Abstract: The invention involves silicone devices and a method for using the silicone devices for food preparation and for cooking. The silicone devices come in a variety of shapes: bands, string, mesh, perforated sheets, connected double-Os, and film. The silicon devices may be used when food is prepared, then frozen and later cooked; to support food during cooking; or in food preparation when the food is not heated. The silicon devices may be stretched and placed over a food item prior to cooking and will support the food item during cooking. The silicone devices retain their elasticity when exposed to heat and continue to hold the food in shape while cooking. After cooking is complete, the silicone devices are quickly and easily removed from the food without sticking to the food.

Abstract: A smart-card based system and methods to control access to a plurality of attractions within a geographical area. The system may include one or more reward terminals that are located at attractions and are configured to read smart cards presented to them and, assuming the card is valid for that location, allow the card holder to access the attraction. Each smart card may be programmed with a product code that defines the attractions at which the card may be used. Product codes may be stored in a central database along with a list of the attractions associated with the each product code. The list of attractions may be updated as desired, thereby updating and changing the attractions at which any given card may be used.

Abstract: One or more cutting boards that may be conveniently and compactly stored on many vertical surfaces in the kitchen, for example, a refrigerator. In the preferred embodiment, each cutting board contains two layers, a flexible magnet, and a flexible yet durable cutting surface. One or more of the magnetic cutting boards may be placed on any magnetically attractive surface, whether vertical or horizontal, and will remain in place due to the magnetic attraction between the magnetic cutting board and the magnetically attractive surface.

Abstract: A new machine control method and system for registering pro-produced webs into a converting line producing disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, pants, feminine hygiene articles or a component thereof. The pre-produced web can include a multiplicity of pre-produced objects spaced on the web at a pitch interval in the web direction. The pre-produced web being manipulated in order for the pre-produced object of the web to be registered in relation to a target position constant. The present invention includes three embodiments, where the first embodiment is expressed as a generic claim. The first embodiment includes a closed-loop feedback registration system; the second and third embodiments, in addition, include an open-loop feedforward phasing system. In addition, the third embodiment uses a machine vision system to recognize any element of a complex pre-produced object (e.g., colorful graphics).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an electric steering assist system, which system provides assist in response to a steering control signal, the apparatus comprising: torque sensing means (20) operatively connected to a vehicle hand wheel (12) for providing a torque signal (Ts) indicative of applied steering torque, blending filter means connected to the torque sensing means (20) for providing a blended filtered torque signal having a first functional characteristic at torque frequencies less than a blending frequency and a second functional characteristic at torque frequencies greater than the blending frequency, the blending filter means including a low pass filter (70) which passes all frequencies below the blending frequency and a high pass filter (71) which passes all frequencies above the blending frequency, steering assist means for providing steering assist in response to a control signal, control means operatively connected to the blending filter means for providing said control signal to the s

Abstract: A new machine control method and system for registering pre-produced webs into a converting line producing disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, pull-ups, feminine hygiene articles or a component thereof. The pre-produced webs can include a multiplicity of pre-produced objects spaced on the web at a pitch interval in the web direction. The pre-produced web being manipulated in order for the pre-produced object of the web to be registered in relation to a target position constant. The present invention includes three embodiments, where the first embodiment is expressed as a generic claim. The first embodiment includes a closed-loop feedback registration system; the second and third embodiments, in addition, include an open-loop feedforward phasing system. In addition, the third embodiment uses a machine vision system to recognize any element of a complex pre-produced object (e.g., colorful graphics).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an electric steering assist system, which system provides assist in response to a steering control signal, the apparatus comprising: torque sensing means (20) operatively connected to a vehicle hand wheel (12) for providing a torque signal (TS) indicative of applied steering torque, blending filter means connected to the torque sensing means (20) for providing a blended filtered torque signal having a first functional characteristic at torque frequencies less than a blending frequency and a second functional characteristic at torque frequencies greater than the blending frequency, the blending filter means including a low pass filter (70) which passes all frequencies below the blending frequency and a high pass filter (71) which passes all frequencies above the blending frequency, steering assist means for providing steering assist in response to a control signal, control means operatively connected to the blending filter means for providing said control signal to the s

Abstract: A digital demodulator (100) includes a differentiate and cross multiply stage (102) and a plurality of filter/decimator stages (106, 112, 118 and 108, 114, 120 and 110, 116, 122) that accept both multiple baud rates and multiple modulation deviation frequencies, and that provide a common frequency data stream at their respective outputs. One of said filter/decimator stages is coupled to a primary filter (124) which is followed by a box filter (134). The box filter (134) improves the overall filter response and provides notches at a specified frequency (e.g., 4800 Hz) and its harmonics. Demodulator (100) provides improved sensitivity without the need for any circuit trimming. The filter stages (e.g., 106, 112, 118; 108, 114, 120; and 110, 116, 122) used in demodulator (100) have been optimized to eliminate the need for costly multipliers.

Abstract: A detector circuit (301) is utilized in a DC to DC converter (300) having an inductor (356) coupled to a switch (358) for interrupting an electric current through the inductor (356), thereby allowing the inductor (356) to transfer stored energy to a capacitive load (364). The detector circuit (301) includes a capacitor (302) coupled to the inductor (356) for generating a transient current (428) in response to a completion of a transfer of stored energy from the inductor (356). The detector circuit (301) further includes a reference current generator (306) for generating a reference current, and a summing node (304) coupled to the capacitor (302) and coupled to the reference current generator (306) for summing the transient current (428) and the reference current. The two summed currents form a transient control current (436) responsive to the completion (424) of the transfer of stored energy from the inductor (356).

Abstract: A radio receiver has a receiver section (103) that receives an information signal and an integrated circuit (105) in which a default operating condition of an electronic device is selectively programmed. A mask option programming link in the integrated circuit (105) is programmed while maintaining electrical isolation of a programming bias from the electronic device (207). The mask option programming link has a first conductor (211) in a first layer with first (212) and second (213) programming contact terminals. A second conductor (210) that determines a default operating condition of the electronic device (207), resides in a second layer that is electrically isolated from the first layer. When sufficient programming bias is applied to the programming terminals of the first conductor (211), energy dissipated by the first conductor eliminates coupling of the second conductor (210) to the electronic device (207), changing its default operating condition.

Abstract: A low power, dual mode BIMOS circuit generates a required drive voltage for illuminating an electroluminescent display panel from a low voltage, preferably a single cell. The BIMOS circuit comprises at least one bipolar transistor, at least one MOS transistor, an output voltage sensor, and a controller operating in a complementary fashion to disable a first clock signal coupled to the at least one bipolar transistor subsequent to enabling operation of the at least one MOS transistor for controlling the charging current used to generate the output voltage.

Abstract: A means and method is described for forming closely spaced contacts to adjacent semiconductor regions, such as the base and emitter of a bipolar transistor, so that the lateral voltage drops between the contacts and an intervening junction are minimized. The emitter and base and the contacts thereto are self-aligned. This is accomplished by a structure utilizing two poly-layers separated by one or more intermediate dielectric layers. The upper of the two poly-layers serves as a selective etching mask for defining the contact geometry and separation. The lower of the two poly-layers has one portion which becomes a poly-contact and diffusion source for the base region and a second portion which becomes a poly-contact and diffusion source for the emitter region. A single mask is used in connection with ion bombardment to alter the etch rate of portions of the poly-layers. This mask together with subsequent etch steps, defines the emitter width and location and the base-emitter contact separation.