Abstract: A ratcheting anchorage device for use with a lifeline when performing tasks on a surface includes an anchorage member proximate the surface, a support member, a ratcheting device, an elongate member, and a connecting member. The support member is configured and arranged to be supported by the surface proximate the anchorage member. The ratcheting device is operatively connected to the support member. The elongate member has a first end and a second end. The first end is operatively connected to the ratcheting device, and the second end is operatively connected to the connecting member, which is configured and arranged to engage the anchorage member. The ratcheting device is configured and arranged to ratchet the elongate member so that the elongate member becomes taut when the connecting member engages the anchorage member thereby securing the support member to the anchorage member.

Abstract: A method of allowing a customer to place a wager on a gaming action with a merchant through an electronic transaction is disclosed. The method comprises establishing a deposit account for the customer with an escrow account provider. Next, the wager for the gaming action is placed with the merchant. The escrow account provider will then determine whether the wager is for casino action or sports book action. Funds for the wager will be transferred from the deposit account of customer to a prescribed account of the escrow account provider depending on the type of wager. Next, the merchant is notified that the funds for the wager have been transferred. The escrow account provider will then verify that the merchant can cover the wager and as such will transfer funds for the wager from the prescribed account to an action account during the pendency of the gaming action. Finally, the funds will be transferred to either the merchant or the customer, depending on whether the customer has won or lost the wager.

Abstract: A method of allowing a customer to purchase a product having a purchase price from a merchant through an electronic transaction. The method comprising the step of establishing a deposit account on behalf of the customer with an escrow account provider. Next, funds are transferred into the deposit account. The customer will then place an order with the merchant. The balance of the deposit account will be verified to confirm that the balance is at least equal to the purchase price of the product. Next, the merchant will be notified that the balance in the deposit account is at least equal to the purchase price such that the merchant will deliver the product to the customer. Finally, the purchase price of the product will be transferred from the deposit account to the merchant by the escrow account provider upon confirmation of delivery of the product to the customer.

Abstract: A networked system is provided for connecting a plurality of programmable logic controllers together in a manner which more efficiently uses available network bandwidth. The network includes a producer controller and at least one consumer controller. The producer controller shares a portion of its internal memory with other consumer controllers on the network. In this manner, a data sample is sent from the producer controller to one or more consumer controllers. The consumer controllers check to determine if data samples are lost during transmission over the network and initiate responsive corrective action.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly according to the current invention comprises a receptacle and a composite action beam for electrically connecting a pin to a printed circuit board. The composite action beam is located in the receptacle and has a movable end and a fixed end. During an initial phase of the pin insertion cycle, the movable end of the composite action beam deflects so as to minimize the force necessary to insert the pin into the connector housing. During an intermediate phase of the insertion cycle, the movable end contacts an inside wall of the connector and the composite action beam functions as a two-end supported beam. The composite action beam supported at both ends exerts sufficiently high normal force against the inserted pin so as to retain the pin in the inserted position. Thus, the composite action beam reduces insertion force without compromising normal retention force once the pin is inserted.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly according to the current invention comprises a receptacle and a composite action beam. The composite action beam is located in the receptacle and has a movable end and a fixed end. During initial phase of insertion cycle, a movable end of the composite action beam moves as the pin is inserted into the connector. This movement reduces insertion force. During an intermediate phase of the insertion cycle, the movable end reaches the inside wall of the connector and the composite action beam now functions as a two-end supported beam. The composite action beam thereon exerts sufficiently high normal force against the inserted pin so as to retain the pin in the inserted position. Thus, the composite action beam reduces insertion force without compromising normal force once the pin is inserted.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly according to the current invention comprises a receptacle and a right angle header for connecting two or more printed circuit boards. A composite action beam is located in the receptacle and has a movable end and a fixed end. During an initial phase of the pin insertion cycle, the movable end of the composite action beam deflects so as to minimize the force necessary to insert the pin into the connector housing. During an intermediate phase of the insertion cycle, the movable end contacts an inside wall of the connector and the composite action beam functions as a two-end supported beam. The composite action beam supported at both ends exerts sufficiently high normal force against the inserted pin so as to retain the pin in the inserted position. Thus, the composite action beam reduces insertion force without compromising normal retention force once the pin is inserted.