Abstract: A joining device 10 for constructing arts and crafts projects. The joining device 10 comprises a stem piece 14 having a first end 11 terminating in a base 18 with threads 20 substantially encircling the base 18, and a second end 13 having a plurality of fins 12 attached thereto. The joining device 10 also comprises an extension 24 with a first end 15 coupled to the stem piece 14 adjacent to the base 18 and a second end 17 having a hinging member 26, 28 thereon. A wall 22 between the base 18 and the extension 24 acts in retaining the joining device 10 firmly against an arts and crafts article 34 near the base 18. Two joining devices 10 secured by their respective hinging members 26, 28 form a joint assembly 25 beneficial in building arts and crafts projects in order to provide for a connection between parts via a hinge 42 and controlled rotation around the hinge 42.

Abstract: A method and system for electronically retrieving door hardware items from a database operably coupled to a search mechanism within a data-processing system. The search mechanism can be operated to retrieve specified door hardware items from the database based on a set of user entered search criteria. Thereafter, more specific data can be electronically retrieved from the database via the search mechanism, in response to further user input. The door hardware items are then displayed in a graphical user interface, in response to retrieval of specified door hardware items from the database. Object fields are also displayed in the graphical user interface, such that each object field is associated with a particular subset of the database. The user is then graphically prompted to select a particular subset of the database by selecting a particular object field, thereby narrowing the scope of the database search with increasing granularity.

Abstract: A computer (20) adapted to communicate with a measuring apparatus (12) for receiving liquid level measurements and delivering a calibrated fuel quantity output (24) to a readout instrument (14). The computer (20) has an input interface (34) with a first input (22A) for accepting a first liquid level measurement signal from said measuring apparatus (12). A first bias circuit (30A) provides an adjustable offset bias to minimize voltage errors due to input bias current received in the first liquid level measurement signal (26A). Computer(20) also has a calibrating circuit (36) for calibrating the first liquid level measurement signal to provide a calibrated fuel quantity output signal (24) that can be read by readout instrument (14) through output interface (42).

Abstract: A fuel quantity transducer (20) suitable for use in a liquid level measurement system (30) uses an AMR device (30) to permit liquid level measurement. A flange (60) is fastened to the inside of a tank (12) and the AMR device (38) on the outside of the tank (12). A support (62) provides a channel shaped piece that is attached to the flange (60) and provides a pivot for a rotor (64). A stop pin (61) is pressed into the support (62) and provides a stop for the rotor (64) at each end of a ninety degree arc. The rotor (64) is a square bar counterbored for a magnet (42) and tapped laterally for a pivot rod. The magnet (42) is placed on the counterbore and retained such that the clearance between the magnet (42) and the flange is small. A float arm (80) is screwed into the axially threaded end of the rotor (64) and secured with a locking jam nut (82).

Abstract: A fragrance dispenser (10) for dispensing a fragrance mist can be mounted directly on a commode, tank or other surface. The fragrance dispenser (10) includes an enclosure (11), fragrance holder (16) and mounting plate (18). The enclosure (11) includes a base (14) and cover(12) attached to the base (14) so as to form a housing around the fragrance holder (16). The mounting plate (18) is flexible and has an adhesive sheet (20) attached to one side for securing the dispenser(10) to a fixed object, such as a wall or around the seat of a commode. Pressure applied to the cover (12) activates a spray pump (46) attached to the fragrance holder (16). This action causes the spray pump (46) to compress with the assistance of a rocker arm (50) and spray a fragrance mist through a fragrance nozzle (40).

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell assembly apparatus for receiving an inserted membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The apparatus includes modular features for connecting a plurality of fuel cells into a planar fuel cell “stack” capable of using ambient air to supply oxidant gas and dissipate heat and water vapor. The invention also facilitates convenient removal and replacement of individual cells or MEAs in a stack without disassembly of the entire stack.

Abstract: A carrier and cover tape assemblage for semiconductor devices which maintains integrity through bake temperature of 125 degrees C is provided by cover and carrier tapes of the same material, such as polycarbonate, and thus having the same thermal properties so that the joining adhesive is placed under minimal stress to cause delamination or distortion.

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip comprising an integrated circuit made in a semiconductor substrate, an information write-register circuit having a plurality of gate-controlled components, such as MOS transistors or capacitors, said write-register being integrated into said circuit yet individually addressable; said components having a gate insulator geometry locally susceptible to electrical conductivity upon applying overstress voltage pulses between said gates and said substrate, whereby information can be permanently encoded into said write-register; and a plurality of level shifter circuits to supply said pulses selectively to said component gates according to stored data and controlled by enable commands, said level shifters being integrated into said circuit.

