Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining, in a computing system, the bit size of an instruction to be executed by a processing unit. Instructions are realized in the form of a plurality of memory location devices. At least one of said memory location devices, in a predetermined position, is established as a MODE bit. The MODE bit assumes a first value indicative of parallel instruction execution and assumes a second value indicative of non-parallel instruction execution.

Abstract: An accurate RC oscillator circuit located within a microcontroller chip for generating a signal of a predetermined frequency that accurately oscillates between two precise voltage levels, i.e., a low voltage (VL) and a high voltage (VH) is disclosed. The oscillator circuit uses first and second comparators having their outputs respectively coupled to set and reset inputs of a flip flop. The output of the flip flop is coupled to a series RC network for controlling the charging and discharging of the voltage across a capacitor of the RC network. The interconnection of the series RC network is coupled to an input of both the first and second comparators. The other input of the first comparator is coupled to a circuit for applying a modified high threshold version (VH') of the high voltage such that the signal generated by the oscillator circuit does not exceed the precise high voltage (VH).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved RF converting system. The RF converting system is comprised of a plurality of RF converter modules which are configured for redundant system operation using distributed protection switching in an active "daisy chain" configuration. The "daisy chain" configuration distributes the converter protection switching functions to each individual RF converter module through a switching module coupled to each of the RF converter modules. The "daisy chain" terminates in a backup RF converter which assumes the frequency and attenuation of a faulted RF converter module. A high speed bus provides communication interface between each of the online RF converter modules and the backup RF converter module so that the backup RF converter module can detect faults and reconfigure the system to replace a failed RF converter module.

Abstract: A gaming system and method comprising a flat craps table constructed and adapted for a set of five dice to be rolled thereupon, a set of five dice, and betting indicia on the table defining betting spaces, the betting spaces respectively being identifiable as winning spaces if, respectively, the dice, when rolled and the number of spots thereon counted and totaled, define specific totals or sets of numbers is disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus for carrying a concealed weapon provides inconspicuous means for carrying a weapon into any social or business setting. It consists of an outer gun case shaped to resemble an organizer. Concealed inside by means of a fastening device is a support structure for securing the weapon. The support structure consists of a removable holder block which has a cavity shaped to contour the outline of the weapon it is intended to hold. The support structure may also have further cavities for holding ammunition for the weapon. The support structure also has easy access portions in proximity to its edge to facilitate the easy removal of the weapon from the support structure. The concealed gun case could also be designed to have an additional chamber that may be independently accessed without revealing the presence of the weapon in the gun chamber. This additional chamber could contain a daily planner and other stationery material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved pet barrier. The pet barrier is preferably comprised of a net or fabric barrier, a container for retaining one end of the barrier and for housing the barrier when not in use, and hooks for attaching the second or other end of the barrier to a door, doorway, or wall. In the preferred embodiment, the barrier is a net, and the container which is attached to one end of the barrier is attached to the doorway or wall, while the second end of the barrier is releasably attached to the door.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a metal surface to remove a nonferrous thermosetting resin coating bonded to the metal surface. The apparatus uses a power supply device for providing an approximately 75-100 kW signal at approximately 10-40 kHz to the apparatus. A coil assembly device is coupled to the power supply device for producing a high frequency inductive field which will penetrate through the nonferrous thermosetting resin coating with virtually no attenuation and will induce an eddy current of sufficient power in the underlying metal substrate to rapidly heat the interface to a sufficient temperature to immediately destroy the interface bond between the nonferrous thermosetting coating and the metal substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for programming VROM links. The system has an address selection circuit connected to the VROM link for selecting an address in the VROM link in which to program. A polarity control circuit is also connected to the VROM link. The polarity control circuit allows one to control the directional flow of a current used in programming the VROM link.

Abstract: An improved clock synthesizer system and method therefor is described which uses a plurality of dual function pins to apply a frequency selection code while in a first operating mode and to transmit buffered clock signal while in a second operating mode to accomplish required system functions with a reduced overall pin count.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power reduction digital-to-analog (DA) converter current source cell. The power reduction DA converter current source cell is comprised of a DA current source cell for sending a current to a current steering matrix and a switching means coupled to the DA current source cell for dynamically controlling the power dissipation of the DA converter current source cell when the current is not required.

