Abstract: A housing with elongate chambers for hot dogs and transverse guide channels extending all the way through the chambers, a longitudinal blade assembly having sets of four radially arranged longitudinal blade sections positioned within the chambers and connected to each other so that the blades simultaneously slide longitudinally between a first position and a second position to slice the hot dogs longitudinally into quarters, and a transverse blade assembly having transverse blades that are received in the channels and connected to each other so that the blades simultaneously slide transversely between a first position and a second position to slice the hot dogs transversely into pieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical disc authentication method and apparatus. The method, wherein each disc has a plurality of ways and a plurality of sectors in each way, includes the steps of measuring the quantity of sectors in each of a defined quantity of ways to provide a disc fingerprint comprising way sector quantity values for an original disc and a target disc and authenticating the target disc.

Abstract: A positive power anterior chamber ocular implant for placement in a phakic eye is disclosed to correct refractive errors caused by hyperopia which includes at least one convex surface and haptics for positioning the lens in the anterior chamber of the eye. Contact between the lens and other anatomic bodies, such as the anatomical lens, the corneal endothelium and iris is avoided, and the haptics avoid contact with the iris.

Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber are one or more baffles forming gaps and having apertures. The gaps define a longer water flow route through the chamber and the apertures disperse the storm water within the chamber. This increases storm-water residence time which encourages settling of particulate matter such as sand and grit. In alternative embodiments, there are included a screen, a collection reservoir, and/or a pivotal filter for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.

Abstract: A weight-sensitive mat or other sensor determines whether a child seat in a vehicle is occupied, a transmitter is proximate to the sensor, and a keychain fob or other portable unit includes a receiver and an alarm. Generally, if the child seat is occupied and the keychain fob is removed from proximity to the transmitter, the transmitter communicates this to the keychain fob receiver and the alarm is activated. Exemplary embodiments include an add-on kit including a base unit with a transceiver for use with existing car seats having a base and a detachable shell, an add-on kit without the base unit for use with existing unitary car seats, a car seat with the child sensor, transmitter, and/or base unit built into it, and an automatic checklist feature for diaper bags, strollers, etc.

Abstract: A support pole for raising and lowering a supported object between a lower position and an elevated position is disclosed. The support pole includes an elongate pole and a carriage mounted for translational movement up and down the pole. Carriage locks at the top of the pole engage the carriage in the elevated position to prevent vibration of the supported object, and a stabilizer frame within the channel minimizes vibration during carriage transport. One or more electrical conductors are fixed in place, extending through at least a portion of the pole, terminating in an electrical contact for releasable engagement with a cooperating electrical contact mounted to the carriage as the carriage is raised into the elevated position.

Abstract: A pet enclosure having a moisture and odor-resistant, plastic, rattan-like material woven onto a frame. The enclosure is foldably collapsible for compact storage and shipping, and is quickly and easily assembled with minimal or no tools. An elevated floor panel is securely but removably engaged to the framing of the enclosure. An access door pivots inwardly and outwardly, and can be latched in a closed position or an open position.

Abstract: An interactive system for visualizing business data organized according to the dimensional model allows to combine data from more than one data source and present the data in the form of a graphical, multi-metric data visualization. The visualizations are hierarchically structured and built from visualization elements including, in ascending order of hierarchy, charts, panels, scenes and sheets. The system provides a large variety of two- and three-dimensional visualization elements, mostly predefined charts, which can be combined in any number into fully customized visualizations. In a preferred embodiment, a visualization is built by the system, which prompts the user to select data sources, data items to be visualized, and certain features of the presentation layout.

Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber is a screen that is elevated for separating and suspending miscellaneous debris such as vegetative matter, paper, and plastic, and that extends substantially all the way across the chamber to laterally disperse the storm water in the chamber. In alternative embodiments, there are included one or more baffles, a collection reservoir, and/or a pivotal filter for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diminishing display transients and jitter. The method and system disclosed utilizes prior illumination and position histories in displaying and illuminating representations, and elements comprising the representations, on the display. Recognizing repeated representations, finding their prior and current positions, and determining if the difference in position is over a threshold value, diminishes the jitter by displaying the representation in the new position if over the threshold value, or, if it is not over the threshold value, then displaying it in the prior location. The illumination of an element at an intensity, which is based on prior illuminations and/or intensities of the element, diminishes the transients by avoiding flashing or flicker of transient illuminations.

