Abstract: The present invention provides for an article and method for an improved weed trimmer cover that prevents unwanted projectile and debris distributions. A preferred embodiment of the weed trimmer comprises a domed guard structure that encompasses the effective cutting range of a prior art weed trimmer. Alternative embodiments may comprise elements that protect only portions of front, side and rear cutting areas. Embodiments of the invention also allow a user to lift up a cover element to allow close work among obstructions. Embodiments of the present invention also improve the performance of prior art weed trimmers by increasing cutting performance and preventing flexible materials from wrapping about the cutting elements and shafts.

Abstract: A composition and apparatus and method for aqueous spray conditioning of scale on metal surfaces. An aqueous solution having a base composition of an alkali metal hydroxide is used. The aqueous solution may contain additives to improve the performance of the salt. In one embodiment, the solution is used to condition the scale on a strip of stainless steel. The strip of steel is at a temperature between the melting point of the alkali metal hydroxide in anhydrous form and a temperature at which the Leidenfrost effect appears. One or more nozzles is provided to spray the solution, and the heated strip is passed by the nozzle or nozzles where the solution is sprayed on the surface or surfaces of the strip that have the scale or oxide. The invention also includes the apparatus and control thereof for the spraying of the solution.

Abstract: A laptop computer has a base, which base has a front and rear end. A display screen is mounted on a display screen mounting mechanism for movement between a closed position and a first open position, with the display screen adjacent the rear of the base, and a second open position with the display screen spaced above and forward of the rear of the base. The display screen is pivotally movable in both open positions. A keyboard assembly is mounted on the base for movement between a retracted position and an extended position, and a keyboard mounting mechanism guides the keyboard assembly between the retracted and the extended positions, and lifts the rear of the keyboard assembly when the screen is in the second open position. The mechanisms have cooperating structures to retract the keyboard assembly from the extended position responsive to movement of the display screen mounting mechanism.

Abstract: An instruction memory system is shared by a plurality of processors and the system utilizes an increased bandwidth to support the combined number of processors. The total instruction address space is divided into code segments according to the disjoint tasks to be performed. The instruction codes of each processor are consolidated into one copy for control instructions and duplicate copies for other disjoint tasks such as inbound requests and outbound requests that have greater processor contention. Interleaving of the memory arrays for certain disjoint tasks serves to provide a larger number of instructions for these tasks. The system utilizes arbiters to receive all disjoint tasks and to control multiplexors that send addresses to memory arrays.

Abstract: A computer system comprising a central processing unit (CPU), a memory circuit, an I/O coprocessor, and an input device comprising a touchpad and two joysticks positioned one to each side of the touchpad. The input device interfaces to the CPU via a serial data link to the I/O coprocessor. The touchpad has a default template graphic image inscribed on or in the touchpad surface and has a retainer for removably securing template overlays to be used with the touchpad instead of the default template.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method of treating the surface of an organic substrate, particularly a circuitized surface of an organic substrate, which method reduces the spread of adhesive resin that is subsequently deposited on the surface, is provided. This method comprises the steps of applying a treatment solution comprising a fatty acid compound, an alkalizing agent, and a solvent comprising water and from about 5% to about 90% by volume of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, a glycol ether, and combinations thereof to the surface; and then removing substantially all of the solvent from the solution to provide a thin film on the surface of said substrate. The film comprises the fatty acids that were present in the treatment solution. In a preferred embodiment the treatment solution further comprises a chelating agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing contention in a self-routing switching architecture based on a set of n×n individual switching structures that are connected in a port expansion mode by means of fan-out and fan-in circuits providing access of the Switch Core Access Layer (SCAL) to the different input and output ports of the switching core. The fan-in circuits use an arbitration mechanism for providing a token to the switch that is allowed to deliver the next cell and the arbiter operates from a detection of a special comma character in accordance with the 8B/10B coding scheme which is introduced in the data flow between the individual switching structures and the fan-in circuits. This provides a compensation for the difference in transfer delays of the cells even when high switching speed and long length of the physical media are involved.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for dislodging and removing welding slag from the tip of an electric arc welder, particularly a robotically controlled welder. When a torch finishes its welding cycle, it is moved to a designated cleaning point where it is positioned between two positioning blocks. A double lobed cam on the output shaft of a reciprocating air motor turns against a cam follower. The cam causes the cam follower to compress a spring during the lift portion of the cam cycle, and allows the spring to drive the hammer into impact with the tip during the fall portion of the cycle The repeated impact with the tip serves to loosen the slag from the nozzle. The slag then falls and is collected in a basket located beneath the positioning blocks. The motor rotates at a speed of about 200-1000 rpm to move the hammer about {fraction (3/16)}″ for a cleaning cycle of about 5-10 seconds.

