Abstract: The current regulation system, providing fine dimming control, has an under-voltage circuit, an over-temperature control circuit, and sometimes a variable resistor (VR) control circuit. The under-voltage and over-temperature controls (first and second control signals) pass through voltage limiters such that the lowest level voltage control signal is applied to the voltage reference signal IREF input of LED IC driver. IC driver has a voltage reference input IREF which controls an IC output current for an LED load demand. The VR control generates a third control signal at the junction to reduce the voltage reference signal under control of the VR. The lowest level control signal dims the LED lamps. Since low level voltage control signals are used, a low voltage turn OFF circuit applies an IC disablement signal to the LED IC driver input control based upon sensing a very low voltage at the junction.

Abstract: The current regulation system, providing fine dimming control, has an under-voltage circuit, an over-temperature control circuit, and sometimes a variable resistor (VR) control circuit. The under-voltage and over-temperature controls (first and second control signals) pass through voltage limiters such that the lowest level voltage control signal is applied to the voltage reference signal IREF input of LED IC driver. IC driver has a voltage reference input IREF which controls an IC output current for an load demand. The VR control generates a third control signal at the junction to reduce the voltage reference signal under control of the VR. The lowest level control signal dims the LED lamps. Since low level voltage control signals are used, a low voltage turn OFF circuit applies an IC disablement signal to the LED IC driver input control based upon sensing a. very low voltage at the junction.

Abstract: A luminaire having an adjustable color temperature of emitted light includes an input device for receiving an input indicative of a desired color temperature, first, second and third LED arrays each array having different color temperatures, a first LED driver for driving one of the first and third LED arrays, a second LED driver for driving the second LED array, an LED array selector for selectively driving the one of the first and third LED arrays dependent upon the input, and a processor for determining which of the first and the third LED arrays to drive based on the input and controlling the LED array selector and the second LED driver dependent upon the input. The processor utilizes analog dimming above a predetermined noise threshold voltage and PWM dimming below the predetermined noise threshold voltage and combinations thereof. A related method of adjusting a color temperature of light emitted from a luminaire is also provided.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein represents a means for increasing the gripability of a credit-card-sized card. Specifically, dimples raised from, indented in, or embossed in a credit-card-sized card are arranged to from a tread on the front or back of a card. This tread allows fingers to more easily grip a credit-card-sized card for ease of handling or removal from a wallet or carrying case. Moreover, the means disclosed does not interfere with various means such as magnetic stripes commonly used to store encoded information on credit-card-sized cards.

Abstract: A data card is reduced in size from the conventional standard size credit card. Accessibility of the card is enhanced because the card may be stored in a separate location from conventionally sized cards, such as on a key-chain or similar device. The card of the present invention has a means for storing information, such as a magnetic stripe or computer chip.

Abstract: A shroud feature and method for incorporating an airflow shroud feature in a disc drive assembly. The airflow shroud feature is connected to the cover of the disc drive rather than the base plate. When the disc drive cover incorporating the shroud feature is placed on the disc drive, the shroud feature surrounds at least a portion of the circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the disc to reduce turbulence when the disc is operated. The shroud is rigidly connected to the top cover by engagement of the shroud with a physical feature of the top cover. The shroud operably directs air-flow along the peripheral edge of the disc during drive operation when the cover is installed on the base plate.

Abstract: A data card is reduced in size from the conventional standard size credit card. Accessibility of the card is enhanced because the card may be stored in a separate location from conventionally sized cards, such as on a key-chain or similar device. The card of the present invention has a means for storing information, such as a magnetic stripe or computer chip.

Abstract: A data card is reduced in size from the conventional standard size credit card. Accessibility of the card is enhanced because the card may be stored in a separate location from conventionally sized cards, such as on a key-chain or similar device. The card of the present invention has a means for storing information, such as a magnetic stripe or computer chip.

Abstract: A tubing connector non-releasably connected to a tube of tubing string for use downhole in oil and gas well operations, the connector comprising connector body (1) with an end portion fitted concentrically within or over a corresponding end of the tube (2), the end portion having a plurality of depressions (12) coinciding with corresponding depressions (10) on the corresponding end of the tube (2) whereby the connector body (1) and tube (2) are connected together, the depressions (10) and the tube (2) having been formed by localized plastic deformation of the walls of the tube (2).

Abstract: A data card is reduced in size from the conventional standard size credit card. Accessibility of the card is enhanced because the card may be stored in a separate location from conventionally sized cards, such as on a key-chain or similar device. The card of the present invention has a means for storing information, such as a magnetic stripe or computer chip.

Abstract: A data card is reduced in size from the conventional standard size credit card. Accessibility of the card is enhanced because the card may be stored in a separate location from conventionally sized cards, such as on a key-chain or similar device. The card of the present invention has a means for storing information, such as a magnetic stripe or computer chip.

Abstract: A dispensing outlet assembly for a connection to a beverage container such as a bottle, comprises a body having an inlet for connection to the container, and a dispensing outlet through which beverage is dispensed from the container. A flow passage between the inlet and the outlet contains a ball-type non-return valve and an annular color element through which beverage dispensed from the container passes so as to impart a color to the beverage as it is dispensed.

Abstract: A transducer device and method include affixing a preamplifier or other suitable circuit to a thin piezoelectric membrane. The membrane fully supports the circuit at an inactive region of the membrane. The membrane has at least one piezoelectrically active region that is connected to the circuit by a signal line. Preferably, the signal line is fabricated onto the membrane using integrated circuit fabrication techniques. In the preferred embodiment, the piezoelectrically active region has a diameter of less than one hundred microns and the membrane has a thickness of less than ten microns. A potting compound provides structural support of the membrane and insulates the on-membrane circuit.

Abstract: Three point hitch for Hummer truck, stake truck, pickup truck, farm tractor front mount, or trailer frame. A three point hitch mounted on the rear bumper of a Hummer or pickup, the back of the bed of a stake truck, and braced to the frame or bed determined by mounting height, also adaptable to farm tractor front mount, other vehicles and trailer frames with proper bracketing. The hitch has a pair of lower lift arms and a adjustable top link to allow the mounting of standard three point agricultural equipment. It has a frame assembly with a rock shaft containing a cylinder crank arm and outer crank lift arms, hydraulic cylinder, two drag links and two lower lift arms. It also contains a two inch square receiver for use of any standard two inch towing slider, and a power take-off shaft assembly to power accessories. All moving parts are easily removable from the basic frame allowing free turning radius when used in towing operations.

Abstract: A method of patterning interconnect lines on a flexible membrane film of piezoelectric material includes securing the membrane film to a temporary support structure to allow direct patterning of the interconnect lines. A barrier plane is deposited onto the membrane film. A photoresist then coats the barrier plane. In a subsequent step of photolithographically exposing the photoresist, the barrier plane acts as a screen to prevent radiation from reaching the membrane film. The barrier film is also used as a focusing and alignment structure during photolithographic exposure. Optionally, the resulting structure is soaked in chlorobenzene, with the barrier plane functioning to prevent diffusion of the chlorobenzene through the back side of the porous membrane film to form undesired development-retarding regions of the photoresist. Openings are formed in the photoresist during a development step. A metallic interconnect layer is then deposited.