Abstract: A PLL based microprocessor whose frequency may be adjusted by using a microprocessor clock control circuit. The microprocessor clock control circuit comprises a circuit for providing a slew rate limited overdampened PLL that continuously seeks a new frequency, a circuit for selecting a current target frequency for the microprocessor, a circuit for comparing the current target frequency to the current frequency setting of the microprocessor, and a circuit for adjusting the current frequency setting of the microprocessor to match the current target frequency.

Abstract: A distributed I/O device monitoring logic for power management control. The distributed I/O device monitoring logic reduces the gate count of convention device monitoring logic since the decode logic does not exist at two locations in the system. The distributed I/O device monitoring logic also has the benefits of self configuring monitor circuits, improved functionality, and decreased system power management overhead. The distributed I/O device monitoring logic comprises peripheral control for monitoring an I/O address range of at least one I/O device and for detecting access to the I/O device; system controller means coupled to the peripheral control for providing a ready (RDY #) signal and a system management interrupt (SMI #) signal; and central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the peripheral control and the system controller means for receiving the RDY # signal and the SMI # signal from the system controller and for sending information to both the system controller and the peripheral control.

Abstract: A method for selectively controlling the operation of a computer system so that the computer system is selectively caused to execute instructions of a first predetermined bit length or instructions of a second predetermined bit length. The method comprises the preliminary steps of storing instruction data in a set of EVEN instruction storage locations; storing instruction data in a set of ODD instruction locations; establishing an EVEN execution pointer; and establishing an ODD execution pointer. At a first given time, either the EVEN execution pointer is incremented by a predetermined COUNT or the ODD execution pointer is incremented by the predetermined COUNT; but both pointers are not simultaneously incremented by the COUNT. The method causes an instruction to be executed, which instruction was stored entirely in either an EVEN instruction location or entirely in an ODD instruction location.

Abstract: A programmable output pad is disclosed that reduces ground bounce noise and power supply noise under different power supply values and under different load conditions. The programmable output pad comprises a pre-driver, a driver, and a controllable delay. The pre-driver transfers a signal from the input of the output pad to the driver which, in turn, transfers the signal from the pre-driver to an output of the output pad. The controllable delay provides one or more resistors, transistors, transmission gates, or equivalents thereof at the input of the driver which are controlled in order to provide a plurality of different time delays. By selecting these different time delays, the activation of the driver is delayed by different amounts of time. For a given power supply value and load condition, selection of the proper delay effectively reduces both the ground bounce noise on the ground supply of the programmable output pad and the noise on the power supply of the programmable output pad.

Abstract: Air-containing packages are subjected to heat sterilizing under pressure in a sterilization treatment tank. A pressure controlling method comprises changing the rate-of-rise of the temperature in the treatment tank in the vicinity of a point-of-change in a pressure rise in a pressure pattern in the package and delaying the timing of lowering the pressure in the treatment tank after the start of cooling treatment to avoid any deformation of the packages.

Abstract: A heatshield apparatus for draping over a vehicle door. The heatshield apparatus is a heat-absorbing, protective cover designed to protect the user from the heat that builds up on the surface of a vehicle door when parked exposed to the sun. The cover is generally rectangular in form and is held in place to metallic surfaces by means of a plurality of magnets attached around the periphery as well as by velcro fasteners where metallic contact is not possible. The heatshield apparatus is provided with a cutout arrangement for accessing door panel accessories such as a door handle or side mirror control lever. The heatshield apparatus is further provided with pockets for personal items and a dual-purpose string for storage wrapping or secondary securement when in use.

Abstract: An improved platformed vehicle having a steerable front wheel is disclosed. The vehicle includes a bifurcated platform with the tail of the platform being divided into first and second branches. Rear wheels are mounted, in pairs, on the underside of each of the branches of the platform. A pair of steerable front wheels are mounted below the platform near the front of the platform. The sprocket wheels are also attached to the underside of the front of the platform. The first sprocket wheel is coupled to the steerable front wheel, while the second sprocket wheel, mounted just behind the first sprocket wheel, is couple to a steering mechanism which passes through the platform. A chain drive couples the two sprocket wheels and thus couples the steering mechanism to the front wheels. The second sprocket wheel has a larger diameter than does the first sprocket wheels so that small turns of the steering mechanism are translated into relatively large changes in the front wheel direction.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system for improving the environment in buildings having a large open area, such as poultry buildings, utilizes an electronic ignition to control the temperature and humidity environment. The electronic ignition controls, in a pulsating fashion, the flow of gas feeding a pilot and burner and electrical powwer feeding electro-mechanical relays powering an assortment of blower, circulating fans, as well as a water pump used to distribute water to a water misting cooling arrangement coupled to a main blower and circulating fans to aid in cooling a building. The system includes a set of emergency cooling fans, thermal shut-down switch activates an alarm device to assure a safe and controlled environment in the building.

