Abstract: Proposed is an automated system providing an automatable long-term care risk mitigation structure associated with immediate care needs of risk-exposed individuals in case of becoming a long-term care-receiver. The system provides an automated multi-step trigger and detection cycle based on sensory measuring data for risk-exposed individuals thereby mitigating possibly occurring long-term care needs by means of the automated system based on a detected sufficient state of disability, possibly predetermined up-front amount parameters and an assigned care equity ratio associated with an asset. The state of disability of the risk-exposed individual is measurable by a definable set of risk-exposed individual measuring parameters.

Abstract: A system for transferring torque with zero lash from a driver to a driven object is provided. The system includes a shaft disposed about a rotational axis and a hub defining a bore that receives the shaft. The shaft and hub are each configured for coupling to one of the driver and driven object. The shaft defines a flat on a radially outer surface and the hub defines a flat on a radially inner surface opposing the flat in the shaft. In one embodiment, the shaft includes a threaded bore and the hub includes an aligned through bore. Rotation of a threaded fastener in the bores draws the flat into engagement. In another embodiment, the hub includes a threaded through bore. Rotation of a fastener extending through the bore and engaging the shaft diametrically opposite the flats urges the flats into engagement.

Abstract: A system for transferring torque with zero lash from a driver to a driven object is provided. The system includes a shaft disposed about a rotational axis and a hub defining a bore that receives the shaft. The shaft and hub are each configured for coupling to one of the driver and driven object. The shaft defines a flat on a radially outer surface and the hub defines a flat on a radially inner surface opposing the flat in the shaft. In one embodiment, the shaft includes a threaded bore and the hub includes an aligned through bore. Rotation of a threaded fastener in the bores draws the flat into engagement. In another embodiment, the hub includes a threaded through bore. Rotation of a fastener extending through the bore and engaging the shaft diametrically opposite the flats urges the flats into engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for providing a camera unit for use in close proximity to a sporting event. The apparatus includes a sideline marking structure including a camera device and a computerized controller in wireless communication with a remote system. The sideline marking structure can include sideline markers in football, baseball, or soccer.

Abstract: An apparatus including a mobile timer unit for use in a sporting event is disclosed. The mobile timer unit includes a timer unit controller in communication with a remote master timer controller and an output device in communication with the timer unit controller. The mobile timer unit is operated wirelessly upon a moving object within the context of game play of the sporting event.

Abstract: A removable medical support mechanism can be used to protect a body member from injury. The mechanism includes a layer of flexible material providing a constrictive force upon the body member and a mesh layer comprising a plurality of interconnected mesh links. The mesh layer is configured to distribute a force of an impact upon the mechanism, thereby protecting the body member from receiving the force of the impact.

Abstract: An apparatus including a mobile timer unit for use in a sporting event is disclosed. The mobile timer unit includes a timer unit controller in communication with a remote master timer controller and an output device in communication with the timer unit controller. The mobile timer unit is operated wirelessly upon a moving object within the context of game play of the sporting event.

Abstract: A removable medical support mechanism can be used to protect a body member from injury. The mechanism includes a layer of flexible material providing a constrictive force upon the body member and a mesh layer comprising a plurality of interconnected mesh links. The mesh layer is configured to distribute a force of an impact upon the mechanism, thereby protecting the body member from receiving the force of the impact.

Abstract: An improved road maintenance truck includes a pair of hydraulically powered roller assemblies mounted to the underside of the vehicle frame and a vertically movable compression plate mounted to the vehicle frame. Each roller assembly has a compressive roller which runs the width of the truck. Two hydraulic actuators on each end of the vehicle raise and lower the roller into place. These independent rollers allow a road patching crew to selectively lower the roller for repairing road while initially flattening the patching material with the front roller and compacting the patching material with the rear. The compression plate is mounted to an actuator which selectively raises and lowers the compression plate to compress road patching materials. A roller heating system draws engine coolant through the rollers to heat the rollers and to reduce the heat built-up in the engine.

Abstract: An automated inspection system is provided wherein an inspection of a surface and the processing of inspection data acquired from the surface can be performed with limited or no operator involvement and wherein a high level of consistency can be s maintained between each inspection and between each processing of inspection data across multiple inspections of the surface.

