Abstract: Method of coating the seam of a welded tube with an adherent metal coating, including applying a nonadherent metal coating to the inside and outside of the welded seam, externally heating the seam area with the seam located in the lower portion of the tube to generally the melting temperature of the coating, then applying a fluid coolant to the external surface to freeze the outer coating while continuing heating to melt the coating on the inner surface and finally quenching. In one preferred embodiment, the tube is heated with an induction heater including a seam coil which first heats the seam area below the melting temperature of the coating and then heated with a full body coil. The coolant may be chilled water or other coolant which is sprayed onto the seam area.

Abstract: A PCB mountable module includes logic circuitry that translates between serial and wireless communication protocols. Supported standards include I2C, CAN, ProfiBus, SPI, and USB, IP, ARP, UDP, TCP, ICMP, Telnet, TFTP, AutoIP, DHCP, HTTP, and SNMP. Modules can optionally provide security, MILARRS functionality, and web related services such as email alert. The novel modules can be used wherever a device designer wants a plug-in (or “drop-in”) system that obviates the need for independent development and maintenance of wireless capability. Examples include servers, desktop and laptop computers, and even devices such as kitchen appliances with relatively simpler electronics.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods useful for helping to center watercraft—such as personal watercraft, ski boats, fishing boats, luxury boats, and the like—as they are docked (such as on trailers or watercraft-lifting systems), especially in rough waters and/or strong crosswinds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a serial-to-Ethernet modular converter jack and a method of fabricating of the same. The serial-to-Ethernet converter electronic components, including the control software stored in on-board memory, are miniaturized and housed entirely in an RJ-45 jack. The present invention is constructed of a shielded housing that defines an open front portion for a connector port. The housing of the present invention also includes a segregated interior chamber, which encases all of the electrical components necessary to complete a serial-to-Ethernet conversion of data. Lead pins electrically connected to the circuitry within the interior chamber, protrude from the based of the connector jack providing for a means to mate the jack to a circuit board. First, second and third circuit boards collectively incorporate the serial-to-Ethernet circuitry components.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for managing goals of an organization. A goal tree is generated having a high level organization goal and one or more hierarchically organized subordinate goals aligned with the high level organization goal. Each goal is owned by one or more individuals associated with the organization. The goal tree is accessible to one or more of the individuals through a graphical user interface for their use in monitoring progress toward the goals.