Abstract: A multi-function core base cell includes a set of functional microcircuits. These microcircuits are used to design a Library of Logic Function Macros. The functional macros consisting of one or more microcircuits have a fixed and complete physical layout similar to a conventional standard cell library macro set. In addition to a core functional macro set, primary input/output buffers and commonly used single and dual port memory blocks are also defined in the library. The library includes all the ASIC synthesis, simulation, and physical design rules.

Abstract: A multi-function core base cell includes a set of functional microcircuits. These microcircuits are used to design a Library of Logic Function Macros. The functional macros consisting of one or more microcircuits have a fixed and complete physical layout similar to a conventional standard cell library macro set. In addition to a core functional macro set, primary input/output buffers and commonly used single and dual port memory blocks are also defined in the library. The library includes all the ASIC synthesis, simulation, and physical design rules.

Abstract: A precision targeting system for a firearm has an image capturing scope, a processor, and an actuator. In one embodiment, a user indicates when he wants to lock onto the target, and then readjust his aim after receiving feedback from the system. In another embodiment, the system automatically locks onto the target. After lock on, the system compares successive images, and determines if the target has moved in the firearm sight. If movement has occurred, the system calculates the degree of the movement, and sends appropriate signals to an actuator which corrects the aim of the firearm. The system thereby converts reasonably good aim into precision aim.

Abstract: A system and supporting mechanisms for practicing the art of shooting at a lacrosse goal maximizes the area to practice running and shooting movements, while minimizing the area required doing so, while best representing the field's dimensions. The invention comprises simple structures, uniquely optimized complex structures and specifically designed mechanisms for lacrosse skill practice that is utilized within the structures. A rectangular alley is formed by a ball retaining material having a front, rear and side walls. The alley has sufficient width and height to permit easy shooting by a player of a lacrosse ball into a rotationally moveable goal which presents various angles of goal openings to the player shooting.

Abstract: A system and methods for web based graphical internet searching for locating unique items sought by buyers of designs, furnishings and accessories through use of the internet. The invention includes a search interface where both a seller and buyer will use the same graphical alphabet, which divides an item into its component parts, to decipher the language of design which has an infinite number of stylistic combinations.

Abstract: A platform for electronic components has a temperature sensing array, a vibration sensing array, a programmable logic device, and one or more cooling fans. The programmable logic device receives temperature data from the temperature sensing array and structure-borne noise data from the vibration sensing array. The programmable logic device analyzes the data, and based on this analysis, maintains the temperature and low level noise requirements of the system by activating, deactivating, speeding up, or slowing down one or more cooling fans.

Abstract: An optical switch has a conductor and one or more sub-wavelength apertures. The switch is activated and periodic perturbations are dynamically formed in proximity to the conductor. Photons are directed toward and impinge upon the switch, and a greater amount of light propagates through the sub-wavelength apertures in the activated switch as compared to an unactivated switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting semiconductor module packages which includes a cylindrical base section, a truncated spherical section superimposed on the cylindrical base capable of being rotated and tilted on the cylindrical base section, and a tray section superimposed on the truncated section.

Abstract: An off chip driver circuit includes a pre-driver circuit and a driver circuit. Driver data and enable inputs are decoded in the pre-driver circuit to provide independent inputs to pull up and pull down transistors in the driver circuit. The enable input keeps the driver circuit in the active or high impedance modes. A feedback signal generated by the driver output and the driver enable signals controls an inverter circuit within the driver circuit to provide proper biasing conditions at the gate of the pull up transistor. This feed back provides fast switching times for the driver circuit and prevents gate oxide of all the transistors from being overstressed by the external high voltage signal.

Abstract: A platform with a sensor is for coupling to a submarine or other underwater vehicle and for sending data about the seascape to the submarine. In an embodiment, the platform is coupled to the submarine via a cable that has communication lines in it. The sensor may be attached to the platform via a mast. In an embodiment, the platform has a control surface, an anti-collision sensor, and a ballast. The platform allows a submarine to survey the seascape before rising to periscope depth.

