Abstract: Among other things, a physical device is determined to be validly issued by a party that issues physical devices that include security features. At least a portion of a photographic or video image of the physical device is processed automatically to determine if the physical device includes at least one of the security features.

Abstract: Among other things, information is maintained that associates competitors with respective territories for which the competitors have rights that are to be exclusive relative to other competitors for items associated with the territories. A user can enter, through a user interface, an expression of interest that can be associated with one of the territories. In response to the expression of interest, a user is automatically enabled to interact with the competitor that has the exclusive right to the territory, without automatically enabling the user to interact with a competitor that does not have the exclusive right.

Abstract: Among other things, a user of a mobile device who is delivering an ordered product from a store to a customer at a location can confirm that the customer is a proper person to receive the ordered product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a restraint system for a vehicle, such as a wheeled vehicle, boat, or fixed or rotary winged aircraft. The system includes a control system integrated into the harness and strap of the restraint. This permits crewmembers to lock and unlock the restraint from a body worn control panel. Other auxiliary equipment also be operated from the control panel. In another embodiment, wiring for a communication system is integrated into the harness and strap.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for selectively adjusting the maximum payout of a tether from a reel assembly. The maximum payout can be selected by the user via a dial indicator on the end of the apparatus. By rotating the dial, an internal pawl is positioned relative to an associated ring gear. The ring gear includes a cut-out about its peripheral edge. The shaft of the reel assembly is rotatably interconnected to the ring gear via a series of gear reductions. After a predetermined about of tether has been paid out, the pawl encounters the cut-out about the ring gear. This, in turn, causes the pawl to engage the reel shaft to prevent further rotation. The maximum payout is determined by the initial spacing between the pawl and the cut-out.

Abstract: Disclosed is a restraint system for a vehicle, such as a wheeled vehicle, boat, or fixed or rotary winged aircraft. The system includes a control system integrated into the harness and strap of the restraint. This permits crewmembers to lock and unlock the restraint from a body worn control panel. Other auxiliary equipment also be operated from the control panel. In another embodiment, wiring for a communication system is integrated into the harness and strap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pretensioner for an occupant restraint. The pretensioner is designed to be used in conjunction with an inertial reel that locks the occupant restraint when detecting an adverse event. The pretensioner acts to remove slack in the webbing of the restraint and thereby safely secure the occupant once the reel is locked. The pretensioner described herein includes a rack that is initially held in place by a shear pin. Upon being activated, the rack is forced to a fully extended orientation, whereby the shear pin is severed. A deceleration ramp in included beneath the rack to slowly bring the rack to a stop at the end of the stroke.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trolley assembly that is adapted to be used with a passenger restraint, such as a locking reel. The trolley assembly allows the reel lock to be securely positioned at any of a number of discrete locations along the length of an associated track. A mechanism is included for permitting the user to selectively lock and unlock the trolley as needed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for selectively adjusting the maximum payout of a tether from a reel assembly. The maximum payout can be selected by the user via a dial indicator on the end of the apparatus. By rotating the dial, an internal pawl is positioned relative to an associated ring gear. The ring gear includes a cut-out about its peripheral edge. The shaft of the reel assembly is rotatably interconnected to the ring gear via a series of gear reductions. After a predetermined about of tether has been paid out, the pawl encounters the cut-out about the ring gear. This, in turn, causes the pawl to engage the reel shaft to prevent further rotation. The maximum payout is determined by the initial spacing between the pawl and the cut-out.

Abstract: Disclosed is a harness system that can be used in both restraining and extracting a wearer. The harness takes the form of webbing that may be integrated into a crewmember worn vest. The webbing includes extraction loops for use in hoisting the crewmember and a release mechanism for releasably coupling the harness to an external restraint, such as an overhead reel. The system can be used within a vehicle, such as a land based vehicle, a water going vessel, or an aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trolley assembly that is adapted to be used with a passenger restraint, such as a locking reel. The trolley assembly allows the reel lock to be securely positioned at any of a number of discrete locations along the length of an associated track. A mechanism is included for permitting the user to selectively lock and unlock the trolley as needed.