Abstract: A thin film transistor (TFT) for a liquid crystal display (LCD) and method of making same is disclosed, the TFT having a source and drain electrode where at least one of the source and drain includes first and second conductive layers offset from one another by a distance .DELTA.L so that the resulting TFT channel length L.sub.T is equal to L.sub.T =L.sub.1,2 -.DELTA.L where L.sub.1,2 is either a channel length defined in the first conductive layer or a channel length defined in the second conductive layer. The TFT manufacturing process includes the steps of: a) providing a conductive gate layer and patterning same to form a gate electrode; b) depositing a substantially transparent conductive layer (e.g. ITO) and patterning same to form a pixel electrode; c) depositing and patterning a semiconductor layer (e.g.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for the reception of a biorthogonally-modulated RF signal in a simplex free-space system. The method is found to substantially diminish the coupling between the error probabilities of those bits associated with signal selection and those bits associated with signal polarity in prior art biorthogonal receivers. By decoupling the error probabilities, the polarity information error rate is reduced and consequently the overall error rate of the receiver system is improved. The receiver system preserves soft-decision reliability information for the signal selection bits in a manner so that the information is insensitive to uncompensated amplitude fluctuations in the received signal. The method and system are applicable to all known biorthogonal signal sets but requires a specific interleaving structure in the corresponding transmitter system.

Abstract: A normally white twisted nematic liquid crystal display is provided for outputting improved viewing characteristics which are defined by high contrast ratios and reduced inversion. The display includes both positive and negative retardation films, the negative films being biaxial and defined by n.sub.x >n.sub.y >n.sub.z in certain embodiments where the "z" direction is substantially perpendicular to the film plane and the "x" and "y" directions are substantially parallel to the film plane. By providing the positive and biaxial negative retarders with specific retardation values and/or ratios, improved viewing characteristics are provided. According to other embodiments, a positive and a negative (uniaxial or biaxial) retarder may be provided on only one side of the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A multiple beam array antenna system including a first group of right-handed circularly polarized subarrays and a second group of left-handed circularly polarized subarrays. Combined signals from the right-handed subarrays are output via low noise amplifiers to a first electromagnetic lens while the outputs of the left-handed circularly polarized subarrays are sent via low noise amplifiers to a second steering electromagnetic lens. A satellite selection matrix output block allows a user to tap into signals from right-handed circularly polarized satellites, left-handed circularly polarized satellites, and linearly polarized satellites. A plurality of satellites (e.g. right-handed satellite "A" and linearly polarized satellite "B") may be accessed simultaneously thus allowing the user to utilize both signals at the same time.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for the synchronous transmission and reception of multiplexed digital signals such as spread spectrum. The system uses biorthogonal modulation of a plurality of orthogonal signals, preferably wideband, together with simultaneous orthogonal multiplexing. The method is found to significantly mitigate the crosscorrelation interference that is caused by the interaction between the multiplexed signals. The system transmits a lesser number of multiplexed orthogonal signals than would be required in the corresponding antipodal system, thereby reducing the crosscorrelation interference, while maintaining the same information throughput. The bit error rate of the system is reduced. The method combines aspects of unequal error protection (UEP) error correction coding (ECC) with a receiver architecture for biorthogonal signals. The system exhibits a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement in the detection of some fraction of the encoded digital data bits.

Abstract: A stand-on sulky device to be attached to the rear of a self-propelled power mower or other self-propelled vehicle. The sulky includes first, second, and third pivots to provide improved maneuverability of the two-wheeled sulky platform during operation. The first and third pivots are arranged substantially parallel to the ground during sulky operation and are vertically spaced from one another thereby resulting in improved sulky performance. According to certain embodiments, the sulky includes a design allowing for a more compact storage position wherein the platform is hung from the mower handle bars with the upper or foot receiving surface of the platform facing away from the mower and the first arm being received in an optional recess defined in the bottom of the mower so as to restrict swinging movement of the platform while in storage.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop "wheelies" upon acceleration.

Abstract: A point of sale tax reporting and automatic collection system including a smart tax register located at a retailer location. The retailer smart register processes consumer transactions and calculates the amount of sales tax due the retailer by the consumer for each transaction. Following the transaction, the consumer requests and is give a tax paid receipt. After the sales tax is paid to the retailer by the consumer, the register either immediately or periodically forwards the amount of the transaction and the amount of sales tax collected by the retailer to a computer and memory located at a remote location (e.g. state government taxing authority). The computer and memory receive and store the retailer's transaction and sales tax information, and report same to the Internal Revenue Service at least once a year.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the risk of cellular phone loss, misplacement, and/or theft, the system including a wireless transmitter in a cell phone for intermittently sending security signals to a device (e.g. pager) to be worn by a user. The device includes an alarm which is actuated when either the strength or amplitude of the security signal(s) falls below a predetermined threshold or when such security signals are not received by the device (e.g. pager) for a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, the user is alerted to potential loss, misplacement, and/or theft of the cell phone.

Abstract: A zero-turning-radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing-occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing-occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero-radius-turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned at this turning point so that the standing-occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero-radius-turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds.

Abstract: An environmentally leak-proof pump is provided including: an environmentally leak-proof motor housing having located therein a motor for rotatably driving a rotating shaft; a piston seal axially forward of the motor; and an oil misting chamber disposed between the motor and the piston seal, the misting chamber for simultaneously providing lubrication to two coaxially disposed spaced apart bearings. The oil mister (34) includes a dispenser (260) fixed to a rotating shaft (23), the dispenser having a plurality of nozzles formed by bores (262 and 263) on opposing sides of the dispenser body. Each bore communicates with a passageway (264) thus allowing each nozzle to continuously direct a flow of lubricating liquid or mist toward adjacent bearings (35 and 36).