Abstract: Prefabricated frames and fabrication methods thereof are disclosed. The prefabricated frames comprise substantially L-shaped frame members. In addition, spreader members and space adaptors coupled to the substantially L-shaped frame members adapt the prefabricated frames to the size and shape of a ceiling opening. The prefabricated frames are attached within the ceiling opening. A receiver member with a configuration adaptable for various sized ceiling openings is attached within the ceiling opening and permits an interior dome to be coupled to the substantially L-shaped frame members. When the receiver member has a recess and through hole to permit installation of a ceiling fan within the prefabricated frames, the ceiling fan is attached to the receiver member.

Abstract: An improved camper shell that is collapsible and portable. The shell consists of a cover that is positioned over a shell frame. The shell frame is formed by a plurality of components, preferably formed of steel, that are fitted together for use and that may be stored within the cover when not in use. The main frame components include bottom supports, vertical supports coupled thereto, and cross-members. Preferably, the bottom supports and cross-members are adjustable in length, to fit a plurality of truck bed sizes. The frame preferably angles downward from rear to front, for drainage and other purposes.

Abstract: A switch state controller generating a pulse train is used in a power converter utilizing a plurality of converter stages all simultaneously controlled by a single switch controlled by said pulse train. On time of the pulse train is controlled according to an input or interim node characteristic of the supply and period is controlled by a characteristic of the output of the converter. This allows development of AC-to-DC converters, including power-factor-correction converters, and DC to DC converters with high conversion ratio with minimal parts count & high reliability.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing quiescent power plane current test data in a very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit provides diagnostic information and improved IDDQ testing for analyzing and detecting manufacturing defects in a VLSI device. A set of IDDQ test values is collected over a set of test vectors for a group of devices. Values that are detected as corresponding to activated defects (e.g., shorts) are discarded from the data set and the data set is checked for correlation between the remaining ostensibly defect-free data values and devices (or alternatively vectors) that do not correlate are discarded from the data set. Then, a regression is generated for each vector from and IDDQ values for each vector and the IDDQ values at a selected reference vector (excepting the reference vector).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing a photographic image from being taken has a triggering mechanism which will generate a signal when detecting a light signal indicative of a camera flash. A flash unit is coupled to the triggering mechanism for generating a counteracting flash after receiving the signal generated by the triggering mechanism. By generating a counteracting flash a very short time after detecting the flash, the apparatus saturates an area of the camera's image field during the camera's exposure period. Thus the image in that area is obscured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively accelerating network communications provides improved operation of network communications through channels with long delays, such as a satellite communications channel. A configuration management mechanism provides a selection of acceleration configuration for particular addresses of devices that may communicate through the communications channels. Acceleration may be bypassed for particular addresses or classes of devices within the network and priorities may be assigned, permitting a cut-off of acceleration when a threshold number of sessions is reached. The method and system may also allow a higher priority class of session to preempt lower priority session by removing resources from the lower priority session and assigning them to the higher priority session. The data rate of the lower priority session is then lowered (due to the absence of acceleration or reduced buffer size) to reduce traffic flow.

Abstract: A combination lamp assembly which includes at least one gas-filled luminescent bulb such as a black light lamp and a fluorescent light and at least one other type lamp or light such as an incandescent light such as a halogen light and lamp bulb, and/or a fluorescent light bulb is disclosed wherein the different light bulb or light sources are preferably assembled within the same combination lamp assembly allowing a user to manually select between the light sources as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interface signaling using single-ended and differential data signals improves performance of an interface. A differential pair of data signals and at least one single-ended data signal are transmitted over the interface. The differential pair of data signals is received by a differential receiver and the single-ended data signals are received by a receiver that uses the differential pair of data signals to improve the detection of the single-ended data signal. A novel receiver having a differential input and a single-ended input combines the differential pair of data signals with a single-ended data signal to detect the single-ended data signal providing improved common-mode rejection and reducing the error rate of the single-ended signal. Multiple single-ended signals may be associated with one differential signal, providing a scalable architecture grouping a number of single-ended signals with each differential pair of signals.

