Abstract: A system for protecting software from copying wherein the software to be protected is placed on the computer system in two parts. A first part is stored in non-volatile storage, such as a hard disk or floppy disk within the computer system, and a second part is stored and executed in a "hardware key", which is attached to the computer system. The second part is stored in volatile RAM and will be erased when electrical power is removed from the hardware key, or when the software stops execution. This requires that the second part of the software be reloaded each time the hardware key is powered up. Typically, the second part of the software will be loaded from a network, or from a cable network, thus reloading of the second part into the hardware key is a trivial matter, so long as the user is an active subscriber to the network or cable network.

Abstract: A shaker table (10) for testing and quality control of devices attached to the table is shown. The mounting table has pneumatic exciters attached (50) thereto. The exciters (50) are attached to the mounting table (20) with a mounting bolt (128) and spacers (132, 132') that comprise an insulating material to inhibit thermal transfer between the device and the exciters (50) and between the mounting table (20) and the exciters (50). The mounting table (20) provides uniform distribution of forces applied by the pneumatic exciters (50). The forces are evenly distributed in all directions from the impact of the exciters on the mounting table. The mounting table (20) is supported on a foundation (2) by adjustable supports (4). The exciters are supplied with pressurized air from a source (12) through an airline (14).

Abstract: A drying device for warming or drying boots, gloves, mittens, and other articles has a pair of flexible hoses attached to an air blower and manifold. The remaining end of each hose is inserted into a boot or glove to facilitate warming or drying the inside of the boot or glove when air is forced through the flexible hoses by the air blower and the duct assembly. The length of the each flexible hose is independently adjustable so that the invention can be used with a variety of boot and glove sizes. Optional nozzles at the ends of the flexible hoses direct the air being blown into the boots, gloves, mittens, or other articles toward specific areas of the boots, gloves, mittens, or other articles. A spring clip is positioned inside the flexible hoses to help direct the flexible hoses into the boots or gloves to be dried and to keep the boots, gloves, mittens, or other articles held together.

Abstract: The flexible insulated heater includes a heater mat surrounded by an insulation jacket. The heater mat is preferably made of two layers of fiberglass reinforced rubber sheets laminated together with resistive heater wires sandwiched between the laminated sheets. The heater mat is formed with a curvature and size to fit snugly around the peripheral surface of the pipe that is to be heated. A jacket of thermally insulative material, such as a polymer foam, is molded over the external surface of the heater mat. The insulated jacket holds the heat generated by the heater mat from escaping radially outward, and it protects against burns to persons who might touch the heater.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed computer mouse pad for use with a hand operated computer mouse includes an inclined work surface for supporting the computer mouse. The mouse pad is symmetric so that it can be used with either the right hand or the left hand. During operation, the computer mouse is positioned on the inclined surface and the user's hand is positioned with the palm of the hand on top of the computer mouse so that the user's hand is positioned at an angle relative to the table supporting the mouse pad. The angled position of the hand creates ergonomic benefits such as reducing the muscular and skeletal strain on the user's hand and wrist. In addition, two inclined side surfaces adjacent the inclined work surface ensure that the user's hand and wrist does not rest on an abrupt edge.

Abstract: Environmental screening of products is facilitated and enhanced by employing screening compartments to subject products to differing environmental and functional conditions to expose latent defects in the products such as conductor weaknesses and discontinuities, component defects, material defects, and fragility. Within each compartment, products can be simultaneously subjected to various temperature and vibrational conditions as well as to stresses such as electric power cycling, voltage changes, frequency variations, and other functional stimuli. The thermal, vibrational, and other environmental and functional conditions created in each compartment are independently controlled and monitored from those conditions in other compartments. Products are readily transported between screening compartments, which can be adjacent each other, in order to rapidly subject the products to differing screening conditions while minimizing time and energy waste.

