Abstract: An apparatus that includes a conductive surface and an insulation surface disposed on the conductive surface. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to cause a signal to be coupled to the conductive surface such that a tactile sensation is perceived in a digit that slides on the insulation surface.

Abstract: A processor controlled charging platform/arrangement, and process using responsive charging of a battery as a function of internal resistance and environmental conditions of the battery are provided. Both voltage and temperature measurements can be used to determine the particular chemical state of a battery. Voltage data can be obtained by taking measurements across the battery terminals during the charge, and such data can be used to determine when charging is complete. Temperature data may also be obtained using thermal sensors placed on the surface or terminals of the battery, or utilizing sensors integrated into the battery. The charging platform/arrangement and process use a high current charge while the internal resistance of the battery is low, thus producing moderate heat, then self-adjusting to a lower intensity charge as internal resistance increases, so as to minimize the heat produced.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (12) wherein combustion conditions are controlled as a function of the humidity of the ambient air (36) in order to ensure stable, emission-compliant performance over a range of ambient conditions. The pilot fuel fraction supplied to a dual mode combustor (10) may be controlled to be responsive to the relative humidity or the specific humidity of the ambient air. Humidity may be measured directly or it may be calculated as a function of other temperature and pressure measurements. A fuel system (44) is controlled by a controller (46) having as inputs the signals from one or more of a relative humidity sensor (62), a barometric pressure sensor (56), a wet bulb temperature sensor (58) and a dry bulb temperature sensor (60).

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (12) wherein combustion conditions are controlled as a function of the humidity of the ambient air (36) in order to ensure stable, emission-compliant performance over a range of ambient conditions. The pilot fuel fraction supplied to a dual mode combustor (10) may be controlled to be responsive to the relative humidity or the specific humidity of the ambient air. Humidity may be measured directly or it may be calculated as a function of other temperature and pressure measurements. A fuel system (44) is controlled by a controller (46) having as inputs the signals from one or more of a relative humidity sensor (62), a barometric pressure sensor (56), a wet bulb temperature sensor (58) and a dry bulb temperature sensor (60).

Abstract: A removable cylinder for a revolver according to the present invention includes a plurality of cartridge chambers, each appropriately sized to receive a blank cartridge therein. The cartridge chambers are sealed at their distal end to prevent debris from a fired blank cartridge from entering the revolver barrel. The cylinder may further include passages (e.g., vent ports or grooves) in communication with the cartridge chambers to vent exhaust gases released from the blank cartridges in response to revolver actuation. The revolver may further include a laser transmitter assembly to project a laser beam toward a target in response to revolver actuation to simulate firearm operation.

Abstract: A removable cylinder for a revolver according to the present invention includes a plurality of cartridge chambers, each appropriately sized to receive a blank cartridge therein. The cartridge chambers are sealed at their distal end to prevent debris from a fired blank cartridge from entering the revolver barrel. The cylinder may further include passages (e.g., vent ports or grooves) in communication with the cartridge chambers to vent exhaust gases released from the blank cartridges in response to revolver actuation. The revolver may further include a laser transmitter assembly to project a laser beam toward a target in response to revolver actuation to simulate firearm operation.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for converting sheets of paper into cushioning dunnage. The apparatus includes a supply assembly, a conversion mechanism, a cutting assembly and a cutting assembly interlock device. The supply assembly supports the paper which is to be converted. The conversion assembly crumples single ply paper into cushioning dunnage and the cutting assembly cuts the newly formed dunnage into desired lengths, where the dunnage is allowed to fall into a container to cushion an item within the container. The cutting assembly interlock device permits activation of the cutting assembly only when the cutting assembly has fully moved into the proper, cutting position.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for converting sheets of paper into cushioning dunnage. The apparatus includes a supply assembly, a conversion mechanism, a cutting assembly and a cutting assembly interlock device. The supply assembly supports the paper which is to be converted. The conversion assembly crumples single ply paper into cushioning dunnage and the cutting assembly cuts the newly formed dunnage into desired lengths, where the dunnage is allowed to fall into a container to cushion an item within the container. The cutting assembly interlock device permits activation of the cutting assembly only when the cutting assembly has fully moved into the proper, cutting position.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for converting sheets of paper into cushioning dunnage. The apparatus includes a supply assembly, a conversion mechanism, a cutting assembly and a cutting assembly interlock device. The supply assembly supports the paper which is to be converted. The conversion assembly crumples single ply paper into cushioning dunnage and the cutting assembly cuts the newly formed dunnage into desired lengths, where the dunnage is allowed to fall into a container to cushion an item within the container. The cutting assembly interlock device permits activation of the cutting assembly only when the cutting assembly has fully moved into the proper, cutting position.

Abstract: Intermodule testing in a computer system including a plurality of modules interconnected via a system bus is performed by means of a serial test bus which is incorporated into the computer system for testing components, for example integrated circuits, used to construct the modules of the computer system. Intermodule test data is maintained in memory on each of the modules and is accessible through operations of the serial test bus. Intermodule test data is retrieved by the serial test bus and used to set up the modules so that one module drives the system bus with test signals defined by test vectors included within the intermodule test data. The remaining modules are set up to receive the test signals. Tables are developed in accordance with the intermodule test data to define which test signals drive which system bus leads and also which receiving modules receive the test signals.

Abstract: Nonvolatile memory is provided on each module of a computer system including one or more modules with each module including a plurality of components including JTAG technology. A test bus operable in accordance with the 1149.1 standard is included in the computer system and is arranged to access the nonvolatile memory. Boundary scan information for the components on a module and also additional information, preferably fully describing all JTAG related characteristics and operations, is stored in the nonvolatile memory. A JTAG bus system is then able to access the module memory and obtain all information required to fully implement JTAG operations for the module.