Abstract: An automotive vehicle (10) includes a restraint control module (12) coupled to a memory (50). During an impact, data from various sensors including lateral acceleration sensors (30,32) are stored in the memory (50). A computing device (56) with a memory (58) is used to download the data from the lateral acceleration sensors (30,32) and various other sensors for reconstruction of an accident. From the lateral acceleration sensors (30), (32), a determination may be made as to the struck or unstruck side of the vehicle. The lateral acceleration from the unstruck side of the vehicle is used in the reconstruction.

Abstract: An algorithm for use with a restraint control module that controls a signal output to a vehicle fuel pump. The algorithm deploys a fuel cutoff signal when crash sensors sense a vehicle crash condition that meets or exceeds a fuel cutoff threshold employed by the algorithm. The fuel cutoff threshold is generally elliptical.

Abstract: A method of managing a plurality of operable wall panels in a room equipped with an overhead track system from which the panels suspend and in which the panels are movable to selectively partition the room, the track system including a reading portion. The method comprising providing an identification tag on each of the plurality of panels, each identification tag having panel information, and wirelessly communicating between the identification tag of each of the plurality of panels and a controller, wherein the controller being operable to receive and transmit panel control data comprising the panel information.

Abstract: A system for controlling, monitoring and receiving data from a plurality of devices located at a remote site. A network operations center (NOC) has a plurality of protocols for a plurality of applications. A customer interface with the NOC provides customer control and monitoring of the devices and enables the customer to receive alert notifications from the devices. Master, remote and remote slave units communicate between the NOC and the devices at the remote site, and enable one remote slave unit to communicate with many devices. Registration subroutines are periodically initiated in the system to automatically identify, and to enable communication with, any newly added or removed components. The system also periodically initiates a time synchronization subroutine to synchronize the real time clocks in all system components to Greenwich Mean Time to insure the accuracy of time associated with alert notifications.

Abstract: An impact event countermeasure control method and system for an automotive vehicle includes management of impact countermeasures using not only variable timing responsive to impact severity, but also event control as a function of the displacement of a vehicle's occupant with respect to the passenger cabin environment, including various countermeasure devices.

Abstract: A method of managing a plurality of operable wall panels in a room equipped with an overhead track system from which the panels suspend and in which the panels are movable to selectively partition the room, the track system including a reading portion. The method comprising providing an identification tag on each of the plurality of panels, each identification tag having panel information, and wirelessly communicating between the identification tag of each of the plurality of panels and a controller, wherein the controller being operable to receive and transmit panel control data comprising the panel information.

Abstract: An algorithm for use with a restraint control module that controls a signal output to a vehicle fuel pump. The algorithm deploys a fuel cutoff signal when crash sensors sense a vehicle crash condition that meets or exceeds a fuel cutoff threshold employed by the algorithm. The fuel cutoff threshold is generally elliptical.

Abstract: A method of managing a plurality of operable wall panels in a room equipped with an overhead track system from which the panels suspend and in which the panels are movable to selectively partition the room, the track system including a reading portion. The method comprising providing an identification tag on each of the plurality of panels, each identification tag having panel information, and wirelessly communicating between the identification tag of each of the plurality of panels and a controller, wherein the controller being operable to receive and transmit panel control data comprising the panel information.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle (10) includes a restraint control module (12) coupled to a memory (50). During an impact, data from various sensors including lateral acceleration sensors (30,32) are stored in the memory (50). A computing device (56) with a memory (58) is used to download the data from the lateral acceleration sensors (30,32) and various other sensors for reconstruction of an accident. From the lateral acceleration sensors (30), (32), a determination may be made as to the struck or unstruck side of the vehicle. The lateral acceleration from the unstruck side of the vehicle is used in the reconstruction.

Abstract: A method includes electronically identifying a first item that a customer intends to purchase while the customer is shopping and electronically providing content to the customer in response to the identifying to entice the customer to purchase a second, different item.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent. A distribution system receives the fire suppression agent from the reservoir and conducts the agent to at least one location about the vehicle's body in response to the determination by a sensor system and controller that the vehicle has been subjected to a significant impact. The sensor system and controller determine not only the magnitude of an impact upon the vehicle, but also track subsequent motion of the vehicle, as well as the time which has elapsed since an impact, so as to decide if and when the fire suppressant agent should be dispersed. Alternatively, the fire suppressant agent may be dispersed following activation of a manual switch.

Abstract: A method of managing a plurality of operable wall panels in a room equipped with an overhead track system from which the panels suspend and in which the panels are movable to selectively partition the room, the track system including a reading portion. The method comprising providing an identification tag on each of the plurality of panels, each identification tag having panel information, and wirelessly communicating between the identification tag of each of the plurality of panels and a controller, wherein the controller being operable to receive and transmit panel control data comprising the panel information.

