Abstract: A poly-phase high frequency alternator with a low-loss magnetic core is excited by a low-loss field coil that is part of a series resonant circuit tuned to a desired AC power frequency which may be 50 or 60 Hz. The series resonant circuit is excited at the resonant frequency. The resulting resonant behavior automatically provides the high driving voltages and sinusoidal energy storage patterns needed to efficiently modulate the field inductance at 50 or 60 Hz. Modulating the field at the desired AC power frequency modulates the alternator output voltage at that frequency. The poly-phase alternator output is rectified into a single phase and commutated with respect to the load at the zero crossing of each half cycle of the AC power frequency. This produces a single phase power frequency AC output.

Abstract: A dedicated hardware block in the form of a hardware bit coder device for generating IR/RF bit coding protocols. The hardware bit coder device is configurable to any user-defined frame length and single or multiple frame strings. The device can emulate substantially any desired bit coding pattern. The device uses a programmable signal shaping technique that eliminates the need to develop complex bit coding protocols in software. Using the hardware bit coder device of the present invention directly reduces the amount of program memory required by the microcontrollers to accomplish data decoding and also frees up the microcontroller resources for other purposes. The hardware bit coder includes a set of two pattern registers, one corresponding to a high data bit value and the other to a low data bit value. The particular pattern to be shifted out for transmission is defined by the particular data signal. Pattern transmission rate and period are selectable.

Abstract: A device for retaining the blank or sealing lid of a split cap used to cap a fluid container having an invertible spout. The device includes various means for ensuring that the blank will be retained in close proximity to the user so that it will not be lost. This is achieved by modifying the blank either to enable affixing it directly to the container, or to configure it to be easily attached to a site close to the container. The retaining device includes a threaded section affixed to the blank for coupling the blank to the standard vent port of a container. Optionally, the retaining device includes a tethering hole located in the gripping flange of the blank to enable tethering of the blank to the container or to a shop hanger. Alternative designs of the retaining device include placing attachment devices on the underside of the blank and on the container, such as hook-and-loop couplings, male/female nipple sets, and magnetized components.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate is provided that exhibits very low substrate resistance while also providing structural integrity and robustness to resist breakage during manufacturing. The invention also provides methods of making these semiconductor substrates. The semiconductor substrate includes a planar surface and a recess extending below the planar surface. Preferred substrates include a plurality of recesses arranged in an array.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading radially patterned magnetic data from circular objects, such as tokens used by the gaming, transportation, entertainment and other industries. A method of reading the data from such a token.

Abstract: A holder for retaining an endotracheal tube in a patient's mouth includes a pair of opposed members constructed to define a lumen when positioned adjacent each other, and a latching device constructed to allow the relative position of the opposed members to be adjusted between a first position in which said lumen is sufficiently small to securely hold the endotracheal tube, and a second position in which the lumen is sufficiently large to allow the endotracheal tube to move axially yet sufficiently small to resist radial displacement of the endotracheal tube. In use, the endotracheal tube is inserted through a patient's mouth into the tracheal lumen, the latching device is moved to its second position, the tube holder is slid over the endotracheal tube and its position adjusted axially along the length of the tube, and the latching device is moved to its first position to secure the tube holder firmly in a desired position on the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A method of determining electrochemical charge acceptance limits by measuring and determining the peak of the curve of Differential Equivalent Series Resistance (DESR) of a cell or system for the purpose of monitoring or controlling processes internal to the cell/system (i.e.; state-of-charge or state-of-formation) or for monitoring or controlling processes external to the cell/system (i.e.; battery chargers or battery formers). The method is suitably embodied in software, firmware, hardware, or apparatus.

Abstract: A fuel overflow prevention system for substantially eliminating fuel spillage both due to over-filling during fueling and due to fuel expansion in fuel tanks. The device includes a fuel discharge preventor and a nozzle adapter that work together during re-fueling to allow displacement by fuel of gases within the fuel tank until such time that the fuel reaches a predetermined level in the tank. The system also includes a feedback coupling to permit the transfer of excess fuel from the preventor back to the fuel inlet, particularly when an automatic shutoff nozzle is employed. The system further includes an extension tube to allow remote location of a housing containing the discharge prevention valving of the invention. The discharge prevention housing only permits venting of vapors to the atmosphere and prevents liquid fuel discharge. A vent tube coupling permits venting of those vapors to a standard marine atmospheric vent.

Abstract: One or more formulations for treating psoriasis and other skin disorders characterized by redness, itching, flaking, scaling, and plaque-type growth. The formulation includes a carrier component, one or more active ingredient components, and a surfactant component. The carrier preferably includes an alcohol in substantially equal volume with isopropyl myristate. The active ingredient component preferably includes a superpotent or high-potency corticosteroid such as clobetasol propionate, an anti-flaking ingredient such as zinc pyrithione, or a combination of the two. It may also include an anti-fungal compound. The surfactant component preferably includes an alkyl sulfate such as sodium lauryl sulfate. The formulations made by applied topically either in spray form or as a direct-contact liquid.

