Abstract: An improved network enabled extended ephemeris navigation system includes a network server able to collect ephemeris, clock, and almanac information from orbiting GPS satellites, and to use that information to build up extended ephemeris predictions that will be valid and useful for at least a week. A mobile client is able to request and use the extended ephemeris predictions to search for and track orbiting GPS satellites visible to it. The improvement is characterized by a satellite position and clock compact model construction and database unit that constructs a compact short-term satellite model to be sent first in response to a request for extended ephemeris predictions from the mobile client, and that constructs several consecutive long-term satellite models each representing a unique portion of a day in at least a seven day series.

Abstract: A video traffic system comprises a dual-slope, high dynamic range CMOS camera. Shutter, gain, and pedestal control and set-points for the dual-slope integration knee threshold and trigger time are computed from an operational model of the camera response using an input from a wireless light sensor. Darker pixels can integrate over the full shutter period, but bright pixels that are integrating too quickly and will saturate are reset to an adjustable level around 78% of maximum. Such reset occurs at an adjustable time about 93% of the full shutter period. The bright pixels are released to integrate from that point until the shutter closes.

Abstract: A method of building construction includes designing a building with software for execution on a computer such that an envelope of the building principally comprises expanded polystyrene foam panels, and the software is used to automatically generate a plan with reference numbers that identify substantially all the component pieces of the building. The software and computer are coupled to a computer aided design (CAD) program for generating computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling commands for expanded polystyrene foam panels, and a cut-list for steel reinforcing studs to fit into matching slots milled into the expanded polystyrene foam panels. At least the expanded polystyrene foam panels and matching steel reinforcing studs are marked with identifying numbers corresponding to the reference numbers. The expanded polystyrene foam panels are milled with a CNC machine and panel cutter according to CNC milling commands from the CAD program.

Abstract: A rodent trap comprises a stiff U-shaped spring with long outstretched arms and wire half-noose that are normally closed tightly together. A folding spreader mechanism at the base of the U-shaped spring holds the long outstretched arms apart until a trigger allows the spreader to fold up. The folding spreader mechanism is prevented from extending over-center and locking like a knee joint as near the point of going over-center, a tiny force like a trigger keeps the folding spreader mechanism extended even against strong spring pressures.

Abstract: A satellite navigation system assistance server is configured to reply to client requests that include an indication of the client's location, and if an accurate location is included in the server request, the satellite navigation system assistance server computes which particular SBAS systems are observable to the requesting client, and in this case the satellite navigation system assistance server limits its replies to pertinent information for a more compact response message.

Abstract: A request-to-exit (REX) switch comprises an injection-molded plastic body that can snap into the access hole of a mortise lock mechanism to provide a request-to-exit contact generation. A micro-switch mounts to a distal end of the injection-molded plastic body. Such is precisely oriented, positioned, and secured by pressing onto two posts molded into the distal end. The installation is accomplished without tools, and two snap locking tabs in the injection-molded plastic body automatically secure to the access hole of the mortise lock mechanism. An orienting lip on a front cap of the injection-molded plastic body allows only one possible fit. A strain relief for wiring to the micro-switch is a part of the injection-molded plastic body.

Abstract: A glass grinding method starts with an assessment of the scratch or surface defect to be removed. A series of abrasive pads with different diameters and different grits from 60, 120, 180, 220, and 400 grit are selected according to the depth of the scratches or defects on the glass, and is installed on a handheld circular grinder. The work area is restricted to an imaginary area around the scratch that is two times the length of the scratch squared. The area is worked and feathered out with successively finer and finer dry abrasive pads applied flat on the surface of the glass. During this process, the glass surface temperatures are monitored and not allowed to exceed 150° F. Any glass powders that stick and build up on the abrasive disk faces are knocked off by slapping them with wire brushes or rasps. They are not brushed off. In a final pre-polishing stage, the powders are allowed to build to gradually reduce the cutting action and produce a finer surface.

Abstract: A ruler including a slip resistant member, wherein the slip resistant member is operable to engage with a working surface to resist the sliding of the ruler when user applies force on the slip resistant member, and is disengaged from the working surface to allow the sliding of the ruler on the working surface when user releases force applied on the slip resistant member.

Abstract: A data-synchronization computer program allows many personal portable workstations to wirelessly communicate with a server and to provide updates to an applications database. Each personal portable workstation maintains its own copy of the database with opportunistic updates that occur as the network amongst them allows. Data synchronization object data structures are generated as new data is entered at each personal portable workstation, and these are placed in synch queues for transmission when possible. Each personal portable workstation can continue to operate with its own instance of the applications database and does not depend on instant or continuous network access.

