Abstract: A Hardware Description Language (HDL) utilizing a Term Rewriting System (TRS) is provided that simplifies handling of clocks, and signaling between various clock domains of a multi-clock domain circuit specification. A specific clock data type is supplied for use with clock signals. Using the clock data type, and other requirements of a circuit specification, clock domain crossing between domains of clocks of the same clock family is handled implicitly. For clock domain crossing between clock domains driven by clocks of different clock families, a “hardware approach” and a “linguistic approach” are provided. A “hardware approach” provides facilities to explicitly specify a synchronizer, using, in part, TRS rules. A “linguistic approach” allows a designer to abstracts the instantiation of synchronizers and instead specify a circuit specification in terms of differently clocked interfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a swing arc and centering of a swinging director chute during separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. The apparatus includes a lever arm, interconnected with the swinging director chute, and a connecting rod having a first pivot end and a second pivot end. The first pivot end is adjustable movable along the lever arm. A drive arm connected to the second pivot end includes a lead screw. The lead screw can be operatively connected to an index wheel having a plurality of directed posts and a movable pawl that advances the index wheel.

Abstract: A system and method for Term Rewriting System hardware design employs a scheduler that incorporates a preference order in scheduling conflicting rules. The scheduler schedules a conflicting rule to execute when its predicate is true, and it is preferred over other conflicting rules in the preference order. The preference order may be, in one embodiment, a user-specified preference order enumerated by a designer. Such an order may be chosen according to efficiency criteria, such that the conflicting rule most essential for efficient hardware will be scheduled to execute on a given state rather than less essential conflicting rules The system and method advantageously permits a schedule to be computed in a time frame polynomially related to the number of rules, and produces more predictable and more easily understood schedules than conventional methods.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a power generating system particularly suitable for field use in remote locations, which is fuel-efficient, relatively quiet, tolerant of dust, capable of operating on low-grade logistics and diesel-like fuels and capable of generating between 500 W and 2 KW of continuous electrical power. This generating system employs a two-cycle MICE generator having a piston that operates within a cylinder, and an interconnected, axially moving piston shaft that oscillates an alternator coil within a magnetic core. The piston shaft is attached to, and resisted by, the free end of a strong spring with a second, opposing end fixed to the MICE casing. To control operation of the MICE generator a clipper circuit is employed with a set threshold to resolve peaks and an adjustable harshness for applying load to the coil based upon an amps/volt harshness setting.

Abstract: This invention provides a stabilizing system and method for two-wheeled vehicles (typically small, human-powered bicycles) that affords the rider no restriction on the full range of movements (banks, leans, etc.) common to bicycles, but that provides greater stability during turns and other maneuvers so that an unintentional bank or tilt (potentially causing a fall) is less likely, even at relatively slow speeds and startup. A rotating mass of predetermined mass-value and radial mass-distribution is provided coaxially with the front axle. The mass is supported on bearings so as to freewheel with respect to the rotation of the front wheel. As such it can be induced to spin significantly faster than the front wheel thereby generating a gyroscopic effect at the front wheel about the axle. This gyroscopic effect influences the steering of the wheel by the rider. Due to precession, the wheel tends to follow any excessive bank by the bicycle, ensuring that the rider can “steer-out-of” an unintended tilt or bank.

Abstract: This invention provides a case system that removably stores a laptop computer so that it can be removed normally through the top of the case when needed, but also through a flap formed in the side of the case while residing upon a tray with retention lips on at least three sides. The case can be a briefcase, messenger bag or backpack, among other styles. The tray edge facing the top opening is free of any lip or raised obstruction to allow laptop removal from the case through a conventional top flap. The tray is withdrawn/slid from the side of the case unzipping and opening the side flap. The tray is tethered to the case interior so that it extends only slightly beyond the adjacent edge of the case. In this manner, the tray/laptop is prevented from excess rotational movement (e.g. jackknifing) with respect to the case. The tray is free of any x-ray opaque structures or materials, thereby allowing an unobstructed scan to be performed on the laptop.

