Abstract: Systems for restraining movement of occupants within a vehicle are detailed. Such systems utilize vehicle headliners as parts thereof, with the headliners tensioned to help restrain passenger movement. The headliners may be connected directly or indirectly to inflatable structures typically positioned beneath the headliners. Thus, when the structures inflate, they may generate tension and tend to pull the headliners down from vehicle roofs toward vehicle sides.

Abstract: Devices for filling a cigarette tube with tobacco are disclosed. In one aspect, the devices contain separate metering, compression, and injection mechanisms, which may be manual, partially automatic, or fully automatic. The metering mechanisms move a proper amount of tobacco to a compression chamber, where the tobacco is thereafter compressed for eventual injection. In some embodiments, means are provided for assessing whether a sufficient quantity of tobacco has been metered into the compression chamber, and if not, further metering is accomplished prior to injection. In another aspect, the metering and compression mechanisms are combined into a single mechanism to the same effect. In yet another aspect, a loader for holding cigarette tubes is provided that can be manually operated or fully automated.

Abstract: A high voltage DC power distribution system that eliminates static switches and batteries. Flywheel energy storage devices and extremely reliable, high power DC/DC converters provide at a lower cost, more reliable, noise and harmonic free, critical electrical power directly at equipment racks at 48 VDC, 24 VDC, 6 VDC, 2 VDC, or any other desired DC voltage level.

Abstract: Inflatable restraints or protective systems are addressed. Included among the restraints and systems are inflatable, braided cushions designed to enhance available protection for the torsos of vehicle occupants, particular when a vehicle is subject to a side-impact collision. The (typically unvented) cushions effectively create their own structure and transfer occupant energy from less tolerant to more tolerant areas of the occupants' bodies.

Abstract: A method and a system for modifying interpersonal cognition, which allow cognitive patterns to be modified through a repetitive interaction, the method comprising for example conditioning the user to positively associate an interpersonal feature with a distinctive signal; training the user in a procedural learning process via a repetitive practice; and inducing self awareness in the user, or a combination thereof. The system may comprise means for displaying a plurality of personal features and portraits to the user; selection means allowing the user to select his own personal feature among the plurality of personal features displayed; and a means for triggering a specific interpersonal image in response to the user selecting his personal feature.

Abstract: A pushrim with increased surface area and an insert between the wheel and the pushrim. In the preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the pushrim is an elongated circle and the insert is a concave trough made of an elastic material which compressibly fits between the wheel and the rim for convenient installation. Improved pushing is provided by texturing the surface of the insert to provide increased friction. Improved braking is provided by providing a smoother and wider surface on the pushrim.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a digital data processing system having an interconnect that provides for registration of components communicating thereon. One or more host devices, storage devices or other components are coupled to the interconnect for communication, at least one of them lacking an ability to self-register with the interconnect. Such a component is referred to herein as a non-compliant component. A registration module coupled with the interconnect performs the registration on behalf of the non-compliant component.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements on a digital data processing system of the type having a first set of hosts, storage devices or other components coupled for communication with a first network manager. A second set of components is likewise coupled to a second network manager. Communications between the network managers and their respective sets of components utilize different protocols, the first network manager referring to components of the first set with identifiers that are unique to those respective components under the first protocol, and the second network manager referring to components of the second set with identifiers that are unique to those respective components under the second protocol.

Abstract: A storage area network (“SAN”) includes one or more digital data processors that are coupled for communication with one or more storage devices (e.g., LUNs) over an interconnect. The improvement provides a mechanism for hierarchically displaying, e.g., on the administrator console or other output device, portions of the SAN topology. It includes a process that generates for application to the output device a plurality of graphical objects that represent “segments” of the SAN and/or components of the SAN, along with the interconnections between them. Thus, for example, a first graphical object displayed on the output device can represent a first segment of the SAN. A second graphical object can represent either a second segment of the SAN or a component (e.g., host or storage device) of the SAN. And, a third graphical object can represent the portion of the interconnect that couples the segments/component represented by the first and second graphical objects.

Abstract: Novel storage area networks (SANs) and methods of operation thereof utilize a plurality of hosts coupled via an interconnect with one or more storage units. A manager device, process or other functionality in communication with a plurality of agent processes, devices or other functionality, each of which is associated with a host. The agents identify attributes of (i) their associated hosts, (ii) interconnect to which that host is coupled, and/or (iii) storage units to which that host is coupled via the interconnect. The manager responds to these attributes identified by the agents to manage the SAN. The manager can be implemented on a first digital data processor and the hosts on further digital data processors. These digital data processors can be coupled via a first network, e.g., an IP or other network, to support communications between the manager and the agents. A second network, e.g.

Abstract: An storage area network (SAN) has a manager digital data processor that includes a first element that maintains a first representation of the SAN and a second element that maintains a second representation of the SAN. The first element generates notifications of events in the SAN, e.g., addition or removal of components or relationships between components, and includes with them data pertaining to the event. The second element responds to such notifications and data by updating the second representation. That data is preferably sufficient for the second element to update the second representation without further reference to information contained in the representation.

Abstract: A digital data processor of the type used, e.g., in management of a storage area network (SAN), executes a process (a “manager” process) to maintain a representation of the SAN topology or at least an attribute thereof. A graphical output device displays the SAN representation. A further process (a “user interface” process) controls the output device for purposes of displaying that representation. An interface element effects retrieval of the SAN representation, for example, in response to a request from the user interface process. It transmits that representation to the user interface process for display on the graphical output device.

Abstract: A storage area network (SAN) has a plurality of components including digital data processors, e.g., hosts, coupled to a plurality of storage device. Common, platform-independent processes execute on the hosts, which can be of varied platform types, e.g., Unix™, Windows™, Solaris, and so forth. Those processes utilizes the command line interface of the host operating system to invoke platform-dependent processes on the respective hosts. The platform-dependent processes return data to the platform-independent processes, e.g., via Standard Output or Standard Error of the host operating system command line interface.

Abstract: A wheelchair hand rim that increases the mechanical efficiency of a pushrim by providing a better complement to the hand and decreasing the likelihood of secondary injuries. The present invention includes a first rim made of a light weight metal tube without any coating on its lateral or interior exterior surface, a concave trough between the first rim and the side of a wheel of a wheelchair, and an second rim made of a light weight metal tube, uncoated, having the same tube diameter of the first rim, and concentrically aligned within the first rim.

Abstract: A distributed storage management program manages a network comprising multiple data storage devices attached to multiple host computer systems. The management program includes a separate agent in each host, and a central manager. The agents gather data and communicate with the manager across a communications path which is independent of the storage network. The manager collates the data from different agents to produce a coherent view of the network. Preferably, each local agent actively builds an internal topological view of the network as seen by its host and collects data such as error events, which it stores in internal data structures. The manager is able to resolve gaps in the information of each agent from information provided by other agents. Preferably, the manager represents the network as a collection of objects of different classes in an object-oriented class library. This collection is graphically displayed in a logical and understandable manner to a user on a display device.

Abstract: A portable tool box having an open-top, box-like housing containing removable slats with apertures for holding tools in an upright position and a drawer slidably engaged within a drawer aperture in one wall of the housing. The drawer outer wall has an outwardly projecting shelf and a lip extending above the shelf. A cover disposed over the housing has an endwall which covers the lip for retaining the drawer in the housing. Preferably, the shelf extends around the perimeter of the housing for supporting bottom edge of one or more of the walls of the cover. The tool box cover is sturdy enough to be used as a stool.