Abstract: A system for controlling, monitoring and receiving data from a plurality of devices located at a remote site. A network operations center (NOC) has a plurality of protocols for a plurality of applications. A customer interface with the NOC provides customer control and monitoring of the devices and enables the customer to receive alert notifications from the devices. Master, remote and remote slave units communicate between the NOC and the devices at the remote site, and enable one remote slave unit to communicate with many devices. Registration subroutines are periodically initiated in the system to automatically identify, and to enable communication with, any newly added or removed components. The system also periodically initiates a time synchronization subroutine to synchronize the real time clocks in all system components to Greenwich Mean Time to insure the accuracy of time associated with alert notifications.

Abstract: A two-way wireless communications system for permitting the control, monitoring and collection of data from electrical apparatus includes a host computer, control and monitoring units remotely located from the host computer, and subscriber software for establishing communication protocol with each unit. The host computer includes a customer interface gateway which handles communications from the subscriber software to the host system, a wireless service gateway which handles all communications with the remotely located units, and a product data processor for processing data obtained from either a customer via the subscriber software or a particular remote unit. The subscriber software permits customers to have desktop control of their electrical apparatus associated with a remote unit. Each remote unit contains a motherhood, power supply, and modem. Each unit is capable of real-time monitoring and control of the electrical apparatus associated with the unit.

Abstract: A casing which provides a fluid and electrical interface between components of a fuel dispensing system. A column pipe which receives fuel pumped from an underground tank connects with a power head mounted in the casing. A check valve controls flow from the power head to a dispensing pipe leading to a fuel dispenser. A hand operated quick connect coupling connects the power head with the check valve housing to facilitate extraction of the power head, column pipe and pump. The check valve element can be removed along with a cover to the check valve housing. Leaking fuel and excessive fuel vapor are returned to the tank by valves. Fuel from the check valve housing used to operate a siphon system is returned to the tank along with fuel needed to relieve excessive pressure in the check valve housing. A junction box in the casing houses electrical wiring and is equipped with a safety barrier plug that accommodates a signal wire from a pressure transducer used to control the fuel flow to the dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a port of a distribution head in a fuel dispensing system. A plug has a head, flange and threaded shank. The flange extends radially beneath the head and includes a seal engagement surface. A sealing member is positioned upon the seal engagement surface. The port has NPT threads formed therein for engaging with the threads of the plug. When the plug is fully engaged with respect to the port, so as to be bottomed out, a seal is formed between the plug and port while the threads of the plug and port do not achieve an interference fit, to allow for easy removal of the plug.

Abstract: An adjustable length column pipe for connecting a submersible electric pump in a fuel storage tank with a distribution head that distributes the fuel to dispenser units. Two telescoping column pipes can be telescopically adjusted to the desired length and then locked together by a locking mechanism. An adapter bushing is threaded onto the end of the larger diameter pipe and has a projecting sleeve. A fitting is threaded onto the sleeve and tightened to compress a seal ring which seals the lock assembly to the pipe. Projecting fingers on the fitting are wedged against the smaller telescoping pipe by a nut which is threaded onto the fitting and has a tapered surface to provide progressive wedging action. Electrical wiring for operating the pump is contained within a telescoping conduit assembly which extends inside of the column pipes and is isolated from the fuel passageway by a seal arrangement.

Abstract: An adjustable length column pipe for connecting a submersible electric pump in a fuel storage tank with a distribution head that distributes the fuel to dispenser units. Two telescoping column pipes can be telescopically adjusted to the desired length and then locked together by a locking mechanism. An adapter bushing is threaded onto the end of the larger diameter pipe and has a projecting sleeve. A fitting is threaded onto the sleeve and tightened to compress a seal ring which seals the lock assembly to the pipe. Projecting fingers on the fitting are wedged against the smaller telescoping pipe by a nut which is threaded onto the fitting and has a tapered surface to provide progressive wedging action. Electrical wiring for operating the pump is contained within a telescoping conduit assembly which extends inside of the column pipes and is isolated from the fuel passageway by a seal arrangement.

Abstract: An adjustable length column pipe for connecting a submersible electric pump in a fuel storage tank with a distribution head that distributes the fuel to dispenser units. Two telescoping column pipes can be telescopically adjusted to the desired length and then locked together by a locking mechanism. An adapter bushing is threaded onto the end of the larger diameter pipe and has a projecting sleeve. A fitting is threaded onto the sleeve and tightened to compress a seal ring which seals the lock assembly to the pipe. Projecting fingers on the fitting are wedged against the smaller telescoping pipe by a nut which is threaded onto the fitting and has a tapered surface to provide progressive wedging action. Electrical wiring for operating the pump is contained within a telescoping conduit assembly which extends inside of the column pipes and is isolated from the fuel passageway by a seal arrangement.