Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for programming and/or charging one or more audio/video devices such that the audio/video devices will be programmed and charged to receive transmitted audio and video signals associated with an event, allowing a user to use the audio/video device to observe the sights and sounds of the event. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cart with a docking port for each of a plurality of personal audio/video devices, a charger configured to charge the power source of each personal audio/video display device, and programming logic configured to program each of the personal audio/video devices.

Abstract: An identification label (10) includes a microprocessor (38), a display (14), a keyboard (16) and a memory means for storing a security code and a plurality of editable screens of text, the label (10) being arranged to wake up from a sleep mode and display a start screen (50) selected from a plurality of screens of text for a predetermined period of time when the label is activated, and in which preselection of the screen of text be displayed and editing of screens of editable text can be effected only after inputting a security code via the keyboard (10).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for structurally testing fasteners are described herein. A fastener test apparatus configured in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a first support member configured to support a head portion of a fastener, and a second support member configured to support a locking feature on a shaft portion of the fastener. The test apparatus can also include a force measurement device configured to be operably sandwiched between the first support member and the second support member. The force measurement device can be used to measure fastener preload. The test apparatus can further include first and second fixtures for performing an ultimate tensile test of the fastener. In this regard, the first fixture can be configured to exert a first force against the first support member in a first direction, and the second fixture can be configured to exert a second force against the second support member in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for determining the current replacement value of plants, trees, shrubs, and other landscape architectural objects by identifying the object; uploading information about the object and its location to a relational database which is used to construct average current replacement values; using the database to compare identified landscape architectural objects of a specific type and at a specific size against known wholesale pricing information from nurseries across the country to select valid nursery prices; averaging all valid prices for landscape architectural objects at a single nursery to derive a nursery average; extrapolating and interpolating price points at sizes not being sold by the nursery to create a complete size/price curve for a nursery; averaging that nursery curve with all other valid nursery prices to construct a national, and regional, average; and applying a market-based multiplier against the derived average wholesale prices to accommodate for the professional

Abstract: A shelter is disclosed for an animal, the shelter including demountable first and second frames adapted to be releasably connectable to a flexible support and a flexible cover, providing a substantially enclosed space for receiving an animal, particularly a dog, when the shelter is in use. Each of the first and second frames, the flexible support and flexible cover are manufactured from lightweight materials. The components of the shelter can either be totally or partially dismantled to be packed together in a substantially flat configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing promotions to mobile devices located in a broadcast target area and as a function of a promotion client identifier, the system and method including transmitting a first plurality of promotions associated with a plurality of promotion clients having locations in a target area, receiving a promotion client identifier, receiving the transmitted promotions, and displaying one of the received promotions on a mobile device as a function of the promotion identifier.

Abstract: A system and method of admission control for authorizing a submission of a broadcast message to a broadcast target area includes receiving a broadcast message record including the broadcast message and the broadcast target area for the broadcast message and validating the authority of a broadcast message originator originating the broadcast message record as a function of a broadcast message originator parameter. The method also includes identifying a broadcast transmission network providing broadcast message transmission to broadcast message receiving devices located within the broadcast target area and validating the broadcast transmission network against a broadcast transmission network parameter. The method further includes forwarding the broadcast message record to an output interface associated with the broadcast transmission network for transmission to the broadcast message receiving devices within the broadcast target area.

Abstract: A public service message broadcast system and method for managing the submission and transmission of a broadcast agent message to at least one geographically distinct geo-fenced peer public service message broadcast system includes creating a broadcast message record by a broadcast message originator defining the broadcast message and the broadcast target area and authenticating the broadcast message authority of the broadcast message originator. The method also includes transmitting the broadcast message record to a peer public service message broadcast system and validating the received broadcast message record for transmission to an associated broadcast message network.

Abstract: A system and method for billing for network usage for broadcast transmission to broadcast message receiving devices located within a broadcast target area includes validating the broadcast message record for transmission over a broadcast transmission network and generating a validated broadcast message record as a function of the validating. The method also includes determining a density of broadcast receiving devices associated with the broadcast transmission network in the broadcast target area, calculating an area for message broadcast transmission within the broadcast target area served by the broadcast transmission network, and determining a length of the broadcast message contained within the validated broadcast message record.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for programming and/or charging one or more audio/video devices such that the audio/video devices will be programmed and charged to receive transmitted audio and video signals associated with an event, allowing a user to use the audio/video device to observe the sights and sounds of the event. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cart with a docking port for each of a plurality of personal audio/video devices, a charger configured to charge the power source of each personal audio/video display device, and programming logic configured to program each of the personal audio/video devices.

