Abstract: A welding apparatus includes a single weld head, a weld power supply, a conductive fixture plate, a data acquisition card, and a computer. The single weld head includes one or more electrodes, one or more actuating devices in operative communication with the electrodes, and one or more force control devices in operative communication with the actuating devices. The weld head is in communication with a weld power supply. The weld power supply welds articles in accordance with a computer program running on a computer. The computer is in communication with the weld power supply, the force control device, and the data acquisition card. The computer is capable of receiving, evaluating, and storing welding data received from the data acquisition card. The apparatus further includes a switch in communication with the weld power supply, the electrodes, the conductive fixture plate, and the data acquisition card.

Abstract: A timer system for monitoring the freshness of a beverage in a plurality of carafes, and a method of use are disclosed. The timer system comprises a plurality of matched pairs of timers and signaling members, with each timer being individually actuateable and each signaling member being drivingly controlled by its matched timer to issue a signal after the matched timer has operated for a preset period of time. A housing mountable on a beverage preparation device houses the timers. A plurality of tags are mounted to a plurality of carafes to create a plurality of matched carafes that correspond to the plurality of matched pairs of timers and signaling members. After the beverage in a matched carafe is prepared, the matched timer is activated. After the timer has operated for a preset period of time, the matched signaling member then issues a signal, permitting the monitoring of the freshness of the beverage in the matched carafe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing high density, refractory metal products via a press/sintering process. The invention is also directed to a process for producing a sputtering target and to the sputtering target so produced.

Abstract: A system and method enabling the display of mixed reality objects on a computer operated by a user. The system comprises player software and a content module for operation with the player software. The player software may automatically or manually switch from mixed reality to virtual reality mode. The system may further include a server, an access portal, a content module builder, a content module tester, a visor, a webcam, light emitting diodes attached to the visor, a microphone and handheld paddles. The method enables a user to obtain the components needed to display mixed reality objects using a computer by connecting the server to a network to communicate with access portals; enabling user access to the server through an access portal; delivering the player software to a user; allowing a user to purchase a content module; and delivering a content module to a user.

Abstract: The present invention includes an automated credit approval process that provides a pre-approval package based upon information gathered from a basic form of customer identification. A potential customer provides a basic form of personal information, such as a driver's license, to a vendor. The basic personal information is scanned into a data management system where it is subsequently transferred to a credit reporting agency through an automated credit server. The automated credit approval server includes a decisioning platform that compares at least one of a plurality of credit attributes contained within a credit file received from the credit reporting agency with a pre-determined set of creditworthiness criteria established by various lending institutions to generate a credit decision.

Abstract: A calendar-based advertising system inserts advertisements into a calendar.

Abstract: A syndication platform provides a supplemental feed of most-viewed items in a syndicated data feed.

Abstract: A password management process handles passwords at a remote service that operates as an intermediary between a user and a web service.

Abstract: A calendar synchronization system uses syndicated data to transfer calendar items among calendars in disparate calendaring systems.

Abstract: A background data synchronization process employs human-readable communication channels to contact a user and request resolution of synchronization conflicts as they arise.

Abstract: A system of interconnecting structural components for supporting and forming suspended concrete slabs that allow removal of form panels without disturbing the slab support posts (shores). Additional features of the system accommodate changes in suspended slab thickness, horizontal slab dimensions that are not multiples of the basic component dimensions, slab edge cantilevered form panels, attachment to walls and remote manipulation of form panels from the floor below using an erection staff. The primary system components are panels, support posts, telescopic beams, adjustable hanger connections, wall hangers, wall beams, raking shore assemblies and erection/stripping staffs. Form panels are directly supported by the shores without the use of an intermediate member (usually a beam) that is common practice in the concrete forming industry. The system reduces the number of required components that in turn reduces the capital cost to the user and improves his labor efficiency and quality of the concrete surface.

Abstract: A device for protecting the frame of a motorcycle from damage in the event of a crash with an easily replaceable wear pad. This invention is generally comprised of a base and a wear pad that are secured together. To accomplish the installation of this device the base is directly secured to the motorcycle using a primary bolt that runs through the center of the base. The base of the device acts as the mounting apparatus for the wear pad portion the assembly. The wear pad, which has a recess at the bottom that closely matches the outer diameter of the base, is then slid over top of the base. The wear pad is then attached to it with one or more securing devices (bolts, pins or similar devices) that are perpendicular to the primary bolt. Replacement of the wear pad is accomplished by removing the securing device or devices, which are perpendicular to the primary bolt, while the base remains fixed to the motorcycle.

