Abstract: A signaling light source facilitates locating personnel under adverse conditions such as in a smoky environment and resists damage from exposure to a harsh user environment A lighting unit includes at least one, and preferably two, of the signaling light sources also includes at least one personnel identifying red-green-blue (“RGB”) light emitting diode (“LED”) Disclosed methods for operating the signaling light source include energizing operation of a LED light source by supplying a sequence of electrical current pulses which repeat at a rate which causes emitted light to pulse visually, supplying electrical current to a pair of LEDs alternatively connected either in series or in parallel depending upon battery operating condition, and monitoring smoke density in environment around the signaling light source and modulating the intensity of emitted light responsive to smoke density.

Abstract: An improved circular multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric hybrid utilizes a make-before-break high frequency switching output component to provide nominal alternating current voltage outputs. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a chiller to the thermoelectric generator where exhaust heat produces chilled liquid or air that is conveyed to the cold side of the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric generator is used in a variety of transportation vehicles including manufactured vehicles, retrofitted vehicles and vehicle power combinations.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible, self-contained workstation having a substantially planar platform adapted for receiving a lap-top computer. A pair of doors, extendable away from the platform, are hinged from a lower surface of the platform. The workstation also preferably includes four (4), adjustable-length legs with a pair of legs being secured to each of the doors. The doors extending away from the platform and the legs being adapted for supporting the platform from a surface. The workstation includes a handle that is that secured to the platform and is disposable and fixable to extend above the platform. When disposed above the platform, the handle is adapted for receiving and having affixed thereto an instrument or a camera.

Abstract: A digital logger system includes a multichannel interface circuit that: 1. concurrently and continuously-receives audio telecommunication signals for at least two telephone calls from a digital hybrid telephone line; and 2. continuously transmits linearly encoded digital audio data representing the received audio signals. A Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) hub of the system receives the transmitted digital data for retransmission to a USB root hub. A USB root hub of personal computer (“PC”) receives transmitted digital data, and executes PC software which continuously monitors the digital data for embedded line status and signaling information including a telephone line “going off hook.” When a telephone line goes “off hook,” the software records both: 1. an audio header that stores information about a telephone call; and 2. an audio file that stores compressed digital data for the telephone call. Jul. 2, 2009.

Abstract: High efficiency conversion of heat energy to electrical energy is achieved using a ring of metallic components and anodically sliced, reduced barriers, high purity n-type and p-type semiconductor wafers. Energy produced by heating one set of fins and cooling another set is extracted from a ring of bismuth telluride based n-type wafers and antimony telluride based p-type wafers using make-before-break control of MOSfet switch banks. Standard AC frequencies and DC output result from rectification of make-before-break high frequency switched very high currents in the ring and a DC to AC converter. Solar energy stored in porcelain fragments extends the time that solar energy can be used as the heat source for the thermoelectric generator device.

Abstract: An intelligent controller (68), adapted for regulating operation of either a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system (20), receives an output electrical signal produced by a pressure sensor (72, 74, 76, 78) included in the system (20). Responsive to the received electrical signal, the intelligent controller (68) energizes operation of a motor (24) that drives a compressor (22) included in the system (20). The programmable electronic circuit (68) performs a calibration operation in which the circuit (68) measures the output electrical signal received from the pressure sensor (72, 74, 76, 78) and stores as an offset the value so measured. The programmable electronic circuit (68) subsequently applies the stored offset for adjusting a value of the output electrical signal received from the pressure sensor (72, 74, 76, 78) during normal operation of the system (20).

Abstract: A writing current circuit (42) supplies a controlled electrical current to a laser diode (34) for recording data swiftly onto a DVD (16). A plurality of current sources (62) in the writing current circuit (42) supply electrical current to the laser diode (34). Each current source (62) respectively receives a single output signal from a current control register (52) included in the writing current circuit (42) which activates or deactivates the current source (62) for supplying a particular quantity of electrical current to the laser diode (34). In each current source (62), electrical current flows to the laser diode (34) through a MOSFET output transistor (142) connected in series with the laser diode (34). Each current source's MOSFET output transistor (142) has a gate insulating layer which is thinner than the gate insulating layer conventionally used for a MOSFET output transistor (142) that is energized by the electrical potential the it applied to the writing current circuit (42).

Abstract: A writing current circuit (42) supplies a controlled electrical current to a laser diode (34) for recording data swiftly onto a DVD (16). A plurality of current sources (62) in the writing current circuit (42) supply electrical current directly to the laser diode (34). Each current source (62) respectively receives a single output signal from a current control register (52) included in the writing current circuit (42) which activates or deactivates the current source (62) for supplying a particular quantity of current to the laser diode (34). In one aspect, a pair of current reference signals received by the current source (62) control electrical current supply to the diode (34). Incorporated into these controlling reference signals is a simulation of electrical characteristics of the diode (34). In another aspect, each current source (62) responds to a logical inverse of the output signal from the current control register (52) for controlling overshoot in voltage applied across the diode (34).

Abstract: MEMS switches of varying configurations provide individually acutatable contacts. The MEMS switches are sealed by an improved anodic bonding technique.

Abstract: A necktie is preformed with a knot or knot like section which is adapted to be attached to the collar of a shirt by a fastening means that can be separated from the necktie body and can be attached to the shirt collar to cause the necktie to be suspended. Such an entirely new type of necktie can be used by one irrespective of age and sex. Use of the fastening means makes fitting easy and makes nil the sense of oppression around the neck area. Only a minor change made to an ordinary necktie allows this new necktie to be manufactured inexpensively and to be washed while retaining its shape. A necktie is thus provided that can be returned easily to the state of an ordinary necktie and that is not different in appearance from an ordinary necktie.

