Abstract: A system for displaying visual information to a user includes a waveguide and a thermal management device. The waveguide has a front surface, a rear surface, and a dual expansion grating area to guide light through the waveguide. The thermal management device is positioned at least partially overlapping the dual expansion grating area and in thermal communication with the dual expansion area.

Abstract: A system for displaying visual information to a user includes a waveguide and a thermal management device. The waveguide has a front surface, a rear surface, and a dual expansion grating area to guide light through the waveguide. The thermal management device is positioned at least partially overlapping the dual expansion grating area and in thermal communication with the dual expansion area.

Abstract: A method to prevent the accumulation of static electricity in a pipe system for containing corrosive petroleum products is provided, for a total resistance of less than 1 MEG ohms to ground from all points. The pipe system has at least two pipe sections, each comprising a structural layer and a corrosion resistant layer. The corrosion resistant layer has at least a conductive surface area in contact with the fluid, with the conductive surface area defining an electrical pathway extending a length of the pipe section. Each pipe section has a tapered end exposing a portion of the corrosion resistant layer. The method comprises joining the two pipe sections at the tapered ends by a conductive adhesive overlay, and electrically connecting the conductive adhesive overlay to a grounding device, wherein the grounding device helps dissipate build-up of electrostatic charge in the pipe system carrying the fluid.

Abstract: An electronic device is installed in a vehicle used as collateral for a loan. The installed device records the location of the vehicle at periodic intervals and whenever the vehicle is stationary. The installed device also searches for and identifies a compatible Wi-Fi node that can forward data to the Internet, and transmits location information through this compatible node. The location information is stored in a central database, where it can be used to form a location profile for the vehicle and predict the vehicle's location based on past history for a given time of day or day of week. If the loan enters a past-due status, the location profile is accessed by users such as the lender, loan servicer, vehicle retriever, and associated users. Upon arriving within the vicinity of a predicted location, vehicles are more precisely located with the aid of a Wi-Fi capable mobile device.

Abstract: A power cord (14) for an electronic product (10) such as a set-top box or the like provides a reduced thermal resistance path from a heat generating portion of the set-top to the ambient air to improve heat dissipation. In a preferred embodiment, the power cord includes a ground wire having a size in excess of that necessary to carry ground current to as to increase heat conduction from the ground plane of the set-top box circuit board.

Abstract: A method and a system accomplish inspection of a mark in a frame of a film print. The system can include a frame imager which automatically selects at least one frame in the film print having an FMS mark and automatically captures an image of the frame. The image can be captured prior to, or subsequent to, the print being developed. The system also can include a marker which marks the frame with the mark. Further, the system can include a processor which automatically extracts the mark from the captured image and automatically compares the mark on the frame to a reference mark. The captured image can be stored to a database.

Abstract: A power cord (14) for an electronic product (10) such as a set-top box or the like provides a reduced thermal resistance path from a heat generating portion of the set-top to the ambient air to improve heat dissipation. In a preferred embodiment, the power cord includes a ground wire having a size in excess of that necessary to carry ground current to as to increase heat conduction from the ground plane of the set-top box circuit board.

Abstract: A terminal sharing arrangement allows output terminals of an apparatus such as a television signal receiver or other device to be used for both outputting signals such as audio signals, and providing a diagnostic function. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a first terminal operative to output a first output signal during a first mode, and to receive a first diagnostic signal during a second mode. A second terminal is operative to output a second output signal during the first mode, and to output a second diagnostic signal during the second mode.

Abstract: A method to prevent the accumulation of static electricity in a pipe system for containing corrosive petroleum products is provided, for a total resistance of less than 1 MEG ohms to ground from all points. The pipe system has at least two pipe sections, each comprising a structural layer and a corrosion resistant layer. The corrosion resistant layer has at least a conductive surface area in contact with the fluid, with the conductive surface area defining an electrical pathway extending a length of the pipe section. Each pipe section has a tapered end exposing a portion of the corrosion resistant layer. The method comprises joining the two pipe sections at the tapered ends by a conductive adhesive overlay, and electrically connecting the conductive adhesive overlay to a grounding device, wherein the grounding device helps dissipate build-up of electrostatic charge in the pipe system carrying the fluid.

