Abstract: In the molecular modeling of a molecular system represented by constituent charged rigid bodies, the electrostatic interactions are computed between the rigid bodies, rather than the individual atoms which constitute the bodies. Multipole representations of the charge distribution of the bodies are used, and the total translational force and moment acting on each rigid body are computed using approximations of the form: 1 F ~ 2 , M ~ 2 = u 3 × 1 ⁢ q 2 + M 3 × 3 · p 2 + N 3 × 5 · Q ^ 2 + T 3 × 10 · O ^ 2 .

Abstract: Methods for modeling solvent-solute thermal interactions in molecular dynamics simulations are described. The methods, which employ impulses to achieve transfer of thermal energy between solvent and solute, are particularly useful in simulations which make use of an implicit solvent model.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining directional information of a solvent-accessible surface of an atom or molecule are described. Also disclosed are methods for simulating the kinetic behavior of a solute molecule in a solvent are also described. The methods utilize a representation of the solvent-accessible surface of the solute molecule which includes information on the geometric orientation of the surface relative to the molecule, and using the representation in a corrected kinetic model to simulate the kinetic behavior of the solute molecule in the solvent.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for electronically decreasing the sensitivity of thin film movable micromachined layers to vibrations, accelerations, or rotations that would result in part or all of the movable layer being displaced in the direction of the film thickness. In addition, the disclosed method can also be used to remove some of the curvature introduced into thin film movable structures due to vertical stress gradients. Electronic stiffening is achieved by using position sensing and force feedback at one or more points on the movable micromachined structure. Precise servo control of Z axis height makes it possible to dramatically decrease the spacing between the movable MEMS layer or layers and fixed electrodes, which can lead to a dramatic increase in sensitivity and/or actuation force.

Abstract: A method for obtaining analytic Jacobians used in implicit integration methods in the computations for the dynamics of a physical system. With this method, the Jacobian with at least twice the number of digits of accuracy as a numerical Jacobian can be computed. This also results in the implicit integration method being more efficient because a smaller number of iterations are required to solve the nonlinear stage equations of the equations of motion, as well as the ability to take larger timesteps. This speedup in computation is very useful in molecular modeling.

Abstract: For the computer modeling of molecules, a model with reduced coordinates is used with sufficiently stable implicit integration methods integrating the model's equations of motion. The timesteps in the integration method can vary in a range over 100 to greatly increase the computer's efficiency and to hasten the computational results. Both static analysis and molecular dynamics simulations are some ready applications.

Abstract: A process for maintaining ongoing registration for pages on a given search engine is disclosed. It is a method to actively cause an updating of a specific Internet search engine database regarding a particular WWW resource. The updated information can encompass changed, added, or deleted content of a specific WWW site. The process comprises the steps of having software tools at a local WWW site manually and/or automatically keep an index of added, changed, or deleted content to a particular WWW site since that WWW site was last indexed by a specific Internet search engine. The software tools will notify a specific Internet search engine of the URLs of specific WWW site resources that have been added, changed, or deleted. The Internet search engine will process the list of indices of changes, additions or deletions provided by a web site, or add the URL of resources that require indexing or re-indexing to a database and visit the WWW site to index added or re-index changed content when possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a coin in free fall employs a coin sensor that has a pair of drive coils for generating a horizontally elongated magnetic field across a free-fall path of the coin. The drive coils are driven by a square wave, and ringing waveforms induced in a pair of sensor coils disposed on the two sides of the free-fall path are measured when the coin passes through the magnetic field. A digitized signature is derived from the measured ringing waveforms and compared to a set of pre-stored reference signatures to find a match. A diverter mechanism directs the coin to an accept path when a match is found and to a reject path when a match is not found.

Abstract: Constant volume multizone heating/air conditioning systems are converted to variable volume air conditioning systems. Energy conservation is achieved by converting the fan drive from one requiring constant volume air flow. Instead, the volume of air flow is governed by relative heating or cooling needs. Further, mixture of heated and cooled air to achieve the desired temperature is no longer required. Temperature sensors in a zone being heated/cooled detect actual temperature there. When the actual temperature indicates a need for cooling, the vent vanes of the system are opened and the heating vent vanes are closed. The fan speed and volume of air flow are then controlled to provide the required amounts of cooled air. Conversely, when heating is sensed to be needed, the heating and cooling air vent vanes positions are reversed and the fan speed regulated to supply the requisite amount of heated air.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting fraud in a coin detector is disclosed. The apparatus is provided with a coin validating device. A coin sensing apparatus, located downstream of the coin validating device and preferably including a plurality of optic emitter-detector pairs arranged to detect the passage of the coin, is also provided. The coin sensing apparatus is adapted to provide improved resistance to miscounting of coins and to traditional gimmicks used to cheat coin operated devices such as tilting the coin detector.

