Abstract: A high inductance and high-Q inductor structure formed using multilevel interconnect technology with deep trench has the same current flow direction in each spiral coil pattern. The inductor uses reflection and rotation transformation to generate each spiral coil pattern and neighboring spiral coil pattern relatively rotates with respect to the lower spiral coil pattern. Each spiral coil connection follows the connection code of edge end to edge end and central end to central end through via plugs. Each spiral coil is connected in series and total inductance results from summation of each spiral coil pattern.

Abstract: A novel modular audible signaling device is provided capable of expanded functionality, such as the provision of visual signaling as well. A piezoelectric transducer audible alarm signaling device is provided with an assembly having a housing defining an interior holding a piezoelectric transducer, the housing having a first exterior portion for attachment to a surface and a second exterior portion extending beyond the surface, wherein the first exterior portion and the second exterior portion comprise at least one pair of communicating apertures whereby an electrical conductor may extend through the at least one pair of apertures to the surface.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling an electrically driven transport refrigeration unit under varying operating conditions while maintain the system generator within its electric current and temperature limitations is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention the management of generator power through the combined use of controls for a suction modulation valve (an “SMV”), for diesel engine speed control, and for electronic expansion valve (“EXV”) superheat settings.

Abstract: An improved circuit for activating a high side mosfet drive during a predetermined phase of the A/C cycle. The circuit includes an electronic switch which is connected to an A/C line. The switch operates between an open and closed position. Also included is a mosfet drive connected to the A/C line. The mosfet drive is activated when the switch is in an open position and is deactivated when the switch is in a closed position. The circuit may also include a capacitor connected to the A/C line. The capacitor is charged during the positive phase of the A/C cycle and powers the mosfet drive during the negative portion of the A/C cycle when the switch is in an open position.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder which positively retains and secures a plurality of poles for storage and cleaning includes a base defining an internal cavity in communication with a fill hole for adding weight to the device. The base also includes apertures which extend through the base and legs for holding the base above a support surface. Opposingly located side panels are connected to the base by hinges and include channels which are positioned to align with the apertures in the base to form rod retention holes.

Abstract: A control linkage system for opening and closing a door at least partially covering an opening to a large container such as a transfer trailer. The linkage system maintains constant control over the door during rotation, using mechanical linkage providing increased rotational motion and enhanced mechanical advantage. The linkage system employs hydraulic cylinders pivotally attached to the side wall of the container. The linkage system alse employs a curved link joined to a straight link in the same plane as the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A computerized imaging system (such as CAT scan, MRI imaging, ultrasound imaging, infrared, X-ray, UV/visible light fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy or microwave imaging) is employed to sense the position of an endoscopic treatment system within the body of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides real-time computer control to maintain and adjust the position of the treatment system and/or the position of the patient relative to the treatment system; and also provides (if desired) real-time computer control of the operation of the treatment system itself. Other embodiments include a steerable catheter system having a rotatable abrasive member actuated by an external magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention is therefore directed to a method and apparatus for warming a stack of cheese slices. In accordance with the invention, the stack of cheese slices is positioned between and in juxtaposition with opposing generally planar electrodes, each of the electrodes having a surface area generally coextensive with that of the cheese stack. Next, a conductive material is interposed between each electrode and the cheese stack to reduce contact resistance. Once properly assembled, an electric current is passed between the electrodes, through both the conductive material and the cheese, thus warming the individual cheese slices through ohmic heating. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the conductive material is a moistened paper sheet.

Abstract: The display system includes a display controller which renders text and graphics and writes it to the RAM. The display controller then reads the rendered information from the RAM and activates a display based upon that information. Generally the display controller reads information from the display controller and activates the display at a constant refresh rate; however, when a large number of text and/or graphics to be rendered have accumulated, the display controller temporarily reduces the refresh rate in order to render and write the text and/or graphics to the RAM.

Abstract: A connector for prohibiting a gas from flowing back is disclosed. The connector includes an outer housing having a gas inlet thereon; and an inner housing disposed inside the outer housing and having an annular concavity, corresponding to the gas inlet, thereon. The outer housing and the inner housing are funnel-shaped. The gas inlet is used for inputting an inert gas, and the annular concavity is used for dispersing the inputted inert gas.

