Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic memory system having semipermanent memory storage, a memory device for rapid data transfer and temporary memory storage, and controller for monitoring and controlling writes to the semipermanent memory storage.

Abstract: An improved hand-held data terminal is provided. A sensing circuit senses the presence of rechargeable batteries. A rechargeable battery pack can be used in the hand-held data terminal. The battery pack can include a short circuit element. The short circuit element comes into contact with the hand-held data terminal when the rechargeable battery pack is assembled with the hand-held data terminal. The short circuit element, when in contact with the hand-held data terminal, serves to indicate the presence of the rechargeable battery pack and to thereby enable the recharging capabilities of the hand-held data terminal. A battery pack which does not contain the short circuit element cannot be recharged by the hand-held data terminal since the recharging circuit of the data terminal would remain in a disabled state. Further, the battery pack can be shaped asymmetrically so that it can only be assembled with the hand-held data terminal in an operational orientation.

Abstract: Heavily fluorinated sugar analogs of formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, CH.sub.2 OH, --CH.sub.2 --O-alkyl, --CH.sub.2 --O-aryl, --CH.sub.2 OPO.sub.3 H, --CH.sub.2 --O-carbohydrate, --CH.sub.2 --NH-peptide, or --CH.sub.2 --O-peptide;wherein R.sub.2 is selected from hydroxy, --O-carbohydrate, --NH-peptide, ##STR2## wherein R.sub.3 is selected from H, halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower haloalkyl, lower haloalkenyl, amino, mono- or di-lower alkylamino;wherein R.sub.4 is selected from amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, or halogen; andwherein R.sub.5 is H or amino. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as antiviral and antineoplastic agents and the compounds of formula (II) are useful as plant growth inhibitors and herbicides.

Abstract: A multi-function fastening apparatus for removably attaching an accessory device to a portable data collection terminal and for joining together two or more sections of the accessory device's housing. The multi-function fastening apparatus may include a seal or the like to provide environmental protection to the accessory device's internal electronic components.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a novel class of decarboxylase enzyme inhibitors consisting of .alpha.-oxiranyl amino acids and derivatives thereof and a method of synthesizing such compounds.

Abstract: A hauler for manipulating and transporting a bale of material is disclosed. The hauler includes a support frame comprising a pair of elongated, parallel, spaced apart members conjoined at a first end. A manipulating frame comprises a pair of parallel, elongated members spaced apart at a distance not greater than a diameter of the bale, and is disposed between the support frame. A transverse member connects the pair of elongated manipulating frame members. A linkage having first and second pivot points is disposed near the first end of the support frame and is pivotally coupled to the manipulating frame at the first pivot point and pivotally coupled to the support frame at the second pivot point. An actuator is coupled between the support frame and the transverse member and is configured to raise or lower the manipulating frame with respect to the support frame such that the bale may be loaded onto or unloaded from the manipulating frame, and transported when the manipulating frame is in a raised position.

Abstract: A hand-held portable data collection system having an optical control link is described. A reflective sensor detects the actuation of a trigger by sensing when a cantilevered extension member of the trigger interposes the operational range of the sensor upon actuation of the trigger. The optical control link of the present invention may be utilized to provide a data communications link between a hand-held portable data terminal and a docking apparatus. The optical control link of the present invention may be further utilized as an optical character reader to read optically readable data files such as bar codes.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes photosensitive arrays for decoding optically readable portable data files. The invention accomplishes focusing, controlling image exposure, capturing data files, and processing information contained within optically readable portable data files.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for liquefaction of starch derived from cereal grain. A single-screw extruder is utilized to gelatinize a starch substrate providing significant advantage over prior art jet steam cookers. Liquefaction of the gelatinized starch substrate is completed by post-extrusion bioreaction of the starch with a static-mixer reactor. An alpha-amylase enzyme is utilized to facilitate the liquefaction process. The Liquefacted starch substrate is heated after bioreaction to achieve complete digestion of remaining starch inclusions. Liquefacted starch substrates utilizing the disclosed process significantly reduce the amount of energy required in the conversion of starch to fermentable sugars in the production of ethanol.

Abstract: A portable hand-held data terminal having a curvilinear cross-sectional keypad capable of operation by one hand. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention the keys may extend to various heights above the keypad depending on their function. For example, a scan trigger key may extend the farthest from the terminal, numeric keys may extend the next farthest, and alphabetic keys may extend the least. The data terminal may also provide a quick release pistol grip to terminal attachment which utilizes, in an exemplary embodiment, a pair of removably receivable compressible O-rings, a pair of removably receivable guides, and a lever-type latch mechanism. The invention may also provide an interface between the pistol grip assembly's trigger mechanism and the data terminal which does not require that the housing of the data terminal be pierced.