Abstract: A steering column assembly that includes a steering column, and a bracket for mounting the steering column to the dashboard of a vehicle; and an adapter detachably connected to the steering column for providing an interface for mounting a plurality of items on the adapter. The bracket further includes a tongue and the adapter further includes a notch for engaging the tongue such that the adapter can be mounted on the steering column in only one orientation. The adapter component of the present invention further includes a plurality of surfaces for mounting various items on the adapter. The adapter may be easily modified to accommodate different system devices or other items.

Abstract: A steering column assembly that includes a steering column, and a bracket for mounting the steering column to the dashboard of a vehicle; and an adapter detachably connected to the steering column for providing an interface for mounting a plurality of items on the adapter. The bracket further includes a tongue and the adapter further includes a notch for engaging the tongue such that the adapter can be mounted on the steering column in only one orientation. The adapter component of the present invention further includes a plurality of surfaces for mounting various items on the adapter. The adapter may be easily modified to accommodate different system devices or other items.

Abstract: A mobile teaching system is disclosed which allows the use of personal computing devices in a learning environment. A plurality of portable computers may communicate with a portable network center to undergo lesson plans, testing, and other educational tasks. The portable computers may be stored in a fixed or mobile storage unit that may also serve as a network communications center, and may also provide power connections for the computers. The computers may include removable, rechargeable batteries, which may be recharged at the storage unit.

Abstract: A filter element for adsorbing gaseous components of a gas stream comprises a fabric formed from fibres of a polymeric material in which the sizes of individual fibres is not more than about 20 &mgr;m. The fibres are treated by a copolymerisation reaction with a vinyl monomer which is capable of reacting with an acid or a base to form a salt directly or indirectly under conditions which result in grafting of the vinyl monomer to the surfaces of the fibres.

Abstract: A polymeric sheet, which is particularly suited for use as a separator in an electrochemical device, is formed by graft copolymerising acrylic acid, or another vinyl monomer capable of reacting with an acid or a base to form a salt directly or indirectly with fibers of a non-woven sheet, whose outer surface is provided by a polyolefin, especially polypropylene. The polyolefin is crosslinked as a result of the polymerisation reaction. The polymerisation reaction is preferably initiated by exposure of the sheet to ultraviolet radiation, after impregnation with an appropriate solution of the vinyl monomer.

Abstract: A polymeric sheet, which is particularly suited for use as a separator in an electrochemical device, is formed by graft copolymerizing acrylic acid, or another vinyl monomer capable of reacting with an acid or a base to form a salt directly or indirectly with fibers of a non-woven sheet, whose outer surface is provided by a polyolefin, especially polypropylene. The polyolefin is crosslinked as a result of the polymerization reaction. The polymerization reaction is preferably initiated by exposure of the sheet to ultraviolet radiation, after impregnation with an appropriate solution of the vinyl monomer.

Abstract: An engine traction control system generates a control cycle of a varying duty cycle which controls the pressure level in a pneumatic actuator in the engine power control linkage to thereby reduce engine power when the driven wheels begin slipping during the vehicle acceleration. The duty cycle is set as a function of wheel speed error between the average wheel speeds of the driven and non-driven wheels, and also as a function of the change in the error between calculation cycles.

Abstract: A control for an electropneumatic braking system applies a step function to a electronically operated proportional modulator to improve transient response. The current is controlled by a treadle operated signal generator operated by the vehicle operator and by actual feedback braking pressure as generated by a pressure sensor which senses braking pressure. The system includes a master controller which receives and processes information from the operator operated treadle operated signal generator and transmits desired pressure signals to wheel controllers which independently control each wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic vehicle braking system controls braking by electronic signals transmitted from a master controller to the brakes of the vehicle controlled by axle controllers. The master controller is responsive to the actuation of a treadle by the vehicle operator to calculate the difference between a requested vehicle deceleration and the actual vehicle deceleration, which is calculated based on data sensed by wheel sensors. Service braking pressure is then set to maintain the requested vehicle deceleration.