Abstract: A method of developing peripherals for integration with a vehicle control system comprises providing a vehicle control and interconnection system that includes a system core for processing data, an input module and an output module. The system core includes a reconfigurable space having reconfigurable hardware, memory and a supervising processor that is customized to the order. The supervising processor is configured to provide control information to identified peripherals and control the allocation and configuration of the reconfigurable space into a plurality of independent information processing workspaces. The associated information processing workspace for the peripherals is configured if required, a verifying operation of the peripherals with the control and interconnection system is performed and the peripherals are authorized as approved peripherals.

Abstract: A control and interconnection system for integrating a plurality of peripherals into a computer system comprises a system core for processing data, an input module adapted to couple signals from associated peripherals to the system core and an output module adapted to direct signals from the system core to corresponding peripherals. The system core includes a reconfigurable space having hardware for supporting reconfigurable hardware programming and memory for supporting reconfigurable software programming to offload at least a portion of peripheral processing requirements to the system core. The system core further provides a supervising processor that is configured to provide control information to identified peripherals as necessary to implement a customized overall configuration.

Abstract: A sign holder for a retail display comprises a resilient plastic molded body. The body includes two or more resilient clasps projecting from a common base to resiliently hold a retail display sign therebetween.

Abstract: Provided is a sign holder for mounting to and displaying from a shelf any of various planar signs. The sign holder includes a clamp having two pivotally-connected panels that can be placed into a clamping position to hold the planar sign. To hold the panels in the clamping position, the first panel includes a holding prong that can be received in a corresponding aperture of the second panel. To prevent the planar sign from slipping between the panels, the second panel includes a piercing prong that can pierce the planar sign and be received in a corresponding aperture of the first panel. So that the planar material does not interfere with the engagement between the holding prong and its corresponding aperture, the piercing prong can be spaced-apart from the pivotally-connected edges of the panels a greater distance than the holding prong is. Various mounting structures can be included.

Abstract: A combination sign holder and strip retailer for provided expanded area for graphics and detailed information about products offered for sale on the strip retailer. The sign holder portion of the combination has an opening at or near the bottom thereof to accommodate the passage of a plastic strip retailer (die-cut or injection molded) through the opening. An enlarged portion of the strip retailer is retained on opposite sides of the opening. The sign holder portion of the combination may be made of a heat-folded PVC having an additional third panel that allows the sign holder to be held by a C-shaped price channel on a store shelf. Alternatively, an adhesive strip or hooks extending through holes in the sign holder may be used to fasten the combination to a retail fixture.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved lock bar system for enclosing at least one peg hook. The lock bar system can be in a merchandising display with the lock bar system including a peg hook support frame mounted to the merchandising display supporting a plurality of peg hooks in lateral spaced relation. The peg hooks include forward extending rods for supporting retail product, the peg hook support frame supporting a movable product retainer extending across forward ends of the plurality of peg hooks, the product retainer subject to a lock having a locked condition preventing removal of product from the peg hooks and an unlocked condition permitting removal of product from the peg hooks.

Abstract: A hose cart combining the features of an off-set handle, to permit any easier retrieval of paid out hose, a hose tracker, to permit hose to be neatly wound onto a reel, and a storage system comprising a protective housing, to provide storage and protection for a hose kept within, is provided. The invention includes the use of a crank to turn a reel which causes paid out hose to be drawn into the protective box onto a reel. The use of a plurality of gears permits the crank to be offset from the center of the reel, such that it is elevated to a more convenient cranking position. Further, the use of gears permits the same movement of the crank, which causes hose to be collected, causes a hose guide to move laterally, along the axis of the reel, such that hose is neatly layered onto the reel.

Abstract: A hose cart combining the features of an off-set handle, to permit any easier retrieval of paid out hose, a hose tracker, to permit hose to be neatly wound onto a reel, and a storage system comprising a protective housing, to provide storage and protection for a hose kept within, is provided. The invention includes the use of a crank to turn a reel which causes paid out hose to be drawn into the protective box onto a reel. The use of a plurality of gears permits the crank to be offset from the center of the reel, such that it is elevated to a more convenient cranking position. Further, the use of gears permits the same movement of the crank, which causes hose to be collected, causes a hose guide to move laterally, along the axis of the reel, such that hose is neatly layered onto the reel.

Abstract: Parameters for operation of a number of vehicle operating subsystems are stored in a vehicle controller and selected to control and configure the operating subsystems. Control and configuration can be based on individual recognized operators of the vehicle or an operating mode can be selected for the vehicle. For example, sport, cruise, luxury, off-road or other performance modes can be set up and selected. If a vehicle is to be operated by an authorized person who is not a recognized operator or is not authorized to select a mode of operation, default operating characteristic parameters are stored and selected. If the authorized person is to be restricted in the possible operation of the vehicle, a further set of limited operating characteristic parameters are stored and selected, preferably by entry of control signals corresponding to a security code. For example, if a valet is parking the vehicle, the limited operating parameters are selected.