Abstract: A programmable dream analyzer apparatus for assisting the user in recording his or her dreams, comprising a microcontroller for receiving input defining the user's sleep period, and calculating the time and playing an alert for each REM event predicted to occur during the user's sleep period. The strength of each alert may be user adjusted, such that it is sufficient to wake the user during a REM event, but not during non-REM sleep. The dream analyzer further incorporates a voice activated recording device to allow the user to record a description of his or her dream upon awaking from a REM event without moving.

Abstract: In a switch having first and second contacts, a first contacting portion of the first contact is movable in a first direction alone while a second contacting portion of the second contact is movable only in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The first contacting portion is supported by a first spring portion. The second contacting portion is supported by a second spring portion and faced to the first contacting portion in the first direction to be brought into contact with the first contacting portion with the second spring portion being bent. The first and the second contacting portions are in a mutual relationship such that, when the first contacting portion is press-contacted by the second contacting portion in the first direction, the second contacting portion is applied with component force in the second direction.

Abstract: A connector element has a plurality of contacts (23) arranged in first and second directions (A1, A2) perpendicular to each other on a predetermined plane to form a matrix. A plurality of ground members (25) extend substantially in parallel to one another in an oblique direction inclined with respect to the first and the second direction on the predetermined plane. At least one of the contacts is positioned between adjacent ones of the ground members.

Abstract: In a push-push type card connector in which a contact held by an insulator, an eject lever is coupled to the insulator to be movable in ejecting and inserting directions of a card and is continuously urged by a spring in the ejecting direction. The insulator has a pair of frame portions which are for guiding the card in the ejecting and the inserting directions. The contact is for coming in contact with the card inserted between the frame portions in the inserting direction. The eject lever has a guide portion slidable along one of the frame portions and an engaging portion for being engaged with the card in the ejecting direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of conveyors for containers of plastic, for example PET, with protruding neck rings. In particular, the apparatus (1) comprises a supporting structure (4) that mounts a track (5) which supports the containers by their neck rings (3). The apparatus further comprises means for propelling the containers along the feed path and means for detecting jammed containers along the feed path. At least one pusher (7) is mounted on the supporting structure (4) to act on the containers when a jam is detected.

Abstract: A normally white twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal display (LCD) outputs improved viewing characteristics which are defined by high contrast ratios and/or reduced inversion. The display includes a pair of negative tilted retarders located on opposite sides of the liquid crystal layer, each of the tilted retarders including a tilt or incline angle which varies throughout the thickness of the layer. Additionally, one or two negative uniaxial or biaxial retarders are provided. As a result of the particular orientations, alignments, and retardation values described in the different embodiments herein, the display exhibits improved contrast and reduced inversion, often in the same viewing areas. Contrast ratio in the positive vertical viewing zone is especially improved.

Abstract: It is possible to adopt a structure for a plug connector coupling section having only one layer of contacts, by a structure where one side wall of a coupling section for coupling with a plug connector forms an insulator flange section 2b, while the other side wall thereof forms a first shell 4, contacts 3 being positioned in contact receiving grooves 2d provided in the flange section. The plug connector coupling section may have a three-layer structure only, comprising contacts, an insulator and a shell. Alternatively, it may have a two-layer structure comprising contacts and an insulator. The thickness of the receptacle connector 1 is thereby reduced in comparison with respective prior art connectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shelving system comprising a gondola display having two rows of rear-loading shelves arranged back-to back. In one row of shelves, the shelves are hingedly attached to the gondola display, thereby allowing the shelves to be rotated away from the gondola. This exposes both the rear of the rotated shelves and the rear of the shelves located directly behind the rotated shelves, thereby allowing for easy rear-loading of product into both row of shelves at the same time. The present invention can also be used to allow for easy rear-loading of conventional gondola displays having a fixed base or bases. In such instances, a row of rotating shelf units, each having a retractable support wheel, is attached to one side of the conventional gondola. When these units are in their display position and when first rotated away from the gondola, the wheel is in a retracted position so that it is in contact with and can be rolled along the top surface of the fixed base.