Abstract: A water purification system is disclosed comprising a reverse osmosis chamber coupled to a multi-pass ultraviolet chamber for irradiating water with ultraviolet light radiation both before and after the water passes through the reverse osmosis chamber. The multi-pass ultraviolet chamber provides a plurality of water conveying tubes in proximity to an ultraviolet light radiation source. The diameter of the conveying tubes is substantially larger than the diameter of conduits feeding the tubes. Accordingly, the water flow through the tubes decelerates, thereby increasing the duration of ultraviolet light radiation exposure to the water in the tubes. Additionally, a removable cover is located above the ultraviolet light bulb in order to facilitate easy replacement of the bulb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for neutralizing charge injection problems in a switched current system. The system is comprised of a PMOS transistor coupled in parallel with an NMOS switch transistor. If the channel area of the PMOS transistor and the NMOS transistor are equal, then the clock signal to the PMOS transistor must be adjusted to neutralize the negative channel charges of the NMOS transistor. However, if the clock signal to both the PMOS transistor and the NMOS transistor are equal, then the dimension of the PMOS transistor must be smaller than the NMOS transistor in order to neutralize the negative channel charges of the NMOS transistor.

Abstract: An accumulator stores a signal representation of an accumulated angle that is incremented by an input angle in response to a reference clock pulse. The most significant bit (MSB) of the accumulated angle signals drives the input of a phase locked loop of the type that includes a loop filter, a frequency divider and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). A charge is injected into the loop filter during an overshoot interval during which the output of the frequency divider differs from the MSB. A compensating charge is injected into the loop filter to compensate for the charge injected during the overshoot interval. Jitter free spectrum spread clock pulses are provided by the VCO in response to the MSB.

Abstract: An automatic pellet feeding apparatus and method for delivering plastic pellets to a plastic molding machine for encapsulating semiconductor chips stores a plurality of plastic pellets for ultimate delivery to the plastic molding machine. A stair like structure is provided for vertically moving the plastic pellets from a plastic pellet storage location to a conveyor which moves the plastic pellets to the plastic molding machine. The stair like structure has an arrangement of members which alternates between a movable member and a stationary member. The movable members are all moved up and down together, and when the movable members are down, plastic pellets may be loaded thereon from either the storage location or from an adjacent stationary member. Alternatively, when the movable members are up, plastic pellets may be off-loaded therefrom to either an adjacent stationary member or to the conveyor.

Abstract: An explosive device for attachment to a user engaged in underwater demolition operations is disclosed comprising, in combination, an explosive charge, a buoyant carrier for carrying the explosive charge, and a detonator for detonating the explosive charge. The buoyant carrier includes a variable ballast pouch containing lead shot which can be removed therefrom using a control valve, thereby permitting fine control of the overall weight of the explosive device. The buoyant carrier also includes a plurality of magnets and/or suction cups for permitting the explosive device to be attached to a swimmer's backpack or to either a target surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy water heating apparatus. The apparatus is comprised of a solar panel having a plurality of channels through which the water flows. Each channel has a top lens portion which focuses and intensifies the light energy of the sun on the water. This allows the water to be heated in a more efficient and effective manner. An end cap is coupled to each end of the solar panel. The end caps prevent the water from leaking out of the solar panel. A nozzle is coupled to the end cap which allows the water to enter the apparatus and exit the solar panel once the water has been heated.

Abstract: A discriminator provides an output signal having an amplitude proportional to the frequency of a measured signal. The output of the discriminator is connected to a differentiator circuit that provides an impulse signal proportional to a cycle to cycle frequency change of the measured signal.

Abstract: Method and structure is disclosed for a read-only MOS semiconductor memory. An addressable array of a multiplicity of cells each comprising a single MOS transistor is coded for preselected cells by providing them with source/drain regions which are spaced apart from edges of their respective overlying gate electrode regions. This is accomplished by a masking step late in the fabrication sequence. In this way, a dense MOS memory having rapid manufacturing turn-around is provided.