Abstract: A system and/or method for controlling a display array without the use of row and column drivers. The display elements within the system are configured to maintain an active address signal in response to a received signal containing serially encoded display settings. Each display element is loaded with an address of where it is located within the array. The display elements then extract the display information from the signal upon matching the address, wherein they output the correct display setting for their position within the array. An optical programming method is described for setting the address of the display elements in-situ.

Abstract: An apparatus for rewritably labeling data media, such as compact disks CDs, DVDs, or other forms of media. The media may be programmed within a player/recorder device adapted for programming the state of the electronic ink material on the media. Labels on the media may be rewritten at any time without the need to remove a prior label. A small handheld label printing device is also described for writing the labels. Numerous other display embodiments particularly suited to electronic ink, and various embodiments of LED array control.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-collision system and method for is disclosed which provides drivers with additional time in which to react to significant roadway events which often precede accidents. The simplest implementation of the system and method (Phase I) employs a brake pedal mounted sensor packet for determining how hard a driver is braking. Hard braking information is relayed to approaching drivers by means of the reverse lights of the vehicle. Additional implementation phases (II through IV) are described wherein event information is communicated between vehicles over a communications link. Furthermore, additional vehicle information, such as an impact, swerving, emergency light activation, and roadway hazards may be communicated to approaching drivers by the communications link whereby drivers need not see the vehicle that has slammed on its brakes, or otherwise has created or responded to an event, in order to avoid an accident.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tracking aircraft wingtip position during taxi operations to prevent wingtip ground incursion. A patterned illumination source is attached proximal the wingtips to project a readily discernable target pattern in the direction of taxi travel. At least a portion of the target pattern is reflected off of any obstructions that lie in the straight-line direction of travel, such that the pilot can maneuver to avoid striking the obstruction. By way of example, the patterned illumination source comprises a laser module positioned with the navigation and/or strobe light of the aircraft. The device may be retrofitted to existing aircraft without additional wiring with the control of activation being selectable via power cycling of existing aircraft lighting controls. One aspect of the invention provides a tip tracking module bulb that may be retrofitted into existing light sockets to simplify system installation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for controlling aspects of a users life to provide additional safety, efficiency, and comfort. A clock is described allowing a user to readily track the time spent according to a plurality of tasks, and switch between tasks with a single action. A tweezers is described which provides user feedback on the interposition of objects within the head and which can optionally be configured to provide automatic tweezing. A belt buckle is described which contains an expanding element for use with non-stretchy belt material, such as forms of leather. A necktie is described which increases user safety by including one or more tension release joints to allow the tie easily break apart and separate from the neck of the wearer in response to a sufficient tension force.

Abstract: Combustion rate adjustable firelogs and methods of manufacturing are described. One aspect of the present invention are firelogs manufactured with an integral combustion shield for covering a portion of the surface area of the firelog that may be selectively utilized to set the duration and burning rate as the manufactured firelog is consumed during the fire. By way of example and not of limitation, the integral combustion shield is made of a thin flame resistant or non-flammable material, such as aluminum, which covers a portion of the firelog to control the combustion rate. Another aspect of the invention is the adaptation of wrapped firelogs so that they may be easily divided while retaining wrapper portions thereupon. Another aspect of the invention is the adaptation of the shapes of the firelogs so that they may be utilized either separately or in combination with one another.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant garment and method of producing same. A garment that is highly ventilated while providing abrasion protection for a wearer during a slide, as for instance that may occur during a fall from a motorcycle. A material is produced wherein abrasion-resistant, low sliding friction, beads are held within a matrix of high-tensile strength, abrasion-resistant, cords. The beaded matrix within the garment can be augmented with layers to form a lining and exterior layers to enhance visibility. The force of a sliding rider is retained over the beaded matrix, away from the road surface. Under abrasive sliding friction, the beads additionally rotate to an extent which tightens the cord matrix and thereby helps constrain the skin surface of the wearer from making contact with the roadway surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tracking aircraft wingtip position during taxi operations to prevent collisions with nearby obstructions. A patterned illumination source is attached proximal the wingtips to project a readily discernable target pattern in the direction of taxi travel. At least a portion of the target pattern is reflected off of any obstructions that lie in the straight-line direction of travel, such that the pilot can maneuver to avoid striking the obstruction. By way of example, the patterned illumination source comprises a laser module positioned with the navigation and/or strobe light of the aircraft that is configured to project a circular pattern in front of the wingtip. The device may be retrofitted to existing aircraft without additional wiring with the control of activation being selectable via power cycling of existing aircraft lighting controls.

Abstract: Educational display boards are in widespread use—from classrooms to boardrooms. A display board is a thin substantially planar material imprinted with graphics and text that often conveys a relationship between elements. The present invention is specifically a design for interactive educational display boards upon which users interact by touching one contact associated with a term corresponding to a question, and one or more terms corresponding to an answer selection. User bodily resistance is sensed by the circuit as user input; to which the interactive display board responds with a variety of audio tunes and tones in relation to these user choices.

Abstract: An audio signaling device designed for mounting on spring-loaded rodent traps. The device audibly signals when its associated trap has been triggered. Upon reliable detection of triggering, an audio signal is emitted as an initial audio tone sequence followed by an audio beacon mode; wherein operation alternates between long periods of very low-power silent operation and short audio tone sequences. The device may be reliably attached to traps of various sizes and designs, while the power provided by the battery powers it for extended periods. Additionally the signaling device can be programmed to generate unique audio tunes while being easily manufactured from low-cost parts.