Abstract: A battery power supply system consisting of battery card, battery card assembly where battery card slots in, and charger where battery card gets recharged is disclosed. The standardized battery card is designed in light, thin, safe, and user-friendly card configuration to make interchangeability between appliances easy and possible. The battery card assembly is designed either for single or multiple battery cards. In the case of using single battery card, the battery card assembly electrically connects to a power buffer in the electrical apparatus so the user can change their battery card without turning off the electrical apparatus within a certain time interval. In the case of multiple battery cards, the battery card assembly connects power to the electrical apparatus from only one of the battery cards. Until the first battery card is completely discharged, the battery card assembly automatically switches to another battery card without disturbing the electrical apparatus operation.

Abstract: A method of oxidizing an inorganic species in an aqueous solution of pH 5 or greater, comprises the steps of (i) supplying an oxidizable form of a sulfur compound, and oxygen to the solution; and (ii) adding a source of iron to the solution and allowing oxidation to take place. The method finds particular application in the treatment of manganese and other species in potable water, industrial waste waters and process liquors.

Abstract: A lightly doped n-type semiconductor layer is epitaxially grown on a heavily doped n-type semiconductor substrate, and a heavily doped n-type impurity region, a lightly doped p-type deep guard ring and a heavily doped p-type shallow impurity region are formed in said lightly doped semiconductor layer in such a manner that a diode has a major p-n junction between the heavily doped n-type impurity region and the heavily doped p-type shallow impurity region and other p-n junction between the lightly doped n-type semiconductor layer and the lightly doped p-type guard ring, wherein the other p-n junction is wider in area than the major p-n junction so that the breakdown voltage is adjustable without increase of parasitic capacitance dominated by the other p-n junction.

Abstract: A memory control system includes a frame memory divided into N image memories. Serial input image data are sequentially written onto the N image memories in rotation. Then, image data is concurrently read from each of the N image memories depending on a desired read position to produce N image data in parallel. The N image data are sorted to produce consecutive N image data in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipeline interior surface cleaning device that is propelled through the pipeline by the operational properties of the transported medium. A speed regulator controls the rate of forward motion of the device and a series of off-axis wheels enables the device to travel in a spiraling motion through the pipeline. A series of sealing members, scraping elements, brushes and magnets loosen and collect particles on the interior pipeline surface as the cleaning device spirals through the pipeline.

Abstract: Inferred sensor signals are generated for uninstrumented physical parameters not among parameters measured in processes and equipment having one or more sensors in place for monitoring physical parameters. Inferential sensor signals can be advantageously used in downstream control processing or analysis. The inferred sensor signals generated accordingly may be returned to a control system or display system local to the process or machine, or located at the remote location or yet a different remote location. The system can provide expected parameter values, as well as the differences between expected and input signals; or the system can provide raw measures of similarity between the collection of input signals and the collection of acceptable modeled states. A memory for storing the representative training set, or a transformation thereof, is coupled to a processor.

Abstract: In the hinge connector used for an electronic equipment, a first housing has a first hinge connector portion 75 in a hinge unit 27, and a second housing a second hinge connector portion 77 in the hinge unit 27. The second hinge connector portion 77 is housed in the hinge unit 27 slidably between a position in which the hinge connector portion is housed in the hinge unit 27 and a position in which the hinge connector portion projects out from the hinge unit 27, the first housing and second housing being mechanically combined together, the first and second hinge connector portions being then connected together by slidingly moving the second hinge connector portion in the direction crossing the mentioned combining direction at right angles thereto, the first housing and second housing being thereby electrically connected together. This structure enables a hinge connector capable of preventing damage to the connector portions, i.e.

Abstract: A pulse generator 1 creates a pulse in synchronization with a driving pulse 26. A charging circuit 2 charges EL elements 20 only for a period which is determined by an output from the pulse generator 1. The charging time is determined by resistance of a switching element 3 in its on condition and a junction capacity of the EL elements 20.