Abstract: Some of the inventive concepts described herein include a data key having a computer readable medium containing information indicative of a bitting pattern for a master key. The bitting pattern on the data key may be downloadable to a key cutting device to cut a duplicate key that has the same bitting pattern as the master key. In addition, a method of creating a data key is also provided herein. The method includes identifying a type of key; identifying a bitting pattern; and storing the type of key blank required and bitting pattern to be cut in the key blank on a computer readable medium.

Abstract: A sanitizing device for sanitizing a chestpiece of a stethoscope connected to at least one earpiece by a tube, the sanitizing device being composed of: a housing composed of two housing halves and a hinge assembly connecting the housing halves together to permit relative pivotal movement between the housing halves between a closed state in which the housing halves enclose a closed space, and an open state; and a source of sanitizing radiation disposed to irradiate the closed space. The housing is provided with an opening for receiving the tube; the opening is composed of two opening portions each formed in a respective housing half; and the hinge assembly is composed of two hinge portions each forming part of a respective housing half, the hinge portions being separable from one another to allow the chestpiece to be placed in the closed space.

Abstract: Some of the inventive concepts described herein include a data key having a computer readable medium containing information indicative of a bitting pattern for a master key. The bitting pattern on the data key may be downloadable to a key cutting device to cut a duplicate key that has the same bitting pattern as the master key. In addition, a method of creating a data key is also provided herein. The method includes identifying a type of key; identifying a bitting pattern; and storing the type of key blank required and bitting pattern to be cut in the key blank on a computer readable medium.

Abstract: Some of the inventive concepts described herein include a data key having a computer readable medium containing information indicative of a bitting pattern for a master key. The bitting pattern on the data key may be downloadable to a key cutting device to cut a duplicate key that has the same bitting pattern as the master key. In addition, a method of creating a data key is also provided herein. The method includes identifying a type of key; identifying a bitting pattern; and storing the type of key blank required and bitting pattern to be cut in the key blank on a computer readable medium.

Abstract: A sanitizing device for sanitizing a chestpiece of a stethoscope connected to at least one earpiece by a tube, the sanitizing device being composed of: a housing composed of two housing halves and a hinge assembly connecting the housing halves together to permit relative pivotal movement between the housing halves between a closed state in which the housing halves enclose a closed space, and an open state; and a source of sanitizing radiation disposed to irradiate the closed space. The housing is provided with an opening for receiving the tube; the opening is composed of two opening portions each formed in a respective housing half; and the hinge assembly is composed of two hinge portions each forming part of a respective housing half, the hinge portions being separable from one another to allow the chestpiece to be placed in the closed space.

Abstract: Some of the inventive concepts described herein include a data key having a computer readable medium containing information indicative of a bitting pattern for a master key. The bitting pattern on the data key may be downloadable to a key cutting device to cut a duplicate key that has the same bitting pattern as the master key. In addition, a method of creating a data key is also provided herein. The method includes identifying a type of key; identifying a bitting pattern; and storing the type of key blank required and bitting pattern to be cut in the key blank on a computer readable medium.

Abstract: An automated inventory control system including a merchandising rack for displaying one or more products that is located at a retail outlet store is disclosed herein. The merchandising rack receives or displays one or more products having associated electronic identification devices secured thereto. An electronic reading device automatically scans all of the one or more electronic identification devices and determines data related to the products without the need for a manual initiating a scan for each of the one or more electronic identification devices. A host computing device receives instructions to initiate a scan from the receiver, initiates the scan by, and receives the data from, an electronic reading device and causes data to be transmitted to a computer under the control of a distributor, supplier or manufacturer.

Abstract: Some of the inventive concepts described herein include a data key having a computer readable medium containing information indicative of a bitting pattern for a master key. The bitting pattern on the data key may be downloadable to a key cutting device to cut a duplicate key that has the same bitting pattern as the master key. In addition, a method of creating a data key is also provided herein. The method includes identifying a type of key; identifying a bitting pattern; and storing the type of key blank required and bitting pattern to be cut in the key blank on a computer readable medium.

Abstract: A key assembly having an identification member secured to the key. In one embodiment, the identification member includes a programmable device that contains information indicative of one or more characteristics of the key that can be used to identify at least one of a) the type of key, b) the type of key blank, c) an origination address, d) a destination address, e) a manufacturer, f) a manufacturing date, and g) a lot number. Another embodiment may include a key, and an identification member secured to the key, wherein the identification member includes a programmable device that contains information indicative of a) the key type, b) the type of key blank, and c) cutting instructions for a key cutter to determine cut characteristics. Additional embodiments may include an automobile key and an identification member secured to the automobile key, where in the identification member includes memory for use as mobile data storage.