Abstract: A telescopic actuator has a lead screw and one or more concentric or tiered screws. Each screw has one or more tangential interference stop features such as stop cogs. As the lead screw is rotated, it translates out of the concentric screws. As the lead screw reaches its maximum extension, a tangential interference stop feature on the lead screw tangentially contacts a tangential interference stop feature on the concentric screw with which the lead screw is threadably engaged. Upon tangential contact, the associated concentric screw rotates in unison with the lead screw. When there are additional concentric screws, as each concentric screw reaches its maximum extension, the system of tangential contacting of tangential interference stop features causes the other concentric screws to extend out in sequential fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the orientation of an instrument or other object in one embodiment includes an inner shell of ferromagnetic material. An outer shell surrounds the inner shell, and one or more electromagnets are attached to the inner surface of said outer shell. The powering of the electromagnets creates eddy currents in the inner shell, which create torques that orient and re-orient the position of the inner shell. In another embodiment, the outer shell has a plurality of ports that are supplied with a gas. Some ports function to levitate the inner shell, and other ports function to orient and re-orient the inner shell.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit controls the output current through an inductive load. A signal is amplified by one or more op amps, and sourced into a back to back coupling of an NPN transistor and a PNP transistor. In a positive circuit segment, current is sourced to an inductive load, and in a negative segment, current is sunk from the inductive load. The current at the output of the inductive load flows through a resistor, and the resultant voltage drop is negatively fed back to the op amp.

Abstract: A video correlation tracking system captures a first image frame and identifies one or more reference patches in that image frame. In a successive image frame, the new location of a reference patch is estimated with a dead reckoning algorithm, and a trial patch is placed at that location. The system cross correlates each reference patch with its corresponding trial patch, the results of which are used to make corrections to the dead reckoning algorithm, register successive image frames, and determine at which reference patch processing resources should be concentrated.

Abstract: An integrated photonic device having a vertical optical connection between vertically oriented waveguides and a process for making the same is disclosed. A first waveguide is patterned and etched onto an underlying substrate. A cladding layer is placed over the waveguide and substrate. The cladding layer is coated with a photoresist, and then patterned with holes that are slightly offset from the underlying waveguide. The holes are implanted with nitrogen doses at an angle. The nitrogen doses form an angled implantation of SiON. The material change and accompanying index of refraction change due to the angled implantation optically couples the underlying waveguide with an outside surface of the cladding layer. A second waveguide or circuit can then be patterned on the outer surface of the cladding and connected to the angled implantation and underlying waveguide. Multiple layers of waveguides or circuitry can be connected to each other in this manner.

Abstract: A transconductance amplifier generally limits its current output, and specifically decreases its current output as a function of temperature. The circuit is made up of an operational amplifier and two drive transistors that are connected to a first part of the amplifier circuit and a second part of the amplifier circuit respectively. The first part of the circuit is driven by positive input voltages, and the second part of the circuit is driven by negative input voltages. A transistor in each part of the circuit clamps a voltage, thereby limiting the current output. The negative temperature coefficient of the transistor also decreases the output current as the temperature of the circuit rises.

Abstract: An electromagnetic, liquid or gas cooled solenoid coil is constructed of an inner core formed by a simulated pole piece. The inner core has coolant feed ports that communicate with a surrounding perforated bobbin. A pair of ordinary electromagnetic wires is twisted around each other to form a helix, and the helix is wrapped around the perforated bobbin. Liquid or gas coolant is introduced into an opening in the core, flows through the ports into the bobbin, and then flows radially through the coil from the inside diameter of the coil to the outside diameter of the coil, thereby removing heat from the self-heating coil wire. In alternative embodiments, a supply manifold and receiver manifold are integrated into the solenoid coil.

Abstract: A system and method decreases the transmission of structure-borne noise by cooling fans to electronic components and structurally integrated enclosures for the electronic components. The system has a machined isolation plate that fits onto a rear plate on the structurally integrated enclosure. The cooling fans are fitted onto the opposite side of the isolation plate. Fitted between the isolation plate and the rear plate, and/or the isolation plate and the cooling fans are soft elastomeric isolators. These isolators dampen and prevent the transmission of structure-borne noise from the cooling fans to the electronic components and the structurally integrated enclosure. This dampening is advantageous on platforms in which stealth is desired, such as on submarines.

Abstract: A solid state thermal engine has two drums, each drum having two pulleys positioned thereon. Each pulley on the one drum is coupled to its counterpart pulley on the other drum via a belt, chain or other connector. One of the belts, referred to as the active belt, is heated which causes the active belt to expand. The expansion decreases the tension on the active belt, and further causes the active belt and the pulleys on which it is positioned to rotate. In a preferred embodiment, the active belt is manufactured out of a memory metal such as NITINOL. In another embodiment, a system of several drums and pulleys are used to implement a chain fall device.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods for providing time translation to a requester of information incorporating human factors. The requester initiates a request for information onto a computer network, typically the Internet. Time information contained in the request for information is extracted. A translation of the time according to human factors is compared to the time in a table of database records. A determination is made as to whether to include search results as meeting the requested time criteria. If the request is met, the results are displayed when all other required criteria are true.