Abstract: The selection of electrical power supplied to a load, between a first power source such as the electric utility grid, and a second power source such as a solar-charged battery-inverter system, is made at the granularity of individual electrical outlets (or junction boxes for appliances directly connected or loads installed as fixtures). A central controller determines the power source for each outlet, based on numerous factors including the current consumed by that outlet's load(s). The controller addresses power selection commands to each outlet. Each outlet includes a SPDT functionality switch that operates in response to the controller to connect loads to a line conductor from the first power source or a line conductor from the second power source. A common neutral conductor connects to both sources. The outlets include current monitoring, and may include GFCI and/or AFCI protection. A variety of power distribution panel configurations and wiring options are disclosed.

Abstract: A device includes a housing having a front surface, a rear surface and first and second side surfaces; the rear surface configured engage a user's palm. The device includes a radiotelephone communications transceiver and a contact-sensitive display, supported by the housing. The contact sensitive display is configured to display an image at the front surface of the housing, and produce an output signal in response to moving contact of an object along a contact-sensitive surface of the contact-sensitive display. The device also includes a controller configured to control at least one of the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver and to scroll displayed rows along an axis of the display based upon the output signal of the contact-sensitive transducer. The controller has a mode that is unresponsive to contact with the contact-sensitive transducer, the second mode being entered in response to an input from a user.

Abstract: A device includes a housing having a front surface, a rear surface and first and second side surfaces; the rear surface configured engage a user's palm. The device includes a radiotelephone communications transceiver and a contact-sensitive display, supported by the housing. The contact sensitive display is configured to display an image at the front surface of the housing, and produce an output signal in response to moving contact of an object along a contact-sensitive surface of the contact-sensitive display. The device also includes a controller configured to control at least one of the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver and to scroll displayed rows along an axis of the display based upon the output signal of the contact-sensitive transducer. The controller has a mode that is unresponsive to contact with the contact-sensitive transducer, the second mode being entered in response to an input from a user.

Abstract: An essentially halogen-free, plasticizer-free thermoplastic elastomer compound is disclosed. The compound has from 10-80 weight percent of a hydrogenated styrene butadiene copolymer having a styrene content of less than 20 weight percent; from 20-90 weight percent of a polyolefin; and less than about 3 weight percent of antioxidant. The compound is capable of being solvent bonded or welded to another thermoplastic material using cyclohexanone alone or with methyl ethyl ketone. The compound is especially useful as medical tubing connected to other parts of medical equipment. The bond strength of the compound to the other thermoplastic material is properly determined only after multiple days of bonding.

Abstract: An essentially halogen-free, plasticizer-free thermoplastic elastomer compound is disclosed. The compound has from 10-80 weight percent of a hydrogenated styrene butadiene copolymer having a styrene content of less than 20 weight percent; from 20-90 weight percent of a polyolefin; and less than about 3 weight percent of antioxidant. The compound is capable of being solvent bonded or welded to another thermoplastic material using cyclohexanone alone or with methyl ethyl ketone. The compound is especially useful as medical tubing connected to other parts of medical equipment. The bond strength of the compound to the other thermoplastic material is properly determined only after multiple days of bonding.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) modem device includes a body member and a flip member. The flip member includes an antenna element and is rotatably coupled to the body member for movement about a hinge axis between a closed position and an open position. A USB connector is movably mounted in the body member for movement between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body member. A linkage mechanism in the body member couples the flip member and the USB connector so that movement of the flip member between the open position and the closed position moves the USB connector between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: An antenna structure is comprised of a body, an antenna element coupled with the body, and an arm support coupled with the body and the antenna element. The arm support also includes a recessed portion on one side adapted to receive a two-sided customizable plate. The customizable plate is made of a non-metallic material. The customizable plate is further adapted to fit within the recess and can be adhered to the recessed portion of the arm support. The customizable plate can also be graphically customized to display a viewable image. In addition, the customizable plate can be imprinted with a metallized pattern on the side that faces the recessed portion when seated in the arm support. The imprinted metallized pattern can beneficially affect the performance characteristics of the antenna element.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery of useful combinations of fully cross-linked thermoplastic vulcanizates with styrenic block copolymers. The new combinations of the invention can provide a synergistic effect. Specifically, the compositions formed thereby can be both softer and more elastic than would be expected on the basis of the properties of the individual components. Such compositions can be used in numerous applications, including, for example, any application for which a soft material with very good recovery is desired.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery of useful combinations of fully cross-linked thermoplastic vulcanizates with styrenic block copolymers. The new combinations of the invention can provide a synergistic effect. Specifically, the compositions formed thereby can be both softer and more elastic than would be expected on the basis of the properties of the individual components. Such compositions can be used in numerous applications, including, for example, any application for which a soft material with very good recovery is desired.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for prioritizing calls. The disclosed system and method involve receiving an inquiry from a customer. The customer is prompted to input an identification number. If the customer inputs the identification number then customer information associated with that identification number is retrieved, and a customer prioritization score is computed based on the customer information. If the customer fails to input the identification number or no identification number is requested, the customer is prompted to respond to queries and a customer prioritization score is computed based on the customer responses. Based on the computed customer prioritization score, the customer inquiry is prioritized.

Abstract: A radiotelephone includes a housing, and a radiotelephone communications transceiver and display are attached to the housing. A contact-sensitive transducer such as a resistive transducer, a capacitive transducer or a semiconductive transducer, is attached to the housing and produces an output signal that characterizes contact with a contact-sensitive surface of the contact-sensitive transducer. A controller is responsive to the output signal and operatively associated with the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver, and controls at least one of the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver according to the output signal of the contact-sensitive transducer. The controller, responsive to the contact-sensitive transducer, may determine a position of contact along an axis of the contact-sensitive transducer. A graphical object is selectively displayed based on the determined position of contact to thereby identify the graphical object, e.g.

