Abstract: Improved modular transient voltage surge suppressor apparatus that provide a simple structure for coupling multiple modules are disclosed. In general, such apparatus includes a substrate; a mounting post coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular to the substrate; and a transient voltage surge suppression module, wherein the module includes a non-conductive housing having a surge suppression circuit contained therein, and mounting means coupled to the non-conductive housing, the mounting means comprising a bore therethrough for slidably mounting the transient voltage surge suppression module on the mounting post, the bore having an internal profile corresponding to an external profile of the mounting post.

Abstract: Disclosed are various reverse-mode direct-view liquid crystal displays employing a liquid crystal having a characteristic wavelength in the non-visible spectrum, including reflective, transmissive and reflective-transmissive mode displays. In accordance with the principles disclosed, a direct-view liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a front substantially transparent substrate, a rear substrate, and a controllable cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) disposed between the front and rear substrates and having a characteristic wavelength to reflect non-visible spectrum; the portions of the controllable CLC can selectively exhibit a planar state or a focal-conic state, the portions of the CLC in the planar state appearing dark, and the portions of the CLC in the focal-conic state appearing bright, to an observer of the LCD.

Abstract: Organic fertilizer produced from raw manure, and systems and methods related to the production thereof. A high-velocity air stream is injected into at least one substantially-closed chamber, where it interacts with a supply of raw manure; the raw manure can be bovine or other animal waste products. The high-velocity air stream pulverizes and dries the raw manure, whereby an end product having a moisture content substantially less than the initial moisture content and a live bacteria content substantially equal to the initial live bacteria content of the raw manure is produced. In a preferred embodiment, a cyclonic comminution apparatus is used to pulverize and dry the raw manure; alternatively, a first cyclonic comminution apparatus can be used to substantially pulverize the raw manure and a second cyclonic comminution apparatus can be used to substantially dry the raw manure.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus, and methods of use thereof. The apparatus can include a lower frame structure having forward and rearward portions; an upper frame structure extending upwardly from the forward portion of the lower frame structure; a forward engagement structure coupled to an upper portion of the upper frame structure; and a counter-resistive treading mechanism supported by the lower frame structure. In use, a user of the apparatus engages the forward engagement structure with an upper body portion of the user; engages the counter-resistive treading mechanism with the feet of the user; and displaces the counter-resistive treading mechanism by pushing rearwardly with the user's feet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the transmission of data in a computer network; specifically, systems and methods related to preventing the transmission of compromised data. In one embodiment, a web server is configured to transmit requested data to a remote client through a computer network, such as the Internet. The web server includes a conventional computing system, including a processor and random access memory, and a non-volatile storage medium for storing the requested data. A software-defined process is executed by the computing system, whereby the software-defined process and the computing system cooperate to receive a request from a remote client for the requested data; determine whether the requested data has been compromised; and prevent the transmission of the requested data to the remote client if the data is compromised.

Abstract: A hair sculpting device having an elongated member with first and second free end portions and a middle portion. Universal coupling means are disposed proximate the first and second tree end portions and at least one intermediate location along the middle portion. The universal coupling means are adapted to allow the first and second free end portions and the intermediate location to be selectively coupled. The universal coupling means can be further used to couple the device to one or more additional devices, thereby allowing a user to configure the device(s) as a function of the hair length or form. In an exemplary embodiment, the universal coupling means includes a female portion having a closed loop and a male portion having adjacent first and second flexible prongs. Each of the first and second flexible prongs has an outwardly projecting shoulder portion adapted to retain the male portion in the female portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing independent over-current protection to a plurality of electrical devices and a transient-voltage suppression system employing the apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a non-conductive body having a plurality of bores extending through the body from a first portion to a second portion of the body, a plurality of fusible elements corresponding to and disposed within the plurality of bores, each of the fusible elements having a first terminal proximate to the first portion of the body and a second terminal proximate to the second portion, and a common electrode coupled to the first terminal of each of the plurality of fusible elements. The common electrode is couplable to a source of electrical power and the second terminals of each of the plurality of fusible elements are couplable to an electrical device, such as a metal oxide varistor in a transient-voltage suppression system.

Abstract: A telephone call screener and method of use is disclosed for use with a user's telephone system. It rejects unwanted telephone calls, such as those from telemarketers, while still allowing personal calls to ring through to the user, all without any user involvement. The screener recognizes an incoming call and disconnects the user's telephone. The screening process then reads prerecorded messages to the caller, attempting to verbally filter out and reject undesired call types. In a first embodiment, the screener generates a random single digit number, and requests the caller to press this number key on their phone to verify compliance with the previously read message. Depending on the caller's actions, the call is either disconnected, or is allowed to ring through to the user's telephone. Neither the caller nor the screener user needs to know any predefined codes. Further, the screener does not depend on any Caller ID system or telephone answering machine.

Abstract: A suppressing capacity circuit for use with a transient voltage protection device; the transient voltage protection device includes a plurality of series-coupled current-limiting elements and transient-suppressing elements couplable between first and second electrical conductors to suppress transient voltages therebetween, the current-limiting elements being adapted to open-circuit upon the failure of a transient-suppressing element coupled in series therewith.