Abstract: A pneumatic compressor capable of supplying compressed gas to a pneumatic tool. The compressor can be powered alternatively by either a battery or an AC power source. The compressor comprises a permanent magnet DC electric motor and circuitry for converting the AC power source to DC power. The compressor includes a receptacle for accommodating one or more of a plurality of batteries and includes circuitry for using batteries having different voltages. The AC power source may also be used to charge a battery connected to the compressor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer graphics applications involving scene rendering using objects modeled at multiple levels of detail. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a ray tracer implementation allows users to specify multiple versions of a particular object, categorized by LOD ID's. A scene server selects the version appropriate for the particular scene, based on the size of the object on the screen for example, and provides a smooth transition between multiple versions of an object model. In one example, the scene server will select two LOD representations associated with a given object and assign relative weights to each representation. The LOD weights are specified to indicate how to blend these representations together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer graphics applications involving scene rendering using objects modeled at multiple levels of detail. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a ray tracer implementation allows users to specify multiple versions of a particular object, categorized by LOD ID's. A scene server selects the version appropriate for the particular scene, based on the size of the object on the screen for example, and provides a smooth transition between multiple versions of an object model. In one example, the scene server will select two LOD representations associated with a given object and assign relative weights to each representation. The LOD weights are specified to indicate how to blend these representations together.

Abstract: A head mounted display in a video/audio system includes a display device, a head mount, noise reduction devices, and a speaker. The display device is coupled to the head mount and produces visual images based on received video signals. The head mount is mounted on the user's head and is coupled to the noise reduction devices, which cover the user's ears such that external noise is reduced. The noise reduction devices are coupled together via a strap that fits around the user head. The noise reduction devices are coupled to and house speakers that produce sound signals based on received audio signals. As a result, the user may see the video images produced by the display device and clearly hear the sounds produced by the speaker, and the external noise heard by the user is reduced.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for structurally testing fasteners are described herein. A fastener test apparatus configured in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a first support member configured to support a head portion of a fastener, and a second support member configured to support a locking feature on a shaft portion of the fastener. The test apparatus can also include a force measurement device configured to be operably sandwiched between the first support member and the second support member. The force measurement device can be used to measure fastener preload. The test apparatus can further include first and second fixtures for performing an ultimate tensile test of the fastener. In this regard, the first fixture can be configured to exert a first force against the first support member in a first direction, and the second fixture can be configured to exert a second force against the second support member in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A handheld device in connection with an audio/video system receives and processes video and/or audio signals and displays images to a user or produces sound audible to user. The handheld device may provide for capturing and storing images or continuous video. The handheld also may provide for enhanced viewing of the event using an optics system.

Abstract: A deformable wedge clamp assembly includes a body having first and second apertures formed therein, the first aperture being suitable for receiving a fastener and the second aperture being suitable for receiving a member to which the body is to be attached and a wedge assembly disposed in the body adjacent to the first and second apertures, wherein insertion of a fastener into the first aperture is capable of deforming the body for moving the wedge assembly against a member received in the first aperture to clamp the body to the member.

Abstract: A tube seal for a pressure vessel includes a body, a seal groove and a tube retention collar. The body has an aperture formed therein for receiving a tube. The body also has an external surface and an internal surface. The seal groove is disposed in the external surface of the body for securing the body within an orifice formed in a wall of the pressure vessel. The tube retention collar is disposed on the internal surface of the body for engaging the tube and securing the tube within the tube seal. Pressure within the pressure vessel causes the body to deform about and engage the tube retention collar with the tube to secure the tube within the aperture.

Abstract: An integrated eccentric flywheel oil slinger for an oil lubricated compressor crankcase. In an exemplary embodiment, the integrated eccentric flywheel oil slinger includes a generally cylindrical main body being configured to provide oil to components of the compressor crankcase and to reduce vibrations caused by such components. The generally cylindrical main body includes an aperture for receiving a crankshaft. Further, an eccentric extension protrudes from the generally cylindrical main body and is configured to move about the crankshaft. The generally cylindrical main body is configured to counter balance the eccentric extension protruding from the generally cylindrical main body and when attached to the crankshaft provides oil to components of the compressor crankcase to cool such components and reduces vibrations generated by the components of the compressor crankcase.

Abstract: An oilless high pressure pump suitable for use in devices such as pressure washers and the like is described. The pump includes an eccentric assembly suitable for converting rotary motion of a rotating shaft to rectilinear motion. One or more straps couple the eccentric assembly to a piston assembly. The straps communicate the rectilinear motion of the eccentric assembly to the piston assembly, reciprocating the piston assembly to pump the liquid.