Abstract: A method of generating artifact-free threshold matrices for digital printing devices is provided. The method includes, for example, the steps of establishing a threshold matrix by examining at least one color level for artifacts and removing the color level from the threshold matrix if it has artifacts. The method further includes the steps of examining a range of color levels for artifacts and removing the color levels from the threshold matrix which have artifacts and evenly distributing the remaining color levels over a range of color levels from a first color level to a last color. The examination of color levels for artifacts may be implemented manually or through an automated computer controlled process. The automated process includes digitally acquiring the color level and performing a Fourier transform on the color level to determine its spectral components. The spectral components are analyzed to determine the presence or absence of artifacts.

Abstract: A system and method for generating bounded-loss color transformations employed in the compression and decompression of multi-spectral images is provided. The bounded-loss color space transformations provide transformations from a first color space to a second color space and back to the first color space with bounded loss or error. The bounded loss or error allows for the near lossless compression and reconstruction of multi-spectral images transformed from a first color space to a second color space and ultimately back to the first color space.

Abstract: Flip-chip electronic packages are provided with a compliant surface layer, normally positioned between an underfill layer and a substrate such as a chip carrier or a printed circuit board or card, which reduces stress and strain resulting from differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between the chip and substrate. The compliant layer, which should have a storage modulus of less than ½ the modulus of the substrate, preferably between about 50,000 psi and about 20,000 psi, may comprise rubbery materials such as silicone, virco-plastic polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene or interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). Photosensitive IPNs used for solder marks are preferred.

Abstract: A child restraint system for use with shopping carts and the like equipped with a child carrier utilizes a pair of shoulder straps joined at one end to a crotch strap which passes between the legs of a child and attaches to the rear of the cart at the front of the child carrier. The shoulder straps can be quickly and easily adjusted vertically to accommodate children of different sizes in the carrier. The restraint system can be retrofitted onto an existing carrier-equipped cart, or can be integrated into the design of the cart.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Guzmania named ‘GUZ 224 ’ characterized by having rich red-purple floral bracts, longitudinally variegated leaves and a compact arrangement of scape and floral bracts.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Guzmania named ‘Guz 222’ characterized by a plant form that is vase shaped; plant height of about 22-24 inches and leaves measuring 16¾ inches in length and 2½ inches in width.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Guzmania named ‘GUZ 201’ characterized by a plant form that is vase shaped; plant height of about 20-22 inches, and leaves measuring 21 inches in length a 1½ inches in width.

Abstract: An advanced generation interspecific hybrid of (Cornus kousa×C. nuttallii) that is distinguished by its exceptionally high vigor, superior foliage, floriferous display of very attractive and exceptionaly large white floral bracts, high level of winter hardiness, good drought tolerance and high resistance to the incitants of powdery mildew and dogwood anthracnose.

Abstract: A new and distinct strain of apple, designated ‘Rankin Red’, originated as a limb sport on a ‘Yataka’ tree. It matures 5 days earlier than ‘Yataka’ and 5 weeks earlier than ‘Fuji.’ Other significant improvements over ‘Yataka’ and ‘Fuji’ include increased color intensity, a higher percentage of red color, greater color uniformity, less russet and a smoother finish.

Abstract: A Bromeliad hybrid comprising an improvement over its parent, Guzmania ‘Irene’. The foliage is denser and more compact than that of ‘Irene’, and the leaves are darker, thicker and wider. The plant is a tetraploid, and is faster growing than ‘Irene’, reaching marketability in 10-12 months. The primary bracts are wider and closer together making the spike fuller and more compact. The bract color is darker and clearer than that of ‘Irene’.

Abstract: A Guzmania hybrid having large lavender pink floral bracts that fade to light pink. The inflorescence is very large, being 10″-12″ wide and 17-18″ tall making it suitable for growing in 6″ containers.

Abstract: A compact Bromeliad hybrid having large dark red floral bract coloration and medium foliage. The size of the plant and the foliage makes this hybrid suitable for growing in 4″-5″ containers.