Abstract: A method is provided for transmitting notification messages for submission of multimedia messages to telecommunications devices embodied as multimedia message sinks, wherein to reduce the effort involved in transmitting notification messages and the associated administration effort in an entity sending the notification message on submission of multimedia messages to telecommunications devices embodied as multimedia message sinks independently of their multimedia capabilities, a service center responsible for sending the notification messages transmits on submission of multimedia messages in a notification message a first notification information which is preferably binary coded, and a second notification information which is preferably embodied as text information, uniformly to different variants of telecommunications devices as regards their multimedia capabilities.

Abstract: Users with mobile computing devices author skywriting and submit them to a virtual skywriting service. A mobile computing device having wireless network access is configured to capture a digital image of a real world scene including sky. The image is captured while the mobile computing device is in a geographical location or area. While the mobile computing device is still in the geographical location or area, it transmits via the wireless network a request for virtual skywriting. The request is received by a skywriting service that obtains or determines the geographical location/area that the computing device is in or near. The skywriting service selects a skywriting from among the previously submitted skywritings; the skywriting may be selected based on its having been entered at or associated with the geographical location.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiving apparatus has a fixed unit and a portable unit removably attached to the fixed unit. The fixed unit includes a tuner portion, a first memory, an audio decoder portion, an audio amplification/control portion and a first radio IF. The tuner portion receives digital broadcasting including encoded information. The first memory stores information included in the digital broadcasting. The audio decoder portion decodes audio information included in the digital broadcasting. The audio amplification/control portion outputs the audio information to a speaker. The first radio IF transmits information to the portable unit. The portable unit has a second radio IF, a second memory, a second CPU and a display/operation portion. The second radio IF receives information from the fixed unit. The second memory stores information. The second CPU decodes information. The display/operation portion displays the decoded information.

Abstract: A separator disk for use in centrifugal separation of components is designed to automatically position itself during separation at the interface between the supernatant and the remaining components. Preferably the interface is between plasma and red blood cells.

Abstract: A system and method for providing computerized, knowledge-based medical diagnostic and treatment advice. The medical advice is provided to the general public over a telephone network. Two new authoring languages, interactive voice response and speech recognition are used to enable expert and general practitioner knowledge to be encoded for access by the public. “Meta” functions for time-density analysis of a number of factors regarding the number of medical complaints per unit of time are an integral part of the system. A semantic discrepancy evaluator routine along with a mental status examination are used to detect the consciousness level of a user of the system. A re-enter feature monitors the user's changing condition over time. A symptom severity analysis helps to respond to the changing conditions. System sensitivity factors may be changed at a global level or other levels to adjust the system advice as necessary.

Abstract: A writing device for display members is provided which can erasably writing patient information on a display member carried on the side of a drug carrier and automatically attach and detach it to and from the carrier. The writing device has an attach/detach/transfer unit for detaching, attaching and transferring a rewrite card to a carrier carrying the rewrite card, and a writing means connected to the attach/detach/transfer means for writing and displaying patient information on the rewrite card. The respective means are controlled based on prescription information to attach and detach the rewrite card to and from the side of the carrier.

Abstract: Methods are provided for collecting fees for managing and optimizing the profitability of a plurality of physicians in a healthcare practice participating in an insurance network. The methods include establishing a relationship between a healthcare consultation group and the healthcare practice participating in the insurance network to increase the physician's profitability by reducing a risk of not receiving a predetermined reimbursement amount for ancillary medical costs from the insurance network. The methods also include distributing predetermined percentages of savings attributed to the physicians' modified ancillary medical cost management behavior.

Abstract: A method for transferring a session request including: acquiring a routing table related to a session during establishing the session; the routing table recording the address information of an AAA proxy server related to the session; transferring a session request of the session according to the address information of the AAA servers recorded in the routing table upon receiving the session request of the session. A system and a plurality of apparatuses for transferring a session request are provided as well. By the solution, all session requests of the session may be ensured to be transferred via the same route.

