Abstract: A device which rectifies and regulates high voltage alternating current without the use of transformers, large capacitive coupling circuits or high voltage linear regulators. The device includes a rectifier, a control circuit for sensing the output voltage of the rectifier and switching on and off the input power, a storage capacitor and a low voltage linear regulator. The control circuit, which incorporates a voltage sensing circuit and a switch, limits the output voltage of the rectifier as seen by the linear regulator.

Abstract: A loop-current regulator for protecting terminal telephone equipment coupled to telephone lines from high telephone line loop-current. The loop-current regulator has a current regulator for protecting the terminal telephone equipment from excess power generated by current signals which pass through the telephone lines to the terminal telephone equipment. A signal network circuit is coupled to the current regulator for providing an alternating current (AC) path for AC signals to pass by the current regulator while minimizing attenuation of the AC signals. A bridge rectifier circuit is coupled to the current regulator, the signal network circuit, and the telephone lines for allowing the current signals to pass in only a single direction through the current regulator and the signal network circuit regardless of the polarity of the telephone lines.

Abstract: A pinspotter controller system, and a method therefore, is disclosed which provides improved functional characteristics over old pinspotter control systems. The heart of the pinspotter control system is an all solid state pinspotter controller chassis which can be coupled to a pinspotter for controlling the operation of the pinspotter. The all solid state pinspotter controller provides circuitry for executing a short strike cycle; for cutting power to a back end motor to conserve energy; and for coupling to a remote control console. The solid state pinspotter controller retains status and position data for the pinspotter during power interruptions. The combination also replaces the current AMF 8270 chassis, contains a buffering mechanism to prevent false operation, and contains a new communication module. The new combination disclosed here has improved backend control through the use of a microprocessor, reduced wiring, positive management and control, and improved braking when operating at 230 Volts AC.

Abstract: A high-speed sluice assembly and method for transporting semiconductor devices includes a slide along which the semiconductor devices are transported and two independently controlled stoppers which control the transport of the semiconductor devices along the slide. Each of the independently controlled stoppers is connected to a separate actuator. Each of the actuators is also independently controlled. Several sensors are coupled to the slide to determine the position of the semiconductor devices as they are transported along the slide.

Abstract: A system and method which uses statistical analysis of college football games to predict an outcome is comprised of a unique combination of objective, quantitative factors. The system and method accounts for when in the college football season the contest takes place and uses varying sets of objective parameters based on the season game number. The system and method may be implemented on a variety of processing platforms which allows for rapid analysis of multiple contests.

Abstract: A storage, admixing, and dispensing system is shown. The storage, admixing, and dispensing system has a first vessel for retaining a first substance. A support structure is coupled to and seals the first vessel, and a second vessel is coupled to the support structure for containing a second substance. A release mechanism is coupled to the support structure for releasing the second vessel from the support structure for combining the first substance with the second substance. The second vessel is internal to and retained within the first vessel. The release mechanism comprises a resilient material pushbutton which also seals the second vessel. The second vessel is also an agitator for combining the first substance and the second substance. Additionally, the first vessel is a dispensing apparatus for dispensing the admixture. Further included is a safety mechanism coupled to the resilient material pushbutton for preventing accidental operation of the release mechanism.

Abstract: A base plater or a vacuum deposition apparatus 24 having individually and selectively controlled work holders 10 and a capactively coupled crystal monitor 26. A flipping control mechanism 31 individually and selectively controls flipping of each of the work holders 10 by selectively engaging a flip lever 32 to a flip gear 14 of each work holder 10. The flipping control mechanism 31 allows individual and selective rotation of the work holders 10 to plating and non-plating positions for particular plating processes or runs. Rings 28, 36, 40, and 42 are used to provide a generally open central area 60 that is generally free from obstructions that may adversely affect the plating process and/or the surface or components of the base plater apparatus 24. A crystal monitor 26 is mounted to rotational ring 28 which is in the same rotational plane and periphery of the work holders 10.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of H-bridge electrical switching devices that drive a capacitive load such as electroluminescent lamps, liquid crystal devices and piezoelectric transducers. The method provides for discharge steps that first discharge the capacitive load to a difference in voltage potential of zero (0) volts before re-charging from the opposite side. By implementing the method, the DC power supply will only be required to charge the capacitive load from zero (0) volts to +Vcs volts, rather than +Vcs volts to -Vcs volts as in prior art. With less energy required from the DC power supply to accomplish the same result, a more efficient switching network is achieved.

Abstract: An integrated operational amplifier device has an operational amplifier device, and means connected to the operational amplifier device for providing at least one of a positive and a negative electrically adjustable input offset voltages. The system further comprises semiconductor device means for affecting the amount of input offset voltage supplied to the operational amplifier device. The system further comprises charge storage device means for storing a charge for maintaining a constant input offset voltage for controlling the operation of the semiconductor device means. The charge storage device means, the semiconductor device means, and the operational amplifier device are a monolithic integrated circuit.

Abstract: A swimming pool drowning prevention safety system. The swimming pool drowning prevention safety system comprises: an article wearable by a person, a radio frequency transmitting device coupled to the article for transmitting a radio frequency signal, a microprocessor controlled radio frequency receiving station for receiving the radio frequency signal from the radio frequency transmitting device when the radio frequency transmitting device is within a user adjustable radio reception range of the radio frequency receiving station, and an alert signaling device coupled to the radio frequency receiving station for signaling when the person wearing the article has come within the user adjustable radio reception range of the radio frequency receiving station.

Abstract: An activity sensor monitors a microprocessor based system for a change in a logic state. In response to the change, the activity sensor provides a reset timer pulse to a delay timer circuit. The delay timer is a counter that stores a signal representation of the number of timing pulses provided by a timing clock. In response to the timer reset signal, the delay timer is reset. When the timer reset pulse is not provided for a predetermined interval, the delay timer generates a timeout pulse that causes a reduction in the frequency of a system clock.

Abstract: A combination coffee table and ottoman and method, in which four quadrant-shaped ottomans may be selectively deployed as individual combination ottoman/coffee tables or positioned adjacently to form a single combination ottoman/coffee table.

Abstract: A section of the rotor of an electric motor includes a Neodymium plastic bonded magnetic material annulus having a plurality of permanent magnets having magnetic poles alternately disposed thereon and pressed onto the periphery of a plastic disc. The annulus is magnetized to provide thirty six evenly spaced similar permanent magnets with their north and south poles alternately disposed along the periphery of the rotor section. Five rotor sections are provided to provide the rotor. Each rotor section is coaxially connected to the shaft of the electric motor. A stator of the electric motor preferably has five stator sections with each having thirty two stator coils that each have one end proximal to the periphery of the annulus. Each stator of the electric motor is disposed about a corresponding rotor section and separated therefrom by an air gap.

Abstract: An unused hanger indicator system. The unused hanger indicator system, comprises; a structural support point, a hanger suspended from the structural support point and adapted to receive an article, and a weight coupled to the hanger wherein the weight is coupled to the hanger at a point distant from a center of gravity of the hanger. The affect of the weight coupled to the hanger at a point distant from the center of gravity is to cause an end of a hanger so equipped with the weight to tilt the end of the hanger opposite from the weighted end up when the hanger is not constrained to remain level due to the mass of an article hung upon the hanger.

Abstract: A single unit surgical fastener and system and method for repairing torn meniscus tissue in an arthroscopic, all-inside procedure. The desired length of the single unit surgical fastener is first determined by measuring the distance from the interior of the meniscus across the tear and across the joint capsule, and then a single unit surgical fastener of desired length is then inserted across the tear in one or more places through a curved, slotted cannula.