Abstract: A portable deer and game feeder includes a tub-like feeder box, a support frame for supporting the feeder box, the support frame including a plurality of removable legs for supporting the feeder box above the ground, and a roof extending over the feeder box and being large enough to overhang the edges of the feeder box. A plurality of removable roof support posts are provided for supporting the roof over the feeder box, and the removable legs and the removable roof supports are sized and configured to be detached and stowed in the feeder box for transport.

Abstract: A direct-view optical microscope system is provided which uses high-energy light from a phenomenon known as non-resonant Raman-scattering to illuminate a biological specimen. One embodiment of the system combines two discrete light sources to form a combined incident light source for the microscope. The system includes a method and apparatus for modulating the intensity of the scattered light when two light waves are combined to produce the incident light. By varying the frequency of the two source light waves, the intensity of the combined Raman-scattered light can be modulated to achieve finer resolution. In one embodiment, the system provides illumination and observation of microscopic agglutination events between pathogenic antigens and specific antibodies, for prompt detection and identification in the field.

Abstract: A system and method for observing, collecting and analyzing olefactory characteristics of a human or animal subject, such as sniffing, breathing and respiratory patterns and sounds. Example applications include the evaluation and training of dogs for explosive and drug detection, clinical diagnostics, scientific research, and identification.

Abstract: A spark gap device that is formed in an integrated circuit (IC). The IC has a dielectric substrate upon which a high-voltage switch is disposed. The switch includes an anode element and a cathode element separated from each other by a spark gap. A trigger electrode is disposed on the substrate material in the spark gap. A capacitor is electrically coupled to the trigger electrode. The cathode and anode elements and the trigger electrode preferably are at least partially covered with a dielectric material. When the capacitor is charged, the charge on the capacitor exerts a strong electric field on the cathode and anode elements that causes ions to migrate in the cathode and anode elements toward the spark gap. When the trigger electrode is excited by an electrical current, the ions arc across the gap and a conductive path is created between the cathode element and the anode element.

Abstract: A low power IF strip architecture suitable for Zero-IF (ZIF) or low-IF (LIF) radio receivers for filtering and amplifying a received signal. The apparatus includes a plurality of sequentially connected complex filter/amplifier stages. Each stage includes a complex filter having one or more poles and an automatic gain controlled amplifier (AGC). Each AGC may be feedback or feedforward with fixed minimum and maximum gains. Each stage further includes a control circuit that produces a gain control signal for controlling the amplifier gain within the fixed minimum and maximum gains as a function of a projected amplitude level. The received signal passes through multiple stages of filtering and controlled amplification to attenuate the interfering signal and amplify the desired signal. This is done at a restricted level in each stage such that the circuits in the stages operate at efficient power saving levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and inexpensive method of calibrating radios. The present invention automatically corrects for crystal frequency drift by determining the true crystal frequency. Once the true crystal frequency has been measured and calculated, the proper multiplier required to produce a desired frequency can easily be found and implemented. The present invention allows for a constantly changing desired frequency without recalibration and without readjusting the crystal frequency once the true crystal frequency is known. Once the true crystal frequency is found, a proper multiplier can be calculated to produce the desired frequency. Continuously adjusting the multiplier thus allows for a changing desired frequency, thereby facilitating clear communications between radios, regardless of whether they are in motion or not.

Abstract: A seat portion removably receives and stores a container for a beverage or other liquid, and a dispensing assembly is coupled to the container for dispensing the beverage. Preferably, the seat portion includes a shell that covers a cushion, and the cushion or a frame under the cushion has a cavity for receiving the container. The container and dispensing assembly can be inserted into the shell for conveniently and safely storing the beverage, the dispensing assembly can be accessed to dispense the beverage, and the container can be removed from the shell for cleaning and refilling.