Abstract: A line reel for dispensing string, construction line, or cord includes a cap that can be inserted into one end of a spool holding the material to be dispensed, a midsection that can be inserted into the other end of the spool, and a rotatable handle connected to the midsection on the opposite side from the spool. In one embodiment, the cap and midsection frictionally engage the inside of the spool and can be pulled out of the spool for re-use with another spool. In an alternate embodiment, a latch structure on the cap and midsection latches the cap to the midsection in the spool so they cannot be easily removed from the spool once assembled. The line reel includes a notch to hold the free end of the construction line or string. The cap, spool, and midsection, while positioned structurally so that they do not rotate in relation to each other, are able to rotate in relation to the handle to facilitate dispensing the construction line.

Abstract: An EHAM system consists of a central monitoring system (CMS), a field monitoring device (FMD), an electronic detection circuit that generates a detection signal upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, e.g., the absence of the monitored individual from a monitoring location, and a communications network. The communications network consists of at least one communications link wherein a fee-based communications mode may be used. The CMS is installed at a central monitoring location, the FMD is installed at the monitoring location, and the electronic detection circuit is attached or otherwise coupled to the individual to be monitored at the monitoring location. The occurrence or non-occurrence of the predetermined event is detected during a prescribed reporting time period. Regular or random communications are established between the FMD and CMS during the reporting time period to inform the CMS about the occurrence or non-occurrence of the predetermined event.

Abstract: A RAID disk array that is adaptable to host I/O traffic, wherein the RAID configuration is hidden from the host computer. The system dynamically determines the RAID configuration used to store host data to maximize response time performance and minimize the loss of disk space used for data protection. To maximize response time and avoid a write penalty, small write operations are mapped into RAID 1 configurations, and medium and large write operations are mapped into RAID 3 configurations. These segments are migrated into RAID 5 configurations as a background operation, to minimize the disk space lost. The system hides configuration changes necessary for the addition and/or deletion of disks to the disk array. While these changes are in progress, the disk array remains on-line and all host data is available for access and modification.

Abstract: A multi-unit package formed from a one-piece wrapper folded around two groups of products. Each side of the package has cuts or perforations that partially separate the package into two sub-packages; each end of the package has at least one tear-strip aligned with the cuts or perforations; and the top of the package has a handle which allows the package to be carried. The wrapper can be folded so that the two sub-packages are separated by a center divider, having a perforated top. The two sub-packages may also be held together by an adhesive which allows the sub-packages to be separated. Once separated, a handle, hidden before separation, is available for carrying the second sub-package. Another multi-unit package has two sub-packages arranged side by side and connected by perforations in end flaps.

Abstract: A hand-held, battery operated, Doppler ultrasound diagnostic device for use in obstetrical applications to, for example, measure fetal heartbeat, and vascular applications to, for example, measure blood flow and pressure, includes a cordless probe, a base unit, and an electric recharging stand. The probe detects the physical response signal being monitored through Doppler ultrasound techniques. The signal is used to frequency modulate a sine wave carrier signal which is transmitted by the probe and received by the base unit. The carrier signal frequency and wave form is chosen so as not to cause interference with other medical equipment that may be nearby. The base unit demodulates the carrier signal and retrieves the human response signal. The base unit displays the human response signal visually with an LED display and audibly with built in speakers. In addition, the base unit includes an output connectors which allow the human response signal to be recorded on a tape recorder or played through earphones.

Abstract: A shingle is formed with a first, or trailing, side edge folded over toward the top surface of the shingle to catch moisture and direct it down to the top surface of the next lower shingle. A second, or leading, side edge of the shingle is not folded. An "S" shaped fold, spaced apart from the trailing edge fold, receives the unfolded leading edge of an adjacent shingle. The trailing edge and S fold form a gutter under the leading edge of the adjacent shingle. The top edge of the shingle is folded-over toward the top surface of the shingle for engagement with the folded-under lower edge of the next higher shingle. The folded-over top edge extends to the right or leading edge of the shingle and slides under the left edge of the folded-over top edge of the next adjacent shingle to the fight side. The folded-under lower edge extends along the lower edge of the shingle but leaves a gap relative to the folded-under lower edge of the lateral adjacent shingle.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine having a plurality of pairs of angled pistons, each pair having a power piston and a corresponding supply piston. As the power piston of a pair fires to provide rotation for the engine, the corresponding supply piston draws a fresh fuel air charge from the center section of the engine. As the supply piston compresses the fuel air mixture, the mixture is delivered at the top of the power cylinder for the next firing. The exhaust port is located at the bottom of the power piston stroke and the fuel intake is at the top of the cylinder, to increase the efficiency of the engine. Roller bearings are mounted between each cylinder block and an engine outer casing to support the engine.

