Abstract: The present invention is an autonomous artificial muscle fiber coiler system. The system comprises a motor-driven spool holder for feeding monofilament material under controlled tension, a pulley system to regulate tension dynamically, and a bevel gear assembly with synchronized large bevel gears and a smaller third bevel gear to twist the monofilament into a desired helical structure. Two ‘mirrored’ or parallel motor drivers, controlled by a power supply unit, vary the speed and direction of the gears to achieve customized twist density. The system is designed to produce consistent and precise coiled fibers for applications in robotics, prosthetics, and advanced materials. The coiler can also produce graded fibers by dynamically adjusting tension and twist density. The system supports multiple materials, including nylon, polyester, Kevlar, and conductive polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a firearm rest chair for resting a firearm on a rest that allows the shooter to shoulder the firearm, while the weight of the shooter absorbs the recoil of the firearm. The firearm rest chair employs a rigid frame that supports a seat and a rest point for a firearm to allow the shooter's body weight to absorb the recoil of a firearm. The disclose rest point for the firearm allows the shooter the ability to shoulder the firearm.

Abstract: Methods for recovering data sets using existing catalog entries are described. The data sets to be recovered may correspond with a portion of a data storage volume that has been archived. In some embodiments, an archived data set may be re-cataloged to a pseudo-volume in order to preserve catalog sequencing information for data sets that are members of the data set. In some embodiments, a data storage system may utilize a system interrupt to detect that a request to create a new data set has failed due to a conflict with an existing catalog entry, acquire data set creation parameters associated with the request to create the new data set, and issue a catalog alter command using the data set creation parameters in response to detecting that the request to create the new data set has failed.

Abstract: A crossbar system for a truck bed and methods of mounting a crossbar system to a truck bed are disclosed. In some examples, the crossbar system may include two towers, each coupling an end portion of a crossbar to a truck bed wall. Each tower may include a crossbar housing having a clamp device for securing the crossbar housing around a selected location along the crossbar, and a coupling mechanism configured to secure the crossbar housing to the truck bed. The crossbar housing may have a ledge portion configured to sit on an upper surface of the truck bed wall. The coupling mechanism may include a hook member configured to removably engage the ledge portion of the crossbar housing; and an over-center lever that is operable between open and closed positions, which may cause a bridge piece to move between unclamped and clamped positions. The coupling mechanism may include a plurality of alternate bridge pieces, each configured to engage a different truck bed rail structure.

Abstract: Methods for automating the processing of generation data groups as groups prior to data recovery are described. The generation data groups to be recovered may correspond with a data storage volume that has been taken offline or has suffered a hardware failure. Prior to data recovery, a table of data sets associated with the data to be recovered may be created and then sorted based on the base names, creation dates and generation numbers of the data sets. The sorted table may be used to identify a particular sequence of generation data sets associated with a particular generation data group to be recovered. The generation data sets corresponding with the particular generation data group to be restored may be selected based on a catalog status of the particular generation data group and whether the particular generation data group is in a rolled-off or wrapped state.

Abstract: Methods for automating the processing of generation data groups as groups prior to data recovery are described. The generation data groups to be recovered may correspond with a data storage volume that has been taken offline or has suffered a hardware failure. Prior to data recovery, a table of data sets associated with the data to be recovered may be created and then sorted based on the base names, creation dates and generation numbers of the data sets. The sorted table may be used to identify a particular sequence of generation data sets associated with a particular generation data group to be recovered. The generation data sets corresponding with the particular generation data group to be restored may be selected based on a catalog status of the particular generation data group and whether the particular generation data group is in a rolled-off or wrapped state.

Abstract: Provided is an adjustable length fitness pole that includes an upper tubular section having an upper handgrip portion and a lower joint portion. The fitness pole also includes a lower tubular section having a lower foot mounting portion and an upper joint portion. The joint portions of the upper and lower tubular sections are sized and configured for slideable, registered engagement with each other thereby to prevent relative misalignment between the foot mounting portion and the handgrip portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing speed controlled eccentric exercise which include an exercise apparatus having an engagement member for engaging a user's body where the engagement member is moveable in opposite directions, means for enabling the engagement member to exert a force in a first direction at a predetermined speed, means for detecting change in the predetermined speed or pressure of the force after a user applies a force to the engagement means in a direction opposite the first force, and means for adjusting the apparatus supplied force and user supplied forces to equal one another or to maintain the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A drinking vessel with retractable straw is provided having a container sealed by an upper lid. A straw linearly actuated within said upper lid such as to extend in a vertical, linearly actuated manner between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A drinking vessel with retractable straw is provided having a container sealed by an upper lid. A straw linearly actuated within said upper lid such as to extend in a vertical, linearly actuated manner between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A chair (10) having adjustable height includes a seat (11) and a number of leg members (12). An adjusting mechanism (30) includes an insert sleeve (40) received within a hollow area (31) of a leg member (12). The insert sleeve (40) has an internal thread (52) which threadably receives a leg extension (60) having an external thread (61). Rotation of the leg extension (60) within the sleeve (40) adjusts the length of the leg member (12).

Abstract: The technical field of the invention generally concerns electronic mail systems. The present invention provides an ATM or POS system having a terminal (22, 24, 26, 28 or 34) and processor (18 or 36) which are connected to an ATM or POS data communications network. The network also includes a store and forward message switch (52) which stores user messages for remote retrieval and use as an electronic mail system (10) on a data communications network (42). Messages can be stored or retrieved through standard ATM or POS terminals, through a service bureau, through touch tone telephones (84) or via modems (76). Messages can be retrieved remotely and sent to a facsimile machine (82), a remote paging device, computer (72) or the like. Message information may include payment of user bills, completion of user financial transactions and transmission of information from a variety of databases. Such message information may be generated and transmitted by the system at times predetermined by the user.

Abstract: The technical field of the disclosure generally concerns electronic mail systems. The present invention provides an ATM or POS system having a terminal and process or which are connected to an ATM or POS data communications network. The network also includes a store and forward message switch which stores user messages for remote retrieval and use as an electronic mail system on a data communications network. Messages can be stored or retrieved through standard ATM or POS terminals, through a service bureau, through touch tone telephones or via modems. Messages can be retrieved remotely and sent to a facsimile machine, a remote paging device, computer or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which is adapted to be connected in communication with a single stream of water and which is constructed and arranged to divide the single stream of water into a plurality of streams of water. The apparatus defines a fluid stream through a fluid chamber into a mixing chamber and forms the plurality of streams by directing the water through a foraminous nozzle member. The apparatus also includes an additive chamber adapted to contain an additive and includes provision for mixing some of the water with the additive in the additive chamber and supplying the mixture of additive and water to the mixing chamber for formation, along with the plain water, into a plurality of streams of water through the foraminous nozzle, each containing the same amount of additive. The apparatus includes means for selectively controlling the introduction of water mixed with additive into the mixing chamber through rotation of the foraminous nozzle between normal and additive-blocking positions.