Abstract: An Archive Interface Manager (AIM) can provide a common interface between the image delivery channels and image archives. AIM handles requests and fulfillment of queries and images between the image delivery channels and the image archive/s. AIM processes requests for documents to the appropriate document archive/s and fulfills and returns a list of items that matches the request and subsequently, the requested item to the requestor. AIM processes the request, searching multiple archives, going to the appropriate place of record, combining the hit list with all the items and returning a single hit list with the matched request. AIM also allows the requestor to query and retrieve items without seeing a hit list such as in a request for a single item.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for integrating online and offline commerce. In one exemplary embodiment, a customer may select a first item from goods or services offered by a web site accessible from a vendor's place of business, select a second item from a source separate from the web site (e.g., from stock maintained at the vendor's place of business), and purchase both the first and second items in a single transaction. The vendor then initiates shipment of the first item from a separate location.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus 6 has means for illuminating a selected surface with a radar beam footprint, and means for profiling/processing the resultant radar returns in an efficient and logical fashion such as to derive radar attitude information in real time about a number of predefined axes associated with the radar which depends upon the relative dispositions of the radar and the selected surface and upon the radar beam footprint characteristics. Advantageously, a plurality of transmit beams 10,11,12 are used to image the surface and the processing arrangement has the capability of determining roll, pitch and/or yaw pointing data associated with the radar, such pointing data being determined by derivation of the attitude information and by selective input of terrain elevation data so as to take account of variations in the radar viewing geometry with terrain elevation.

Abstract: A light engine comprises a pair of LED active elements mounted on a common header having first and second terminals. The first terminal is connected to the cathode of the first LED active element and the anode of the second LED active element, while the second terminal is connected to the anode of the first LED active element and the cathode of the second LED active element, thereby connecting the LEDs in an anti-parallel arrangement. A light engine having a single insulating or semi-insulating substrate having formed thereon plural LED active elements with associated p- and n-type contacts forming cathode and anode contacts, respectively, for each LED active element is also provided. The LED active elements may be mounted in a flip-chip configuration on a header having a plurality of leads.

Abstract: A combined home garden tool for easily and efficiently removing weeds, digging or leveling of soil, and planting which does not require repetitive kneeling or stooping. The invention includes a long or short handle attached to a unique head having a combined weed remover, pointed or flat trenching tool and soil leveler. The weed removal section includes a set of generally parallel elongated tines with pointed ends, the tines being spaced apart from each other to form as set of narrow V-shaped openings for engagement with weeds that accomplishes removal of the weeds and substantially all of their associated root systems without requiring repetitive kneeling or stooping.

Abstract: A high-penetration transmission method uses a compact character set for encoding an alphanumeric message, in which the signal margin is increased by a combination of bit repetition and a relatively small increase in power. The combination of bit repetition and a relatively small increase in power with a encoding via a compact character set avoids unacceptable delay characteristics. Moreover, the combination of repetition and a relatively small increase in power with the compact character set of the present invention avoids the co-channel interference problems of systems which rely solely on a power increase to increase the signal margin, as less power increase is required to obtain the same increase in signal margin for a given delay time. In one embodiment, a mobile radiocommunication system is provided with a short message service feature for transmitting alphanumeric messages to and from a mobile unit.

Abstract: An electronic control for an automatic filling beverage dispensing valve is shown. The dispensing valve includes a valve body, a flow control mechanism and a solenoid. The valve further includes an electrically conductive cup actuated lever for operating a micro-switch that is operatively connected to the electronic control of the present invention. The valve body includes a nozzle and a stainless steel electrical contact for providing electrical connection between the electronic control and the beverage as it flows through the nozzle into a cup. The electronic control of the present invention is microprocessor controlled and includes an internal signal generator which generates a signal independent of the input line frequency supplying the power to the control. This generated signal is buffered and applied to the dispensing cup lever while simultaneously being applied to a reference input of a phase-locked loop detector circuit.

Abstract: A mobile telephone has a receiver, a transmitter, a microprocessor and an associated memory. The memory includes a first-in-first-out (FIFO) queue and a static buffer. An audio signal carried by the mobile telephone is digitized and provided to the microprocessor. The resulting digital signal is continuously written to the FIFO queue. In response to a first command from the mobile telephone user, the microprocessor causes the contents of the FIFO queue to be transferred to the static buffer. Upon a second command from the user, the contents of the buffer are converted to an analog signal and played back over the mobile telephone's speaker.

