Abstract: A harmonic mitigating device for connection between a power distribution system and the load uses a magnetic shunt to control the levels of magnetic coupling between different elements of the device while providing all windings on a single core. This allows for the reduction or elimination of the harmonic MMF induced in the line winding of the device, and as a result the reduction of harmonic currents flowing into the power supply system; and the reduction of the line winding inductance, which in turn reduces the voltage boost of the device under the no-load conditions, reduces the voltage drop at full load conditions and increases the stability of the drive. The invention serves to reduce ripple level in rectifier outputs and buffers transient overvoltages, and a single configuration works with any rectifier type, including SCR bridges.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tow bar for a trailer and a trailer having a multi-purpose tow bar. In a towing position the tow bar couples the trailer to a moving vehicle such as a bicycle. In a stabilizing position the tow bar supports a stabilizing wheel extending forwardly of the trailer frame, converting the trailer into a self-supporting vehicle such as a stroller or jogger. The tow bar is reversible, comprising first and second end portions which in the preferred embodiment respectively extend from one another at an angle.

Abstract: A boot method an apparatus arc described which reduce the likelihood of a security breach in a mobile device, preferably in a situation where a reset has been initiated. A predetermined security value, or password, is stored, for example in BootROM. A value of a security location within FLASH memory is read and the two values are compared. Polling of the serial port is selectively performed, depending on the result of such comparison. In a presently preferred embodiment, if the value in the security location matches the predetermined security value, then polling of the serial port is not performed. This reduces potential security breaches caused in conventional arrangements where code may be downloaded from the serial port and executed, which allows anyone to access and upload programs and data in the FLASH memory, including confidential and proprietary information.

Abstract: A system for eliminating unauthorized email messages (“spam email”) blocks all email messages except those that successfully pass through a matching process to verify certain characteristics of the email message, which may include the recipient's email address, the sender's email address, and the sender message handler Internet Protocol (IP) address. The invention provides a mechanism for authorizing a sender by “Adaptive Inheritance,” whereby a recipient can designate other email users to authorize senders on behalf of the recipient. In the preferred embodiment if the sender message handler Internet Protocol (IP) address does not match the sender's email address, the sender's message is automatically rejected. If the sender's email address or domain name is not contained within the recipient's PSD, the message is held and the message sender is given directions for requesting permission to send email to the recipient, with a Permission Request Form (PRF) posted at a web site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing organic waste. The apparatus comprises a conveyor to move waste to a first chamber for weighing waste and purging oxygen, a second chamber for treating, sterilizing and reducing waste by reverse polymerization, and a third chamber for cooling reduced and sterilized waste.

Abstract: A tracking system counts events in the operation of multiple machines or devices over a wide geographic area. For example, for bulk venders the system counts each vend responsive to rotation through a cycle of the coin mechanism, and preferably records the date and time of each vend. An active tag has a memory for storing data representing a vending event, for example the date and time of the event. The data is periodically read by an interrogator, which downloads the data stored in the tag memory and erases the memory to reset the tag for continued monitoring of the vender. With this information an operator can reconcile revenues, track when sales take place and over what period of time, and track the work habits of service personnel.

Abstract: This invention provides a validating device for validating at least one dimension of a part as being at least a minimum magnitude. It may also validate a dimension of a part as being no greater than a maximum magnitude or between a minimum magnitude and maximum magnitude. The validating device includes a frame having a cavity and employs a plunger and a sensor. One portion of the plunger engages the part and another portion activates the sensor. When the sensor activates, it indicates that the dimension of the part is at least the minimum magnitude. The cavity for receiving the part may be sized to correspond with maximum magnitudes for the same dimension and/or other dimensions for the part such that the part cannot fit in the cavity if a dimension exceeds its maximum magnitude and therefore the sensor cannot be activated and the part cannot be validated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting a differential in thermal energy between a first thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid and a second thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid is provided. The apparatus emplys a first vessel and a second vessel. Each of the vessels contain a gas under pressure The vessels contain heat exchanging coils that are connected to the thermal sources by fluid lines. A plurality of cooperating valves regulate the flow of the thermal conducting fluid from the first and second thermal sources to the first and second vessels. The valves alternate between first and second operating positions. In the first position, the valves permit a flow of thermal conducting fluid from the first thermal source to the first vessel and from the second thermal source to the second vessel and prevent a flow of thermal conducting fluid from the first thermal source to the second vessel and from the second thermal source to the first vessel.

