Abstract: A system for assigning tasks to one of a plurality of workers. The system includes a processor configured to receive a first set of attributes related to a task. The processor is configured to determine whether the first set of attributes satisfies one of the stored exception rules. The processor is configured to determine whether the first set of attributes satisfies one of the stored escalation rules. The processor is configured to determine whether the first set of attributes satisfies one of the stored escalation rules after determining whether the first set of attributes satisfies the stored exception rules so that the task is driven down if one of the exception rules is satisfied even if the first set of attributes would have satisfied one of the escalation rules.

Abstract: A method for load balancing using a dynamic allowed deviation. The method includes identifying tasks to be assigned to workers and identifying a first set of attributes for each task. The method further includes the step of identifying a second set of attributes for each worker. The allowed deviation between the highest number of tasks assigned to a worker and the lowest number of tasks assigned to a worker based on the number of tasks being assigned during a predetermined time period is computed. Each of the plurality of tasks is assigned to a worker based on matching at the first set of attributes with the second set of attributes. The assigning of the tasks is conducted so that the difference between the highest number of tasks assigned to a worker and the lowest number of tasks assigned to a worker does not exceed the allowed deviation.

Abstract: A heated vehicle sliding window assembly has a fixed glass panel with an opening formed in it and a slidably movable glass panel capable of closing the opening. Disposed on the fixed glass panel are electrically conductive grid lines that form two grid resistors which are connected together as a series circuit, which is connected between two electrically conductive bus bars deposited on the fixed glass panel. Disposed on the slidably movable glass panel are electrically conductive grid lines that form a third grid resistor, which is connected between two other electrically conductive bus bars disposed on the movable glass panel. Both sets of electrically conductive bus bars may be connected together as a parallel circuit when the opening is either opened or closed by the movable glass panel.

Abstract: There is provided in an embodiment a hydraulic fluid heat dissipation control assembly for an aircraft hydraulic system. The hydraulic fluid heat dissipation control assembly has one or more heat exchangers. The hydraulic fluid heat dissipation control assembly further has at least one flow control element coupled to the one or more heat exchangers to control flow and heat dissipation of a hydraulic fluid. There is also provided a method of controlling heat dissipation of a hydraulic fluid in an aircraft hydraulic system using the hydraulic fluid heat dissipation control assembly disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle part information includes a build configuration module that provides delta information that indicates a change in build configurations for vehicles. The build configuration indicates vehicle parts that were used at specific manufacturing plants on the vehicles during a time period. A build data module includes vehicle identification information that indicates predetermined build parameters for the vehicles. A display control module includes a database that combines the delta information and the vehicle identification information in a matrix and that stores the matrix.

Abstract: A heated vehicle sliding window assembly has a fixed glass panel with an opening formed in it and a slidably movable glass panel capable of closing the opening. Disposed on the fixed glass panel are electrically conductive grid lines that form two grid resistors which are connected together as a series circuit, which is connected between two electrically conductive bus bars deposited on the fixed glass panel. Disposed on the slidably movable glass panel are electrically conductive grid lines that form a third grid resistor, which is connected between two other electrically conductive bus bars disposed on the movable glass panel. Both sets of electrically conductive bus bars may be connected together as a parallel circuit when the opening is either opened or closed by the movable glass panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of using induction heating to solder an item of hardware to a glass substrate, wherein the glass substrate; preferably, is a vehicle window, the substrate and bonded item(s) of hardware forming a vehicle window assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of using induction heating to solder an item of hardware to a glass substrate, wherein the glass substrate; preferably, is a vehicle window, the substrate and bonded item(s) of hardware forming a vehicle window assembly.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle part information includes a build configuration module that provides delta information that indicates a change in build configurations for vehicles. The build configuration indicates vehicle parts that were used at specific manufacturing plants on the vehicles during a time period. A build data module includes vehicle identification information that indicates predetermined build parameters for the vehicles. A display control module includes a database that combines the delta information and the vehicle identification information in a matrix and that stores the matrix.

Abstract: A directional coupler for a modem has a high common mode noise rejection characteristic with low transmit signal leakage, and reduced distortion of components mixed with a received signal. A primary filter network is connected to a communications circuit. The primary filter network has an output connected to an input of an amplifier. A feedback network is connected between the input and output of the amplifier. The primary filter network, the amplifier and the feedback network are arranged to provide a virtual ground at the input of the amplifier, and a filter characteristic which attenuates frequencies in the transmit signal band. The advantage is reduced component count while providing excellent transmit signal rejection and reducing received signal distortion.

Abstract: An optical smoke detector for detecting particulates in an air sample. The detector includes a detection chamber defining an enclosure for the air sample. At least one opening is in fluid communication with the detection chamber whereby the air sample can be introduced and discharged from the detection chamber. A cleaning port defines a passageway to the detection chamber from a position external to the smoke detector and a resilient valve seals the cleaning port with a substantially air-tight seal. The valve member is accessible from a position external to the smoke detector. The valve member is openable, permitting passage of air through the cleaning port into the discharge chamber, by engaging the valve member with a nozzle, such as an air nozzle mounted on a canister of pressurized air.

