Abstract: Adherent plastic notes, using static charged or conventional adhesive materials as the adherent mechanism, are provided which are more durable and smear-proof than conventional paper notes such as “post-its”. Holders and/or dispensers are also provided for convenient use of the plastic notes.

Abstract: A microcontroller is used to drive a piezoelectric transducer. Certain pins on the microcontroller are indicative of selection signals. The selector can be activated either by a user directly (e.g., by pushing buttons), by an offboard actuator (e.g., another microcontroller), or by any method known in the art for activating switches. In one embodiment, an output pin of the microcontroller acts as output for a high-low oscillator. The oscillation amplitude toggles between 0 and 5 volts in a square wave fashion. The output pin is coupled to the base of a bipolar junction transistor so that the transistor turns on and off as a switch in response to the high-low oscillations.

Abstract: The inventive cellular telephone includes a telephone for transmitting outgoing telephone call signals and receiving incoming telephone call signals and a transmitter for producing a wireless control signal to operate a remote device. The remote device may be a remote keyless entry system, a garage door opener, an estate gate opener, a home security system, a home lighting system, or some other system. To reduce cost, a single transmitter may produce both the control signal and the outgoing telephone call signals. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter may be programmed to reproduce one or more unique control signals to operate several remote devices.

Abstract: An process and method for monitoring and selectively controlling the discharge and suction pressures of a compressor within a transport unit is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention teaches the adjustment of the suction modulation valve, the compressor cylinder banks, and the engine speed solenoid in order to bring the operating compressor discharge and suction pressures within the design operating envelope.

Abstract: A roof vent for obstructing snow from entry into a vented space of a structure or dwelling. The vent has a cover, support, and base. The base is adapted to form a passageway which connects the vented space to the environment. A barrier is also provided which is located within the passageway. The barrier permits air movement but causes snow to accumulate thereon which prevents accumulation in the vented space.

Abstract: A vehicle display system includes a display which is selectively movable between a first position in which it is viewable by a driver and a second position in which it is viewable by the rear passengers but not the driver. In the first position, the display provides a rear view from a camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle. In the second position, the display provides entertainment to the passengers in the rear seats.

Abstract: A halogen light fixture that houses at least one halogen lamp and is mountable to a support surface. The fixture includes an elongated housing having opposing ends and an interior space in which the halogen light source located. The fixture is mounted to a surface by mounts that secure the fixture to the support surface. The mounts are also opposingly located on the housing and are adapted to releasably engage a plurality of locations on a surface of the housing which causes the housing to tilt is a predetermined manner thereby allowing light to be directionally positioned.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an internally threaded prevailing-torque type self-locking fastener which employs a patch of fused thermoplastic material as the locking element and which satisfies the functional torque requirements of both IFI 100/107 (1987) and IFI 101 (1987). In accordance with the present invention the fastener comprises a metal body having a bore extending to its opposing ends, the bore having a threaded surface; a patch of polymeric material applied and fused to a portion of the threaded surface; and the fastener meeting the prevailing-torque characteristics specified in both IFI 100/107 (1987) and IFI 101 (1987).

Abstract: A fixing device disposed on an opening of a guiding tube for fixing a heat sink on the opening is disclosed. The fixing device includes a circular rib and three elastic fixers. The circular rib is set around the opening for depositing the heat sink and sealing seams between the opening and the heat sink when the heat sink is assembled onto the opening. The first elastic fixer is set on the circular rib and has a first inclined plane for fixing the heat sink on the opening by pulsing the first inclined plane against the heat sink along a first direction. The second elastic fixer is set on the circular rib and has an indent for fixing the heat sink on the opening by locking the heat sink in the indent to prevent the heat sink from moving along a second direction. The third elastic fixer is set on the circular rib and has a contact structure for pushing the heat sink along a third direction. The first, second, and third directions are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A power converter for converting electrical power is provided. The power converter includes a first converting circuit. The first converting circuit has a switch assembly alternatively turning on and off for converting a direct current (DC) to a first alternating current (AC), a transformer coupled to the switch assembly for transforming the first alternating current to a second alternating current, a major switch coupled in parallel with the switch assembly and a first switch device, a boosting switch coupled in parallel with the switch assembly and a second switch device, and a first capacitor coupled in series with the boosting switch.

