Abstract: A secure read only memory in which an external address of (n-m) bits is applied to an address controller which converts the external address into an n bit internal address which is applied to a read only memory to obtain data stored in the read only memory at the address locations. The address controller includes detector circuits for detecting improper accesses to the memory. In response to an improper access to the memory, the memory controller will produce an improper access signal which improper access signal is used to terminate operation of the system or to modify the address so that the data produced in response to the external address has essentially no directly reproducable relationship to the actual address of the memory location of the random access memory where the data is stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a configurable IC device pin. The IC device pin may be a device clock input pin or a digital I/O pin in one embodiment of the present invention, or a reset pin or a digital I/O pin in another embodiment of the present invention. Both embodiments of the present invention use a memory device to store information to configure the IC device pin. Input/Output logic is also used in both embodiments in order to transfer data to and from the IC device pin when the IC device pin is configured as a digital I/O pin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination chair and exercise apparatus. The combination chair and exercise apparatus is preferably comprised of a collapsible chair frame, mounted on a collapsible base, with rotation and pivoting points located on the frame and base so as to permit a user of the combination chair and exercise apparatus to bend the spine in either direction with respect to a lower portion of the user's body. In an alternative embodiment, the combination chair and exercise apparatus is non-collapsible. When not used for exercising, the combination chair and exercise apparatus may be used as a chair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid state bowling pin counter which is designed to replace existing mechanical pin counters. The solid state pin counter uses infrared technology and electro-optics to reliably detect the presence of a bowling pin as the pin travels towards the bowling pin table via the distributor assembly. The solid state pin counter can detect all colors of bowling pins and it works reliably in all ambient light conditions including flashing lights. If power is turned off during the time bowling pins are being fed into the bowling pin table, the memory in the pin counter remembers the pin counter's condition no matter where the bowling pin is on the distributor belt. Thus, when power is turned back on, the bowling pin table is filled with bowling pins as if the power was never turned off.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a pregnant user is disclosed comprising, in combination, a fixed support portion having a fixed configuration for supporting a portion of the user, and a variable support portion coupled to the fixed support portion and having a plurality of configurations for supporting a different abdominal portion of the user with each configuration of the plurality of configurations. The fixed support portion comprises a plurality of inter-connected, inflatable, tubular members. The variable support portion comprises a plurality of independent, concentric, inflatable, annular members attached to an independent, inflatable, cylindrical member. The variable support portion is in proximity to the abdomen of a user lying thereon, and the cylindrical member and the annular members are selectively inflated to conform comfortably to a protruding abdomen of a pregnant user. This support apparatus is especially useful as an air mattress and a floatation raft.

Abstract: A hardware graphics accelerator (HGA) system which has a source memory element which is loaded to initiate HGA operations operates in two modes: (1) a FIFO mode for normal HGA operations and (2) a recirculate mode for high speed pattern transfers and pattern expands by the HGA. The use of the second mode simplifies the structure and increases the operating speed of the HGA and its associated CPU by eliminating the use of the dedicated pattern registers and pattern control multiplexers of prior art HGA systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of manufacturing an airbag initiator. Currently, an airbag initiator is comprised of three parts made out of two dissimilar materials plus a glass to metal seal. The present method builds the same airbag initiator with the body and the pins in one piece via a process called metal injection molding. The part is then placed in a furnace to remove a wax binder, then the temperature is ramped up slowly to remove a thermoplastic layer, and the temperature is further ramped up to form a sintered part. The sintered part being equal to or better than standards of wrought material. The initiator is then removed from the furnace and a glass bead is placed in a void area in the body of the initiator. The glass is melted forming a glass to metal seal between a first pin and the body of the initiator. A top portion of the initiator is then lapped off isolating the first pin from the body of the initiator.

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: 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 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 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: 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 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: 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.