Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ornamental system, apparatus and method that is dynamically modifiable. Embodiments of the ornament system comprise a processor, at least one ornamental member and a data controller. The processor is a computer which stores user input data for transmission and transmits a request for the transmission of data files. The ornamental member is configured to receive and display image data stored in a database, wherein the stored data can be changed at anytime. Embodiments of the present invention can be coupled to other ornamental systems across a wide area network, wherein users can share data files for display.

Abstract: A high side switching circuit, comprising: a switching transistor; a charge pump drive circuit including a circuit for generating an oscillating signal; and a charge pump arranged to provide a gate drive voltage to the switching transistor in response to a control signal; wherein the charge pump is driven by the charge pump drive circuit, and the circuit for generating an oscillating signal comprises: an oscillator having a power supply input and first and second outputs, outputting first and second pulse trains respectively of the same frequency but out of phase such that when the first pulse train is high, the second pulse train is low and when the second pulse train is high, the first pulse train is low; first and second transistors connected in series with the drain of the first transistor connected to a high voltage input relative to the high level of the first and second pulse train pulses, the source of the first transistor connected to the drain of the second transistor, the source of the second trans

Abstract: A semi-rigid collapsible container (10) has a side-wall with an upper portion (5), a central portion (6), a lower portion (7) and a base (8). The central protion (6) includes a vacuum panel portion having a control portion (2) and an initiator portion (1). The control portion (2) is inclined more steeply in a vertical direction, i.e. has a more acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the container (10), than the initiator portion (1). On low vacuum force being present within the container panel following the cooling of a hot liquid in the container (10), the initiator portion (1) will flex inwardly to cause the control protion (2) to invert and flex further inwardly into the container (10) and the central portion (6) to collapse. In the collapsed state upper and lower portions of the central portion (6) may be in substantial contact so as to contain the top-loading capacity of the container (10). Raised ribs (3) made an aditional support for the container in its collapsed state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, apparatus, and method for printing oversized print media which allow for the printing of a preassembled substrate or a single piece substrate without compromising the integrity of the print quality. Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a series of stations, wherein a specific task is performed at each station. Prior to printing an image, in preferred embodiments, print substrate segments are preassembled into image size substrates such that upon the completion of printing, the product is complete. A preassembled print substrate is loaded onto the platform at the loading station. Once the print substrate is loaded onto the platform, the platform is linearly translated to the printing station, whereby the platform is incrementally moved under a print head. During printing, the portion of the print substrate being printed is elevated such that the substrate is taut.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus and system for a target game used in conjunction with a toilet or urinal, wherein a target body is positioned within the toilet basin. The target game comprises a target body and coupling members, wherein the target body is divided into sections. The coupling members secure the target body to the toilet basin and include a securing member and an attachment member, wherein the securing member is any device that is capable of attaching to the toilet and wherein the attachment member couples the securing member to the target body. Other embodiments of the apparatus and system include image projection systems to create the target.

Abstract: A multi-stream singulator has two continuously laterally adjacent streams of cups, which carry and advance articles to be graded to a discharge zone. Articles from the discharge zone are received onto a single stream grading conveyor. At least one of the streams of cups of the multi-stream singulator is a partial cup in advance of the other stream so that the items are discharged non-simultaneously at the discharge zone. Optical scanning of the articles is undertaken by a scanner scanning a zone of the singulating conveyor to determine a physical attribute of each article. Means are provided to associate the scanned attribute of each article from the singulating conveyor with its subsequent position on the single stream grading conveyor.

Abstract: A ground-based capsule pipeline with greatly improved speed, energy efficiency, and cost for transportation of freight and/or people. Passive magnetic levitation is used to suspend inert, rugged capsules within an air-evacuated pipeline, where they are propelled by a linear motor. Permanent magnet pole arrays incorporated in the capsules interact with inductively-enhanced conductive loops on the interior of the pipeline to produce a low “take-off” speed, high lift, and a high lift-drag ratio.