Abstract: A shaker table (10) for testing and quality control of devices attached to the table is shown. The mounting table (20) has pneumatic exciters (50) attached thereto. The exciters (50) are attached to the mounting table (20) with a mounting bolt (128) and spacers (132, 132') that comprise an insulating material to inhibit thermal transfer between the device and the exciters (50) and between the mounting table (20) and the exciters (50). The mounting table (20) provides uniform distribution of forces applied by the pneumatic exciters (50). The forces are evenly distributed in all directions from the impact of the exciters on the mounting table. The mounting table (20) is supported on a foundation (2) by adjustable supports (4). The exciters are supplied with pressurized air from a source (12) through an airline (14).

Abstract: A multi-unit package formed from a one-piece wrapper folded around two groups of products. Each side of the package has cuts or perforations that partially separate the package into two sub-packages; each end of the package has at least one tear-strip aligned with the cuts or perforations; and the top of the package has a handle which allows the package to be carried. The wrapper can be folded so that the two sub-packages are separated by a center divider, having a perforated top. The two sub-packages may also be held together by an adhesive which allows the sub-packages to be separated. Once separated, a handle, hidden before separation, is available for carrying the second sub-package. Another multi-unit package has two sub-packages arranged side by side and conected by perforations in end flaps.

Abstract: An artificial and removable tooth cap body and a method of easily attaching the tooth cap body to a real tooth. The tooth cap body is anchored to the real tooth with a low melting point and malleable thermoplastic material. The tooth cap body includes ridges and/or depressions so that the thermoplastic material can anchor and attach to the tooth cap body.

Abstract: Environmental screening of products is facilitated and enhanced by employing screening compartments to subject products to differing environmental conditions. Products can be simultaneously screened under various temperature, vibrational and other stimuli. Further, products are readily transported between screening compartments chambers in order to rapidly subject the products to differing screening conditions while minimizing energy wasted in heating or cooling elements not being screened. The present invention reduces the level of time, manual intervention and energy required in order to evaluate product tolerance to differing environmental conditions.

Abstract: A gravity meter includes a support framework which supports a suspension system having a weight beam to which a reaction mass is attached. The reaction mass includes a dielectric mass which extends partially within first and second cavities formed between respective first and second pairs of conductors. Changes in either the ambient gravitational field or the electric potential on the conductors causes the dielectric mass to move into the first cavity between the first pair of conductors and out of the second cavity between the second pair of conductors or vice-versa, with the force on the dielectric mass being linearly proportional to the voltage between the conductors. An optical detector system determines the position of the weight beam, thus the position of the dielectric mass, and is connected to the voltage source for the plates so that, by adjusting the electric potential between the plates, the weight beam can be moved to a nulled position.

Abstract: A system that determines the total demand for a product for each day over four time periods specified by the user of the system. Within the first time period, from the current date up to a demand fence, the total demand cannot be altered. For the next three periods, called the flex fence periods, the total demand for each day can vary by a percentage amount set by the user. If an order exceeding capacity is received for a date beyond the demand fence, the system will recalculate total demand for all days beyond the demand fence and prior to the order date to attempt to produce the total demand quantity necessary to fulfill the order. In calculating the increased quantities, the system uses a formula that prevents the total demand quantity for any day from exceeding the amount of material that was ordered for that day.

Abstract: Disclosed is a labeling and retrieval system that has a storage location label including a prefix area and a location area. The prefix area allows the label to contain information identifying one of several hierarchial levels of storage areas, and also identifies the label as a storage label rather than a media label. The machine readable information on the label is written at an angle that allows a bar code reading device to read only one label, and avoid reading adjacent labels. If the user arranges storage areas into a hierarchy, such as room, aisle, shelf, etc., an individual label may contain location information for more than one level of the hierarchy. The system retains each level of the hierarchy until new information for that level is input to the system or until new information at a higher level is input to the system.