Abstract: A key assembly having an identification member secured to the key. In one embodiment, the identification member includes a programmable device that contains information indicative of one or more characteristics of the key that can be used to identify at least one of a) the type of key, b) the type of key blank, c) an origination address, d) a destination address, e) a manufacturer, f) a manufacturing date, and g) a lot number. Another embodiment may include a key, and an identification member secured to the key, wherein the identification member includes a programmable device that contains information indicative of a) the key type, b) the type of key blank, and c) cutting instructions for a key cutter to determine cut characteristics. Additional embodiments may include an automobile key and an identification member secured to the automobile key, where in the identification member includes memory for use as mobile data storage.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for tracking, counting and inventorying keys throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing through retailing to the end user. In addition, the present invention provides apparatus and methods for improving the accuracy of duplicating keys. The apparatus and methods generally rely on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, where information is stored to and collected from RFID tags that are located proximate to keys. The apparatus and methods provided for in this invention improve efficiency and accuracy in the key supply chain.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an interactive, visual complement to one or more audio programs. In one aspect, the system comprises an audio subsystem for generating an audio signal corresponding to a sound recording. The system also comprises a video subsystem for generating a video image specification based, at least in part, on the sound recording. In one aspect, the audio signal and video image specification are transmitted to an audio/video signal transmission system. The transmission system receives the video image specification and generates a video signal that conforms to the video image specification. The video signal and the audio signal are transmitted to at least one consumer receiver. In this way, the system provides a visual complement to an audio program.

Abstract: A mounting system for a closure which enables the closure to be opened from at least two sides. The closure includes handles mounted on the two sides and is mounted to a frame which the closure closes with the at least two sides. The closure only be opened from one of the sides at a time. The mounting system includes a locking and releasing mechanism on each of the sides, at least one hinge attached to each of the respective sides, a control bar attached to each hinge, the bar substantially locked into a respective control system, and a control circuit comprising a sensor and a relay, associated with each of the handles, whereby if a person opens the closure from one side, the sensor on that side activates the corresponding relay to operate the control system on that side of the closure and the hinge on that side is retracted.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing burn-in of a display is disclosed. A plurality of assets containing text, graphics, and video are stored and then gathered. These assets are then assembled into a template to form a video frame or “screen”, which is subsequently output in a video transport stream or video display. Based upon a trigger, the assets are gathered again and reassembled in a second template to form a second video frame or screen wherein the assets are in positions on the screen, which are different from those of the first screen. The second screen is subsequently output to the video transport stream and the process is repeated.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for tracking, counting and inventorying keys throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing through retailing to the end user. In addition, the present invention provides apparatus and methods for improving the accuracy of duplicating keys. The apparatus and methods generally rely on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, where information is stored to and collected from RFID tags that are located proximate to keys. The apparatus and methods provided for in this invention improve efficiency and accuracy in the key supply chain.

Abstract: A cornerboard assembly comprises an interlocking, opposite direction joint between cornerboard millwork components. Dual male members extend from the end of one of the respective components, forming an opening between the members. The male members and opening formed between the members have planar outer surfaces. The second component comprises an end with a single male member which is configured to be inserted into the opening of the first component. The male member of the second component and the other surfaces at this end also have planar outer surfaces. The planar outer surfaces of the two cornerboards components are configured to be positioned adjacent to each other, in surface to surface contact. An exterior construction glue or similar adhesive is placed on the planar surfaces to fixedly and permanently secure the components.

Abstract: A cornerboard assembly comprises an interlocking, opposite direction joint between cornerboard millwork components. Dual male members extend from the end of one of the respective components, forming an opening between the members. The male members and opening formed between the members have planar outer surfaces. The second component comprises an end with a single male member which is configured to be inserted into the opening of the first component. The male member of the second component and the other surfaces at this end also have planar outer surfaces. The planar outer surfaces of the two cornerboards components are configured to be positioned adjacent to each other, in surface to surface contact. An exterior construction glue or similar adhesive is placed on the planar surfaces to fixedly and permanently secure the components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing color matching between populations of color output devices, such as color monitors and color printers. The method includes the steps of establishing a set of aim curves for each population of color output devices based on measured color luminance values of each member of the population, and constructing first and second sets of color correction transforms for each of the color output devices based on the aim curves and the measured color luminance values. The correction transforms are then provided to the device driver of each of the color output devices. The method and apparatus can transform the color outputs of a population of color output devices from a device-dependent color gamut to a population dependent color gamut.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of forming a continuous, thin film of stoichiometric metal hydride such as titanium dihydride, titanium dideuteride, or titanium ditritide on a substrate which may be of metal, glass or the like. The substrate is first cleaned, both chemically and by off-sputtering in a vacuum chamber. In an ultra-high vacuum system vapor deposition by a sublimator or vaporizer first coats a cooled shroud disposed around the substrate with a thin film of hydride forming metal which getters any contaminant gas molecules. A shutter is then opened to allow hydride forming metal to be deposited as a film or coating on the substrate.After the hydride forming metal coating is formed, a deuterium or other hydrogen isotopes are bled into the vacuum system and diffused into the metal film or coating to form a hydride of metal film. Higher substrate temperatures and pressures may be used if various parameters are appropriately adjusted.

Abstract: In a knitting machine positive feed device of the type comprising a rotatable roller having a bracket mounted for free pivotable motion adjacent the roller under the control of a pair of weighted arms which are attached to the bracket, the fixed yarn guides which are disposed adjacent the opposing ends of one of said arms are supplemented by an intervening movable yard guide which is weighted for movement under the influence of gravity to take up slack in the yarn caused by any overfeed from the roller. The movable yarn guide can also be associated with a stop-motion switching device operative to turn off the knitting machine if the yarn should break.