Abstract: This invention provides a lighting fixture for use in low-ceiling applications and/or outdoor environments, such as parking garages that allows for the use of more-efficient lighting sources, such as fluorescent lamps, with more-even distribution of light along the sides of the fixture so that the surrounding space is fully and efficiently illuminated. Two elongated light sources are mounted upon opposing sides, and surrounded by a pair of respective side reflectors. The side reflectors direct the light of the two light sources in a generally sideward and somewhat-downward direction. The lower portion of the side reflectors collectively define an overall wide angle and each lower portion completely overlies a respective one of the side light sources mounted above. A third light source can be located centrally, beneath the lower portions to provide downward light, which is further reflected generally downwardly by the wide angled lower portions.

Abstract: This invention provides a filtration system for home aquaria that uses a closed-circuit pathway having a surface that contacts a flow of water moving between a tank inlet and tank outlet. The surface allows for algal growth thereon, and for transmission of light thereonto so as to provide photosynthetic energy to the algae. The algae acts to scrub contaminants (nitrogenous compounds, for example) as part of its growth cycle, and thereby purify the water. Additional components, such as injected air and filter media can also be provided to the water circuit to enhance algal growth, oxygenate the water and remove particulates. In an illustrative embodiment, the surface is transparent or translucent and a light that transmits appropriate wavelengths (for example, full-visible spectrum) is placed in proximity to the surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a combination note pad and credential holder having a neck cord or lanyard that passes through a loop in the notepad to allow the item to be worn about the neck at a desired level, typically at chest height. The notepad can include a back cover that supports a writing pad and a hinged front cover, joined to the back cover and selectively opened to access the writing pad. A small pen can be removably attached to a loop between the covers along a side of the writing pad. The bottom edge of the notepad includes a fastener assembly for removably attaching a credential sleeve with a clear window for displaying the user's credential document(s). The sleeve has an open side that allows the documents to be slid thereinto. The fastener assembly can comprise one or more sets of interengaging snaps, look-and-loop members or a zipper-like structure. When not needed, the sleeve can be removed or flipped into a position behind the back cover, out of view.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for attaching a trim cover to a flexible/resilient substrate, typically constructed from foam, which includes a plurality of clips that each has a base molded into the substrate. The bases each include a central “key-hole” slot that receives a corresponding key formed on a stem at a bottom of a clip projection. The clip projection defines a cavity for receiving a trim cover bead through a gap formed between a pair of legs that extend from the bottom. The stem has a length that is approximately the thickness of the slot. By passing the key through the slot and rotating the key to a locked position, the clip projection may be removably mounted to the substrate for repair or replacement as needed. The base may be constructed from a material that adheres effectively to the substrate, while the clip projection may be constructed from a material that exhibits high elasticity and wear-resistance.

Abstract: This invention provides a padfolio, portfolio, case, bag or other business accessory that carries, on an exterior surface, a pocket flap that is typically open at the top edge and joined at a bottom edge. It has a size sufficient to completely cover a predetermined range of conventional documents (or other items), and in one embodiment, has side walls that taper from a wider bottom that may be longer than the predetermined documents to a narrower top that is typically shorter than the predetermined documents so that the side edges of the predetermined documents are at least partially visible to evidence their presence in the pocket. A narrow elastic strip joins each of the opposing side edges to the exterior surface at a location along the exterior surface that is outboard of opposing edges of the predetermined documents so that they may slide into the pocket free of interference for the joint between the elastic strips and the exterior surface.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a power generating system particularly suitable for field use in remote locations, which is fuel-efficient, relatively quiet, tolerant of dust, capable of operating on low grade logistics and diesel-like fuels and capable of generating between 500 W and 2 KW of continuous electrical power. This generator employs a miniature internal combustion engine/generator (MICE) having a piston moving within a cylinder arranged for two-cycle operation, and an interconnected, axially arranged piston shaft that oscillates an alternator coil within a magnetic core. The piston shaft is opposed by a strong, multiple-helix spring. The cylinder head, in which the piston operates, is cooled by moving (electrically pumped) fluid in a cooling head, or by another heat-transfer mechanism. The MICE generator's intake arrangement includes a preheater heated by a heated fluid flow thereon.

