Abstract: A controller coupled to plural mobile devices through a mobile communications environment including multiple available networks at a location remote from the plural mobile devices. The plural mobile devices are simultaneously connected to plural networks and collecting network data for each simultaneously connected plural multiple networks. The controller includes a receiver receiving from each mobile device the collected network data, where each mobile device is connected to the receiver via an active one of the simultaneously connected plural multiple networks for transmitting the collected network data; a processor configured to evaluate the collected network data from each mobile device and, based upon respective rules established for each mobile device, to produce respective sets of operating parameters for the plural mobile devices; and a transmitter to transmit to each mobile device the respective sets of operating parameters.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A controller and method of controlling a mobile device. The controller is coupled to a mobile device through a mobile communications environment. The controller is coupled to the mobile communications environment at a location remote from the mobile device, and includes a receiver that receives data from the mobile device, a processor that evaluates the data received from the mobile device based upon rules for the mobile device, and a transmitter that sends data to the mobile device to at least one of alert the user to a condition and modify current operating parameters on the mobile device.

Abstract: A mobile device payment system and method, the method for a mobile device user to purchase goods/services from merchants with financing by a mobile device manufacturer including: providing a mobile device; establishing a user account; establishing merchant accounts; transforming the merchant accounts into a universal merchant account data set; providing the universal merchant account data set to the mobile device user; storing the universal merchant account data set; requesting the mobile device manufacturer to load consumer credit; loading the credit amount; identifying goods/services for purchase; determining a total price for the identified goods/services and a merchant identifier associated with the selected merchant; actuating a purchase button; retrieving merchant bank deposit instructions; retrieving purchase credit; and routing the retrieved credit to the selected merchant in accordance with the retrieved merchant credit deposit instructions.

Abstract: A mobile device payment system and method, the method for a mobile device user to purchase goods/services from merchants with financing by a mobile device manufacturer including: providing a mobile device; establishing a user account; establishing merchant accounts; transforming the merchant accounts into a universal merchant account data set; providing the universal merchant account data set to the mobile device user; storing the universal merchant account data set; requesting the mobile device manufacturer to load consumer credit; loading the credit amount; identifying goods/services for purchase; determining a total price for the identified goods/services and a merchant identifier associated with the selected merchant; actuating a purchase button; retrieving merchant bank deposit instructions; retrieving purchase credit; and routing the retrieved credit to the selected merchant in accordance with the retrieved merchant credit deposit instructions.

Abstract: A mobile device payment system and method, the method for a mobile device user to purchase goods/services from merchants with financing by a mobile device manufacturer including: providing a mobile device; establishing a user account; establishing merchant accounts; transforming the merchant accounts into a universal merchant account data set; providing the universal merchant account data set to the mobile device user; storing the universal merchant account data set; requesting the mobile device manufacturer to load consumer credit; loading the credit amount; identifying goods/services for purchase; determining a total price for the identified goods/services and a merchant identifier associated with the selected merchant; actuating a purchase button; retrieving merchant bank deposit instructions; retrieving purchase credit; and routing the retrieved credit to the selected merchant in accordance with the retrieved merchant credit deposit instructions.

Abstract: A mobile device payment system and method, the method for a mobile device user to purchase goods/services from merchants with financing by a mobile device manufacturer including: providing a mobile device; establishing a user account; establishing merchant accounts; transforming the merchant accounts into a universal merchant account data set; providing the universal merchant account data set to the mobile device user; storing the universal merchant account data set; requesting the mobile device manufacturer to load consumer credit; loading the credit amount; identifying goods/services for purchase; determining a total price for the identified goods/services and a merchant identifier associated with the selected merchant; actuating a purchase button; retrieving merchant bank deposit instructions; retrieving purchase credit; and routing the retrieved credit to the selected merchant in accordance with the retrieved merchant credit deposit instructions.

Abstract: A mobile device payment system and method, the method for a mobile device user to purchase goods/services from merchants with financing by a mobile device manufacturer including: providing a mobile device; establishing a user account; establishing merchant accounts; transforming the merchant accounts into a universal merchant account data set; providing the universal merchant account data set to the mobile device user; storing the universal merchant account data set; requesting the mobile device manufacturer to load consumer credit; loading the credit amount; identifying goods/services for purchase; determining a total price for the identified goods/services and a merchant identifier associated with the selected merchant; actuating a purchase button; retrieving merchant bank deposit instructions; retrieving purchase credit; and routing the retrieved credit to the selected merchant in accordance with the retrieved merchant credit deposit instructions.

