Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the under lying floor surface.

Abstract: An Integrated Routing/Mapping Information System (IRMIS) links desktop personal computer cartographic applications to one or more handheld organizer, personal digital assistant (PDA) or “palmtop” devices. Such devices may be optionally equipped with, or connected to, portable Global Positioning System (GPS) or equivalent position sensing device. Desktop application facilitates user selection of areas, starts, stops, destinations, maps and/or point and/or route information. It optionally includes supplemental online information, preferably for transfer to the PDA or equivalent device. Users' options include route information, area, and route maps. Maps and related route information are configured with differential detail and levels of magnitude. Used in the field, in conjunction with GPS receiver, the PDA device is configured to display directions, text and map formats, the user's current position, heading, speed, elevation, and so forth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a gradient gel. The present invention in one embodiment is a gel-making system that has a reservoir for holding a solution. The reservoir is connected to a movable arm through a tubing. The tubing has two ends: one end is in fluid communication with the reservoir; and the other, an open end, is received by the movable arm. A gel holder having an internal gel chamber is placed underneath the movable arm for receiving the solution. In operation, the movement of the movable arm causes the open end of the tubing to move along with it and the open end of the tubing delivers the solution in motion to the internal gel chamber to form the gel.

Abstract: An Integrated Routing/Mapping Information System (IRMIS) links desktop personal computer cartographic applications to one or more handheld organizer, personal digital assistant (PDA) or “palmtop” devices. Such devices may be optionally equipped with, or connected to, portable Global Positioning System (GPS) or equivalent position sensing device. Desktop application facilitates user selection of areas, starts, stops, destinations, maps and/or point and/or route information. It optionally includes supplemental online information, preferably for transfer to the PDA or equivalent device. Users' options include route information, area, and route maps. Maps and related route information are configured with differential detail and levels of magnitude. Used in the field, in conjunction with GPS receiver, the PDA device is configured to display directions, text and map formats, the user's current position, heading, speed, elevation, and so forth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a gradient gel. The present invention in one embodiment is a gel-making system that has a reservoir for holding a solution. The reservoir is connected to a movable arm through a tubing. The tubing has two ends: one end is in fluid communication with the reservoir; and the other, an open end, is received by the movable arm. A gel holder having an internal gel chamber is placed underneath the movable arm for receiving the solution. In operation, the movement of the movable arm causes the open end of the tubing to move along with it and the open end of the tubing delivers the solution in motion to the internal gel chamber to form the gel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a gradient gel. The present invention in one embodiment is a gel-making system that has a reservoir for holding a solution. The reservoir is connected to a movable arm through a tubing. The tubing has two ends: one end is in fluid communication with the reservoir, and the other, an open end, is received by the movable arm. A gel holder having an internal gel chamber is placed underneath the movable arm for receiving the solution. In operation, the movement of the movable arm causes the open end of the tubing to move along with it and the open end of the tubing delivers the solution in motion to the internal gel chamber to form the gel.

Abstract: Computerized travel reservation information and planning system that generates "map ticket" output in various media, for guidance and transactions en route. Such print or electronic documents can include bar or alphanumeric codes for automated recognition and/or access. WHERE?, WHO/WHAT?, WHEN? and HOW? menus enable flexible user inquiries accessing selectable geographic, topical, temporal and transactional data records and relational processing. Sub-menus provide further capabilities: e.g. routing, topical searching; searches of events calendars, almanacs, appointment books, related itinerary scheduling; trip budgeting issues, plus travel arrangement availabilities or other goods/services offers. Online communications links access updated or supplemental information on places, times, topics and other provider goods/service offers.

Abstract: A computer aided map location system (CAMLS) provides correlation and coordination of spatially related data between a computer (PDA/PC/EC) and a set of printed maps typically printed on paper depicting surface features at desired levels of detail. A first set of constant scale printed maps substantially coincides with or is overprinted with equal area grid quadrangles of a first scale grid. The first scale grid quadrangles are identified by a first set of unique names. The PDA/PC/EC has a computer display or other computer output, a first database, and display subsystem. The first database includes the first set of unique names of the grid quadrangles of the first scale grid. The boundary lines of the respective first scale grid quadrangles are identified in the first database by latitude and longitude location. The display subsystem causes the display of a selected grid quadrangle or gridname on the PDA/PC/EC display in response to a user query.

Abstract: A Computer Aided Routing and Positioning System (CARPS) determines a route along selected waypoints that include a travel origin and a travel destination and intermediate waypoints therebetween. The selected waypoints may be uploaded to or downloaded from various geocoding devices that utilize the Global Positioning System (GPS). A CARPS database incorporates travel information selected from a range of multimedia sources about the transportation routes, waypoints, and geographically locatable points of interest (POIs) selected by the user along the travel route. The CARPS software permits user selection of specified POI types within a user-defined region of interest and user selection of particular POIs from the selected types within the region of interest. The transportation routes, waypoints, POIs and region of interest are identifiable in the computer by coordinate locations of a selected geographical coordinate system.

Abstract: A computer aided routing system (CARS) determines a travel route between a user selected travel origin and travel destination following user selected waypoints along the way. A CARS database incorporates travel information selected from a range of multimedia sources about the transportation routes, waypoints, and geographically locatable points of interest (POIs) selected by the user along the travel route. The CARS software permits user selection of specified POI types within a user defined region of interest and user selection of particular POIs from the selected types within the region of interest. The transportation routes, waypoints, POIs and region of interest are identified in the computer by coordinate locations of a selected geographical coordinate system. The CARS software is constructed to present a user customized travelog for preview on the computer display of the user defined travel route.

Abstract: A funnel is operationally mountable on the downstream side of a weir positioned in a wastewater stream which contains oils, fats and/or grease. The funnel has a sample port near the discharge neck and tubing is connected to the funnel in communication with the sample port. The opposite end of the tubing is connected to a pump. Wastewater flowing over the weir flows into the funnel and is agitated and mixed. Operation of the pump causes a homogeneous and representative sample to be withdrawn from the stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring the rate of flow of storm water in an individual sewer. The apparatus comprises a collector bowl mountable beneath the storm sewer manhole cover and positioned to collect all water entering through the manhole cover. A flow pipe is mounted in the bowl and projects upwardly from the bottom thereof. Water collected in the bowl must rise to a level above the flow pipe before it will flow through the pipe and into the sewer. A flow meter sensitive to the water height above the flow pipe is positioned in the bowl and measures and records the rate of flow.