Abstract: A data processing system has a host processor (100) and an interface processor (160) both accessing a RAM (136) via respective RAM address generators (128, 132). RAM control logic (122) coupled to the data bus (124) and associated with the interface processor (160) provides pre-decoding of op codes on the data bus and generates control signals. The control signals are used to speed up memory access by the interface processor, to provide memory address generation for the interface processor, or to control memory access by the interface processor.

Abstract: Circuitry and method for compensating for the junction leakage current of a reverse-biased semiconductor device. Compensation is effected by trimming the leakage of a compensating device at a high temperature in order to accurately compensate the leakage current over a broad range of temperatures. Potential applications include reduction of the input bias current of an amplifier or differential amplifier.

Abstract: An improved prepackaged, inexpensive firebox for sale at retail stores for use in outdoor cooking on consumer supplied backyard grills or for use as a quick campsite campfire starter firebox or as a prepackaged firewood firebox for fireplaces or the like. The repackaged firebox is lightweight, portable, manageably sized for easy storage, semi-fire retardant, water repellant and completely fire consumable and can be used conveniently and safely by a novice consumer. The firebox is comprised of a specially designed cardboard container and a special arrangement of prepackaged layer combustible with kindling points varying sufficiently to ignite and maintain ignited a primary combustible layer such as hardwood mesquite logs found in the southwestern United States.

Abstract: A self-examination apparatus for the eye and the surrounding facial area is described in which a lens supported by housing can be moved with relation to the observer to provide a detailed or amplified image of the eye. The housing includes a substantially extended member for preventing sunlight from inadvertently being reflected off the lens into the observer's eye. The examination system further includes a self-illumination system that can provide the illumination when ambient conditions will not provide sufficient illumination for self-examination.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoe cushioned insert having a cushioned plate member with a first and second attachment means and a method of operation thereof are disclosed. Here, the cushioned plate member is comprised of an upper and a lower plate member being attached together preferably with a two-sided tape therebetween, as well as providing a cushion effect thereof. The first attachment means is coupled therebelow the bottom front portion of the lower plate member for suitably wrapping around an ailing or injured toe. The second attachment means is coupled therebelow the bottom back portion of the lower plate member for suitably wrapping around a foot. The orthopedic shoe cushioned insert is reversible; i.e., usable for either a right or left foot, as well as effective for managing arthritic ailments of toes or joints thereof, such as "halux rigidus", or the like.

Abstract: An improved back pack and shoulder child carrier apparatus including a solid, lightweight constructed child carrier detachably mounted to a horizontal tubular platform on the top portion of a back pack frame structure for a more uniform distribution of the child's weight throughout the upper and lower back of the adult. The majority of the weight being forced toward the upper back due to an improved seat structure having a frontwardly provided saddle bow and a saddle bow collar cutout, the saddle bow also provides added support about the crotch of the child being carried. The minority of the child's weight is then uniformly distributed downwardly to the adult's lower back by the side frame members which extend rearwardly then downwardly towards the lower back of the adult wearer.

Abstract: An articulator for casts of a dental model correlates the casts with the condition to be redintegrated throughout a full range occlusal and masticatory registration. The articulator includes hinged mirror image flexible brackets; each bracket has a base and arms of nonuniform cross section to encourage localized flexure of the brackets. Each base of the brackets supports a sphere to be positioned within a respective mounting attached to each cast. Each of the spheres may include at least a partially circumferential groove for distributing by capillary action or wicking an adhesive intermediate the sphere and the engaged cavity to secure the articulator to the casts after alignment of the paired casts. Simulating and tracing the paths of natural occlusal and masticatory registration is effected by pivotal movement about the hinge line between the brackets and flexing of the brackets forming the articulator.

Abstract: A toilet ventilation generally comprised of an inventive toilet seat, a pre-filter, a water bleed-off means, an exhaust tubular member, and an electrically powered air extraction means. The inventive toilet seat rests directly on a toilet bowl rim and contains a plurality of ducts within the toilet seat. The series of ducts guide the odorous air toward the air extraction means. A water bleed-off means is implemented to trap moisture suspended in the odorous air and to prevent the moisture from entering the exhaust tubular member and the air extraction means thereby increasing the expected life of the ventilation system.