Abstract: The invention relates to techniques for implementing high-speed precoders, such as Tomlinson-Harashima (TH) precoders. In one aspect of the invention, look-ahead techniques are utilized to pipeline a TH precoder, resulting in a high-speed TH precoder. These techniques may be applied to pipeline various types of TH precoders, such as Finite Impulse Response (FIR) precoders and Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) precoders. In another aspect of the invention, parallel processing multiple non-pipelined TH precoders results in a high-speed parallel TH precoder design. Utilization of high-speed TH precoders may enable network providers to for example, operate 10 Gigabit Ethernet with copper cable rather than fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A router accessory having a housing with a router attaching portion for adjustable attachment to a router. The router accessory also comprises a plate for fixedly holding a work piece. The work piece support plate has a plurality of arms extending therefrom. There is also a plurality of track mechanisms attached to the housing. The arms are slidably attached to tile track mechanisms so that the plate with attached work piece can be guided in a desired path relative to the router bit. The track mechanisms can be constructed to guide the plate in only the x and y directions or in a preferred embodiment tile track mechanisms can have a varying height in the z direction for actively varying the spacing between the router and the work piece as the plate is slidably guided by the track mechanisms during routing. In this manner, cuts can be made in the work piece which have a contoured depth.

Abstract: A variable ratio transmission for an engine. The transmission comprises a planetary gear system having a planet ring with a plurality of planet gears rotatably connected thereto. The planetary gear system also comprises an outer drum gear and an inner sun gear. There is also a mechanism for providing a variable force against the drum gear so that the sun gear is driven by the engine with a variable ratio. The planet ring acts as an input driven by the engine and the sun gear acts as an output, such as to wheels. It should be appreciated that the input, output and providing mechanism, against the remaining gear, can be interchanged in a variety of ways to achieve the intended result of a variable transmission. Preferably, the providing mechanism provides a continuous variable force against the drum gear so that the transmission can provide a continuous variable ratio output. Thus the transmission can have an infinite number of gears ratios.

Abstract: The present invention is a beverage device. The beverage device comprises a beverage pack for adding flavor to a liquid, such as water. The beverage pack can be a tea bag but is not limited thereto. For instance, the beverage pack can also have coffee or mulling spices, as examples. The beverage device also comprises shield means for encapsulating the beverage pack within a bottom of a cup. The shield means is preferably connected to the beverage pack with a string. In one embodiment the shield means is collapsible from an open orientation to a closed orientation. In the open orientation the shield means provides flow channels for allowing the beverage pack to steep. In the closed orientation the flow channels are closed. Preferably the shield means comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is slidably connected to the second portion to allow the shield means to be moved from the open orientation to closed orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is a hot tub heater system. The hot tub heater system is comprised of a hot tub having water within. The hot tub heater system is also comprised of means for heating the water within the hot tub. The heating means comprises a hot water heater which heats a body of water within a tank and means for transferring heat from the water within the tank to the water of the hot tub without any intermixing. Preferably, the heat transferring means comprises a piping assembly which acts as a heat exchanger. The piping assembly can be a variety of different forms. The present invention allows a hot tub to be heated inexpensively with a domestic hot water heater.