Abstract: The invention relates to a device for managing battery packs from which it is powered by measuring and monitoring the operating capacity of individual battery modules in a battery pack. A programmable logic controller directs the selective closing of relays to allow individual battery modules to be load-tested using a variable discharge load unit, without compromising useful battery pack capacity. In a further embodiment, the invention can include, for each user, a network of battery management devices with two-way communications links to a central management location with computer based monitoring and control of all battery packs. In addition, a centre of expertise on battery technology is linked to the user networks.

Abstract: A personal identification instrument is comprised of a substrate, and carried on the substrate: a photograph and/or a personal signature, personal information relating to the legitimate holder of the instrument, and an encrypted machine readable security code carried by the instrument, the code being comprised of a combination of digitized personal information and a digitized descriptor of the photograph and/or personal signature.

Abstract: A method of providing broadband communication services to a subscriber comprised of providing first broadband services from a central office via an ATM link to a neighborhood pedestal system, providing time division multiplex (TDM) services including voice communication services from the central office via a TDM link to the neighborhood pedestal system, providing a SONET-ATM communication link from the neighborhood pedestal system over two unshielded pair of twisted wires to a user-to-network interface (UNI) at a subscriber location, and providing ATM services over the SONET-ATM communication link and providing integrated services digital network (ISDN) or voice services within a SONET-ATM data frame using timing of the SONET-ATM communication link, to the UNI, whereby ATM, ISDN and voice services are provided between the neighborhood pedestal system and the subscriber location over the unshielded wires.

Abstract: An implement for uprooting and removing bushes and small trees from pasture land. The device is adapted to be mounted on a tractor having a front end loader assembly and includes a transverse horizontal bar having tooth like projections along its leading edge. The teeth are long and reinforced for greater strength.Channels are defined by the teeth and shaped to provide narrow openings at the roots of the teeth to grasp small bushes. The wider mouth of each channel between teeth will accommodate larger stems or trunks. Brush is conveniently uprooted and transported by the tractor mounted device.

Abstract: A single chip display processor comprised of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) for storing at least one of graphics and video pixel data, a pixel data unit (PDU) for processing the pixel data, integrated in the same integrated circuit (IC) chip as the DRAM, the IC chip further comprising a massively parallel bus for transferring blocks of pixel data at the same time from the DRAM to the PDU, whereby the PDU can process the blocks of pixel data for subsequent display of processed pixel data.