Abstract: A hand-held optically readable information set reader includes a user supported information set reader for reading information sets at distances from the reader within a certain operative range. The reader includes a plurality of optically readable information set sensors that generate an output signal according to an image of an information set incident thereon. The information set image is captured and sent to a processor, and at least a portion of the output signal generated by information set sensors is stored in memory during a reading operation wherein a first portion of the output signal is assembled with a second portion of the output signal such that the information set is thereby read.

Abstract: A universal recharging and data communication apparatus for electrically and communicatively connecting a hand-held or portable data terminal with a data terminal docking unit comprises mating modules for electrical coupling and data or signal communication. The design of data terminals and docking stations is simplified and the need for a specialized or customized arrangement for the electrical and data communication interface is eliminated by providing the necessary electrical and data links together. In a preferred embodiment, the data communication is provided by a plurality of pins and mating contacts whereby a moveable housing protects the pins when a data terminal is not in the data terminal dock.

Abstract: A pickup tent which may be removably mounted to a bed of a pickup truck comprising a removable mounting frame including frame sections removably attached to the top surfaces of the front and sidewalls of the pickup truck bed, a generally rigid cover disposed over the pickup truck bed and hinged to the front wall frame section so that the cover pivots vertically about the hinge. The cover can then be extended from a closed position flush with the top surfaces of the sidewalls of the bed to an erected position forming an angle to the top surfaces the bed sidewalls. When the cover is in the open position, a fabric tent enclosure is extended from the bottom surface of the cover to the bed of the pickup truck. A pair of support rods which are pivotally mounted between the bottom surface of the cover and each sidewall frame section support the cover in the open position. These support rods pivot and collapse as the cover is rotated to the closed position.

Abstract: A railroad crossing traffic warning system for alerting a motorist approaching a railroad crossing to the presence of an oncoming train. The system comprises a series of magnetometer sensor probes buried in the right-of way adjacent to a railroad track at predetermined distances from the railroad crossing. These sensors provide a signal to a controller unit when the presence of a train is sensed. The controller unit first determines the speed at which the oncoming train is traveling and the time it will take for the train to reach the crossing and then activates an improved warning apparatus at a predetermined amount of time before the train reaches the crossing.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held data terminal of modular structure includes a base module with a keyboard and a display screen. A data collection and communications module includes a stacked arrangement of a communications interface main circuit board, a radio and a laser scanner assembly which are housed in a housing shell which is attachable to the base module. The radio is mounted in spaced relationship to one side of the main circuit board, while the laser scanner assembly is mounted to the other side of the main circuit board. A support frame and a plurality of ground planes in the sandwiched main circuit board and a routing circuit board form an RF cage for shielding RF interference which may be generated by the radio. Also disclosed is a method for reducing the operational power consumption requirements of laser bar code scanners by analyzing reflected laser light in order to determine the presence of optically readable information sets.

Abstract: A blind setting rivet assembly capable of permanently fastening one or more sheet metal work pieces or the like together is disclosed. The rivet assembly may be self tapping and may also provide a hollow cylindrical threaded bolt head onto which a nut may be affixed to provide a means to removably attach other work pieces, components or the like. The rivet assembly comprises a rivet body having a hollow tubular sleeve and an enlarged flattened head. The rivet body surrounds a mandrel which may have a weakened area of reduced diameter to allow detachment of the mandrel shaft following application of sufficient axial force to the shank. This application of force sets the rivet by causing a tapered shoulder section of the mandrel to deform the rivet sleeve. The mandrel shank may be terminated in a screw tip. This screw tip punctures, spreads, and self-taps an aperture in the work pieces through which the rivet sleeve passes.

Abstract: A vegetatively reproduced buffalograss cultivar, named `DDBGI`, is distinguished by its low growth habit, medium light green color, high density, excellent vigor, heat and drought tolerance, adaptation in the South, and low maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A vegetatively reproduced buffalograss cultivar named `NE86-120` is distinguished from other commercially produced buffalograss varieties by its excellent turfgrass color, cold tolerance, high density, dark green color, low growth habit, and rate of establishment. `NE86-120` is also distinguished from other varieties by molecular markers and nuclear DNA content. `NE86-120` is suitable for use in low to medium maintenance situations in arid and semi-arid climates of United States and Canada.

Abstract: A vegetatively reproduced buffalograss cultivar named NE86-61 is distinguished from other commercially produced buffalograss varieties by its excellent turfgrass color, cold tolerance, high density, dark green color, low growth habit, and rate of establishment. NE86-61 is also distinguished from other varieties by molecular markers and nuclear DNA content. NE86-61 is suitable for use in low to medium maintenance situations in arid and semi-arid climates of United States and Canada.