Abstract: An intelligent material unit formed of an intelligent gel encapsulated within an enclosure. When the gel is actuated by a change in temperature thereof, such as heat and/or by an externally applied field such as an electrical current, electric field, magnetic field, ultrasonic energy (or sonic), microwave energy, a laser beam or a combination thereof, at least a portion of the wall of the container or enclosure is deformed to perform a mechanical function or operation; such as to valve a fluid or cause movement of the container and gel through a fluid or in a passageway. The container may be a thin-skinned flexible plastic, such as an elastomer and may be elongated or sausage-like in shape, or strip-like. It may be free travelling, cantilever-supported or otherwise mounted or attached to a device, machine or element. It may also carry a drug for delivery therefrom at a select location and time.

Abstract: A method for packaging food items, such as processed cheese, into a plastic film package that entirely encloses the food item with peelable heat seals, such as hermetic peelable heat seals. The heat of the food item is used to activate a sealant within the plastic film. Plastic film formulations are provided for this purpose.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the application of fluoropolymer to a preselected area of a threaded fastener, and particularly to substantially all of the threads of the fastener. The fluoropolymer is supplied to a spray nozzle in powder form and is subjected to a triboelectrostatic charging process so that individual particles discharged from the spray nozzle are electrically charged to between about 1×10−7 to about 3×10−3 coulombs per kilogram. In the preferred form of the invention, the fluoropolymer powder is triboelectrically charged, entrained in an air stream discharged from the nozzle and directed onto the preselected area of the fastener. In this manner a generally uniform powder coating is deposited onto the preselected area of the fastener while the fastener is maintained at room temperature.

Abstract: A multi-stage thickening composition for use in facilitating the handling and continuous packaging of a food product, and for providing a desired final shape and texture for the food product. Relatively rapid-setting and slower-setting consumable gels form one preferred thickening composition. The rapid-setting gel allows the food product to be shaped and packaged, while the slower-setting gel allows the food product to be provided with desired texture characteristics that appeal to the consumer.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating device for dissipating internal heat generated from the heat-dissipating device is provided. The heat-dissipating device includes a motor having a rotator and a stator for causing the rotator to rotate, and a fan connected with the rotator and having a hub having a slot and a plurality of holes thereon for rotating and dissipating the heat.

Abstract: A lens array for directing infrared light or radiation to a passive infrared detector having at least two Fresnel lenses mounted on or incorporated into the lens array. Each of the lenses has a different infrared detection pattern and the lenses on the array are adapted to be selectively indexed so that the infrared detection pattern of the array is altered by the indexing. The indexing may be accomplished by rotating the lens array or by the linear movement of the lens array.

Abstract: A driver control interface controls the values of a plurality of features in a vehicle and displays information from the vehicle to the driver. A plurality of feature group switches are located on the steering wheel of the vehicle. Each of the vehicle features is associated with a feature group. Each of the feature group switches activates an associated feature group. A plurality of selection switches is also preferably located on the steering wheel for adjusting the values of the features associated with the activated feature group. An eyes-front display indicates the current value of a feature in an activated feature group.

Abstract: A universal connector for use with a remote controlled apparatus comprising a base having an aperture sized to receive a control rod. Two fingers extend outwardly from the base, with a channel being located in one of the fingers. A slideable latch is retained in the channel, the latch having an aperture and a slit which separates opposingly located deformable prongs. The latch is operable between a locked and an unlocked position. Also provided are opposingly located first and second apertures located on the fingers. The apertures are aligned to receive a retaining pin. The first aperture is larger in diameter than the second aperture. The pin includes a head which engages one of the fingers and an internal stop which engages the other finger. A first portion of the pin is sized to fit within the first aperture and extends from the head to the internal stop. A second portion on the pin is sized to fit within the second aperture and extends from the internal stop to a terminal end.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing and originating a contractual option arrangement for transacting a deposit liabilities base of a financial institution at predetermined prices and time periods.

Abstract: A collision warning system warns vehicles traveling behind a vehicle when it initiates deceleration. A receiver on trailing vehicles receives the signal. A transmitter then transmits a signal in response to either the acceleration sensor or the receiver. A brake warning device is also automatically actuated upon reception of the signal, and the signal is retransmitted to the rear of a trailing vehicle. A warning provided in this manner allows operators several vehicles in back of the lead vehicle to be simultaneously notified that the lead vehicle is decelerating, independently of whether the intervening vehicles have manually applied their brakes.