Abstract: A priority encoder (PE) for a CAM, comprising a plurality of PE blocks, each receiving a plurality of match results corresponding to data entries in a corresponding data array block and, for determining an address of a highest priority data entry based on a physical location in the data array block during a CAM search-and-compare operation a register for storing a user defined priority value assigned to each PE block and means for evaluating priority values and the address determined by the plurality of PE blocks to select a PE block having the highest priority data entry.

Abstract: Electronic test system including hardware and software components and method of use of same which provide obsolescence mitigation. A set of governing rules for the system is defined and a test program test (TPS) is created to enable units to be tested. When a new component is introduced into the system, the change is detected and a new TPS is created. If the new TPS complies with the rules, testing using the new TPS is possible. If not, a determination is made as to whether any component of the TPS is obsolete and if not, the units can be tested using the new TPS without redefining the rules. When a component of the TPS is obsolete, the rules are reviewed to ascertain the effect of the removal of the component and optionally redefined to enable the new component to be used in combination with the remaining components.

Abstract: A method of converting audio data encrypted for anti-piracy and copyright protection to a suitable format so that the data can be played in a portable device. A computer first decrypts the encrypted audio data and inserts information for setting equalizer, then encrypts the audio data lightly with the information for setting equalizer and transmits the data to a portable device. The portable device sets equalizer suitable to the lightly-encrypted audio data using the information for setting equalizer inserted by the computer, then decrypts the lightly-encrypted audio data, and outputs the decrypted audio data while amplifying or attenuating audio data for each band according to the set equalizer. Therefore, heavily encrypted audio data can be playable in a portable device with relatively low computing power and, by setting equalizer mode suitable to a music genre, the audio data can be conveyed to a listener authentically.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes: a rigid shell including a generally domed-shaped section, a force attenuating liner within the dome-shaped section shell and operatively connected to the rigid shell; and a visor mount in operative connection with the force attenuating liner, the visor mount be adapted to have a visor mounted thereto.

Abstract: A helmet heat shield affixed over the top of a helmet of the type worn by riders of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, bicycles, and other similar open-air vehicles. The inner surface of the heat shield conforms to the contour and shape of the upper portion of the helmet and further, provides an air gap between the helmet and the heat shield. A radiant barrier attached to the inner surface of the heat shield assists in dissipating heat away from the helmet surface. The air gap also permits air to circulate through freely, thereby significantly reducing the heat transfer to the exterior surface and interior of the helmet. The heat shield may be manufactured as an integral part of the helmet.

Abstract: A face shield assembly that includes a protective element including an edge and a frame including a top portion, a bottom portion and a side portion, the frame further including: a) an opening sized to fit the protective element, the opening defined by an upper inner edge, a lower inner edge, and side inner edges of the frame; b) a lip spaced from the upper, lower and side inner edges so as to form a channel constructed and arrange to receive a portion of the edge of the protective element.

Abstract: Clothing adapted for a child to wear while traveling in a car seat. The clothing includes sleeves, legs, and a hood connected to a back panel to form an always-open area over the child's chest. The always-open area avoids trapping material of the clothing between seat belt straps and the child's chest. Certain embodiments include a blanket that is sized to form a covering over the always-open area. Desirably, the blanket is optionally removable, to permit its use for other functions. When present, it is currently preferred for an edge of the blanket to be affixed to a visor of the hood. The distal ends of sleeves and legs in certain embodiments are permanently closed. In other cases, the ends may be optionally closed, or structured to remain open-ended. The clothing may include a plurality of layers to provide variable insulation.

Abstract: A torso-covering garment for playing paintball having gripping areas to enable the user to grippably contact a gripping area of the garment with the butt stock of the gun. Each gripping area comprises a pliant, non-cushioning substrate. Common embodiments of the garment are shirts, jerseys, jackets, and vests. A method of playing paintball which comprises wearing the garment of the invention, and a method of fabricating the garment.

Abstract: A high visibility safety vest for use with an air/oxygen bottle such as used with a SCBA. The vest includes a torso covering portion of high visibility material. The torso covering portion includes a back panel with an air/oxygen bottle receiving cover of the high visibility material formed in the back panel to extend therefrom and cover an air/oxygen bottle of a SCBA worn by a wearer of the vest.