Abstract: In an apparatus containing rotating filter media that removes solids from a fluid stream, the invention provides devices and methods for improved cleaning of the filter media. Solids trapped on the filter media are removed by the application of a suction pressure that draws the filter media into contact with a backwash shoe. The backwash shoe has one or more orifice slots in a radially tapered or oblique angular configuration or in a combination of radially tapered and oblique angular configurations. The orifice slot configuration creates an hydraulic condition where the unit of orifice area applied per unit filter area has a generally uniform ratio across the rotating filter media. This configuration equalizes the distribution of the backwash flow over the filter area, thereby maintaining the filter media in a more uniformly clean and effective filtering condition.

Abstract: A computerized imaging system (such as CAT scan, MRI imaging, ultrasound imaging, infrared, X-ray, UV/visible light fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy or microwave imaging) is employed to sense the position of an endoscopic treatment system within the body of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides real-time computer control to maintain and adjust the position of the treatment system and/or the position of the patient relative to the treatment system; and also provides (if desired) real-time computer control of the operation of the treatment system itself. Other embodiments include scanning mechanisms for directing laser light or other radiation under controlled conditions at select locations within the body.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and method for activating and/or increasing the charge density of a polymer or polymer solution. Included is a reactor having a chamber capable of receiving and discharging polymer or polymer solution. The chamber may be configured in a vertical orientation. The chamber may also be torus or doughnut-shaped. A pulsar for imparting electrical energy to the solution in the reactor chamber is also provided. An inlet and an outlet which cooperate with the chamber to deliver and discharge the polymer solution may also be provided. The inlet may be located on the bottom of the chamber and the outlet may be located on the top of the chamber.

Abstract: A valve includes a fuel passageway and a vent passageway in a single unitary fitting. The valve is externally threaded to be threaded into a hole made in the cap of a fuel container. The fuel passageway includes nipples for attachment of conduits. The vent passageway includes an O-ring to receive a nozzle connected to the fuel passageway and used for conducting fuel from the container to a fuel tank.

Abstract: A process for annealing copper or copper-containing components, such as copper tubing, and/or for selecting copper with an appropriate grain size, such that potable water in contact with the properly treated and/or selected copper, has substantially decreased copper emissions, and may comply with ANSI/NSF 61. In one preferred embodiment, an ANSI/NSF 61 -compliant water cooler may be constructed using a storage tank with wrapped copper water tubing treated and/or selected in this manner. The storage tank is preferably designed from non-copper components.

Abstract: A tag line return that repositions a tag line to the base of an outrigger after release of a fishing line from the tag line. The return has a housing with internal guides which are adapted to urge the return upwardly when a fishing line is attached to the tag line and to slide downwardly when the fishing line is released.

Abstract: A computerized imaging system (such as CAT scan, MRI imaging, ultrasound imaging, infrared, X-ray, UV/visible light fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy or microwave imaging) is employed to sense the position of an endoscopic treatment system within the body of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides real-time computer control to maintain and adjust the position of the treatment system and/or the position of the patient relative to the treatment system; and also provides (if desired) real-time computer control of the operation of the treatment system itself. Other embodiments include scanning mechanisms for directing laser light or other radiation under controlled conditions at select locations within the body.

Abstract: An intelligent material unit formed of an intelligent gel encapsulated within an enclosure. When the gel is actuated by a change in temperature thereof, such as heat and/or by an externally applied field such as an electrical current, electric field, magnetic field, ultrasonic energy (or sonic), microwave energy, a laser beam or a combination thereof, at least a portion of the wall of the container or enclosure is deformed to perform a mechanical function or operation; such as to valve a fluid or cause movement of the container and gel through a fluid or in a passageway. The container may be a thin-skinned flexible plastic, such as an elastomer and may be elongated or sausage-like in shape, or strip-like. It may be free travelling, cantilever-supported or otherwise mounted or attached to a device, machine or element. It may also carry a drug for delivery therefrom at a select location and time.

Abstract: A mount for securing a firearm to a motorized platform. The mount includes first and second mounting brackets and first and second support arms having opposing ends. The first mounting bracket is adapted to be secured to the motorized platform. The end of the first arm is rotatably connected to the first bracket to form a first rotation point. The first and second support arms are also connected at the respective ends to form a second rotation point. A third rotation point is further formed by rotatably connecting the second mounting bracket to an end of the second support arm. The rotation points allow the firearm to be moved into a plurality of firing positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a carpet seam using a nozzle adapted to apply hot melted adhesive received from a hot glue gun to a carpet edge having vertical and horizontal edges. The nozzle has a body having a base adapted to be received by a hot glue gun and to receive adhesive from the glue gun. The body also includes a bore which terminates in an opening located on a first surface of the body. A second surface adjacent to the first surface is provided which is adapted to co-extensively engage the vertical and horizontal carpet edges and to apply adhesive to the vertical carpet edge of the carpet.