Abstract: A current detecting and switching apparatus that provides automatic coupling of internal components of an appliance to varying supply voltage sources to prevent components from operating at something other than their intended power rating. The switching apparatus provides automatic coupling to multi-rated internal components of the appliance instead of providing a voltage specific appliance pre-wiring of specific connections of a multi-voltage component.

Abstract: A current detecting and switching apparatus that provides automatic coupling of internal components of an appliance to varying supply voltage sources to prevent components from operating at something other than their intended power rating. The switching apparatus provides automatic coupling to multi-rated internal components of the appliance instead of providing a voltage specific appliance pre-wiring of specific connections of a multi-voltage component.

Abstract: A portable computer system includes an input device such as a keyboard, a display, and a processor which is operable in a normal operational mode and in a reduced power mode, the processor carrying out program execution in each of the normal operational mode and reduced power mode. A timing arrangement switches the processor from its normal operational mode to its reduced power mode in response to the absence of any of a plurality of predetermined events during a predetermined time interval, the predetermined events including actuation of keys on the keyboard and transmission of information to the video display.

Abstract: A writing instrument and a process for manufacturing thereof, a core having a configuration with includes a plurality of channels spaced apart in a radial direction. The channels have sides which form a specific minimum angle at the centerline of each channel. The writing instrument also includes a pair of slats, each having a configuration corresponding to approximately half of the configuration of the core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for editing continuous tone digital images representing pixels in which regions containing defects, called "defect regions", are unnoticeable or less visually discernible. Corrected pixel data for pixels in the defect region, called defect pixels, in the digital image are provided while data representing non-defect pixels outside of the defect region are not altered. These digital images may have one color channel (gray side) or multiple color channels. The apparatus and method includes a computer system which operates according to a set of instructions.

Abstract: A method of correcting one or more defect pixels in a defect region of a source image, which image has both the defect pixels and non-defect pixels each of which is represented by at least one defect pixel signal and non-defect pixel signal, respectively. The method comprises:a) searching for edges in a non-defect region of the image adjacent to the defect region by: (i) comparing relative pixel parameters in the non-defect region with a predetermined tolerance to locate a sequence of pixels representing an edge segment the members of which have relative parameters within the tolerance and which sequence is within a predetermined distance of the defect region; and (ii) comparing the length of an edge segment with a minimum length to identify as an edge a segment with at least the minimum length;b) generating at least one pixel signal for the defect region based on the signal of at least one non-defect pixel lying in a direction from the defect pixel which is determined by the direction of an edge.

Abstract: A portable computer system includes a housing, a lid supported on the housing for movement between open and closed positions, a keyboard supported on the housing below the lid, and a display provided on the lid. When the lid is opened, the keyboard is accessible and the display is visible, whereas when the lid is closed the keyboard and display are hidden and protected. The computer system includes a processor disposed within the housing and having a first operational mode in which it executes instructions and a second operational mode in which it is in a reduced power suspend state from which it can automatically exit in response to a predetermined condition. The system includes an arrangement responsive to closing of the lid when the processor is in its first operational state for switching the processor to its second operational state.