Abstract: A noisemaking device comprising a first and second holders in the form of, for example, a pair of gloves, the palm region of each glove is provided with a domed shaped hollow member formed of a rigid, sound transmitting material and which extends upwardly from the surface of the holder so that when the hollow members are caused to be impacted against each other during hand clapping, a distinct sound is generated.

Abstract: A glove with a base layer of a flexible material which extends along at least a palm-side portion of the glove which includes a palm area and inner sides of a plurality of finger stalls and a thumb stall. The glove also has a second layer positioned on the palm-side portion and disposed on top of the base layer. The second layer includes a plurality of contact areas and a contact surface. Also, the glove has a plurality of siping grooves which conduct liquid away from the contact surface and a plurality of channels which direct liquid away from the contact areas.

Abstract: A glove with a base layer of a flexible material which extends along at least a palm-side portion of the glove which includes a palm area and inner sides of a plurality of finger stalls and a thumb stall. The glove also has a continuous second layer positioned on the palm-side portion and disposed on top of the base layer. The continuous second layer includes a plurality of contact areas and a contact surface. Also, the glove has a plurality of siping grooves which conduct liquid away from the contact surface and a plurality of channels which direct liquid away from the contact areas.

Abstract: A protective hood for use by a firefighter or other emergency worker. The hood includes a crown portion to cover the top of a wearer's head, the crown portion being made from a material having a primary stretch direction oriented to extend in a transverse, ear-to-ear, direction across the top of a wearer's head; and a lower portion that extends downward from the crown portion, the lower portion being made from a material having a primary stretch direction oriented to extend in a circumferential direction around a wearer's head.

Abstract: A garment to be worn by a person having a neck and a pair of hands includes a shawl portion with first and second ends and a width extending between first and second edges extending between the ends, and a muff formed at at least one of the first and second ends. The muff has a transversely extending passageway with vertically extending opposed entranceways configured to receive the pair of hands of the person. The muff also has a receptacle pocket with a generally horizontally extending entranceway for carriage of small items located exterior to the passageway. The lower portions of the shawl may be folded upon themselves to form a pair of cuffs, the interior regions of the cuffs leading to the entranceway to the receptacle pocket. The cuffs may be further joined together above the muff to form a bib adjoining the muff.

Abstract: Swimming goggles have a frame unit, lenses and buckles assembled on the frame unit, and at least a head strap with a plurality of stop grooves. Each buckle comprises an abutting arm having a stop end, an operating lever being movable transversely and bringing the abutting arm to move, and an offset portion between the abutting arm and the operating lever. When the operating lever moves transversely, the offset portion makes the stop end of the abutting arm move upward or downward to abut or release the stop grooves of the head strap. The swimming goggles adjust length of the head strap easily.

Abstract: There is disclosed a protective head gear comprising a helmet having a brim positioned above the eyes of the wearer, a face protector covering at least a portion of the face of the wearer, and an adapter comprising an elongate cross member for securing the face protector to the helmet along the brim. There is also disclosed an adapter for attaching a face protector having a pair of strap receiving slots molded therein to a helmet, comprising a cross member secured to the helmet, and a pair of support arms for insertion into the strap receiving slots. Additionally, there is disclosed face protective gear for use with a helmet having a brim positioned above the eyes of the wearer, comprising a cross member comprising a lip molded along an upper edge, and a pair of goggles depending from the cross member When the cross member is secured to the helmet, the lip overlaps the brim.

Abstract: A toilet has an open top, a bottom positionable on a floor, a front, a rear and laterally spaced sides. A water passageway through the toilet is in a generally S-shaped configuration with a generally central P-trap. A cutout in the rear of the toilet has a vertical exterior edge, a vertical interior edge, a generally horizontal lower edge and a generally horizontal upper edge, the edges together forming a continuous bearing surface. A removable panel is shaped generally as a mirror image of the toilet between the upper and lower edges of the cutout and has a continuous bearing surface positionable to overlie the bearing surface of the cutout. Mating flanges are on the panel and the toilet adjacent to the bearing surfaces. Bolts with nuts extend through the holes in the flanges to allow separating the panel from the toilet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing entanglement and bunching of a retracting or extending cable (10, 11) for a swimming pool cover, comprises a shaft (4) with a roller (5, 6) to guide the cable. The roller slidably rotates on the shaft so that it rotates and moves axially in response to any forces provided by the cable when being retracted or extended, to minimize entanglement and bunching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall rod (1) to be applied in front of a vertical wall by means of wall supports (6), said wall rod comprising an extension on the upper end thereof, that extends in an arched manner away from the wall. The handle of a shower attachment can be inserted into the free end of said arched pipe extension, and the tube is guided downwards on the rear side of the wall rod (1).

