Abstract: A product storage and dispensing assembly includes first and second tracks that are each capable of holding a row of product to be fed in a direction. A longitudinal engagement element is disposed adjacent a side of the first track and rows of detachably engagable longitudinal complemental engagement elements are disposed adjacent a side of the second track. The rows of the second track are different points of engagement for the engagement element of the first track, which allows the width of the second track to be adjusted as needed for allowing it to accommodate product of varying width.

Abstract: Mach-Zehnder modulator with index tuned multimode interference couplers comprising a substrate, an optical input waveguide on the substrate for receiving a light signal, and an input multimode interference coupler. The input multimode interference coupler splits the received light and propagates it down two separate waveguides. Also, the input multimode interference coupler contains electrodes that allow the index of refraction to be tuned. These waveguides contain phase shift regions so that the light signals can be combined at the output multimode interference coupler out of phase. This allows the modulation of the light signal. Also, the output multimode interference coupler contains electrodes that allow the index of refraction to be tuned. The modulated light signal is then outputted through an output waveguide. The tuning of the index of refraction for the input and output multimode interference couplers eliminates the sensitivity of the areas to variations in their geometry.

Abstract: A method for forming a low dielectric constant insulator in a monolithic substrate and the dielectric formed by the method. The method includes formation and patterning of a mask on a silicon substrate followed by anisotropic etching of the silicon to provide a dense array of deep holes. Isotropic etching may be used to form a cavity beneath the dense array of holes and coupling to bottoms of the holes. Sides of the holes are then thermally oxidized. A conventional dielectric is then formed, sealing tops of the holes. The conventional dielectric is optionally densified. Conventional chemical-mechanical polishing then planarizes the dielectric and further conventional processing may be carried out on the wafer to form active circuitry together with passive components such as high Q inductors.

Abstract: A semiconductor device (10) includes a semiconductor die (14) having first and second circuit regions (30, 32) formed on a first surface (24). The semiconductor die is housed in a semiconductor package (20) whose lid (40) is formed with a projection (67) that electrically contacts the first surface of the semiconductor die to shield the first circuit region from the second circuit region. Also, inactive components, such as a capacitor can be formed in lid (40).

Abstract: An electronic game enhancement system including an electronic game stored in game memory, an electronic game device for accessing and playing the electronic game, an electronic component stored in the memory of a memory device for enhancing the electronic game, a consumer instrument associated with the memory device, and a data transfer system associated with the electronic game device and the memory device for facilitating a transfer of the electronic component from the memory of the memory device to the game memory for enhancing the functionality of the electronic game.

Abstract: In a firearm having a trigger assembly with a trigger nose, a hammer with a sear hook and a trigger notch, a disconnector and an automatic sear, an improvement including a notched bifurcating the sear hook of the hammer for receiving the disconnector in a past-cocked position. Further improvements include the trigger notch being offset rearwardly from a center of the pivot point resulting in a slightly changed angle away from an acute engagement angle with the trigger nose.

Abstract: A segmented-mirror vertical cavity surface emitting laser includes an active portion with an active region having at least one quantum well and a lateral dimension. A first mirror stack is positioned on a first opposed major surface of the active portion and extends laterally beyond the lateral dimension of the active region. A second mirror stack is positioned on the opposed major surface and extends laterally beyond the lateral dimension of the active region. The second mirror stack is segmented into two or more zones. In the case where there are two zones, in the first zone there would be a first reflectivity and a first thermal impedance, and in the second zone there would be a second reflectivity lower than the first reflectivity and a second thermal impedance lower than the first thermal impedance.

Abstract: A system comprising an individual subscriber unit for collecting golf game data during a game of golf, and a computer for receiving the golf game data from the individual subscriber unit after the game of golf and for generating a report of the golf game data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable glove for use in sexual exercises to promote increased pleasure and guard against sexually transmitted diseases. The glove is fabricated of a thin, highly flexible material such as latex, and lubricant is applied to the glove. Ridges, knobs or other protrusions or texturing are formed on the glove for added tactile sensation. The glove is contained in a sealed package to preserve the lubricant and for ease in use and convenience.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of vascular neuromuscular blockade including percutaneous delivery of a quantity of neurotransmitter inhibiting agent to an affected region of a vessel.

