Abstract: A rapid, simple and versatile metal organic framework molecule (MOF) synthesis method particularly adapted to make non-linear MOFs includes heating MOF precursors, such as a metal or metal oxide and an organic ligand, in a microwave oven for a period sufficient to achieve crystallization. Microwave-assisted MOF synthesis yields high quality MOF crystals in a reaction time ranging from about 5 seconds to about 2.5 minutes, compared to hours and days required in conventional solvothermal and hydrothermal methods. In addition, microwave assisted methods provide MOF materials with uniform crystal size and well-defined shape. Further, microwave synthesis of MOFs allows the size and shape of MOF crystals to be tailored for use in a wide range applications by manipulating reaction conditions. Secondary growth processes may also be employed to grow larger crystals using seeds obtained from microwave-assisted synthesis methods.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a battery charger and a method for charging a plurality of batteries. The battery charger includes: a current source for supplying a source current which has a charge current portion and a diverted current portion; bypass sections; voltage clamp sections; sense sections; a feedback section for processing information from the sense sections; and a controller for modifying the source current based on the information from the feedback section. Each bypass section is connected to a battery for diverting the diverted current. Each voltage clamp section is connected to the bypass section for clamping a voltage across the battery when the voltage increases to a predetermined level. Each sense section is connected to the bypass section for determining the diverted current and/or the charge current.

Abstract: A projector device employing ballast with a flyback converter is disclosed. For example, one embodiment comprises a lamp driver circuit including a power stage circuit including a flyback converter to output a direct current signal to a bridge circuit, the bridge circuit to reconstruct the direct current signal to an alternating current signal, a control circuit coupled with the power stage circuit and the bridge circuit, the control circuit to receive the direct current signal from the power stage circuit and to provide a frequency control signal to the bridge circuit, and a lamp igniter circuit comprising at least one charge pump and being coupled with the bridge circuit, wherein in response to the frequency control signal being provided to the bridge circuit, the bridge circuit is configured to increase the voltage of the alternating current signal provided to the lamp igniter circuit to power the lamp igniter circuit.

Abstract: Tools for controlling cameras (and other objects), using an input device. Some such tools may establish a threshold, above which the input from the input device is fed directly to the object being controlled, and below which the input signal is processed to provide smoother operation. This can allow for direct control over a camera (or other object) in large movements but still allow for smooth, controlled movements when slower movement is desired.

Abstract: A device (10) to coat food products such as potato crisps or chips and biscuits. The device (10) includes a flavor dispenser 21 that delivers granular flavor material to the products (12) being coated. The device (10) further includes a conveyor (11) with conveyor surfaces (15 to 18) that are arranged in cascade so that the food products tumble from one surface to the next so that the granular flavor material is applied to the various surfaces of the food products.

Abstract: System and methods for facilitating the settlement of financial accounts across different entities utilize a host computer system that tracks financial transactions made at each merchant location or store and uses this information to reconcile accounts across different entities. In one embodiment, the host computer periodically performs a net settlement analysis of the transactional data received from each entity's stores. A request is prepared to transfer funds from each entity's bank account having a positive net settlement amount into a central entity bank account. A request is also prepared to transfer funds into each entity's bank account having a negative net settlement amount from the central entity bank account.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.

Abstract: A thermodynamic engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature difference to a nonheat form of energy. Heat is directed through a heating loop in thermal contact with a first side of the thermodynamic engine. A second side of the thermodynamic engine is coupled to an environmental cooling loop in thermal contact with an environmental cooling device. The thermodynamic engine is operated to dispense heat from the second side of the thermodynamic engine through the environmental cooling loop into the environmental cooling device. Operation of the thermodynamic engine thereby generates the nonheat form of energy from the temperature difference established between the first side and the second side of the thermodynamic engine.

Abstract: Satellite communication systems and methods are disclosed. The communication system may include a gateway in communication with two satellites. The satellites are configured to receive polarized signals from a first plurality of users and orthogonally polarized signals from a second plurality of users. Each satellite may transmit the polarized signals and the orthogonally polarized signals to the gateway. The first satellite may also receive first feeder signals from the gateway and transmit the first feeder signals to the first plurality of users and the second satellite may also receive second feeder signals from the gateway and transmit the second feeder signals to the second plurality of users.

