Abstract: Apparatus and a method of controlling operation of a wide variety of appliances so the appliance can only be used by an authorized individual, and then only under certain specified conditions. The apparatus and method provide safe use of the appliance since presumably the person authorized to use the appliance is trained in its use, and where circumstances warrant, knows how to use the appliance safely. It is a particular advantage of the invention to prevent unsafe use of the appliance, even by an authorized user.

Abstract: A process of making multiple layer labels includes securing an upper label web to a base label web by means of hold-down openings in the upper label web and an adhesive overlaminate laid thereon and extending through to the base web. Die cutting and matrix removal steps, all carried out in-line in a single pass, produce a multiple layer label. Varied processes and label supply and label structures are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition for coating various substrates, particularly automotive bodies. A crosslinkable component of the composition includes an acid functional acrylic copolymer polymerized from a monomer mixture comprising 2 percent to 12 percent of one or more carboxylic acid group containing monomers, percentages based on total weight of the acid functional acrylic copolymer, and 0.2 percent to 2 percent of amorphous silica, percentages based on total weight of the crosslinkable component. The crosslinking component can includes polyisocyanates, melamines, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A peel-back, re-sealable multi-ply label in which a first portion of an upper ply is substantially coextensive with a base ply to form a two-ply panel, and in which a second portion of the upper ply extends beyond the base ply in at least one direction to form a single-ply panel. The lower surfaces of the base ply and the second portion of the upper ply are adapted to be substantially permanently attached to a container surface by a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The lower surface of the first portion of the upper ply is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive and is releasably bonded to the base ply by a release coating therebetween, enabling the first portion to be peeled back to reveal printed matter on the base ply and lower surface of the upper ply, and subsequently re-sealed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a multi-coat system on various substrates, particularly automotive bodies. A crosslinkable component of the composition includes an acid functional acrylic copolymer polymerized from a monomer mixture comprising 2 percent to 12 percent of one or more carboxylic acid group containing monomers, percentages based on total weight of the acid functional acrylic copolymer, and 0.2 percent to 2 percent of amorphous silica, percentages based on total weight of the crosslinkable component. The crosslinking component can includes polyisocyanates, melamines, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A multiple layer label has a pre-curved upper label on a base label. When applied to a curved or non-planar surface, a gap between portion of the labels accommodates the wrapping of the label structure around the surface and avoids tearing, splitting, bunching and wrinkling in the respective upper and base labels. The label structure is formed by bending the labels around a forming surface, releasing one end of the upper label and repositioning it on the base label so that when removed from the bending operation and straightened out, the upper label is arched away from the base label. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable wireless transceiver device (22) is carried by an individual (24) during the normal course of daily activities. The device (22) receives and records load instructions (84) from other transmitter devices (22, 26) at difference locations and at different instants in time through the day. Later, the device (22) interfaces a fixed-location platform (58) and the load instructions (84) are downloaded from the device (22) to the platform (58). A game application (64), executable from the fixed-location platform (58), is updated in response to the downloaded load instructions (84) to affect an outcome of the game application (64).

Abstract: A method of relieving stress in a window covering or other fabric composite by providing a fabric composite including first and second sheets of sheer material coupled to each other by a plurality of vanes. The fabric composite is fed along a pathway, and tension is applied to the fabric composite in directions both substantially perpendicular and substantially parallel to the pathway. The tensioned fabric composite passes adjacent to a plurality of heating units which apply heat to the window covering, removing creases and imperfections from the fabric composite. The tension is then removed from the fabric composite in the directions both parallel and perpendicular to the pathway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for power management of embedded electronic subsystems. A power management control circuit for managing power to an embedded subsystem includes a subsystem power node connected to a first section of the embedded electronic subsystem and a bias voltage node connected to a second section of the embedded electronic subsystem. A power switch is connected between a power supply and the subsystem power node. By separating the power subsystem node from the bias voltage node, power can be removed from the subsystem, while still providing the necessary bias voltage to the electronic static discharge (ESD) diodes. This prevents the voltages applied to the system bus by the subsystem from causing bus contention or system bus lock-ups. A power removal and restoration procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of making multiple layer labels includes securing an upper label web to a base label web by means of hold-down openings in the upper label web and an adhesive overlaminate laid thereon and extending through to the base web. Die cutting and matrix removal steps, all carried out in-line in a single pass, produce a multiple layer label. Varied processes and label supply and label structures are disclosed.

