Abstract: A system for conducting electronic commerce comprising at least one client computer system, a vendor computer system and a merchant computer system, interconnected via the communication link. The client computer and the vendor computer system are configured to establishing a secure link communication between the client computer system and the vendor computer system and transmit transaction information between the client and vendor computer systems enabling a user at the client computer system to select and purchase, via the vendor computer system, items listed in at least the merchant computer systems by one or more merchants.

Abstract: A high speed ramp generator is presented. The high speed ramp generator is advantageous over the prior art because it provides a ramp response without the delay incident with a simple integrator approach. A closed loop system generates a continuous ramp and, in an open loop manner, subtracts a mirror of the current ramp from itself. A switch is provided which when open, triggers an immediate current ramp output that is not dependent on the amplifier or any other component of prior art feedback circuits. Two such ramp generators may be used in tandem to provide alternating portions of a precision ramp signal, such as may be used to cancel the magnetization current induced in the primary of an isolation transformer.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the states of a receiver during the silent line state of a network device operating in a low power link suspend mode is presented. Accordingly, a method of freezing the states of the equalizer and keeping the receiver clock locked to a frequency that is approximately equal to that of the input data while providing for rapid adjustment to the phase and thus recovery of the input data is presented. During Silent Line State (SLS), the receiver states are frozen using methods that avoid parasitic decay. Also, the receive clock phase lock loop is locked onto the local transmit clock since the local transmit clock has a frequency approximating the incoming data frequency. During the SLS, the transmitter of the remote network device may have been turned off to conserve power therefore the receiver has no way of immediately knowing the phase of an incoming data.

Abstract: A mapping system that integrates tactile language (specifically level 1 Braille) with the visual alphanumeric alphabet. A unified tacto-visual form of communication and recording is created. Alphanumeric characters present simultaneous direct relationships between the individual alphanumeric elements and their tactile corollaries within a single form. Segments of each alphanumeric character are configured to meet at points of tactility. Tacto-visual characters comprised of two languages (i.e. Level 1 Braille and the visual alphanumeric character set) are created. Configurations of characters create a legible and readable simultaneous form of communication. The invention provides a tactile surface for blind readers to engage with a visual source for full vision readers and a hybrid for low vision readers. Tactile communication can occupy a same location as the alphanumeric visual communication thereby providing an interface for both the visually-impaired and the full-vision user.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for initializing a link suspend device for optimum receive recovery. A method for negotiating link parameters to facilitate rapid recovery of the input data from a silent line state is described. The invention can be applied to network devices in point-to-point data communications links capable of operating in a low power link suspend mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transparent implementation of link-suspend capabilities in network devices is presented, which is capable of operating in full or substantially full power operational mode, as well as in a low power “link-suspend” operational mode. The low power “link-suspend” (LS) mode reduces the power consumption of a LAN communications link at the physical layer by eliminating the need to transmit continuous standard idles to maintain link between two linked partners. In the LS mode, a low duty cycle “link-suspend-packet” (LSP) is transmitted between periods of silent line state (SLS). During the SLS, which is a non-data transmission period, the transmitter may be turned off to conserve power. The transmitter power is turned back on when it is time to transmit LSPs or data.

Abstract: An oil filler cap with an integrated oil directing funnel. The cap is configurable to fit many automobile makes and models, and is configured to accept the threaded top end of standard quart containers. The integrated funnel is extendible to a fully open position wherein it facilitates replacement of engine oil in a manner preventing spillage onto the engine block and vicinity. Once the outlet of a standard quart container of engine oil is placed into the collapsible funnel to engage the cap structure, the funnel may then collapse to its resting position while passing engine oil from the standard quart container to the engine block. Drainage holes in the cap recapture oil that seeps through or clings to the integrated funnel.

Abstract: Class D amplifiers are used for their high efficiency, but they have some undesirable characteristics, one of these being the residual switching frequency ripple. Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and apparatuses for reducing the switching frequency ripple using a technique known herein as ripple steering. A secondary output is added to the amplifier for the purpose of steering the switching ripple away from the main output thus substantially relieving the main output from a major artifact of prior art Class D amplifiers.

Abstract: Class D amplifiers are used for their high efficiency, but they have some undesirable characteristics, one of these being the residual switching frequency ripple. Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and apparatuses for reducing the switching frequency ripple using a technique known herein as ripple steering. A secondary output is added to the amplifier for the purpose of steering the switching ripple away from the main output thus substantially relieving the main output from a major artifact of prior art Class D amplifiers.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for spraying makeup that masks imperfections in the skin including, but not limited to, freckles, tattoos, birthmarks, scars and post-laser surgery discoloration. The apparatus of the present invention is a hand-held sprayable cosmetic container containing a cosmetic composition that may be a foundation, a shimmer, a bronzer, a glitter, a self-tanning composition, a moisturizer, a toner, a lip color, an eyebrow color, a cheek color and/or an eye color. The apparatus may also be designed to deliver drugs (both prescription and over the counter medicines), deliver vitamins or other skin care compositions, to protect the skin from the sun, treat the skin after exposure to the sun, and/or provide an aromatherapy treatment.

Abstract: Class D amplifiers are used for their high efficiency, but they have some undesirable characteristics, one of these being the residual switching frequency ripple. Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and apparatuses for reducing the switching frequency ripple using a technique known herein as ripple steering. A secondary output is added to the amplifier for the purpose of steering the switching ripple away from the main output thus substantially relieving the main output from a major artifact of prior art Class D amplifiers.

Abstract: A connector assembly and a method of utilizing a connector assembly to enhance performance, improve reliability and provide ease of assembly of electronic equipment are presented. The connector assembly comprises a rigid bracket capable of holding multiple connectors. The bracket acts as a common ground for all of the connectors. The connector assembly has multiple legs and connector conductors that insert into corresponding apertures on a PCB. The legs of the connector assembly are configured to permit the placement of circuit traces on the PCB in the spaces between the legs. After placement of the connector assembly onto the PCB, soldering or other techniques may be used to secure the connector assembly to the board and to connect the proper circuits to the connectors. Because the connectors are installed on the rigid bracket, repeated physical stresses induced on the ports or jacks do not affect the integrity of the PCB.

Abstract: Class D amplifiers are used for their high efficiency, but they have some undesirable characteristics that limit their useable bandwidth, one of these being the residual switching frequency ripple. Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and apparatuses for reducing the switching frequency ripple using a technique known herein as ripple steering. The zero ripple class D amplifier is used in a hybrid system comprising a linear amplifier. The hybrid Class D amplifier is modified for extended bandwidth and lowered distortion by the addition of a linear current source feeding output capacitor. The low frequency bandwidth limit on the linear current source is matched to the high frequency bandwidth limit on the Class D current source, resulting in a composite linear/switching current source with bandwidth extended to the high frequency bandwidth limit of the linear current source.

Abstract: Simultaneous bi-directional communication of digital signals across an isolation barrier, such as a pulse transformer, is presented. On the pimary side of the barrier, a voltage driver drives a digital transmit data stream, that is encoded to be DC balanced in both current and voltage domains, across the barrier. On the secondary side, an impedance switching circuit modulates the load impedance of the voltage driver in accordance with a digital receive data stream. The modulation of the load impedance is detected on the primary side by sampling the sourced current of the voltage driver to extract the digital receive data. The voltage driver may be sampled at predictable points in time when the current it is sourcing is primarily dependent upon the load impedance of the secondary side. Alternatively, the magnetizing inductance current of the isolation barrier can be subtracted from the current sourced due to the known transmit data.