Abstract: This invention provides an apron having at least one beverage pocket specifically designed for holding beverage containers at a convenient location for easy access by the user. The pocket includes a reinforced outer rim, formed from a durable polymer ring or gusset in an illustrative embodiment. In one implementation, the pocket is located along the lower end of a side wing of the apron so that it is generally below and within easy reach of the wearer's right (or left) hand. The ring/gusset secures an appropriately sized inner beverage pocket pouch that has a depth and perimeter size sufficient to house an average-sized beverage container. The depth of is arranged so that the top of an average container either protrudes slightly, or is completely recessed within the pouch. The pouch may be constructed from one or more layers of insulating material to allow the drink to retain its heat or coolness and preventing transfer of heat/cold to the wearer's body.

Abstract: This invention provides a timing wheel assembly for controlling the timing of toner cartridge operation that is fixedly attached to a shaft of a toner tank agitator and that is operatively connected to a drive gear of a toner cartridge mounted coaxially on the shaft with the timing wheel movable between a first stop and a second stop relative to the drive gear to define rotational “dwell” range having a predetermined arcuate distance with a pair of springs of differing strengths. The first spring, of a first strength (first spring constant) biases the timing wheel against the first stop and the second spring of a second strength (second spring constant) is engaged by the timing wheel at higher resistance levels. In this manner, the first spring ensures that an appropriate dwell and snapback motion occurs at lower toner levels and the second spring (in combination with the first) provides heavier resistance and stronger rotational resistance/earlier snapback at higher toner levels.

Abstract: A drain valve allows liquid to flow into or out of a liquid-container product by use of a restriction cap having a control ring that twists in and out of a base ring in order to control the flow. The restriction cap has a flow valve, having a top, apertures, and a base, and a control ring, having a top, base, center aperture, and protrusions. The control ring is sealed against the flow valve top by an O-ring when the drain valve is closed and is also sealed against the side of the flow valve. As the control ring is twisted into the base ring, control ring protrusions twist within channels inside the base ring and a piston valve is depressed, allowing liquid to flow. As the control ring is twisted out of the base ring, the control ring base blocks the flow apertures, preventing liquid from flowing.

Abstract: A system and method for cutting continuous web that provides a simplified and direct feed path during loading, and thereafter a more-complex serpentine feed path at an infeed unit for reliable infeed of the web, arranged as either a free loop or a moderately tensioned configuration. Downstream, an indexing drive intermittently pauses the web for the cutter knife to operate. The indexing drive and infeed unit's drive are synchronized by a controller to produce a small horizontally disposed buffer loop therebetween. The buffer loop is maintained within a predetermined range using a sensor, operatively with the controller, that measures the location of the end of the loop, modulating the drives to maintain the buffer loop's (returning) end within a predetermined location about the sensor's sensing field. The system includes an adjustment drive motor for moving a plurality of edge guide sets toward and away from each other in synchronization.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. A zigzag folded web passes by a pair of opposing front and rear compression plate assemblies, with fingers that are extended to selectively project into the folding area, onto a stack supported by a vertically moving supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism cycles between an ever-lower position in which upper, loose pages of the folded web pass by plate fingers (when retracted) and an upper position in which the stack engages and presses upwardly against the now-extended plate fingers to compress the stack.

Abstract: A laser or other substantially collimated light source is operatively connected to a reciprocating driver that causes a beam from the laser to sweep across a conveniently viewable surface at an adjustable frequency, thereby tracing a pattern on the surface between a plurality of beam path boundaries. The beam's direction change at a beam path boundary generally serves as a visual indication of a musical beat. The laser may be positioned and/or aimed to project the beam on any surface. The frequency of driver reciprocation (i.e., the tempo) may be adjusted to correspond to one of a range of typical musical tempos, thereby providing the functionality of a metronome but with the novel and useful additional element of a projected beat image.