Abstract: A directional coupler for a modem has a high common mode noise rejection characteristic with low transmit signal leakage, and reduced distortion of components mixed with a received signal. A primary filter network is connected to a communications circuit. The primary filter network has an output connected to an input of an amplifier. A feedback network is connected between the input and output of the amplifier. The primary filter network, the amplifier and the feedback network are arranged to provide a virtual ground at the input of the amplifier, and a filter characteristic which attenuates frequencies in the transmit signal band. The advantage is reduced component count while providing excellent transmit signal rejection and reducing received signal distortion.

Abstract: A directional coupler for a modem has a high common mode noise rejection characteristic with low transmit signal leakage, and reduced distortion of components mixed with a received signal. A primary filter network is connected to a communications circuit. The primary filter network has an output connected to an input of an amplifier. A feedback network is connected between the input and output of the amplifier. The primary filter network, the amplifier and the feedback network are arranged to provide a virtual ground at the input of the amplifier, and a filter characteristic which attenuates frequencies in the transmit signal band. The advantage is reduced component count while providing excellent transmit signal rejection and reducing received signal distortion.

Abstract: The invention is an amplifier configuration which provides signal gain at very low levels of distortion. The inventive amplifier configuration consists of two amplifiers whose outputs are added to give the total amplified signal. A first amplifier functions in the usual way, amplifying a signal from a voltage source and having a controllable feedback gain. A second amplifier is also fed by the voltage source but applies a feedback gain to the total amplified signal rather than to its own output signal. By selecting the feedback gains to be substantially identical, portions of voltage waveforms that have been removed or altered due to clipping or other forms of distortion are restored by the second amplifier. The invention is particularly useful when amplifier gain is low, e.g., at high frequencies. Suitable implementations are in the voltage domain, using operational amplifiers, or in the current domain, using, for example, voltage-controlled current sources.

Abstract: The invention is an amplifier configuration which provides signal gain at very low levels of distortion. The inventive amplifier configuration consists of two amplifiers whose outputs are added to give the total amplified signal. A first amplifier functions in the usual way, amplifying a signal from a voltage source and having a controllable feedback gain. A second amplifier is also fed by the voltage source but applies a feedback gain to the total amplified signal rather than to its own output signal. By selecting the feedback gains to be substantially identical, portions of voltage waveforms that have been removed or altered due to clipping or other forms of distortion are restored by the second amplifier. The invention is particularly useful when amplifier gain is low, e.g., at high frequencies. Suitable implementations are in the voltage domain, using operational amplifiers, or in the current domain, using, for example, voltage-controlled current sources.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle steering column assembly includes an elongated collapsible steering column, a lower support for the lower end portion of the steering column and an upper support for the upper end portion of the steering column. The lower support comprises a bracket connected to vehicle support structure and constructed to absorb energy and guide movement of the lower end portion of the steering column when the steering column collapses in a frontal impact. The upper support comprises a swing unit for controlling the movement of the upper end portion of the steering column when it collapses. The swing unit comprises a lock mechanism including a rod slidable in a tubular housing. The rod is connected to the upper end portion of the steering column and can be locked in adjusted position within the housing depending on the tilt desired. A swing arm has one end portion rotatably received in a fixed mounting block, to which the housing of the lock mechanism is connected.

Abstract: A protective encasement for a vehicular trailer coupler of the latching lever towball and tongue type, completely covering the top land sides of the coupler. The encasement is made of strong thick-walled material such as but not limited to thermoplastic alloy molding and is secured to the coupler by a removable customized internal shackle through the latch lever lockhole. The shackle ends are locked into a completely encapsulated lockbody. When locked, the encasement outer wall is continuous except for the recessed lock keyhole and the flush shackle grip. This encasement provides protection for attached and unattached trailers, strongly resists tampering, is impervious to the weather, protects individuals against injuries from protrusions on the coupler, safeguards the trailer from accidental uncoupling, can be produced in bright external colors for highly visible identification, and requires no coupler or vehicle modification.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a collapsible energy absorbing steering column includes a lower support bracket for pivotally attaching a lower portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure. The steering column assembly includes an upper mounting mechanism for pivotally attaching an upper portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure. The steering column assembly includes a locking structure for locking the steering column in a plurality of tilt positions relative to the upper mounting mechanism. The steering column assembly further includes tilt release lever assembly for actuating the locking structure to allow the steering column to be tilted to a desired position and locked in place. The tilt release lever assembly includes a tilt release lever being made as one-piece from a plastic material.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a collapsible energy absorbing vehicle steering column includes a lower support bracket for pivotally attaching a lower portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure and an upper mounting mechanism for attaching an upper portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure, the upper mounting mechanism having a structure for guiding movement of the steering column along an arcuate path during a collision.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a collapsible energy absorbing vehicle steering column includes a lower support bracket for pivotally attaching a lower portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure and an upper mounting mechanism for attaching an upper portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure, the lower support bracket having a structure for absorbing energy of the steering column and for guiding movement of the steering column a predetermined path during a collision.