Abstract: A shower bench includes an L-shaped first brace with legs attached to vertical shower walls. A bench subassembly includes a cross brace, a foam block, and a T-shaped beam made of cementitious bonding agent that adheres the cross brace to the foam block and also adds strength to a front edge of the foam block. The brace and the block are cut to fit horizontally against the first brace with legs overlapping, such that the braces form a rigid geometric arrangement that supports the block. Ends of the braces are screwed together. The large uniform surfaces of the block are covered with tile and grout. The resulting assembly is extremely rigid and non-flexing, such that cracking of the tile and grout is substantially minimized, even when the bench is loaded up to 400 lbs.

Abstract: A portable pressurized solar shower which is mounted on the roof of a vehicle using roof rack mounting hardware. The vessel is an elongated shape such as a pipe (20), which is capped on both ends (32) (33). It can be filled by removing a fill cap (36) on top. Water can be sprayed out using an attached hose (60) and nozzle (70). Part of the vessel is a clear tube (41). Sunlight comes through a clear tube and heats a black surface (42) inside of the tube which heats the water. The vessel can be pressurized by a hand air pump via a valve stem (39) installed on the vessel. Privacy while showering is afforded by an attached shower curtain (86) that is easy to set up by using the easy to adjust curtain frame (80).

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing faucet system for an aircraft capable of minimizing as much as possible the size of the portion visible to the user, to thereby enhance the design flexibility of the wash basin and the lavatory including the wash basin. A mixing faucet system 1 for an aircraft comprises a discharge unit 2 of hot and cold water disposed on the wash basin in a lavatory of an aircraft, and a supply unit 3 separated from the discharge unit 2 and provided at a remote location from the wash basin for supplying to the discharge unit 2 through a hose 4 cold water and hot water either independently or in a mixed state. The discharge unit 2 is not equipped with a mixing function, and the supply unit 3 provided with the mixing function can be placed at a position remote from the discharge unit 2.

Abstract: A seating unit convertible into a bed includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a rear support pivotally interconnected with the base; a backrest having a backrest cushion; a seat having a seat cushion; a seat carriage; and a folding mechanism attached to the rear support, backrest and seat.

Abstract: A convertible sofa-bed which is easy to convert between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration is provided. From a sofa configuration, a buttock-foot member may be pulled outward. Simultaneously, a head rest member and back rest member which are initially at a generally vertical position are traversed to a generally horizontal position. When the buttock-foot member is fully traversed outward (i.e., extended position), the head rest member, back rest member and the buttock-foot member are generally substantially co-planar and generally horizontal. This provides a firm bed surface upon which a person may comfortably sleep. From the bed configuration, head rest member and the back rest member may be buckled to allow the buttock-foot member to be pushed inward. The buttock-foot member is then pushed fully inward (i.e., retracted position) until the head rest member and the back rest member are in the generally vertical position.

Abstract: A collapsible bed frame that supports a box spring includes side rails and telescoping cross rails. A first hinge connects upper and lower portions of a first side rail that are each at least 35 inches long. A first portion of a cross rail telescopes inside a second portion of the cross rail, and the first portion is connected to the first hinge. Upper and lower portions of a second side rail are connected by a second hinge that includes a slot. The second portion of the cross rail has a tongue that fits into the slot on the second hinge. The side rails also have support legs with flanges that extend above the side rails when the support legs are extended. The first and second hinges also include flanges that together with the support leg flanges prevent the box spring from sliding towards either side of the bed frame.

