Abstract: A flexible tactile sensor, comprising a flexible distributed array of force sensors that generate electric signals in response to an applied load, a flexible, electrically-insulating matrix having outer faces, one face against the array of force sensors, and a plurality of spaced electrically conductive pathways through the matrix between its faces, with insulating matrix material between the pathways, to carry the electric signals generated by the force sensors to the other face of the matrix.

Abstract: A pigtail lighted ornament with a blown glass ornament body, a pigtail electrical cord, a light electrically coupled to one end of the cord, a pigtail electrical connector at the other end of the cord, for connection to a receiving socket, for supplying power to the light, a first opening in the ornament body through which the cord passes, a second opening defined in the ornament body, and a soft grommet seated in the second opening and defining a seat in which the light is held so that the light is held securely, but removably coupled to the outside of the ornament body, and to allow the pigtail electrical connector to be plugged into a pigtail-style light strand.

Abstract: An improved handle for a lacrosse stick generally comprising a rigid elongated member, having a length and a longitudinal axis, comprising a plurality of ridges and trenches which extend along substantially the entire length of the elongated member and which are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A circular cut-off saw blade with a circular body having a peripheral edge, a plurality of curved slots spaced along the peripheral edge, each slot having an open outer end connecting with the peripheral edge, and defined by essentially parallel, continuously-curved sidewalls leading away from the peripheral edge, and cutting segments fixed to the peripheral edge between each pair of adjacent slots.

Abstract: A system or method for electronically simulating fabrics to assist in grading yarn and fabric qualities, in which the diameter or other qualities of one or more yarn samples along the total length of the samples is measured, and representations of the measured yarn qualities are evaluated in a fabric pattern to assist evaluation of the effects of the yarn quality variations on fabric which potentially would be produced from the sampled yarn.

Abstract: MEMS-Integrated IMUs are possible based on a common substrate that provides a common oscillatory drive for the operation of the gyroscopes and accelerometers. The common substrate becomes the stable member utilized in conventional IMUs. The advantages of the embodiments are smallest size, flexibility in how IMUs are configured, reduced electronics and a single package. MEMS integration also reduces uncertainties due to separately developed instruments based on different fabrication processes, materials, assembly and alignment.

Abstract: A method for secure, electronic, distributed voting using existing automated teller machines (ATMs), comprising issuing each voter an access card that can be read by an ATM and a personal identification number (PIN); enabling the ATMs to read access cards and accept PINs; in response to the reading of an access card and appropriate PIN entry, displaying at the ATM information relating to the vote to be cast; allowing the user to cast votes using one or more ATM functions; identifying a particular ATM function as an indication of finalization of the vote; and in response, automatically tallying the finalized vote.

Abstract: A photobooth/e-mail center for taking a digitized photographic image of a user at a first station and retrieving and electronically displaying the digitized photographic image at a second station comprising: one or more first stations, comprising, a unit for taking the digitized photograph of the user; a first display for displaying the digitized photograph; a generator for generating a code corresponding to the digitized photographic image; printer for printing and delivering a hardcopy of the photograph to the user at the first station; and a circuit for transmitting the digitized photograph and the code to a first database residing in one or more second stations; the second station, comprising, an input circuit for electronically entering the code; a circuit for retrieving the stored digitized photograph from the first database in response to the input circuit for electronically entering the code; a receiver for receiving and storing the digitized photograph in response to the circuit for retrieving the st

Abstract: A current-modulation method of transmitting high voltage direct current (HVDC) power over a transmission system comprising at least three conductors, wherein each conductor has a nominal thermal limit to its current-carrying capacity. The method involves transmitting DC current over at least one conductor at a level which can exceed each such conductor's nominal thermally-limited current-carrying capacity, returning the transmitted current over a quantity of conductors greater than the quantity used to transmit at the higher level, so that each return current is less than the transmitted current, and periodically switching the current level in the conductors so as to rotate the higher level current among at least two of the conductors, such that, over time, the resistance heating of the conductors does not exceed any conductors' thermal limit.

Abstract: A removable tab for gaining control of an object, having a predefined weight, that generally comprises: at least one sheet of polymeric film, wherein an opening is provided through the sheet, wherein the film is of a size, thickness and tensile strength that are adapted to support the weight of the object; and an adhesive provided on at least one surface of the sheet of polymeric film having an adhesive strength adapted to enable said adhesive to adhere to and to support or carry the weight of the object and yet still enable the sheet to be peeled from the object without damaging the object; and a method for using the same.

Abstract: Surface textures embossed in a substrate such as plastic include surface depressions or cones having equally-spaced, reflective terraced steps to support coherent reflections of incident light. A desired color or bandwidth of coherent reflected light off the terraced steps is produced by adjusting the index of refraction of a material in communication with the terraced steps of the substrate. Preferably, the index of refraction of each zone of terraced steps is controlled based on an applied electric field. Accordingly, light reflected from a plurality of controlled zones can be used to produce an image for an observer.

Abstract: An electrical connector for separably, electrically interconnecting an electrical device to a main circuit board using anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) as part of the interconnect, the electrical connector comprising an adapter board coupled to the main board on one side, the other side of the adapter board defining connecting lands; a layer of ACE on the other side of the adapter board, the other side of the ACE in contact with the device; and a mechanical compression structure coupled to the adapter board, and that provides a compressive load on the device, the ACE and the adapter board, to accomplish a separable electrical connection between the device and the main board, through the ACE and the adapter board.

Abstract: The planarization of inductive components by reducing standard coiled designs to single turn, open ended designs from which the required parameters are obtained by scaling the length. Single turn designs having magnetic material encircling the conductors along their full length enable the thinnest form. The single turn, open ended form also enables the inductive component to be routed according to any shape in the plane or on any conformal surface. The single turn inductors do not need to coil hence there is no overlap necessary in the plane. The planar form allows integration of inductive components with integrated circuits. These inductive components can be embedded in other materials. They can also be fabricated directly onto parts.

Abstract: A toy which emits sounds as it is moved, comprising: a toy body; and a plurality of mechanically-operated sound tubes carried within the toy body, each sound tube including a sliding whistle which moves along the tube by the force of gravity, and each sound tube lying along a longitudinal axis, in which the axes are transverse to one another, so that the sound tubes emit sound when the toy is moved along various axes.

Abstract: A modular skate park system comprising one or more platform portions, and one or more ramp members. The ramp members are connectable to the platform portions, and the platform portions can be connected to one another along their edges to accomplish an enlarged platform with one or more ramps providing access to the platform.

Abstract: A universal printed circuit board fixture for a flying probe test machine that has opposed clamps, comprising a pair of members, at least one such member being movable relative to the other member, the members defining protruding portions that are adapted to be held in the opposed clamps of a flying probe test machine, and one or more engagement structures carried by each member, each such engagement structure adapted to be coupled to a portion of a printed circuit board. One or more of such engagement structures are adjustable along the length of a member, to allow the accommodation of boards of different size and shape.