Abstract: A docking assembly including a port replicating apparatus is disclosed. The docking assembly includes a port replicating apparatus including (i) a housing having a major dimension defined by a first terminal end and a second terminal end, (ii) at least one interface for connecting to a portable electronic device, and (iii) a plurality of connectors in the housing for connecting to a plurality of peripheral devices. A base is also included in the docking assembly. It is capable of mechanically coupling to at least the first terminal end of the housing of the port replicating apparatus, such that the major dimension of the housing is vertically oriented.

Abstract: Stairway for use on a semi tractor trailer or similar trailer. The stairway includes stairs mounted on an outer pipe and the outer pipe is rotatably mounted over an inner pipe. The inner pipe is pinned to a trailer bed in a stake pocket. The outer pipe can be rotated between a first position where the steps are deployed for use and a second position where the steps are locked under the bed of the trailer.

Abstract: A high voltage electrode and method of construction is provided including a multi-layered composition to optimize dielectric strength, dielectric constant, structural strength and durability. The high voltage electrode can be utilized as a submergible drop-in unit for easy installation within a fluid holding tank such as a water cooling tower. The submergible generator includes a channel that houses a charged electrode, and functions as a ground electrode to the charged electrode, and also functions as a fluid diverter.

Abstract: A method for using a personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) controller to communicate with an Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) drive which includes performing a transfer between the static random access memory (SRAM) controller and the IDE drive using PCMCIA interface signals to communicate with the IDE drive and a general purpose input/output signal to communicate with an interrupt request of the IDE drive.

Abstract: A router containing a firewall capable of supporting a plurality of different security levels. The router of the present invention creates a plurality of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) using a network switch. The VLAN Rules Table (VRT) allows a network administrator to designate a trust level for each VLAN. The trust level may be different for every VLAN and the administrator may designate different rules for each VLAN. The Security Program (SP) analyzes each packet passing through the firewall and determines if the packet is permitted under the rules for the VLAN trust level. An alterative embodiment in which the switch in the router is divided into a plurality of sub-switches is also disclosed. In the alternative embodiment, the firewall need only compare the packet to rules which were not applied in the lower trust levels, eliminating the redundant rules from the comparison process.

Abstract: A high voltage electrode and method of construction is provided including a multi-layered composition to optimize dielectric strength, dielectric constant, structural strength and durability. The high voltage electrode can be utilized as a submergible drop-in unit for easy installation within a fluid holding tank such as a water cooling tower. The submergible generator includes a channel that houses a charged electrode, and functions as a ground electrode to the charged electrode, and also functions as a fluid diverter.

Abstract: A world wide virtual reality interactive web based game where participants carry on day to day business mimicking the INDUSTRY of the real world to each the goal is excellence and the opportunity to live out there wildest dreams of being a superstar, recording artist or a media personality. with monetary goals and the chance of a future in these field of choice MUSIC, TELEVISION, AND OR MULTIMEDIA ENTERTAINMENT.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly contemplated for using a web-based system to send religious tracts to recipients. The method of creating the tract provides the sender to input subject matter variables regarding the desired content of the religious tract. Previously created phrases matching the subject matter variables are displayed to the sender from which they may select. The phrases that are displayed may be a word, group of words, sentence, paragraph, or complete tract. The sender may further include bible verses, hypertext links to other religious sites on the network, music, artwork, and others. The sender builds the tract using the phrases and other desired information and then sends the tract to the recipient. The tract may be in the form of letters, stories, bible versus, poems, and the like to support and inspire the recipient.

Abstract: A visually reinforced learning and memorization system combines the coordination of alphabetic mnemonics, number integers and colors to provide the user with multiple mechanisms for learning memorizing information. The memorization system is particularly suited for memorizing geographic information, which can be surveyed using a diamond-based coordinate system that can be subdivided to increasingly small points.