Abstract: A pillow that can be manipulated into a variety of bent/folded/twisted configurations and can retain each of those configurations until manipulated into a different configuration. The pillow has a segmented toroidal shape and includes an envelope and a flowable fill filling the envelope so that the fill is under positive pressure throughout. The pillow has a plurality of constrictions that, in conjunction with the pressurized fill, provides the pillow with soft hinges that facilitate bending/folding/twisting of the pillow.

Abstract: A privacy blanket, including a blanket body having a first side surface and a second side surface. At least one engagement portion is provided to removably engage the privacy blanket with a user. The privacy blanket further includes at least one functional portion for providing a containment area, a storage arrangement, and/or a working area.

Abstract: A bedpan system including an underlayment for supporting a supine human patient above a substantially horizontal supporting surface, wherein the underlayment has: a substantially horizontal top surface upon which the patient rests, a substantially parallel, spaced apart bottom surface for lying upon the supporting surface, and a bedpan cavity having an open top in registry with buttocks of the patient; the bedpan system comprising: an underlayment that is an inflatable mattress constructed substantially of flexible plastic sheet material comprising: a top sheet providing the top surface, a bottom sheet providing the bottom surface, side wall sheets attached between the top sheet and the bottom sheet providing substantially vertical side walls around the perimeter of the underlayment when it is inflated, and cavity sidewall sheets attached between the top sheet and the bottom sheet providing substantially vertical sidewalls in the cavity; a cavity base that is joined to the cavity sidewalls as a closed bottom

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable device comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to and supported by an inflatable bladder of an inflatable device. The fluid controller may be located in a compartment, and the compartment may be within the profile of the bladder. The inflatable device may be a single bladder mattress or a dual bladder mattress. The inflatable device may include a heater or an articulation device. The inflatable device may be multi-positional device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

Abstract: The invention makes provision for the final wash liquid from the washing device to be separated from the items of laundry in a water-removal device, specifically together with a large portion of the final wash liquid bound in the items of laundry. The items of laundry are then rinsed in the water-removal device. Following this, the rinse liquid is routed away from the items of laundry. The final wash liquid and the rinse liquid are temporarily stored in separate storage tanks and returned to the subsequent wash process in a deliberate manner. A mixture of at least a portion of the final wash liquid and the rinse liquid is fed particularly to the prewash zone in order to prewash the next batch of items of laundry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a submersible pool cleaning vehicle having an endless loop track. The vehicle including a housing and the housing having members for moving the vehicle around the pool surface. The vehicle including an endless loop track. The track having an exterior and an interior, the interior having a series of ribs and ridges, the ribs having a predetermined width and pitch. The ribs being centrally located on the track while the ridges flank either side of the ribs. The vehicle including drive members for moving the vehicle around the pool surface. The drive members and associated members for moving the vehicle have an exterior surface with a series of grooves and ridges for compatible connection with the ribs. The width of the rib is substantially smaller than the width of the groove and the track ribs engaging the groves.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a dovetail in a dynamoelectric machine is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, at least two pads for treating, cleaning or polishing a dovetail surface, at least a pair of guide wheels for aligning the apparatus within the dovetail, and at least one motor connected to the pads. The motor is operatively configured to rotate the pads. The dovetail surface is treated, cleaned or polished by sliding the apparatus along the dovetail and activating the motor to rotate the pads.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lint roller having a handle, and first roll of tape and a second roll of tape. The handle has a support having a first portion and a second portion. The first roll of tape has an outwardly facing surface with adhesive and rotatable about the first portion of the support. The second roll of tape has an outwardly facing surface with adhesive and rotatable about the second portion of the support.

Abstract: A toothbrush (100) may include an audio component (140) configured to operate as a microphone to receive an audio signal in a first mode of operation and to operate as a speaker to output the audio signal through the body (148) of the toothbrush (100) in a second mode of operation. Another toothbrush (100) may include a motor (271) for powering one or more moveable elements (227) and a processor (392) to monitor and maintain a variable, such as the motor speed or voltage applied, associated with the motor (271). Another toothbrush (100) may include a single operation mode button (FIGS. 13A-13C) to change a mode of operation of moveable elements (227) on the toothbrush (100) and audio signals transmitted through an output (148) of the toothbrush (100).