Abstract: An electronic device has a microprocessor operable in a plurality of modes including a memory update mode, a nonvolatile memory and a wireless communication interface for receiving data over a wireless communication channel. In one embodiment, the electronic device includes a wake-up or timer circuit for automatically placing the electronic device in a wireless memory update mode. Data received by said wireless communication interface is stored in the nonvolatile memory by the microprocessor in response to receipt of the data while the microprocessor is in memory update mode. A programming unit for transmitting update data has a microprocessor, a wireless communication interface and a memory containing update data. A communication path is established between the programming unit and the electronic device. A system for updating data stored in a nonvolatile memory of a plurality of electronic devices includes a programming unit and a plurality of electronic devices.

Abstract: A laser bar code is provided with a check sum that serves to validate the read accuracy with the action of reading itself. A bar code reader system includes a frame grabber in conjunction with video image processing software that utilizes the check sum to ensure accurate reading. The reader is used to check the accuracy and readability of the bar code mark and also for downstream bar bode reading.

Abstract: An electronic security system includes an electronic lock mechanism and an electronic key, each of which is provided with a microprocessor controller and a memory storing data including an ID code and encryption key codes. The lock microprocessor may either change ID codes stored in its memory or encrypt a seed number to be used for determining access to the lock. The key can only be used to access the lock either once or for a limited number of successive times, and must thereafter be reprogrammed by a host computer to be loaded with either the proper ID code or the appropriate encryption key code for that lock. The electronic lock operates a solenoid which retracts a bolt-blocking mechanism that prevents the unlocking of the bolt even when a key having the correct mechanical key cuts is inserted into the lock. Power for operating the electronic lock as well as the solenoid is provided by a power supply within the key.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing high quality closed cell foams for use in applications such as coatings, sealant beads, seam filling and gaskets. An in-line single pass static mixing device containing a very large number of individual mixing elements is used to homogeneously disperse a gas throughout a highly viscous liquid polymeric material such as a plastisol, silicone, butyl or urethane based material.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace for foot drop and similar conditions utilizes an anterior dorsal ankle foot orthoses having an anterior support adapted to be placed against the shin of the leg and strapped to the leg at a point below the knee. The lower end of the orthoses terminates in a yoke at the dorsal portion of the foot, the yoke having lateral side members adapted to be placed on either side of the foot for supporting a foot pad. The foot pad supports the foot from the heel to the ball. The ankle/foot orthoses may be placed in standard footwear, reducing the visibility of the brace to the observer.

Abstract: A plug member adapted for insertion into a tube end seals about its periphery in response to a predetermined activation to prevent fluid flow through the tube. In one embodiment, the plug contains annular rings that expand radially outwardly in response to thermal excitation. In an alternate embodiment, a welding material is forced about the plug periphery to seal with the interior surface of a tube in response to a predetermined activation.

Abstract: An electrical connector incorporates a ground strap conductor that more efficiently grounds the shield of a multi-conductor shielded cable. The ground strap conductor at one end includes a spring contact portion which is indistinguishable structurally and functionally from the spring contact portions of the normal conductors of the connector. The other end of the ground strap conductor is of greatly increased surface area in order to provide a wide, short path to ground for the high frequency EMI and high voltage spikes. Several different embodiments for terminating the ground strap are disclosed, and the invention is particularly designed, although not limited to, use with telephone-type modular jacks and modular shielded cables terminated in telephone-type modular plugs.

Abstract: A puncture sealing apparatus for handing a fluid such as aircraft fuel, and a method for manufacturing a puncture sealing apparatus for handling a fluid. A metallic tubular member is provided which defines a chamber for the fluid; the metallic tubular member being constructed of a material which tends to deform outwardly upon a projectile exiting the chamber. A layer of puncture sealing material is disposed in covering relation to the metallic tubular member. An overwrap of filament material is wound directly onto the metallic tubular member in a predetermined winding pattern, and at a predetermined wrap tension, and the coating of puncture sealing material is disposed in covering relationship to the overwrapped metallic tubular member.

Abstract: A folding luggage carrier is provided with a tubular, substantially rectangular, primary frame with a pair of wheels attached to two adjacent corners. A secondary frame, similar in construction but smaller than the primary frame, is hinged to the primary frame with a pair of pivot pins and may be extended into a position coplanar therewith. The secondary frame is arcuately bulged at its points of superposition with the primary frame when in the extended position. A platform or load stop near the wheels supports luggage stacked onto the carrier and a flexible strap is used to tie the luggage to the framework by means of a buckle attached to the upper crossmember of the secondary frame.In an alternate embodiment a tertiary frame may be nestled in the secondary frame and receive the buckle.