Abstract: A thin window pocket insertion and removal device comprising an elongated body (12) having a first end (11) and a second end (13), a frictional element (19) adhered to one side of the elongated body (12), and a lip portion (18) protruding from the second end (13) of the elongated body (12). In some preferred embodiments, the device (10) further includes a handle portion (14) and a stop portion (30) protruding from the handle (14). The elongated body (12) is made of a flexible but sufficiently rigid material so as to resist warping and breakage during use or when not in use. Further, in some embodiments, the elongated body (12) includes one or more apertures (16), (17) all of which act to facilitate storage.

Abstract: A disk drive system and method employs sheet lift effect to suspend a data storage disk during high speed rotation. The system includes a data storage disk composed, at least partially, of an electrically conductive, nonmagnetic material and having at least one disk surface through which data communication may occur. The disk is rotated within an air-evacuated housing adjacent at least one magnet member. The interaction of the magnet member and the conductive, nonmagnetic material on the disk provides a sheet lift force suitable to suspend the disk during high speed rotation, such that the disk makes no physical contact with the housing or any structure fixed relative the housing. A read/write head assembly may also be provided with at least one magnet member which interacts with the conductive, nonmagnetic material on the disk to support the head assembly in a spaced relation to the disk surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus and system for lottery gaming, wherein a simple, objective, verifiable and reliable method of selecting the winning lottery numbers is provided. In preferred embodiments, a user accesses the game via a wide area network or by some other remote means and inputs required information, including payment information and the user's selections for the game. Prior to any user participating in the game, the game provider selects elements that comprise a winning combination. Preferably, the elements that comprise the winning combination are objective and verifiable elements, such as, for example, a portion of the closing stock market price on a given day for a specified set of markets. As such, the elements comprising the winning combinations are objective and can be verified by all of the users.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for securing foot apparel to a user's foot. The latching mechanism comprises a first connecting member, a second connecting member, wherein the first connecting member is capable of mating, or interlocking, with the second connecting member. The first connecting member includes a receiving head having an aperture, and an arm, wherein the arm is adjacent the receiving head and the second connecting member includes a locking tongue and an arm, wherein the arm is adjacent the locking tongue. In some preferred embodiments, the first connecting member and second connecting member include a fastener element. The arm of the first connecting member and the arm of the second connecting member further includes an aperture that is capable of receiving a securing mechanism. Some preferred embodiments of the instant invention also include a button element having a stem, wherein the aperture of the receiving head of the first connecting element is capable of receiving the stem of the button.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between a lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to related methods of producing a three-dimensional object by dispensing sheets of a material, capable of physical transformation upon exposure to synergistic stimulation, onto a substantially flat working surface of a previous cross-section. In one preferred embodiment, sheets of a photoresist are employed which change solubility upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation. In other preferred embodiments, non-photoreactive sheets are employed, which ablate upon exposure to infrared radiation.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: An improved method for stereolithographically making an object by alternating the order in which similar sets of vectors are exposed over two or more layers. In another method, a pattern of tightly packed hexagonal tiles are drawn. Each tile is isolated from its neighboring tiles by specifying breaks of unexposed material between the tiles. Using an interrupted scan method, vectors are drawn with periodic breaks along their lengths. In another method, modulator and scanning techniques are used to reduce exposure problems associated with the acceleration and deceleration of the scanning system when jumping between vectors or changing scanning directions.

Abstract: A stereolithography system employing a more powerful laser and faster dynamic mirrors to speed up part building without sacrificing accuracy is described, especially large or complex parts. A controllable shutter is placed in the beam path of the laser to selectably block the passage of the beam and prevent unwanted solidification. A suitable servo controlled feedback loop is provided to accurately position the mirrors at the higher velocity. Also described is a means to reduce data flow by distributing tasks in a multiple processor environment, and to improve user interaction by the use of a spreadsheet model. These also improve the speed of part building, especially for large or complex parts.