Abstract: A solid-state magnetic latch solenoid controller which is a multi-terminal device that includes an edge (slope) detector, an adjustable one-shot pulse generator, an input status detector, two or more selectable gate drivers and output powerful MOSFETs. The controller is an extremely low-power consumption device. There is virtually no power consumption (from 1-10 uA) from an internal power source or an external source of energy during either normally closed or open stages. This maintains battery voltage and hence output condition for years. A noticeable amount of power consumed only during the transitional cycles from the open to the closed and vice versa.

Abstract: A system and apparatus that allows the use of a 3-phase AC motor in a vehicle by associating a series capacitor with each phase winding. The capacitor can be charged through the motor winding and then switched to discharge through the winding in a resonant oscillatory mode. The capacitor values can be chosen so that the winding and capacitor in series resonates at approximately 60 Hz. Oscillations in each phase can be staggered by around 120 degrees. The charging and discharging is controlled by electronic SPDT switches that switch around 300 VAC/500 VDC at around 15 amps for each phase. With an average DC current of 20 amps from a 48 volt battery pack (four 12 volt batteries connected in series) and 75% discharge of the capacitors, the present invention can run a 7.5 HP, 3-phase, 240 VAC motor for approximately 3.5 hours or longer. A simple oscillator circuit can drive the switches at the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A drywall corner piece with flange surfaces forming a near right angle forming a cup for fitting over drywall corners where the web sections of the flanges have at least one strain relief channel allowing the piece to flex to different angles.

Abstract: A telephone answering system and method for playing particular different greeting messages to different callers. When an incoming call is received, either caller-ID is decoded, or the caller's identification is determined some other way if possible, and if the particular caller's identification is on a list, a special message can be played for that caller if such a message as been stored and is active. Any other caller receives a different message, usually a default greeting message. Special messages can be date/time stamped to die or change after particular dates or times. Messages and caller identification can be loaded into the system remotely.

Abstract: A two-way communication system particularly valuable for noisy environments where a user has a tooth bone conduction microphone in his mouth normally controlled by a tongue switch that transmits an electrical signal representing speech to a retransmit module usually worn on the user's body or mounted on an earphone or headset where the speech electrical signal is retransmitted to a second user usually by RF. The retransmit module can also receive signals from the second user and transmit them to the earphone or headset thus providing two-way communication.

Abstract: A method of determining scenario causality, along with precedence causality, is disclosed. Information is recorded relating to events occurring during execution of a process. The information includes object related information and process related information. The information is translated into a sequence of scenario graph language statements, one or more events translated to a statement. From the statements, process execution flow is determined establishing some scenario causality and precedence causality.

Abstract: A waveguide optical monitor is disclosed. The device has an optical input port coupled through a switch to a plurality of input waveguides. A dispersive element disperses light within the input optical waveguides toward a plurality of output waveguides. There are a plurality of photodetectors each optically coupled to an output waveguide. The photodectors are for sensing an intensity of light within the waveguide with which it is optically coupled. An optical switch in optical communication with the optical input port and for switching light received at the optical input port to one of the plurality of input waveguides.

Abstract: A fold-up combination tail gate table, sink, and storage box for the rear of a pickup truck containing a box or table made of steel, molded epoxy resin plastic or other suitable material mounted pivotally on an arm that can be attached to and removed from the truck's tail gate. The assembly is pivoted from a folded position on the closed tailgate to an open position from the open tailgate. It remains locked by forces on the swivel arm contacting the table under the box as well as forces between the arm and the tailgate attach. In the unfolded position, the assembly is extremely stable and can support considerable weight. It becomes a table, a storage container, a sink for liquids, and with several optional circular holes, a holder for bottles, drinks or other containers. When the lid is closed, the lid itself becomes available for further use as a table. The assembly can be used for display, food preparation, fish cleaning, tool or food storage, or as a workbench as well as numerous other uses.

Abstract: An error correction circuit wherein the coefficients of the error-location polynomial .sigma.(x) of any three-error correcting binary BCH code over the Galois Field GF(2.sup.m) are found from the first three odd components S.sub.1, S.sub.3, and S.sub.5 of the syndrome vector. The circuit traverses a binary decision tree to find the polynomial coefficients and can be realized totally with combinational logic. The correct equation for the final polynomial coefficients is found at the termination of the tree. The descent through this tree and the computation of the coefficients can be performed by parallel combinational logic. Addition over the Galois Field is performed in the standard representation with exclusive OR gates. Multiplication can be performed by converting the standard representation into a special representation that is passed through a pair of binary adders to form the product. Translation can then be made back to the standard representation.