Abstract: A lateral NMOS transistor in a p-well, bordered laterally on each side by an isolation region and vertically by a stopping region, has a n-source and a n-drain, each comprising a shallow region extending to the transistor gate and a deeper region recessed from the gate. The transistor further has in its p-well a region of higher resistivity than the remainder of the well. This region extends laterally from the vicinity of one of the recessed region to the vicinity of the other, and vertically from a depth just below the depletion regions of source and drain to the top of the channel stop region. According to the invention, this region of higher p-type resistivity is created by an ion implant of compensating n-doping, such as arsenic or phosphorus, using the same photomask already used for implants adjusting the threshold voltage and creating the p-well and channel stop.

Abstract: A crystal ball or globe display system (10) including a support base (14) and a display (11) mounted to the support base (14). The globe display system (10) also includes a globe assembly (13) mounted to the support base (14), the globe assembly (13) comprising an transparent enclosure (12) surrounding the display (11). The enclosure (12) defines a space filled with a fluid, wherein the display (11) is contained within the fluid. The globe display system (10) further comprises an audio producing mechanism housed in the support base (14). The audio producing mechanism is driven by a touch sensitive mechanism which is activated upon contact with the globe assembly (13). The crystal ball or globe display system (10) is attained where the display (11) is contained in the fluid-filled globe display system (10) and adapted to activate and de-activate digital sound for entertainment and enjoyment.

Abstract: A method of assigning a channel to a service in a wireless communications network based on interferences levels and channel quality. Channels are preassigned and then reassigned using an algorithm that assigns a channel to a service based on uplink interference and channel quality measurements. Reassignment can be achieved in one processing pass, rather than requiring multiple iterations.

Abstract: A system and method of identifying the source of uplink and downlink interference in a disturbed cell of a wireless telecommunications network. Initially, call events occurring in offending cells are recorded. In conjunction, the disturbance events occurring in the disturbed cell of the telecommunications network are recorded. The recorded call events with recorded disturbance events are then correlated. A distribution of disturbed and offending cells within the telecommunications network as a function of time is computed to obtain a statistical correlation of call events in offending cells and subsequent disturbances resulting in the disturbed cell to identify the possible source of disturbances that caused the sealing of the sealed device with in the disturbed cell.

Abstract: A converter with synchronous rectification is driven in such a way so that the reverse currents do not build up and cause damage to or limit the efficiency of the circuit. Negative currents are self-adjusted to a very small percentage of load current, so the converter will not have problems when in parallel with other modules. An auxiliary winding is used to allow an output inductor to drive the secondary side rectifiers thereby limiting their conduction time as reverse currents increase. The primary side conduction times are extended by operation of their anti-diodes so that reverse currents are limited naturally without the use of dedicated load sensing and shutdown circuits.

Abstract: Method for characterization of Laterally Diffused Metal Oxide Semiconductors (LDMOS) at the die reference plane. An LDMOS device is epoxied to a midsection for connection to a test fixture for characterization. The combined physical parameters of the LDMOS device and test fixture are determined. Next, the measurements obtained are adjusted for the physical parameters of the test fixture alone, isolating the physical parameters characterizing the LDMOS device at the die reference plane.

Abstract: An overhead cabling system (7) for a telecommunications switching center (5) including a plurality of cable tray assemblies (15) and one or more cable ladder assemblies (20). The cable ladder assemblies (20) are supported by the cable tray assemblies (15) and extend cross-aisle between two or more suites (160). The cable tray assemblies (15) are mounted to the tops of the cabinets (10) which provide the sole support for the cable tray assemblies (15). The cable tray assemblies (15) are modular and designed to fit on top of a single cabinet (10).

Abstract: A software definable DLC architecture (75) based on high speed analog-to-digital converters (64) and digital signal processors (66) capable of sampling to at least several MHz. Multiple copper pair wires (102) are attached to a single DSP (66) and upbanding is applied at staggered intervals so that all copper pairs reside in distinct spectral bands. Signals arriving from a single copper pair is sampled and digitized within the spectral band associated with each subscriber side service. The encoded digitized result is transmitted back to the central office (35) for decoding into the relevant signaling scheme according to the type of service attached to the subscriber (15).