Abstract: A multifunctional nozzle attachment for a portable hand-held lawn blower. The multifunctional nozzle attachment includes a coupler which can be attached to the nozzle of the lawn blower. Various attachments including scrapers, rakes, and brushes are provided for use with the coupler. When attached to the coupler, the attachments may be used to break up debris that does not release from the ground using the air stream alone. Once the debris is broken up, the air stream carries the debris away.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel brush assembly having a plurality of interchangeable brush heads and handles and corresponding method for use. The brush assembly further comprises a plurality of abrasive mechanisms, namely suspension bristles and working springs, capable of effectively cleaning a surface without scoring or otherwise damaging the surface. The invention may be particularly useful for cleaning grills and ovens. The invention may also be useful for cleaning, abrading, scraping, cutting, shaping, adding texture to, removing a material from, otherwise preparing any surface including wooden, metal or ceramic surfaces.

Abstract: A mopping device includes a mop plate including a first mopping wing and a second mopping wing. The first and second mopping wings are configured to fold toward one another, and the first and second mopping wings each include a first material and each include at least one sliding element made of a second material. The mopping device further includes a first squeezing arm and a second squeezing arm disposed movably relative to the first and second mopping wings. The first and second squeezing arms are configured to respectively slide on the respective at least one sliding element and fold the first and second mopping wings toward one another.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning sheet in which a plurality of fiber bound materials produced by bundling a lot of fibers is joined on a base sheet, and at least adjacent two bound fiber materials have respectively different length in the longitudinal direction of the fibers, to constitute a cleaning portion and which can sufficiently wipe off even relatively large dirt particles.

Abstract: A mop disc and fabric frame fixation structure includes a fabric frame including cotton strips at the bottom of the fabric frame, a noncircular embedding concave surface at the top of the fabric frame, latch bumps formed in the corresponding embedding concave surface and protruded upwardly, and a concave latch surface concavely formed on at least one side of the latch bump. A disc is embedded into the embedding concave surface and has a latch groove in the corresponding embedding concave surface. Each latch groove is arranged apart from the other. A latch block is formed on an internal wall of the latch groove and protrudes from the corresponding concave latch surface. Thus, the disc is embedded into the embedding concave surface, and the concave latch surface and the latch block are latched with each other, to combine the fabric frame to the disc.

Abstract: The windshield wiper washer apparatus is provided in a retrofit kit that is fitted to existing wiper assemblies and washer spray outlets of a vehicle. This basic kit provides for attaching hose clamps and tubes to the existing wiper assemblies. A washer spray outlet adapter takes the place of washer sprays of a vehicle. The washer spray outlet adapter fitting connects to hoses that connect to the hose connections of the tubes of the apparatus. Orifices within the tubes can thereby deliver washer fluid directly to the vehicle windshield, immediately adjacent to the wiper blades. The more complete apparatus provides complete wiper assemblies with hose clamps and hoses fitted. Washer fluid from the existing windshield washer assembly is thereby selectively delivered to the vehicle windshield via energizing of the vehicles existing system pump and controls.

Abstract: A hand held vacuum cleaner having a housing, a motor-fan unit, a dust container, an air passage opening into the dust container and through which dust laden air is directed into the dust container, and at least one filter arranged after the dust container, as seen in the flow direction. The dust container has a first emptying opening, which is normally being covered by a lid and is sized such that it allows the dust collected in the dust container to fall out through the opening when the lid is opened. The dust container also has a second emptying opening. In one aspect, the second emptying opening is adapted to be fluidly connected to an external vacuum source via a connection. In another aspect, a similar device is provided, and adapted so the dust container can be emptied through the first emptying opening without removing the dust container from the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a cleaning appliance includes a handle portion for maneuvering the handle assembly during use, a flexible hose having a first end connectable to a main body of the cleaning appliance and a second end connectable to the handle portion, and a tubular wand. The tubular wand is slidably mounted in the handle portion so as to be moveable between a first position in which the tubular wand extends along the handle portion inside the flexible hose and a second position in which the tubular wand extends beyond the handle portion away from the flexible hose. The handle is releasably attachable to the main body by a catch mechanism arranged so as to release the handle portion from the main body when the tubular wand is moved from the first position to the second position.