Abstract: A computer apparatus and method for displaying radiological data such as X-rays, CT scans and other similar anatomical sequences in combination with other modalities such as plan views provides functionality which very closely resembles a standard radiological light box. Basic manipulations which occur at the light box by a radiologist or other medical personnel are closely emulated in function to allow medical personnel to stay focussed directly on the anatomical images and thereby avoid distraction and frustration of visually departing from the image in order to accomplish these basic functions. Some of the basic functions disclosed are quick-flip image mirroring, image rotation, panning, on-screen control of the number of images displayed in a mosaic, single drag and drop loading of radiological studies, cines and other functions. A dark and stark display further simulates the light box.

Abstract: A radiotelephone includes a housing, and a radiotelephone communications transceiver and display are attached to the housing. A contact-sensitive transducer such as a resistive transducer, a capacitive transducer or a semiconductive transducer, is attached to the housing and produces an output signal that characterizes contact with a contact-sensitive surface of the contact-sensitive transducer. A controller is responsive to the output signal and operatively associated with the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver, and controls at least one of the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver according to the output signal of the contact-sensitive transducer. The controller, responsive to the contact-sensitive transducer, may determine a position of contact along an axis of the contact-sensitive transducer. A graphical object is selectively displayed based on the determined position of contact to thereby identify the graphical object, e.g.

Abstract: A computer apparatus and method for displaying radiological data such as X-rays, CT scans and other similar anatomical sequences in combination with other modalities such as plan views provides functionality which very closely resembles a standard radiological light box. Basic manipulations which occur at the light box by a radiologist or other medical personnel are closely emulated in function to allow medical personnel to stay focussed directly on the anatomical images and thereby avoid distraction and frustration of visually departing from the image in order to accomplish these basic functions. Some of the basic functions disclosed are quick-flip image mirroring, image rotation, panning, on-screen control of the number of images displayed in a mosaic, single drag and drop loading of radiological studies, cines and other functions. A dark and stark display further simulates the light box.

Abstract: An acoustical passageway is provided between a flip cover and a body member of a radiotelephone, such as a cellular telephone, by directing a portion of the passageway through the hinge connecting the two components in a direction coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation of the cover with respect to the body. The internal passageway extends from an aperture provided at a predetermined position in the cover, through a hinge pin connecting the cover to the body member, and thence through an internally extending passageway in the body member to a microphone disposed in the body member. The acoustical path between the apertures in the cover and the microphone remains sealed irrespective of the open or closed position of the cover. The interconnection between the passageway disposed in the cover and the passageway disposed in the body member is maintained in biased abutment as a result of an interference fit between the respective components.

Abstract: Light-emitting diodes are positioned directly under each key of a multi-key flexible pad of a keypad assembly. Each of the light-emitting diodes is disposed within a cavity formed in the lower surface of a respective key whereby all of the light emitted by the diode is transmitted directly into the key. In one embodiment, the light-emitting diodes are mounted on a flexible film disposed between the flexible pad containing the keys and a flexible sheet having a plurality of raised domes. In a second embodiment, the light emitting diodes are mounted on the upper surface of a printed circuit board. The keypad assembly addresses the problem of low light transmission efficiency through light guides, or the use of individual optic fibers to illuminate each of the keys. Furthermore, the keypad assembly, by the elimination of light transmitting structures within the keypad assembly, enables the design of thin-section telecommunication instruments.

Abstract: Separate electromechanical and electronic modules are detachably electrically interconnected to provide a telecommunication instrument, such as a cellular telephone, which can be mechanically redesigned to a variety of configurations without changing the basic electronic circuits of the instrument. The electronic module is enclosed within a canister providing RF shielding for electrical circuits in the electronic module. If desired, the electromechanical and electronic modules may be enclosed within a disposable cover that conveniently provides recycling of the instrument after a period of limited use.

Abstract: The version of the container of my U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,895, which provides a dual latching arrangement so that, by a first turning of the cover during the latching operation, a condition of easy opening for adults is obtained, and, if desired, a hard-to-open, child-resistant condition is obtained with a further turning of the cover, is improved by the provision of a positive stop at the end of the first turning of the cover to prevent inadvertent latching into child-resistant position and to require a positive, downward displacement of the cover before it can be turned into child-resistant condition.

Abstract: A cover for a specially constructed receptacle having a circular entryway, such as a pharmaceutical vial of plastic, satisfies the present day requirement for moisture-proofing containers of moisture-affected medicines by providing an elongate, resilient plastic skirt which extends deeply into the entryway through the open mouth of the receptacle. Mutually confronting, coacting, circular formations internally of the receptacle and intermediate the length of the skirt interengage in sealing, line contact when the cover is secured over the open mouth of the receptacle. One of the circular formations has a sharp edge, the other is a smooth surface against which the sharp edge impinges. Either formation may be carried by either the receptacle or the skirt. For long useful life, the sharp edge is preferably of softer material than the smooth surface, so as not to indent nor otherwise damage the smooth surface. Securement of cover to receptacle may be of child-resistant or of easy-opening type.

Abstract: A radiotelephone includes a housing, and a radiotelephone communications transceiver and display are attached to the housing. A contact-sensitive transducer such as a resistive transducer, a capacitive transducer or a semiconductive transducer, is attached to the housing and produces an output signal that characterizes contact with a contact-sensitive surface of the contact-sensitive transducer. A controller is responsive to the output signal and operatively associated with the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver, and controls at least one of the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver according to the output signal of the contact-sensitive transducer. The controller, responsive to the contact-sensitive transducer, may determine a position of contact along an axis of the contact-sensitive transducer. A graphical object is selectively displayed based on the determined position of contact to thereby identify the graphical object, e.g.