Abstract: A pipe system for containing corrosive petroleum products with a total resistance of less than 1 MEG ohms to ground from all points to prevent the accumulation of static electricity is provided. The pipe system has at least two pipe sections, each comprising a structural layer and a corrosion resistant layer. The corrosion resistant layer has at least a conductive surface area in contact with the fluid, with the conductive surface area defining an electrical pathway extending a length of the pipe section. Each pipe section has a tapered end exposing a portion of the corrosion resistant layer. The two pipe sections are joined at the tapered ends by a conductive adhesive overlay. The conductive adhesive overlay is electrically connected to a grounding device, wherein the grounding device helps dissipate build-up of electrostatic charge in the pipe system carrying the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a setting agent accelerator for use with an ultra-low cement, low cement and regular castable refractory materials and a method of applying the refractory materials using the setting agent accelerator to form a refractory structure or lining. More particularly, the invention is directed to a setting agent accelerator for use with an ultra-low cement , low cement and regular castable refractory material for preserving or maintaining the safety lining and the working lining of refractory structures or linings from mechanical erosion and/or attack by corrosive materials such as those produced during manufacture of cement, lime, metals or metal alloys including acid and basic slags. The setting agent accelerator has a set accelerating amount of sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite or mixtures thereof, calcium hydroxide and water.

Abstract: This present invention provides for a new class of HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors as additional therapeutics for hepatitis C virus. The proposed compounds, biliverdin, bilirubin, and derivatives thereof, are based on natural enzymatic products of heme metabolism that may be more stable, better tolerated, and more resistant to mutations than present prototypic protease inhibitors.

Abstract: A key press detecting circuit for detecting the status of the key is provided. The key press detecting circuit comprises a discharging circuit which discharges when the key (K1) is pressed; and a voltage detecting circuit, which comprises a combination of a PNP transistor (T2) and a NPN transistor (T3), wherein when the discharging circuit discharges for a predefined period, the PNP transistor (T2) will be turn on, which causes the NPN transistor (T3) to be turned on and to output a second signal for a second function.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for audio content playback during fast forward playback video trick modes. A storage medium reader is provided for reading coded digital data from a storage medium such as a DVD. The coded digital data comprises a video programming and a corresponding audio programming. A decoder decodes from a portion of the digital data comprising the audio programming a plurality of digital audio samples corresponding to a selected portion of the video programming. Subsequently, an audio processor key shifts a playback audio pitch associated with the audio samples to compensate for the higher pitched audio associated with the fast forward video playback mode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for audio track playback during fast forward playback video trick modes. A storage medium reader is provided for reading digital data from a storage medium such as a DVD. The digital data represents a video presentation and a corresponding audio programming. A decoder decodes from a portion of the digital data comprising the audio programming a plurality of digital audio samples corresponding to a selected portion of the video presentation. Subsequently, a digital signal processor can convert the audio samples to their corresponding frequency domain equivalents and scale the frequency and amplitude of a playback audio frequency associated with the audio samples in accordance with trick mode video playback.

Abstract: The present invention relates to system diagnostic circuitry for antenna systems with active antenna components. More specifically, the present invention discloses an apparatus comprising a connection between an antenna and a power supply conducting a first DC voltage, a source of a pulse width modulated signal, a lowpass filter for converting the pulse width modulated signal to a second DC voltage, and a comparator for comparing the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage and generating an output signal responsive to the difference between the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage.

Abstract: A method is provided for use of a concrete composition and an associated apparatus. The method provides for mixing of the concrete material, accelerant powder and, optionally, an associated substance to enable the controlled hardening of the concrete material in a monolithic structure. The apparatus can dispose a slip-plane film to facilitate a relatively continuous process.

Abstract: A key press detecting circuit for detecting the status of the key is provided. The key press detecting circuit comprises a discharging circuit which discharges when the key (K1) is pressed; and a voltage detecting circuit, which comprises a combination of a PNP transistor (T2) and a NPN transistor (T3), wherein when the discharging circuit discharges for a predefined period, the PNP transistor (T2) will be turn on, which causes the NPN transistor (T3) to be turned on and to output a second signal for a second function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to system diagnostic circuitry for antenna systems with active antenna components. More specifically, the present invention discloses an apparatus comprising a connection between an antenna and a power supply conducting a first DC voltage, a source of a pulse width modulated signal, a lowpass filter for converting the pulse width modulated signal to a second DC voltage, and a comparator for comparing the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage and generating an output signal responsive to the difference between the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage.

Abstract: A method for playing a digital audio recording at a speed other than 1X, the method comprises retrieving stored digital audio information represented in a plurality of audio frames. A portion of the plurality of audio frames are ranked according to an energy content in the portion of audio frames. Audio frames having least energy content in accordance with the ranking are deleted from the portion of the plurality of audio frames. Remaining ones of the portion of audio frames following deletion are selected to form an audio trick mode playback signal.