides of the plate so that gaps between adjacent plate portions in a conveyor belt splice can be minimized. The plate portions can also include elastomeric material extending over the upper surface thereof to better absorb impact forces therewith. Preferably, the elastomeric material connects a strip of plates together. Both upper and lower plates can be provided with elastomeric material with the lower plates of solid plate fasteners having bolts preassembled thereto deriving the additional benefit of utilizing the elastomeric material to hold the bolt head in its lower plate aperture.

Abstract: A system for applying belt fasteners to belt ends is disclosed. The system includes a power tool apparatus and a guiding apparatus. The guide apparatus includes a guide block having guide bores in which attachment members, e.g., rivets, are held in position relative to the belt fasteners so that a drive rod of the power tool impacts the rivets in the guide block bores. The guide block preferably is of a hard material, e.g. a machined steel or powder steel, for proper guiding of the drive rod and rivet during riveting operations.

Abstract: In one form, a conveyor belt cleaner is provided that is particularly well-suited for high temperature applications. The cleaner includes a blade mount that has a layback arm mounting the cleaning blade and which can simultaneously deflect horizontally and vertically via changes in the radius of curvature of a lower arcuate portion connected thereto so as to minimize stress on the blade mount. The layback arm extends toward the conveyor belt at an acute layback angle relative to the immediately upstream belt surface. In another aspect, a belt cleaning system is provided including a plurality of resilient blade mounts that absorb the energy of impacts with the cleaning blade so as to allow for controlled release of the impact energy upon bringing the blade quickly back into scraping engagement with the belt. Preferably, two of these resilient mounts are associated with each blade in the belt scraping area and the others at ends of an elongate support laterally spaced from the scraping area.

Abstract: A method for enabling a consumer bill recipient to pay his/her bills via the USPS or other carrier sooner than was heretofore possible. The foregoing is accomplished by enabling a company to send a bill to a bill recipient that contains a bill paying return portion in the form of a mail piece having a Planet code and Postnet bar code that references the bill recipient and amount to be paid on the outside of mail piece so that when a scanner at the USPS reads the Planet code and Postnet bar code, the bill recipient's bank account will be debited for the entire amount of the bill or a minimum payment that is due for the bill.

Abstract: A method for enabling a mailer to infer the amount of business reply that he/she is going to receive on a given day and determine the amount of postage that is due. The foregoing is accomplished by placing a planet code that references the mailer's permit number on the business reply so that when a scanner at the USPS reads the planet code, the postage for the business reply will be calculated, and the mailer will be notified of the calculation so that the mailer may deposit sufficient funds in a deposit account to pay for the postage. The mailer may deposit funds in the account by issuing a check, having funds automatically transferred from some account, or automatically having a check issued so that someone may take the check to the USPS and receive the business reply. Thus, the mailer will be able to determine the amount of postage that is going to be charged to his/her account.

Abstract: An ultrasonic real-time inspection method which is user-friendly in an interactive environment to provide ease of operation, as well as a combination of consistency, thoroughness, and speed of operation in flaw detection not achievable by other methods. The method offers significantly increased pattern recognition capability, which provides greater automation potential and reduced missed detection and false alarm rates.