Abstract: The invention provides a family of 2-write WOM-codes, preferred embodiments of which provide improved WOM-rates. Embodiments of the invention provide constructs for linear codes C having a 2-write WOM-code. Embodiments of the invention provide 2-write WOM-codes that improve the best known WOM-rates known to the present inventors at the time of filing with two writes. Preferred WOM-codes are proved to be capacity achieving when the parity check matrix of the linear code C is chosen uniformly at random. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide an electronic device utilizing an efficient coding scheme of WOM-codes with two write capability. The coding method is based on linear binary codes and allows the electronic device to write information to the memory twice before erasing it. This method can be applied for any kind of memory systems, and in particular for flash memories. The method is shown to outperform all well-known codes.

Abstract: A mechanical dispenser includes an elongated housing, first and second longitudinal racks, and an extruder. The housing is adapted for receiving and storing a fluent material. The first rack resides in the housing and incorporates a first series of spaced teeth. The second rack is located adjacent to the first rack in the housing, and incorporates a second series of spaced teeth. The second rack is slidably movable relative to the first rack. The extruder is located within the housing, and is adapted for rectilinear movement along the first rack. The extruder has first and second hinged pawls for engaging respective first and second racks. Upon movement of the second rack relative to the first rack from a first position to a second position, the first pawl of the extruder operatively engages a selected tooth of the first rack while the second pawl slides over a tooth of the second rack, thereby maintaining a first position of the extruder on the first rack.

Abstract: Operating a communication device in a half-duplex mode using only overhead channels; and substantially free running a timing reference obtained during reception to allow a timing reference value to drift during transmission.

Abstract: A hand held vacuum cleaner portable by a user during use is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner has a housing defining a main inlet, an accessory inlet, an exhaust outlet, and a vacuum passageway interconnecting the inlets to the outlet. An impeller is driven by a motor to create a stream of air passing downstream selectively from the main inlet or from the accessory inlet to the exhaust outlet. A cover is sealingly and selectively mountable over the main inlet and the accessory inlet for selecting a stream of air passing downstream from one of the main inlet or the accessory inlet. Also, the vacuum cleaner may have a pair of clip assemblies and a strap. The clip assemblies are ideally selectively positionable between a retracted position flush with the contours of the main housing of the vacuum cleaner and an extended position wherein the strap may be attached to the clip assemblies.

Abstract: A power hand tool for driving a fastener a desired depth into a workpiece. The power tool includes a depth adjust sleeve for varying a resulting driving depth of the fastener into the workpiece. A depth indicator is included to allow a user to gauge the resulting driving depth of the fastener into the workpiece based on his adjustment of the depth adjust sleeve. In one embodiment, the depth indicator comprises a marker coupled to the depth adjust sleeve such that its location varies monotonically in response to varying the resulting driving depth, a lens to allow the marker to be clearly seen by the user, and a scale to which the location of the marker is compared. A driving mechanism is then used for driving the fastener into the workpiece until the resulting driving depth is attained.

Abstract: A battery powered motor driven screwdriver having an arrangement for both locking the tool-holding collet and disengaging it from the drive train. The collet is supported in a bushing having internal U-shaped ribs forming pockets, and the collet is formed with radial fins. To disengage and lock the collet, it is grasped by the operator and pulled outwardly out of engagement with the drive train. The fins are dropped into the pockets which prevent rotation by interfering contact between the fins and the ribs.