Abstract: A process of making multiple layer labels includes securing an upper label web to a base label web by means of hold-down openings in the upper label web and an adhesive overlaminate laid thereon and extending through to the base web. Die cutting and matrix removal steps, all carried out in-line in a single pass, produce a multiple layer label. Varied processes and label supply and label structures are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for power management of embedded electronic subsystems. A power management control circuit for managing power to an embedded subsystem includes a subsystem power node connected to a first section of the embedded electronic subsystem and a bias voltage node connected to a second section of the embedded electronic subsystem. A power switch is connected between a power supply and the subsystem power node. By separating the power subsystem node from the bias voltage node, power can be removed from the subsystem, while still providing the necessary bias voltage to the electronic static discharge (ESD) diodes. This prevents the voltages applied to the system bus by the subsystem from causing bus contention or system bus lock-ups. A power removal and restoration procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a housing with a plurality of bearing supports. Each bearing support has a substantially circular interior bearing surface. A segmented camshaft assembly includes at least two camshafts axially adjacent to each other to define at least one adjacent pair of camshafts. Each camshaft is rotatably carried by the housing and includes a plurality of cam lobes. The camshaft assembly also includes at least one connector assembly, with each connector assembly connecting an adjacent pair of camshafts together. Each connector assembly has an exterior bearing surface disposed within and rotatably carried by a corresponding interior bearing surface in the housing.

Abstract: A connecting rod assembly connects a piston to a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine. The connecting rod assembly includes a connecting rod having a yoke at an end thereof. The yoke includes a semi-circular bearing portion and a pair of shoulders. The yoke further includes at least two bolt holes associated with and opening at each shoulder. A cap is attached with the yoke, and includes a semi-circular bearing portion and a pair of shoulders. The cap further includes at least two bolt holes associated with each shoulder. Each bolt hole opens at a respective shoulder and is substantially coaxially aligned with a respective bolt hole in the yoke to define a mating pair of bolt holes. A plurality of bolts are each disposed in a respective mating pair of bolt holes and attach the cap with the yoke. Each bolt has a head with a non-circular cross section which abuts a head of an adjacent bolt and prevents unlimited rotation therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for power management of embedded electronic subsystems. A power management control circuit for managing power to an embedded subsystem includes a subsystem power node connected to a first section of the embedded electronic subsystem and a bias voltage node connected to a second section of the embedded electronic subsystem. A power switch is connected between a power supply and the subsystem power node. By separating the power subsystem node from the bias voltage node, power can be removed from the subsystem, while still providing the necessary bias voltage to the electronic static discharge (ESD) diodes. This prevents the voltages applied to the system bus by the subsystem from causing bus contention or system bus lock-ups. A power removal and restoration procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the packaging and installation of a soft vertical blind incorporating a plurality of elongated vertical louvers and an integral, sheer curtain face. The packaging system facilitates the process of securely shipping a soft vertical blind in a box, while preventing damage to the curtain fabric that is connected to the louvers. Injection-molded plastic installation clips are configured to nest inside each other and to clip into apertures provided adjacent to the top ends of each louver. When coupled to a threaded shipping rod, the installation clips act as a clamp to secure the louvers of the soft vertical blind. Polyethylene packaging spacers with slots configured to hold individual louvers are placed periodically along the length of the blind to further secure the louvers during shipping. Select components of the packaging system are also used as components in a hanger assembly to facilitate the installation of the soft vertical blind to a mounted headrail.

Abstract: An end cap for a drainage system comprises a wall element having substantially the same profile as the cross-section of the end of the trench drain channel section. The wall element is adapted to be coupled to the trench drain channel section to form a terminal end of the channel section. At least one transverse groove is provided in the channel section so that, when the end cap is separated at the groove, the height of the end cap corresponds to the depth of the channel section. Typically, a plurality of transverse grooves are provided at spaced intervals along the vertical height of the wall element which correspond to different possible depths of the channel section. Thus, the end cap may be adapted to fit any one of a number of channel sections, regardless of depth. The end cap may further comprise a pipe coupler integrally molded with the wall element such that the wall element and coupler are substantially continuous.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing time-shared base stations between a plurality of radio communication systems in a cellular communication system. Each radio communication system in the cellular system is assigned a limited unique set of frequencies for communication therein. Base stations in the cellular system are synchronized to a common time base and frequency reuse is achieved by time-sharing the frequencies via allocated time slots. Base stations activated to communicate in a first radio communication system and using the same frequencies that may interfere with each other are activated in the first system only during selected time intervals while same-frequency base stations nearby are deactivated in the first system. The deactivated base stations are then in turn activated in the first system while previously activated same-frequency base stations nearby are deactivated.

Abstract: A programmable digital modulator and methods of modulating digital data for transmission by a communication system according to operating parameters selected for various applications are provided. A two-chip system is utilized by a preferred embodiment of the invention. One chip comprises a PROM for storing impulse response data which would result from filtering the data to be transmitted. The second chip comprises a data interface for accepting input data, an address generator for generating an address of the PROM where the impulse response data is stored which corresponds to the data input to the chip and for causing the PROM to output the impulse response data stored at the address generated, and a data modulator for modulating a carrier signal with the impulse response data provided by the PROM.

Abstract: A bifunctional enzyme has been isolated and purified from carrots which has both aspartokinase and homoserine dehydrogenase activities in the same polypeptide. The enzyme can be used to regulate lysine, homoserine, threonine, isoleucine and methionine content in plants. The DNA sequence encoding the bifunctional enzyme is also disclosed.