Abstract: A mobile device payment system and method, the method for a mobile device user to purchase goods/services from merchants with financing by a mobile device manufacturer including: providing a mobile device; establishing a user account; establishing merchant accounts; transforming the merchant accounts into a universal merchant account data set; providing the universal merchant account data set to the mobile device user; storing the universal merchant account data set; requesting the mobile device manufacturer to load consumer credit; loading the credit amount; identifying goods/services for purchase; determining a total price for the identified goods/services and a merchant identifier associated with the selected merchant; actuating a purchase button; retrieving merchant bank deposit instructions; retrieving purchase credit; and routing the retrieved credit to the selected merchant in accordance with the retrieved merchant credit deposit instructions.

Abstract: A dithered offset correction method wherein, according to a first embodiment, updates are made of the offset correction during each iteration and, after four iterations, the offset for each pixel or detector element is updated from all of its neighbors to provide faster convergence than is obtainable by the prior art. In accordance with a second embodiment, the offset for each detector element is updated for every iteration and, for each update, the update is made with information from an entire row or an entire column of data. After four iterations, each offset has been updated with information from every detector element in the focal plane array. This provides even more rapid convergence compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A semiballistic projectile system is disclosed. The system includes a semiballistic projectile ground tracking and rangefinding system that selectively transmits course correction and rangefinding signals. The semiballistic projectile has a pyroelectric detector that includes a reflecting portion, nonreflecting portion, and a focusing lens for focusing electromagnetic signals onto the pyroelectric detector adjacent to its periphery. The reflecting port ion operates by reflecting impinging electromagnetic signals as return signals for orienting course corrections and the nonreflecting portion receives and decodes coded course correction signals for a jet thrust or other steering apparatus which corrects the projectile's course to a target.

Abstract: A folding boom side-ditcher which has a two-stage chain (or belt) drive from the power take-off (PTO) of a tractor. A laterally movable counterweight is provided so the folding boom has maximum side reach without danger of upset. Hydraulic actuating cylinders are provided for moving and positioning the boom and the counterweight, which are connected to the hydraulic system of the tractor in the conventional manner. The two-stage chain (or belt) drive for operating the digger head transfers more power through a two-stage reduction sprocket system, and the digging capacity at the digger head is increased substantially. This side-ditcher is more versatile because of the flexible boom, and it is considerably less expensive than the prior hydraulic drive systems of conventional side-ditchers.

Abstract: A bistable solenoid switch has a plunger and associated movable contact adapted for controlled reciprocation by a coil and bobbin assembly to either of two stable states not requiring sustained energization of the coil. The movable contact is biased toward one of the stable states, for example, "Contacts Closed" in which a pair of stationary contacts are engged by the movable contact. The bobbin is provided with one or more radial projections extending into its core for serving a detenting function with respect to a land formed on an end face of the plunger. When the bobbin projection is engaged by the plunger land, it is prevented from displacing the movable contact into engagement with the stationary contact, and the second, or "Contacts Open", state exists. Means are also provided for translating axial displacement of the plunger into angular displacement for moving it into and out of the detented engagement with the bobbin projection.

Abstract: Copper-manganese alloy brazing pastes can be substantially improved by the inclusion of a minor amount of silicon in the alloy. The brazing alloy can contain by weight between about 0.5% and 3% silicon to provide a brazing composition for brazing at temperatures between about 1650.degree. C. and 1850.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for making metal joining paste, particularly suitable for precision soldering and brazing, which comprises preparing a paste vehicle by mixing together, at an elevated temperature, paste ingredients including solvent, flux and specialized additives, cooling said vehicle, and blending metal powder therewith. Blending preferably is subsequent to cooling, but can be simultaneous with cooling, though without significant exposure of the metal to the vehicle at elevated temperature. Cooling of the vehicle takes place under shock cooling conditions, such as to obtain a fine particle size suspension, and is to a final temperature inhibitive of significant reaction of metal powder with vehicle acidic constituents. The present invention provides increased viscosity control and suspension stability necessary for fine bore automatic dispensing of the paste.

Abstract: An oil-resistant, fire-resistant polymer composition is disclosed which is useful in coating electrical conductors. The composition comprises a block copolymer, extending oil, polymeric alpha-olefin, filler and fire retardant package comprising antimony trioxide, an adduct of hexachlorocyclopentadiene and a zinc borate.

Abstract: A fire-resistant polymer composition is disclosed which is useful in coating electrical conductors. The composition comprises a block copolymer, extending oil, polymeric alpha-olefin, fire retardants and a calcium sulfate filler.