Abstract: The Audio Illuminator is an integrated system providing directed lighting and a public address type amplification and loudspeaker capability, under control from a remote location. The system includes a searchlight and one or more directional, high-power loudspeakers. An audio amplifier supplies drive signals to the loudspeakers in response to audio input signals received from the remote control. The system includes a power junction box for supplying power to the amplifier and the searchlight and carrying signals to and from the various components. The system may derive power from a small portable diesel generator. A gimbal mount supports the searchlight for two-directional movement (horizontal rotation and vertical tilt angle rotation) and supports the one or more loudspeakers for movement with the searchlight in at least one of the two directions. Drive motors provide two-dimensional automatic positioning in response to signals from the remote control unit.

Abstract: A flat tweezer formed of a folded plastic material which can be opened to lay flat within the case. The tweezer may be formed from a plastic card with score lines defining the tweezer arms and a hinge coupling the arms.

Abstract: A coin detection and identifying apparatus and method, utilizes three closely aligned electric coils. The center coil is actively driven by an alternating current to generate a magnetic field that surrounds the center coil. The two outer coils are symmetrically disposed within the magnetic field generated by the center coil, and voltages are induced across the terminals of the outer coils which are indicative of the relative field strengths of the magnetic fields within the outer coils. A sample coin and test coin are interposed between the center coil and each of the outer coils, the coins operative to attenuate the surrounding magnetic fields. A controller compares the voltages across the terminals of the two outer coils to effectively compare the likeness of the sample and test coins. A coin sensing apparatus, located downstream of the coils, provides a plurality of optic emitter-detector pairs to detect the valid passage of a coin.

Abstract: A discriminator for coins and tokens monitors the extent to which an alternating electromagnetic field is coupled through a deposited coin and a reference coin, as the deposited coin passes along a feed path. A first electromagnetic field is incident on a reference coin along an axis normal to the reference coin and displaced from a midpoint of the reference coin. As the deposited coin moves through a second electromagnetic field traversing the feed path, the deposited coin passes two positions at which the second electromagnetic field is aligned to the deposited coin to a same degree as the first electromagnetic field is aligned to the reference coin. The electromagnetic fields preferably are provided by two series connected coils in a stack, and the fields passing through the coins are added at opposite polarity by a receiver coil placed between the series connected coils (and also between the sample coin and the deposited coin).

Abstract: A refrigerated vehicle system is particularly adapted for use with refrigerated tractor/trailer and rail car vehicles to provide data on the operation of the vehicle and to monitor and provide a record of the operation of ancillary equipment important in the proper refrigeration of the vehicle. With refrigerated vehicles, the system can provide records of the temperatures of articles when loaded into the refrigerated vehicle, throughout their transportation and upon delivery from the vehicle and can monitor refrigerated vehicles, store information on the refrigeration of the vehicles, including time/temperature records and information of the operation and status of refrigeration system components, and output such information to remote and distant locations.

Abstract: A tensioned fire damper assembly and method are disclosed. The assembly includes a damper tensioning frame for tensionably mounting a fire damper within a duct or other mounting aperture, thereby allowing substantially unrestricted thermal damper expansion into an expansion gap located between the aperture and the tensioning frame. Screw type tensioning fasteners can be employed to tensionably mount the frame, and the degree of frame tension can be regulated by using tensioning fastener bushings which limit the threadable movement of the fasteners. Additional embodiments are disclosed in which multiple dampers can be accommodated in a tensionable frame.

Abstract: A sealant for the cooling system of automotive and other engines is in the form of an aqueous solution which flows into the cracks of the engine and then solidifies in situ to seal the cracks. The aqueous solution comprises major and minor additives to water. Numerous possible major ingredients are disclosed.