Abstract:
The present invention broadly comprises an assembly for incrementally changing an axially fixable position, including an annular gripping element with at least one deformation segment, a glide push ring axially displaceable along a pilot element, and a wedge push ring axially displaceable along the pilot element. The gripping element is in contact with a circumference of the pilot element and the deformable segments are circumferentially deformable in response to a change in a gripping element diameter. The glide ring incrementally urges the gripping element in a first direction along the pilot element. The gripping element axially fixes responsive to force applied by the wedge ring in a second direction, opposite the first direction, along the pilot element. A surface between gripping element inner and outer circumferences forms a fixed angle with the pilot element despite changes in the inner or outer circumferences.
Abstract:
A new cultivar of Hibiscus, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Jodi,’ characterized by three color irregular variegation (Dark green, light green, and golden yellow); a large, pure white flower; a longer blooming duration; two additional seasons of ornamental qualities because of variegated leaves; and triploid (sterile) genetic character.
Abstract:
An Internet enabled, business-to-business computerized transaction system is disclosed in its preferred embodiment for use in providing rental car services for high volume users and comprises an Internet web portal through which the high volume user may access an integrated business computer network for the rental vehicle service provider. The rental vehicle services provider computer network is configured to interconnect a geographically diverse plurality of branch offices, cataloguing their available rental vehicles and schedules for same as well as handling all transactional data relating to its business. The Internet web portal provides ubiquitous connectivity and portability for a multi-level business organization who regularly places high volumes of rental purchases with its business partner. Utilizing the method and apparatus of the present invention large volumes of rental transactions may be placed, monitored, altered during performance, and closed out with financial accounting and payment being made virtually without human intervention.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns a system for utilizing radio frequency signals to dynamically determine the location of a medical device throughout a procedure and to improve navigation of the medical device. For these purposes, a plurality of RF receivers are mounted at operative locations in the operating room and operate on the same clock signal. The system also utilizes a diagnostic medical image such as an MRI, and overlays the position feedback signal on the image. This allows, for example, a surgeon to pick a desired spot on the diagnostic image, and then cause a robotic arm driven device to be moved to that particular spot inside the human body.
Abstract:
Disclosed are systems and methods for efficiently and effectively supporting sporting equipment such as a snowboard. Also disclosed are systems and methods for removably or permanently attaching an apparatus to a snowboard boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof such that the apparatus may be used to support the weight of sporting equipment such as a snowboard while a user of the sporting equipment is seated (e.g., while riding a chairlift). Systems and methods for fabricating an integral support within a boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof are also disclosed. The aforementioned systems and methods include after-market items affixed to commercially-available boots, soles, or sub-components thereof by a snowboarder, snowboard professional, or the like, or, alternatively, such systems and methods may be incorporated by a boot or sole manufacturer during manufacture of the boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof. Both permanent and removable systems and methods are disclosed.
Abstract:
An electrical control unit preferably can control operation of a paintball gun having a solenoid valve with an input port that receives compressed gas from a compressed gas supply and an output port connected to a pneumatic mechanism. For instance, the electrical control unit can contain a network of electronic components configured to receive an input signal from a trigger-actuated switch and send a signal to the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve can, for instance, direct compressed gas to and/or from the pneumatic mechanism to operate a bolt or firing valve connected to the pneumatic mechanism in response to the signal from the electrical control unit.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising or being adapted to have formed therein at least one inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and at least one outlet, characterised in that flow of the aqueous medium through the cartridge is generally in an inward direction from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet.
Abstract:
A trading card game (10) includes a first card (212) having only one immovable section (234). The game (10) also includes a second card (314) including a first section (352) and a second section (354). The second section (354) can be slidable relative to the first section (352) so that the second card (314) moves between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a portion of the second section (354) is unexposed to the players. In the second position, the portion of the second section (354) is exposed to the players, and influences the outcome of at least a portion of the game (10).
Abstract:
A web browser for Internet access distinguishes between client users and supervisory users. Supervisory users are authorized to create or modify local content access settings to Internet resources that are stored in data structures. Client users are prevented from accessing these local content access settings. When a client user logs on, the local content access settings are retrieved from a local data structure and additional content access control information is retrieved from a remote data structure. Modules coordinate local and remote content access settings to regulate client access to Internet resources. Client access is readily modified through the setting of local content access settings by a local supervisor and by the selection of the remote site(s) contacted for additional content access control information. An interactive agent assists client users during Internet access.
Abstract:
A cleaning apparatus includes a base, a cleaning head and a handle. The cleaning head is configured to be attached to the base and moved against a household surface to clean the surface. The handle is configured to be removably attached to the base for manually moving the base by the handle. The handle has an electronic user interface with which a user can control or monitor operation of the base.