Abstract: Chromatic systems and structures are presented that operate without external electrical supply, which enable changes in color or transparency of a substrate material, such as glass. Various configurations provide a mechanism to activate an oxidation-reduction reaction in a chromatic material, so as to change from transparent to opaque or from one color to another. These structures may be used in applications from windows for buildings and homes, camera lenses, automotive displays and windows, mobile device displays, and other applications where chromatic change is desired.

Abstract: Chromatic systems and structures are presented that operate without external electrical supply, which enable changes in color or transparency of a substrate material, such as glass. Various configurations provide a mechanism to activate an oxidation-reduction reaction in a chromatic material, so as to change from transparent to opaque or from one color to another. These structures may be used in applications from windows for buildings and homes, camera lenses, automotive displays and windows, mobile device displays, and other applications where chromatic change is desired.

Abstract: A method of communicating over a power line communications system is provided. Data is received into a power line communication system (PLCS). The downstream data may be transmitted along a medium voltage power line in one or more multicast packets to a plurality of devices. Along pathways for transmitting the downstream data toward one or more user devices, multicast packets may be repeated or reformed. In some embodiments, a device may package the data in a unicast packet for transmission along a portion of the pathway. Along the pathways for upstream transmission data from one or more user devices, unicast packets may be transmitted. Wireless links, low voltage power line links, or other wired links are established for delivering multicast packets to and unicast packets from user devices located among the subscribers' premises.

Abstract: A PLCS network element that provides communications to one or more user devices and may also repeat data for other network elements is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes software for discovering its upstream gateway, for acting as a gateway for other devices, and for relaying DHCP transmissions. In addition, the device includes software for receiving and processing commands from a remote computer system that may include commands enabling and disabling the repeater functionality. Finally, the device may also include software for receiving and processing configuration information that may include, for example, information of the other network devices for which it will repeat.

Abstract: An add-on card is provided for use within a computer system that has an expansion slot connected to a bus. The bus has a first supply line for supplying a first predetermined voltage and a second supply line for supplying a second predetermined voltage which is higher than the first predetermined voltage. The add-on card is adapted to operate properly regardless of whether the respective predetermined voltages are supplied on (1) the first supply line only, (2) the second supply line only, or (3) both supply lines. In a PCI bus implementation, where 3.3V and 5V are the predetermined voltage levels, the add-on card operates properly regardless of whether: only a 5V level is provided, only a 3.3V level is provided, or both 3.3V and 5V levels are provided.