Abstract: A status and workflow management system is provided, including a tax return preparation intake mechanism and computer systems for use by responsible persons responsible for respective parts of processing of a given individual tax return preparation project. A computer screen providing mechanism generates for each responsible person a work flow and status screen, so that a given responsible person is provided a work flow and status screen comprising information pertaining to the given responsible person and according to the given responsible person's personnel type. A task display generator displays to the given responsible person on his or her screen tasks to which he or she has been assigned.

Abstract: A financial services outsourcing method or system facilitates a direct service provider's ability to outsource financial services to numerous ultimate clients. The financial services are outsourced to an outsourcing group abroad. Ultimate client specific financial files and corresponding reference materials are loaded onto a remotely accessible part of a host server located in the United States. The host server provides access to a remote client computer of information concerning the ultimate client specific financial files and corresponding reference materials. The access may be limited to limited screen shot access. Outsourced personnel are retained to perform financial service projects (e.g., prepare individual tax returns) for ultimate clients of direct financial services firms. The outsourced personnel perform the financial service projects while located outside the United States. The status of the financial service project is monitored and reported.

Abstract: A financial services outsourcing method or system facilitates a direct service provider's ability to outsource financial services to numerous ultimate clients. The financial services are outsourced to an outsourcing group abroad. Ultimate client specific financial files and corresponding reference materials are loaded onto a remotely accessible part of a host server located in the United States. The host server provides access to a remote client computer of information concerning the ultimate client specific financial files and corresponding reference materials. The access may be limited to limited screen shot access. Outsourced personnel are retained to perform financial service projects (e.g., prepare individual tax returns) for ultimate clients of direct financial services firms. The outsourced personnel perform the financial service projects while located outside the United States. The status of the financial service project is monitored and reported.

Abstract: A financial services outsourcing method or system facilitates a direct service provider's ability to outsource financial services to numerous ultimate clients. The financial services are outsourced to an outsourcing group abroad. Ultimate client specific financial files and corresponding reference materials are loaded onto a remotely accessible part of a host server located in the United States. The host server provides access to a remote client computer of information concerning the ultimate client specific financial files and corresponding reference materials. The access may be limited to limited screen shot access. Outsourced personnel are retained to perform financial service projects (e.g., prepare individual tax returns) for ultimate clients of direct financial services firms. The outsourced personnel perform the financial service projects while located outside the United States. The status of the financial service project is monitored and reported.

Abstract: A low profile, two pole, plunger-type safety switch and connector assembly includes a switch housing and switch components are supported within the housing interior region. An actuator extends exteriorly though the housing opening and is moveable along a linear path of travel between two positions, one position of the actuator corresponding to an undepressed position and a second position of the actuator corresponding to a depressed position. Terminals of the switch assembly terminate in conductive male contacts extending through a side wall of the switch housing substantially perpendicular to the path of travel of the actuator. The connector assembly includes a connector housing supporting four female terminals sized to snugly receive respective different ones of the four male contacts when the connector housing engages the switch housing. Extending arms of a flexible, electrically conductive shorting member contact a center two of the female terminals.

Abstract: An actuating device for operating a safety unit mounted on a vehicle which includes a motor having an output shaft, a movable support for supporting the safety unit and moving it between its retracted and extended positions, and a non-mechanical switch arrangement that includes a pair of beam generators and sensors located in the path of the beams, and a plate for interrupting the beam and generating one control signal, and permitting passage of the beam to the sensor to generate another control signal. A control circuit is provided to operate the motor and movable support between its retracted and extended positions in response to the sensor's signals.