Abstract: A retractable mooring line device comprising a reel for storing and paying off a mooring line (2), having side walls (22, 24) each comprising a series of notches (60) for receiving a releasable latch (54). A latch simultaneously engages between notches in both side walls (22, 24) at a substantially right angle to provide a secure, positive locking engagement between the latch and the reel while permitting the latch (54) to be released under the application of relatively little force. In the preferred embodiment the latch may be actuated by a user's hand or foot and is biased toward the reel by a spring (70) which bears against the housing (18). The mechanism can be exposed for maintenance or repair simply by removal of the gunnel plate (16) and reinstallation of the gunnel plate does not require special loading of the latch spring.

Abstract: A device employs a method for determining the data bus width of a non-volatile memory, such as NAND flash memory. The method performs at least two read operations on the non-volatile memory so as to test the changing of selected data bits. The method may be performed such that weak pull down and pull up operations are performed to test the data outputs of the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus having improved placement accuracy is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen therethrough, a stylet positioned within a lumen, a conductive tip at the distal end for delivery of energy to the tissue, an electrical coupling at or near the proximal end for flexibly coupling a power source control unit to supply energy to the conductive tip, a fluid delivery connection interface flexibly coupled at or near the proximal end for coupling a fluid delivery mechanism. The apparatus further comprises a temperature sensor. A method of delivering electrical energy to a target treatment area of an animal body is also provided.

Abstract: A medical probe assembly, system, and methods for the use thereof to treat tissue are described. The system optionally comprises an energy source, two internally-cooled probe assemblies, and one or more cooling devices to provide cooling to at least one of the probe assemblies. The probe assemblies may be configured in a bipolar mode, whereby current flows preferentially between the probe assemblies. The probe assemblies and system described herein are particularly useful to deliver radio frequency energy to a patient's body. RF energy delivery may be used for various applications, including the treatment of pain, tumor ablation and cardiac ablation.

Abstract: A light fixture management system which tracks the location, history and operating characteristics of light fixtures in a structure or a group of structures and surrounding premises. Each light fixture is assigned indicia, for example a bar code, which is stored in a database in association with details of the light fixture. An observer charged with identifying light fixtures in need of repair carries a portable scanner. The observer scans the bar code associated with any light fixture in need of repair and optionally enters into the bar code scanner any observable problem. The scanned information is downloaded into a computer, which may be programmed to establish a repair route for fixtures identified as being in need of repair, based on the locations of the light fixtures and types of problems identified by the observer. Reports can be generated as required with any other desired information.

Abstract: A method and system of message transport selection for a communication device configured for communication over a plurality of message transports are provided. A determination is made as to whether any of the plurality of message transports is available for sending an outgoing message from the communication device. One of the available message transports is then selected, and the outgoing message is sent from the communication device using the selected message transport. Even though the outgoing message may be of a message type associated with one of the plurality of message transports, other message transports may be selected and used to send the outgoing message from the communication device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical probe signal generator. More particularly, it relates to a medical probe signal generator architecture. The present invention further relates to a medical probe signal generator having an automatic probe type detector, a user interface and operational parameter settings automatically configured according to a type of medical probe connected to the generator.

Abstract: A removable device for protecting parked automobile doors from dents, scuffs and scratches to its surface that may be caused by the doors of adjacent automobiles or other objects. The device consists of protective elements joined by a rope and mounted to the automobile by magnets. The device has a security tether which engages a locked door of an automobile to resist theft of the device.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a data storage device without revealing memory content. To control the individual bits of the memory during testing each value is written into the memory according to the equation NEW_DATA=CURRENT_DATA XOR DATA_SEED such that individual bits of NEW_DATA are equal to CURRENT_DATA with selected bits inverted when the corresponding positions in DATA_SEED are high. NEW_DATA is written into the memory, read out and verified, so that all bit positions can be controlled and tested in both logic states, while NEW_DATA and CURRENT_DATA are not ascertainable by the testing software.