Abstract: The present invention is a pod opener having an end effector which: a. grips and releases a reticle supported above the base of a pod; and b. while transferring the reticle between the base of the pod and an adjacent IC photolithography tool, reorients the reticle. In one embodiment, the pod opener reorients the reticle by rotating it about a single axis disposed substantially perpendicular to its patterned surface. In another embodiment, the present invention is a pod opener which while transferring the reticle between the base of the pod and an adjacent IC photolithography tool, in addition to effecting rotation substantially perpendicular to a reticle's patterned surface, also turns the reticle over so a patterned surface of the reticle is oriented for proper focus within the IC photolithography tool.

Abstract: A writing current circuit (42) supplies a controlled electrical current to a laser diode (34) for recording data swiftly onto a DVD (16). A plurality of thermometer code registers (52) respectively store numerical values. A current control register (58) receives a numerical value from one of the thermometer code registers (52). Serial data specifies a sequence in which individual thermometer code registers (52) supply values to the current control register (58) thereby causing the writing current circuit (42) to supply a particular electrical current waveform to the laser diode (34). A plurality of current sources (62) respectively receive a single output signal from the current control register (52) which activates or deactivates individual current sources (62) for supplying a particular quantity of current to the laser diode (34).

Abstract: A digital logger system includes a multichannel interface circuit that: 1. concurrently and continuously receives audio telecommunication signals for at least two telephone calls; and 2. continuously transmits linearly encoded digital audio data representing the received audio signals. A Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) hub of the system receives the transmitted digital data for retransmission to a USB root hub. A USB root hub of personal computer (“PC”) receives transmitted digital data, and executes PC software which continuously monitors the digital data for embedded line status and signaling information including a telephone line “going off hook.” When a telephone line goes “off hook,” the software records both: 1. an audio header that stores information about a telephone call; and 2. an audio file that stores compressed digital data for the telephone call.

Abstract: A foldable knee-brace for support a table having an edge secured to a wall. The knee-brace includes first and second struts. The second strut includes a pair of parallel bars. Ends of the bars are disposed on opposite sides of an end of the first strut, and hinged thereto. Pockets formed into each bar's side surface are positionable adjacent to the first strut's end for receiving an end of a locking-pin carried at and projecting outward from the first strut's end. Ends of the first strut and second strut's bars furthest from the hinge are equipped for hinged fastening respectively to: a. the table near a second edge thereof furthest from the wall; and b. to the wall below the table's first edge. Configured in this way, the knee-brace folds between the table and the wall when the table is collapsed adjacent to the wall.

Abstract: An arcuate component includes, a flexible outer board, a flexible inner board and both a first and a second plurality of arcuate tiles. Tongue and groove tracks formed along opposite longitudinal edges of the outer and inner boards lock with mating arcuate tongue-and-groove edges of the arcuate tiles which respectively span between the outer and inner boards. The arcuate tiles also preferably include at least one tongue-and-groove that spans between the outer and inner boards and that mates and locks with a tongue-and-groove formed on an immediately adjacent tile. A series of slots cut across the outer and inner boards between their longitudinal edges increases their flexibility. The mated arcuate tiles constrain the outer and inner boards into an arcuate shape. Alternatively, tongue-and-groove tracks formed along opposite longitudinal edges of a plurality of boards mate to form a cylindrically shaped arcuate architectural component such as a column.

Abstract: A method for producing a compressed video bitstream having a plurality of frames from data that specifies a single still image. The still image is encoded into data specifying a single intra (“I”) frame having an amount of data that approaches, but remains less than, storage capacity of a buffer memory included in a decoder. A single copy of the I frame data is then combined in the compressed video bitstream with data for at least one null frame. Decoding of the compressed video bitstream assembled in this way produces frames of decoded video that do not appear to pulse visually.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention establishes a session key by a receiving unit R transmitting a plurality of quantities for storage in a public repository. A sending unit S: 1. retrieves the plurality of quantities; and 2. computes and transmits to the unit R a plurality of sender's quantities; and 3. using at least one of the plurality of public quantities, computes the session key K. The unit R, using the sender's quantities: 1. computes and transmits to the unit S at least one receiver's quantity; and 2. computes the session key. Another aspect provides a digital signature. Before transmitting a signed message, the unit S stores a plurality of quantities in the public-repository. A unit R, that receives the message and the digital signature, verifies their authenticity by: 1. retrieving the quantities from the repository; 2. using the digital signature and the quantities, evaluates expressions in at least two (2) different relationships; and 3.

Abstract: A collector core for a solar water-heating-system includes a plurality of heat-absorbing pipes each of which surrounds a cooler-water return-pipe. The heating-pipes may connect directly to an insulated hot-water storage-tank from which cooler water descends through the return-pipes into the heating-pipes. Upon reaching the end of the return-pipes, the cooler water flows outward into the space between the surrounding heating-pipes and the inner return-pipes. Upon warming, water between the two pipes rises upward back to the hot-water storage-tank thus completing the thermosyphon flow cycle. Preferably, the inner return-pipe is made of polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), polybutelene (“PB”), or other compressible material which permits collector core operation both in freezing and non-freezing environments. Alternatively, the collector core may be added to an existing solar water-heating panel to improve its operation.