Abstract: A trigger circuit including a light source supplying a first beam of light having a first frequency, a frequency altering device positionable to receive the first beam of light. The frequency altering device receiving the first beam of light and transmitting a second beam of light having a second frequency. A frequency sensitive component operable in response to the second beam of light having the second frequency, the frequency sensitive component being positioned to receive the second beam of light and provide a trigger signal. A transmitter transmits an initiation signal upon receipt of the trigger signal, and a remote receiver receives the initiation signal and triggers the remote system.

Abstract: A wax material and buffing element for use in buffingly applying a working amount of the wax material to a surface of a nail is disclosed. The wax material includes a hard wax component, a solvent component and an emulsifier component. The solvent has a high fugacity and flashes out in a buffing application of the wax material to the surface of a nail, leaving a very strong and rugged coating of wax upon the surface of the nail.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chassis having opposing major faces and an opening. The chassis is approximately the size of a commercial card, namely, a bankcard such as a credit card or a debit card, which are ubiquitous in modern society. A magnifying lens is disposed at the opening. The chassis carries a switch and a light. The light is capable of being actuated in response to actuation of the switch and is disposed so that it is capable of directing light away from the chassis so that objects can be magnified and illuminated.

Abstract: An automatic fluid dispenser includes a pump mechanism actuated by the movement of a piston between a first position and a second position. The piston includes a resilient diaphragm that separates a pump chamber from a pressurized fluid chamber. An inlet check valve in the pump chamber, biased into a closed position, allows fluid flow only into the pump chamber from a fluid source, and an outlet check valve allows fluid flow only out of the pump chamber. A valve in a conduit, coupling the pressurized fluid chamber to a pressurized fluid source, is movable between an open position in which the pressurized fluid moves the piston to the second position, dispensing fluid from the fluid chamber, and a closed position in which the pressurized fluid is bled from the pressurized fluid chamber and the piston returns to the first position, thereby drawing additional fluid into the fluid chamber.

Abstract: Personal defense apparatus including a receptacle containing a quantity of a defensive composition, an attached nozzle for directing a flow of the defensive composition from the receptacle through an opening, and attached ornamentation disguising the receptacle and the nozzle and that does not interfere with the flow of the defensive composition from the receptacle through the nozzle.

Abstract: A box lintel includes an elongated, hollow metal form with a lower wall, integrally formed side walls extending upwardly therefrom, and integrally formed partial upper walls extending inwardly from the side walls. A method of fabricating a box lintel is also disclosed which includes the steps of providing an elongated flat sheet of metal and bending the flat sheet of metal into a hollow metal form with a lower wall, integrally formed side walls extending upwardly therefrom, and integrally formed partial upper walls extending inwardly from the side walls. The form is adapted to be positioned on upright masonry supports so as to span an opening and to be filled with grout/mortar and to receive one or more courses of masonry bricks on the upper walls.

Abstract: Variable clutching seat recliner apparatus includes a drum coupled to a seat back, a band wrapped about the drum inhibiting rotation thereof, a tightening mechanism coupled to opposed ends of the band such that a force applied to the seat back in either of two opposing directions produces a tension in the band adjacent either end and a corresponding loosening of the band adjacent the other end. The tightening mechanism includes a lever pivotable about a fixed pivot point to convert a portion of the tension to reduce the loosening, and a variable control mechanism positioned proximate the lever for limiting pivotal movement of the lever.

Abstract: A bicycle including a frame having front forks and an attached rear wheel, a front wheel, a ski, an attachment assembly disposed on the ski and another attachment assembly disposed on the frame, wherein the frame is adjustable between a wheeled condition including the front wheel attached to the front forks and the ski attached to the other attachment assembly and a skied condition including the attachment assembly attached to the front forks and the rear wheel.

Abstract: A test kit for testing substrates for soluble salts including a test sleeve, a pre-measured volume of solvent solution, and a soluble salt measuring device. The test sleeve includes a generally tubular body with a closed end and an open end. The open end includes a flange defining an aperture, and an attachment member coupled to the flange for removably securing the testing sleeve to a substrate.