Abstract: An integrated circuit substrate having laminated laser-embedded circuit layers provides a multi-layer high-density mounting and interconnect structure for integrated circuits. A prepared substrate, which may be a rigid double-sided dielectric or film dielectric with conductive patterns plated, etched or printed on one or both sides is laminated with a thin-film dielectric on one or both sides. The thin-film is laser-ablated to form channels and via apertures and conductive material is plated or paste screened into the channels and apertures, forming a conductive interconnect pattern that is isolated by the channel sides and vias through to the conductive patterns on the prepared substrate. An integrated circuit die and external terminals can then be attached to the substrate, providing an integrated circuit having a high-density interconnect.

Abstract: A golf trivia board game for one or more players and method therefor in which players must answer golf trivia questions of various topics in order to advance a player token over a golf course depicted on a game board. Trivia questions have a degree of difficulty relative to a degree of difficulty for a specific golf shot that the player faces in order to advance his or her player token through a specific golf hole. The object of the game is to advance the player token completely across the golf course in a fewest possible number of questions.

Abstract: A unisex garment has a waistband. A pair of leg members extend down from the waistband. A mechanism is coupled to the unisex garment to allow easy opening of the crotch area to access the genitals. The mechanism comprises a zipper running from a crotch seam positioned between the pair of leg members to a belt line just below the waistband wherein upward movement of a handle will open the zipper. A plurality of quick release fasteners run from a top section of the crotch seam towards pant inseams on both pair of leg members.

Abstract: An integrated circuit substrate having laser-embedded conductive patterns provides a high-density mounting and interconnect structure for integrated circuits. Conductive patterns within channels on the substrate provide interconnects that are isolated by the channel sides. A dielectric material is injection-molded or laminated over a metal layer that is punched or etched. The metal layer can provide one or more power planes within the substrate. A laser is used to ablate channels on the surfaces of the outer dielectric layer for the conductive patterns. The conductive patterns are electroplated or paste screen-printed and an etchant-resistive material is applied. Finally, a plating material can be added to exposed surfaces of the conductive patterns. An integrated circuit die and external terminals can then be attached to the substrate, providing an integrated circuit having a high-density interconnect.

Abstract: A method for detecting an explosive in an object under investigation involves the initial X-ray irradiation of the object under investigation, e.g. a piece of luggage or mailing, and forming its X-ray images; using the X-ray images to detect areas with a high density of organic materials and identifying articles therein; determining the location, dimensions and supposed mass of an unidentified article; determining and forming a directional pattern of the neutron radiator corresponding to the dimensions of the unidentified article. The method further includes subsequent thermal neutron irradiation of the area with the unidentified article; recording gamma-ray quanta having the energy of 10.8 MeV and cascade gamma-ray quanta with energies of 5.534 and 5.

Abstract: A produce washing method, which permits the washing of produce from both above and below in the field. The produce washing takes produce along a conveyor belt, from a loading section, to a washing section on which is located a washing unit, upward along an ascending section, and from there the produce travels along a dumping section and into a receptacle. The washing unit features spray nozzles located above and below the washing section, so as to direct spray from above and below the produce so as to more effectively wash it.

Abstract: A method and system for determining dimensions of optically recognizable features provides a low-cost and efficient high speed/high resolution measurement system for determining surface feature dimensions. Multiple imaging subsystems are arranged at predetermined differing angles above a surface under test. A scanning subsystem moves either the imaging subsystems or the surface under test and a processor coupled to the imaging subsystems determines the height of a surface feature by determining the deviations between the outputs of the imaging systems as an edge of the surface feature passes within the optical paths of the imaging subsystems.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a software integration program to automate lighting control is disclosed. The software integration program comprises a computer usable medium having computer readable program code embodied in the medium for control of remote control units (RCUs) manufactured by a first company based on information received from facilities reservation and booking software (FRBS) developed by a different company; computer readable program code means for setting up lighting related options and preferences from a remote location; computer readable program code means for allowing a user to assign remote control units (RCUs) and zones to appropriate locations, the location having data within the database of the FRBS; computer readable program code means for getting data from the database of the FRBS; and working with the data to automate lighting control.

Abstract: A comparator and method for detecting a signal using a reference derived from a differential data signal pair improves performance of an interface. A differential pair of data signals and at least one single-ended data signal are transmitted over the interface. The differential pair of data signals is received by a differential receiver and the single-ended data signals are received by a receiver that uses the differential pair of data signals to improve the detection of the single-ended data signal. A novel comparator circuit provides the comparison, using a voltage or current level of the single-ended signal to determine states of the differential data signal pair.