Abstract: a communication system comprises a plurality of downstream transmission systems configured to transmit downstream wireless communications to an area having a plurality of sectors over a plurality of downstream channels to a plurality of users in the plurality of sectors and a plurality of upstream receiver systems configured to receive upstream wireless communications over a plurality of upstream channels from the plurality of users in the plurality sectors. In an embodiment, the plurality of upstream channels comprise multiple contention channels associated with each of the plurality of sectors and a plurality of bearer channels associated with each of the plurality of sectors and the plurality of upstream receiver systems are further configured to receive a plurality of requests from the plurality of users over the multiple contention channels for access to the plurality of bearer channels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a food slicing apparatus, and in particular to an apparatus for slicing bread. The food slicing apparatus of the invention has an enclosure to support the food to be sliced. The enclosure features an access opening through which food can be introduced into the enclosure. A cover for the access opening can be provided, moveable relative to the enclosure from an open position to a closed position. A guide is provided within the enclosure for guiding a blade to slice food supported within the enclosure. A stop is also provided to at least partially obstruct the guide. The cover is connected to at least one of the guide and the stop to displace the guide and the stop relative to one another, so that when the cover is in an open position, the stop at least partially obstructs the guide. In the embodiment disclosed, the stop is connected to the cover and moveable relative to the guide to at least partially obstruct the guide when the cover is in the open position.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for actively biasing a multi-stage amplifier. A method for differentially actively biasing a multi-stage amplifier comprises the steps of: actively biasing, with a single active bias circuit, an amplifier comprising a plurality of amplification stages; and differentially applying the bias provided by the single active bias circuit by biasing at least one amplification stage at a different bias level than another of the plurality of amplification stages. An active bias circuit for a multi-stage amplifier comprises: a single active bias circuit that is configured to actively bias a plurality of amplification stages via at least two gates; and a differential device configured to cause the active biasing provided to one gate to be different from the bias provided to another gate.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a radio frequency filter and a dielectric material configured to alter the frequency response of the RF filter, wherein said dielectric material is located in proximity to said RF filter. The apparatus may be useful in a satellite antenna system wherein the RF filter is configured to have an initial frequency response. The dielectric material may be configured to shift the frequency response of the RF filter from the initial frequency response to a shifted frequency response. The dielectric material may be a polyimide tape. A method is also provided for reworking a non-compliant PWB, wherein the PWB is non-compliant with a standard frequency response to a given RF input signal, and wherein the PWB comprises an RF filter. The method comprises the step of adjusting the frequency response of the RF filter by adding a piece of polyimide tape in proximity to the RF filter.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for actively biasing a multi-stage amplifier. A method for differentially actively biasing a multi-stage amplifier comprises the steps of: actively biasing, with a single active bias circuit, an amplifier comprising a plurality of amplification stages; and differentially applying the bias provided by the single active bias circuit by biasing at least one amplification stage at a different bias level than another of the plurality of amplification stages. An active bias circuit for a multi-stage amplifier comprises: a single active bias circuit that is configured to actively bias a plurality of amplification stages via at least two gates; and a differential device configured to cause the active biasing provided to one gate to be different from the bias provided to another gate.

Abstract: An omni-directional system configured to convert the kinetic and potential energy in ocean waves to electrical energy or in some special cases to other forms of energy such as heat, mechanical and pressure energy. The system employs a float moored by a single hydraulic cylinder anchored to the seabed. Wave energy is captured as the float is displaced vertically and horizontally in response to wave action extending the hydraulic cylinder that in turn forces fluid under high pressure to the float where appropriate valves, hydraulic accumulators, and variable displacement hydraulic motors are arranged to drive electric generators. A secondary benefit of the system is the reduction of near shore erosion.

Abstract: A system of interconnecting structural components for supporting and forming suspended concrete slabs that allow removal of form panels without disturbing the slab support posts (shores). Additional features of the system accommodate changes in suspended slab thickness, horizontal slab dimensions that are not multiples of the basic component dimensions, slab edge cantilevered form panels, attachment to walls and remote manipulation of form panels from the floor below using an erection staff. The primary system components are panels, support posts, telescopic beams, adjustable hanger connections, wall hangers, wall beams, raking shore assemblies and erection/stripping staffs. Form panels are directly supported by the shores without the use of an intermediate member (usually a beam) that is common practice in the concrete forming industry. The system reduces the number of required components that in turn reduces the capital cost to the user and improves his labor efficiency and quality of the concrete surface.