Abstract: A trap for capturing insects and other vermin, such as cockroaches, including a baited container having an opening at the top provided with a vertically arranged smooth-walled tube, which can be oiled to make it more difficult for the vermin to escape. A retaining apparatus can be provided allowing the entrance, but not the exit, of insects. The retaining apparatus can be a flexible ring which has a plurality of interleaving, flexible wires pointing conically into the interior of the container. Insects can push aside the wires in one direction to enter the container, but are prevented from escaping from the interleaved wires. Alternatively, the retaining apparatus can consist of two members movably biased together at one end such as to allow easy separation of the two members by a subject insect or vermin between the two members. Once separated, the members provide entrance to the container.

Abstract: A removable plug for an internally threaded opening has particular application in a system for closing an opening in the sidewall of a pipe. The system includes a nipple having an inner end attached, such as by welding, to a pipe, and an outer end having internal threads. A short length externally threaded cylindrical plug body is threadably positionable within the nipple outer end, the plug body having a recess in a top surface thereof. An insert is affixed within the plug body recess providing an operating space within the recess below the insert, the insert being formed of a metal plate having a tool receiving central opening therethrough and at least one integral tang portion extending downwardly into the plug body operating space, the insert being secured, such as by welding to the plug body. The insert central opening is shaped in a geometrical pattern, such as a square, to slidably and non-rotatably receive a plug engaging portion of a driver of matching cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: A visually reinforced learning and memorization system combines the coordination of alphabetic mnemonics, number integers and colors to provide the user with multiple mechanisms for learning memorizing information. The memorization system is particularly suited for memorizing geographic information, which can be surveyed using a diamond-based coordinate system that can be subdivided to increasingly small points.

Abstract: A microaccelerometer package is provided for housing a microaccelerometer and its associated signal conditioning circuitry. The microaccelerometer package is constructed to be suitably rugged for use in on-board automotive safety control and navigational systems, so as to be capable of isolating the microaccelerometer from extraneous vibrations and package-induced stresses, yet also be small, lightweight, and amenable to mass production techniques. To achieve the above, the microaccelerometer package employs a leadframe which is initially a one-piece strip frame that is integrally molded with a plastic housing to form the primary structure of the package. The leadframe enhances the rigidity of the package so as to result in a high natural frequency of the package, thereby enabling the microaccelerometer to properly respond to the frequency range of interest, while also minimizing the influence of extraneous road and vehicle vibrations on the microaccelerometer.

Abstract: Microporous styrene polymers are provided having randomly interconnected open network of irregularly shaped pores whose walls consist of cohered spherical particles of the polymer. These microporous styrene polymers are produced by mixing styrene polymer latex with a water-soluble ether, casting, molding, or impregnating the resulting mixture into a fibrous material, heating same to a temperature of from about 80.degree. C to about 120.degree. C and removing the ether.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article and to a process of filtering tobacco smoke comprising passing tobacco smoke through a particulate, solidified cross-linked organic oil. An inorganic or organic powder may be used in conjunction with the particulate solidified oil in order to improve bulk handling characteristics and to improve the filtering qualities of the material.

Abstract: Novel compositions are prepared by impregnating activated alumina with sodium permanganate and a basic sodium compound. When used as a granular filter material in combination with a tobacco product as in a smoking article comprising a cigarette in combination with the filter materials, nitrogen oxides can be significantly reduced in the smoke obtained from the tobacco product after the filter material is stored for long periods of time in the presence of the volatile components of the tobacco product and/or moisture. Activated carbon may also be combined with the composition.

Abstract: A resilient bumper for protecting vehicles and stationary objects against collisions comprising a plurality of spaced, adjacent fins of flexible resilient material which are so spaced that the fins abut against each other progressively as the result of an impact and thus offer progressively higher resistance as each fin contacts an adjacent fin. The fins are preferably of tough rubber or plastic material having high ultimate elongation at low temperatures, high tear strength over a wide temperature range, and high abrasion resistance.The fins may be disposed on corners of a vehicle or other objects to be protected or may be on flat, circular or other shapes. The fins may be of various shapes and may be offset or staggered relative to each other.