Abstract: A resolution proportional digital zoom system comprises a CCD imaging device with over a million pixels resolution. A standard fixed-1X optical lens is fitted to the imager. A communication channel with a limited bandwidth is used to transmit video. Such bandwidth is substantially less than the imager's full resolution times its frame rate. A user is provided with controls to pan and zoom within the imager's field of view. The pixel resolution is proportionally controlled such that video output data rate on the communication channel is optimal and held within maximum limits at any pan/zoom setting.

Abstract: A product packaging comprises a cap on a transparent bottle to seal in a protected product. The cap includes an RFID chip and antenna that can report a serial number and product identification code to a nearby scanner. Reports from several such scanners in the distribution chain from manufacturer to retailers are logged and used to validate legitimate products by their movements. The caps are designed such that when opened the RFID antenna will break away from its associated RFID chip. The cap is molded of cross-linked polymers with a memory that makes it impossible to reseat it properly to the bottle once removed. A hologram target is placed backwards under a label on the side of the bottle so a laser beam can be directed through the backside of the bottle, through the contents, and to the hologram. The reflected laser light will have a signature that is very sensitive to the exact chemistry of the contents.

Abstract: A xenon short-arc lamp system includes a choice of two anode heatsinks with different mechanisms for thermally interfacing to, and supporting, e.g., a 300W-400W xenon short-arc lamp. One heatsink, allows a conventional mounting in which a split ring and clamp combination accommodate and clamp to a screw-on base adapter fitted to the 300W-400W xenon short-arc lamp. The lamp can then be operated at 300W. The second heatsink accommodates the 300W-400W xenon short-arc lamp directly without the adapter. A large threaded stud on the lamp is screwed directly into the heatsink and is seated such that a large orthogonal flat planar annular ring area also makes a tight thermal connection. The lamp can then be operated at its higher limit because of the much improved thermal resistance.

Abstract: An air-chiller comprises a primary compressor that circulates a mixture of four refrigerants with different boiling points through a primary condenser and several heat-exchanger coils in series. Each heat exchanger coil includes a large section of tubing in which are disposed four smaller sections of tubing. Two of these smaller sections of tubing carry the air to be chilled. The other two smaller sections of tubing carry high pressure refrigerants from the compressor and condenser. The remaining inside volume of the large section of tubing provides for the suction-return of heat-laden refrigerants. Input air passes through the four heat exchangers in series and comes out the fourth one highly refrigerated. The high-pressure refrigerant coming out of the primary compressor is chilled below ambient temperature by a secondary refrigeration sub-system. Such is circulated, after drying, through an auxiliary condenser for additional refrigeration before going to work in the first heat-exchanger coil.

Abstract: A hitch adapter comprises an inner square tube member for receiving Class-II 1.25? drawbars and an outer U-channel member for plugging into a Class-III 2? receiver. The inner square tube and outer U-channel members are welded together such that one wall of the inner square tube bridges the gap between the distal edges on opposite legs of the outer U-channel. One such leg of the outer U-channel is longer than the other and is positioned and aligned to protrude about 1/16? beyond the adjacent outer corner of the inner square tube member. Such protrusion nests into the respective inside corner of the particular Class-III 2? receiver it is mated to. The protrusion provides a camming action to take up any looseness and slack, and thereby eliminate wobble and rattle when installed by a user. A series of hitch pin holes allows a threaded hitch pin to pass through the adapter, a Class-II 1.25? drawbar and a Class-III 2? receiver. Threads inside the Class-II 1.

Abstract: A security system comprises a secured asset associated with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that can receive network aiding information. Indoors, the pseudo-ranges from orbiting GPS satellites can be computed by using digital correlators to pull directly received satellite signal transmissions from the noise floor, but the NAV-data transmissions cannot be demodulated well enough due to the attenuation caused by the building structure. So a wireless network is relied upon to provide aiding information that supplies the almanac and ephemeredes. The fact that the NAV-data transmissions cannot be demodulated well enough is taken as indicia that the system is being operated indoors, and such can be used in a geo-fence control to decide if indoor or outdoor use is not permitted. The secured asset can be temporarily or permanently disabled according to such geo-fence controls.

Abstract: A mobile GPS-aiding system uses a GPS reference receiver to collect GPS navigation messages, a GPS-aiding data network server to distribute over the Internet all ephemeris and almanac data gleaned from the navigation messages, a number of commercial broadcast radio stations to publish such ephemeris and almanac data on particular sub-carriers, a number of vehicles equipped to receive the radio broadcasts and the sub-carriers and to retransmit them locally, e.g., via Bluetooth. Portable GPS receivers, operated near any of the vehicles, a receive Bluetooth transmissions with the ephemeris and almanac data with the identity of the radio broadcast station then being tuned. A breadcrumb database is used to index the locations of the radio broadcast stations. Each mobile GPS receiver contributes to such database after it computes a location fix. If the location of the radio broadcast station is already known to the database, then the location can be accessed and used before finding a position solution.