Abstract: In a method of forming micro patterns of a semiconductor device, first etch mask patterns are formed over a semiconductor substrate. An auxiliary film is formed over the semiconductor substrate including a surface of the first etch mask patterns. Second etch mask patterns are formed between the auxiliary films formed on sidewalls of the first etch mask patterns. The first etch mask patterns and the second etch mask patterns are formed using the same material. The auxiliary films between the first and second etch mask patterns are removed. Accordingly, more micro patterns can be formed than allowed by the resolution limit of an exposure apparatus while preventing misalignment.

Abstract: A method of presenting an image of a receipt to a consumer includes electronically capturing a receipt and storing the receipt at a host computer system. The method further includes receiving a request at the host computer system from a computer of the consumer to display the image of the receipt and transmitting an electronic file comprising the image of the receipt for display at the customer computer.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for novel error detection and retransmission processes are described. These processes may be implemented on intermediate communication links between two end terminals, wherein the intermediate links are via satellite. Error control mechanisms to detect and retransmit lost or corrupted frames may be implemented at the network layer, or between the network and data link layers. Processes for discovering error control protocol-aware terminals are described. Features of these error control processes may include a configurable delay limit, tailored to traffic type or class.

Abstract: A semiconductor device 10 includes a first transistor 11 placed on a substrate 16, a second transistor 12 placed on the first transistor 11 via a heat radiation layer 17, a third transistor 13 placed on the substrate 16, and a fourth transistor 14 placed on the third transistor 11 via a heat radiation layer 17. The first transistor 11 has a first region corresponding to a region where the second transistor is placed, and a second region which is formed so as to surround the first region and in which the rate of area occupied by the emitter region in the base region is higher than in the first region. Likewise the first transistor 11, the third transistor 13 has a region in which the rate of area occupied by the emitter region in the base region is varied.

Abstract: A system for restricting mixing of air in a data center includes a plurality of racks, each of the racks having a front face and a back face. The system includes an enclosure for collecting air released from the back faces of the plurality of racks, the enclosure configured to substantially contain the air in an area between the first row and the second row and having a roof panel coupled to the first row of racks and the second row of racks configured to span a distance between the first row of racks and the second row of racks. The enclosure is configured to maintain a first air pressure inside of the enclosure that is substantially equal to a second air pressure outside the enclosure.

Abstract: The thermal processing device includes a stage, a continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source, a series of lenses, a translation mechanism, a detection module, a three-dimensional auto-focus, and a computer system. The stage is configured to receive a substrate thereon. The continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source is disposed adjacent the stage, and is configured to emit continuous wave electromagnetic radiation along a path towards the substrate. The series of lenses is disposed between the continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source and the stage, and are configured to condense the continuous wave electromagnetic radiation into a line of continuous wave electromagnetic radiation on a surface of the substrate. The translation mechanism is configured to translate the stage and the line of continuous wave electromagnetic radiation relative to one another. The detection module is positioned within the path, and is configured to detect continuous wave electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A data transmission method and apparatus are disclosed using receivers having spatial diversity, with the receivers communicating with a common client via network communication. Improved systems and methods for data transmission according to the disclosed method and apparatus include at least: a transmission source for transmitting a data signal; a first receiver for receiving the data signal; a second receiver for receiving the data signal, wherein the second receiver is spaced apart from the first receiver thereby providing spatial diversity; and a communication network for facilitating communication between a client and at least the first receiver and the second receiver, as needed, wherein the client is capable of analyzing individual data signals received by the first and second receivers and forming a composite signal of a higher quality than the quality of the individual data signals.

Abstract: An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo.

Abstract: System and method for a flyable and roadable vehicle. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a vehicle capable of air and road travel. The vehicle is adaptable to a flying configuration and a road configuration. The vehicle includes a fuselage having a front end, a rear end, a top side, a bottom side. The vehicle also includes a wing component having a plurality of planes. The plurality of planes includes a first plane and a second plane. The vehicle additionally includes a connecting component for coupling the planes of the wing and the fuselage. The connecting component is able to accommodate a substantial relative rotation between the first plane and the fuselage. The vehicle further includes a plurality of wheels coupled to the bottom side of the fuselage.