Abstract: A buzzer assembly for a personal communications device changes geometry in order to emit sounds at a variety of frequencies at an approximately constant volume, such as for playing melodic alerts. The buzzer assembly incorporates a buzzer and gasket to create an air chamber with an associated acoustic impedance. A translational actuator moves a portion of either the buzzer or gasket, depending on the particular embodiment, to change the air volume and thus the associated acoustic impedance. By changing the acoustic impedance, the resonant frequency of the buzzer assembly is changed. When the buzzer is then operated at or near resonant frequency corresponding to the then-current acoustic impedance, the sound generated by the buzzer assembly is louder.

Abstract: A mobile phone with a movable cover allows the user to preview caller ID information on a display that is normally concealed by the cover. In one embodiment, the user can open the cover to a preview position without accepting the call and then to a fully open position to accept the call after the caller ID information has been previewed. In another embodiment, the phone delays accepting the incoming call after the cover is opened to give the user time to preview the caller ID information and decide whether to answer the call.

Abstract: A communication system and method with orthogonal block encoding is provided. Encoded signals are transmitted by repeating transmissions of symbol blocks with a phase or sign change selected for each block from a sequence of phase or sign changes. Different symbols are transmitted using orthogonal sequences. The decoding uses different orthogonal sequences for separating the received encoded signals into corresponding separate channels. The orthogonal encoding is removed from the encoded transmitted signals and corresponding ones of the repeated symbols are added in successively received repeated blocks after the orthogonal encoding is removed. A transmitter uses a digital source encoder to encode information into symbols, and each symbol is repeated a preselected number of times to successively produce groups of repeated bits. Each repeat bit is changed in phase or sing by application of a sign or phase change determined by a selected assigned orthogonal code associated with the transmitter.

Abstract: A soldering iron includes a housing for accommodating therein at least one heating element and a soldering bit which is releasably secured to the housing. The heating element includes a heat-transmitting contact surface provided on an end face thereof which faces the soldering bit. A heat reception surface of said soldering bit is located opposite the contact surface and in direct contact therewith with no intermediate layer therebetween. A temperature sensor is located adjacent the contact surface and between the contact surface and a filament winding of the heating element.

Abstract: A cutting die for cutting corrugated board that includes a quick attach and detach securing mechanism. The blade securing mechanism allows a blade to be quickly and easily removed from a die board that forms a part of the cutting die, and allows a replacement blade to be quickly and easily inserted into the die board. The die board includes a first slit for receiving a blade and a second slit adjacent the first slit. The blade securing mechanism is associated with the second slit for spreading the second slit and effectively closing the first slit against the blade so as to secure the blade within the first slit.

Abstract: A conveyor roller includes a generally cylindrical roller tube and a pair of stub shafts rotatably mounted in each end thereof. At least one of the stub shafts is mounted for axial movement between an extended position and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the stub shafts on each end of the conveyor engage respective mounting holes in the conveyor frame. To insert the conveyor roller in the conveyor frame, the movable stub shaft is moved to a retracted position while the roller is lowered into the conveyor frame. When the stub shaft aligns with the mounting holes in the conveyor frame, the stub shaft is urged back to the extended position by a biasing member to engage the mounting hole in the conveyor frame.

Abstract: The present invention entails a composition and process for treating wastewater. The composition is made up of calcium hydroxide, bauxite, and activated carbon. This composition is mixed and continuously fed into a reactor(s) containing wastewater. The composition facilitates the settling and treating of solids for disposal as well as reducing odors and improving the color and quality of the wastewater to make it suitable for subsequent discharge. Additionally, a polymer can be added to promote flocculation and the further settling of suspended solids. An oxidant, such as chlorine gas, may also be added. In the case of chlorine gas, it reacts with ammonia nitrogen to convert the same to hydrochloric acid, water, and elemental nitrogen. Further, the present invention entails a chemical composition provided for reacting with hydrocarbon compounds and breaking them down so as to render them non-toxic and non-hazardous.

Abstract: An electromagnetic gradiometer generates a time varying primary electromagnetic field, such as by use of a transmitter coil attached to a waveform generator. The primary electromagnetic field induces a responsive, relatively weak, time varying secondary electromagnetic field about a hidden object. The combined primary and secondary electromagnetic field is measured simultaneously at two spaced apart detectors, such as at two distinct receiver coils. The detectors are configured such that they detect the primary field in equal magnitudes but in opposite sense and connected in series such that the primary electromagnetic field is automatically nulled. The difference in the secondary electromagnetic field measured at the two points is divided by the distance between the detectors to determine the electromagnetic field gradient therebetween.

Abstract: A method of organizing and dispensing cosmetic foundation compositions wherein a series of dispensers receive and hold a series of different cosmetic foundation compositions. The dispensers are supported within a structure such as a carousel and are disposed in side-by-side relationship. In cases where the desired foundation is a standard tone or color, the particular foundation is simply dispensed from the dispenser holding the same. In cases where the desired tone or color falls between standard colors, then certain proportions of two or more standard foundations are dispensed and mixed to yield the desired cosmetic foundation.

Abstract: An internal, loop dipole antenna for a mobile terminal is capable of operating in two distinct RF bands. The antenna includes a resonating element and a parasitic tuning element. The resonating element has a looped, dipole configuration including a primary tuning loop, a secondary tuning loop, and a ground loop. The parasitic tuning element is disposed in a plane spaced from the plane of the resonating element. The parasitic element includes a first portion that generally follows the ground loop on the resonating element, and a second portion that bisects the primary tuning loop on the resonating element. First and second tuning arms extend along opposing ends of the parasitic tuning element. The length of the tuning arms is adjusted to tune the resonance of the antenna in the primary and secondary operating bands.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting the transmission of power from a motor to a spindle of a positive feed drill when a high torque situation develops, as well as an apparatus and method for causing the spindle to automatically retract when the high torque situation develops.

Abstract: A surgical fastener for joining adjacent bone portions includes a top flange and a bottom flange joined by a rib that together help define two bone receiving cavities. The Respective bone edge portions, such as from an osteotomy cut, are inserted into the bone receiving cavities and gripped by the compressive action between the top flange and the bottom flange. In the installed state, the top flange is disposed on one side of the bone while the bottom flange is disposed on the opposite side of the bone, with the rib disposed between the bone edges. The bone clamp may be a unitary device that is made from a flexible bioresorbable material. Due to its configuration, the bone clamp may be installed without the use of any tools. Further, the bone clamp acts as a temporary fastener in that it dissolves over time, thereby allowing for the bone edges to knit, even in the vicinity of the bone clamp.

Abstract: An environmental sensor distinguishes between a plurality of different ambient acoustic environments and communicates with an audio gain circuit which automatically adjusts the audio characteristics of the speaker and microphone of a wireless communications assembly for more optimum audio performance. The wireless communications assembly preferably includes a hands free adapter coupled to a wireless communications device such as a cellular telephone. The adjustments to the audio characteristics are according to predetermined settings for the identified ambient acoustic environment which are preferably stored in memory associated with the audio gain circuit. In this manner, the audio characteristics are automatically adjusted for the actual ambient acoustic environment that the wireless communications assembly is operating in.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for displaying functional or decorative window treatments which permits one person to form and modify the window treatment without requiring specialized skills or training. The preferred method uses hook and loop type fastening means to secure various window treatment panels to an adjustable telescoping support bar such that a means is attached to all sides of the bar, and a means is attached to a portion of each window treatment panel. The invention permits multiple window treatment panels to be attached to a single support bar in a manner that achieves an overlapping of panels in multiple layers on a single rod. Interchangeable panels permit frequent reconfiguration of the panels.