Abstract: A bus switch for transferring logic signals between nodes without the problems associated with undershoot conduction. The bus switch is an FET switch including a single primary transfer transistor. The bulk of the transfer transistor is coupled to a bulk regulating circuit including a pseudo low-potential power rail. The pseudo low-potential rail is coupled to one arbiter circuit associated with one of the two circuit transfer nodes and a second arbiter circuit associated with the other of the two transfer nodes. The arbiter circuits are coupled to their respective nodes or pads and to a common low-potential supply rail. The arbiter selects for coupling to the pseudo low-potential rail the signal of the lower potential between that at the pad and that of the low-potential rail. This arrangement ensures that there will be no parasitic conduction of the transfer transistor during undershoot conditions.

Abstract: Portable folding board games are provided. These games include a pair of elongate board members. A first side of each board member includes (i) a plurality of apertures each constructed to receive a game peg, and (ii) a well constructed to retain a plurality of game pegs when the board is not in use, and an opposite side of each board member includes (i) a first slot, extending across the width of the board member near a first end of the board member, and (ii) a second slot, extending across the width of the board member near the opposite end of the board member. The board game further includes a pair of securing loops, each loop being constructed to be wrapped around the two board members, when the board members are placed with their first sides facing, in a manner so that the loop extends into the first and second slots and is retained therein. Cribbage board systems are also provided.

Abstract: Computerized travel reservation information and planning system that generates "map ticket" output in various media, for guidance and transactions en route. Such print or electronic documents can include bar or alphanumeric codes for automated recognition and/or access. WHERE?, WHO/WHAT?, WHEN? and HOW? menus enable flexible user inquiries accessing selectable geographic, topical, temporal and transactional data records and relational processing. Sub-menus provide further capabilities: e.g. routing, topical searching; searches of events calendars, almanacs, appointment books, related itinerary scheduling; trip budgeting issues, plus travel arrangement availabilities or other goods/services offers. Online communications links access updated or supplemental information on places, times, topics and other provider goods/service offers.

Abstract: A method for performing surgical procedures using a multi-functional access port for deploying a wide array of instruments and manipulation devices, including a surgeon's hand or fingers. The method includes optional video-assisted techniques and one or more components to aid in those techniques. The multi-functional access port includes a sealing ring providing easy access to the body cavity and to prevent contamination of one or more incisions of the body wall. The sealing ring may also be used to effect a seal when and if desired expansion of the body cavity is to be maintained. The sealing ring acts to isolate the exterior surface and optionally the interior surface of the body wall. Another component designed to aid in the surgical techniques of the present invention is a modified surgical glove that extends up to at least the surgeon's wrist.

Abstract: An automated dynamic threshold testing system using an oscilloscope and personal computer with an automated testing algorithm for dynamic threshold condition determination within a digital logic device. The system provides a cost-effective alternative to conventional human detection of the threshold condition. The automated testing utilizes digitization of waveform data from the oscilloscope and provides fast storage, retrieval, and analysis of complex and numerous threshold conditions. Reproduction of the testings is easily performed with advantageous applications in debugging and diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: A difference capture circuit for determining the duration of a digital signal pulse. The difference circuit includes a branch couplable to a standard counter for activating the counter to count as a function of a system clock pulse, and a triggering circuit couplable to a standard capture register for fetching the count from the counter. The difference capture circuit may be incorporated into standard timer unit circuitry and is designed to calculate the difference between either the rise and fall times for an incoming signal, or the rise to rise time of that signal. Adding the difference capture circuit to a timing unit eliminates the need to use RAM, and minimizes processor resources, in obtaining the timing associated with a signal change.

Abstract: A louver damper device for the control of fluid flow within a conduit. The louver damper device includes one or more louvers, wherein each louver is a single-walled pivotable unit. The ends of louvers that are adjacent to one another are designed with coupling legs so that when the device is actuated into a blocking position within the conduit, the louver ends become sealingly engaged so as to form relatively small sealing chambers therebetween. Purge air may then be delivered to the sealing chambers to ensure a complete blocking of fluid movement within the conduit. The louvers adjacent to the conduit walls include end modifications similar to those provided to the intermediate louvers. Alternatively, flexible sealing hubs may be affixed to the conduit walls for engagement with modified ends of those perimeter louvers designed to sweep away any particulate residing on the flexible hubs without affect on the seal between those louvers and the interior conduit walls.

Abstract: Die attach methods are provided. These methods include (a) providing a supply of die attach adhesive, (b) applying a portion of the die attach adhesive to a transfer member, and (c) contacting the lead frame paddle with the transfer member to print a layer of adhesive onto the lead frame paddle. Integrated circuit (IC) devices are also provided.

Abstract: A shower-bed device that provides a high degree of self-mobility to a handicapped individual during showering. The device includes a platform with a water-resistant, non-slip padded surface with through-holes to allow water to flow therethrough. Large wheels with hand-rims provide the handicapped individual with a way to move the shower-bed. Small wheels that may pivot as well as rotate provide increased maneuverability. Adjustable-railings that prevent the handicapped individual from falling from the platform are also provided.