Abstract: A system for locating mobile assets includes a plurality of fixed mesh network communications devices, an asset-specific location device, and a computer. Each fixed mesh network communications device is associated with a different location within a predefined area. The asset-specific location device is coupled to the mobile assets and communicates an asset-specific identification to a nearest fixed mesh network communications device via a mesh network. The computer is in communication with each of the fixed mesh network communications devices and receives a request for a location of one of the mobile assets; polls each fixed mesh network communications device to determine which one is in communication with a selected asset-specific location device affixed to the selected mobile asset; and identify the location associated with the fixed mesh network communications device in communication with the asset-specific location device.

Abstract: Logic Gate (100), particularly for integrated circuits including a Boolean network (105) having at least an input (106) and having at least an output node (107) and at least a terminal (108) connected to a first node at fixed potential (109) corresponding to a first logical level of the gate. The gate is characterized by the fact that the output node (107) is connected to a first pair of switches including a first switch (101) and a second switch (102), which are activated alternately, and are connected respectively, by a respective terminal, to the first node (109) at fixed potential and to the output node (107). Between the two switches there is a second pair of switches (103, 104) connected to a second node at fixed potential (110) corresponding to a second logical level of the gate.

Abstract: A clasp for securing two items together includes a first section, a second section, least one pin and a force mechanism. The first section defines a cylindrical passage opening to the first face. The cylindrical passage defines at least one longitudinal J-shaped groove disposed longitudinally along the cylindrical passage. The J-shaped groove includes a main longitudinal portion, a transverse portion and a hooked portion. The second section has a top portion and a piston portion. The piston portion is complementary in dimension to the cylindrical passage. The pin extends transversely to the piston portion and is complementary to the J-shaped groove. The force mechanism applies a repulsive force between the second section and the first section so that when the pin is aligned with the hooked poration, the repulsive force drives the pin into the hooked portion, thereby inhibiting the second section from disengaging the first section.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating an item includes a mesh network communication device, a global positioning satellite chipset, a cellular telecommunications modem, a digital memory that stores a unique identification and a processor. The processor is programmed to determine the location of the item based on an input from the global positioning satellite chipset. If a mesh network connection is available, then processor transmits the unique identification and the location of the item to a requester via the mesh network, otherwise the processor registers with a wireless communication network with the cellular telecommunications modem and transmits the unique identification and the location of the item to a requester via the wireless communication network.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating an item at a node includes an item-specific location device disposed in association with the item and that includes a circuit that uniquely identifies the item. A fixed mesh network communication device, in communication with a computer, is in an item storage portion of the node. The computer is programmed to execute the following steps: if an item identification request is received from a requester via a global computer network including a requested item identification, then send an item identification message to the fixed mesh network communication device. If an item identified message is received from the fixed mesh network communication device indicating that the item-specific location device corresponds to the requested item identification, then transmit to the requester, via the global computer network, an item identified notification and a location identification that identifies the node.

Abstract: A coolant groove-type internal combustion engine has a cylinder block that includes a frame having at least one longitudinal surface and a lateral member transverse to the longitudinal surface, the lateral member defining a coolant passage therethrough, wherein the lateral member also defines at least one cylinder opening and a groove coolant port extending from the coolant passage to the cylinder opening. A cylinder liner includes a cylindrical member, defining an elongated cylinder bore. The cylinder member has an outer surface that has a diameter that allows the cylindrical member to be fitted into the cylinder opening so as to form a coolant jacket between the outer surface of the cylindrical member and the longitudinal surface. The outer surface of the cylindrical member includes an upper portion that plugs the groove coolant port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly beacon or light for illuminating a pole-mounted, halyard-hoisted flag, banner, pennant or the like that has a luminous source located in a cover, is mounted on top of the pole, and is capable of continuously directing a narrow beam of light toward the flag, banner, pennant or the like as the wind blows the same around the pole. The flagpole beacon of the present invention is designed to replace the knob of an existing pole and may be used on poles having either an internal halyard configuration or an external halyard configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for biasing a body voltage of a silicon-on-insulator transistor includes an operational amplifier that generates an output voltage that is proportional to the voltage difference between a desired gate-source threshold voltage and a reference voltage. A reference biasing transistor has a gate that is electrically coupled to the output. A reference mirror transistor has both a gate and a drain that are electrically coupled to the current source node, and also has a body that is electrically coupled to the drain of the reference biasing transistor. A device biasing transistor has a gate that is electrically coupled to the output voltage and has a drain that is electrically coupled to the body of the silicon-on-insulator transistor. The device biasing transistor maintains a voltage at the body of the silicon-on-insulator transistor so that it has a gate-source threshold voltage within a predetermined range of the desired gate-source threshold voltage.

Abstract: In a method of displaying advertising and communicating computer operation during a wait period, a plurality of images is displayed during the wait period in a predetermined sequence as part of an animation that indicates that the wait period is proceeding. Advertising information is integrated with the plurality of images.

Abstract: In a method of charging a battery cell, having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a charging current is applied to the battery cell. A voltage is measured between the positive terminal and the negative terminal. The charging current is removed from the battery cell at a predetermined period subsequent to when the voltage changes at a rate, relative to time, that is not greater than a predetermined threshold. A battery cell charger for charging a battery cell includes a charger circuit, capable of applying a charging current to the battery cell, a voltage sensor circuit that measures a voltage between the positive terminal and the negative terminal and a charger control circuit that is responsive to the voltage sensor.