Abstract: A system for operating a color flat panel display (FPD) is provided that includes a color FPD, a light source, and a display processing device. The color FPD has an adjustable color depth and is configured to reflect ambient light. The light source transmits light through the bottom surface of the color FPD. The display processing device is coupled to the color FPD and decreases the color depth of the color FPD when the light source is activated and increases the color depth of the color FPD when the light source is turned off.

Abstract: A system for operating a color flat panel display (FPD) is provided that includes a color FPD, a light source, and a display processing device. The color FPD has an adjustable color depth and is configured to reflect ambient light. The light source transmits light through the bottom surface of the color FPD. The display processing device is coupled to the color FPD and decreases the color depth of the color FPD when the light source is activated and increases the color depth of the color FPD when the light source is turned off.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to apparatuses and methods for providing targeted product offers to customers. For example, in one embodiment, a first entity sends a targeted offer to certain customers. The first entity uses a second entity to perform a service related to the offer, such as an enrollment service. The first entity sends a candidate file to the second entity, where the candidate file includes a list of customers that qualify for the offer. The first entity authenticates the customer and, when the customer expresses interest in the targeted offer, the first entity forwards the customer to the second entity along with customer identifying information so that the second entity can perform the related service. The second entity then verifies whether the transferred customer qualifies for the offer by comparing the customer information to the candidate file. If verified, the second entity can perform the service related to the offer for the customer.

Abstract: A system for operating a color flat panel display (FPD) is provided that includes a color FPD, a light source, and a display processing device. The color FPD has an adjustable color depth and is configured to reflect ambient light. The light source transmits light through the bottom surface of the color FPD. The display processing device is coupled to the color FPD and decreases the color depth of the color FPD when the light source is activated and increases the color depth of the color FPD when the light source is turned off.

Abstract: A system for operating a color flat panel display (FPD) is provided that includes a color FPD, a light source, and a display processing device. The color FPD has an adjustable color depth and is configured to reflect ambient light. The light source transmits light through the bottom surface of the color FPD. The display processing device is coupled to the color FPD and decreases the color depth of the color FPD when the light source is activated and increases the color depth of the color FPD when the light source is turned off.

Abstract: A touchscreen liquid crystal display that includes a liquid crystal display including a viewing surface, a liquid crystal area containing liquid crystal located behind the viewing surface, a plurality of spaced apart elongate first electrodes located on a viewing surface side of the liquid crystal area and a plurality of spaced apart elongate second electrodes located on an opposite side of the liquid crystal area, the first and second electrodes overlapping to form an array of liquid crystal pixel elements, at least some of the first electrodes being displaceable towards the second electrodes in response to external pressure applied to the viewing surface. A control circuit is connected to the first and second electrodes for controlling the operation of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A system for operating a color flat panel display (FPD) is provided that includes a color FPD, a rear light source, and a display processing device. The color FPD has an adjustable color depth and is configured to reflect ambient light. The light source transmits light through the bottom surface of the color FPD. The display processing device is coupled to the color FPD and decreases the color depth of the color FPD when the EL light source is activated and increases the color depth of the color FPD when the EL light source is turned off. The color flat panel display is configured to allow more reflection of ambient light than transmission of light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: A phase change material is made by the process including the steps of providing a composition of a metal nitrate and water and adding tetraborate. This phase change material may be used in a heat battery.

Abstract: A touchscreen liquid crystal display that includes a liquid crystal display including a viewing surface, a liquid crystal area containing liquid crystal located behind the viewing surface, a plurality of spaced apart elongate first electrodes located on a viewing surface side of the liquid crystal area and a plurality of spaced apart elongate second electrodes located on an opposite side of the liquid crystal area, the first and second electrodes overlapping to form an array of liquid crystal pixel elements, at least some of the first electrodes being displaceable towards the second electrodes in response to external pressure applied to the viewing surface. A control circuit is connected to the first and second electrodes for controlling the operation of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An employee awards system is provided. In an examplary embodiment, the awards system includes a database having a plurality of active server pages stored therein. The active server pages include at least an awards request form. The awards request form includes a field for entry of a reason for an employee award and a recommended award amount. The system further includes a server coupled to the database. The server is programmed to process data and selections made via the active server pages. The server is further programmed to generate at least two e-mails upon submission of the awards request form. A first of the e-mails generated is directed to a nominator of an award and a second of the e-mails generated is directed to a manager of a nominee of an award.

Abstract: A system for providing force feedback in response to touchscreen inputs by a user is disclosed. A touchscreen overlayed upon a liquid crystal display (LCD) receives user input and provides a corresponding signal to a controller or CPU. The CPU then activates an actuator for physically vibrating or pulsing the electronic device in which the touchscreen and LCD are contained. The physical movement of the electronic device provides tactile feedback to the user for indicating that an input to the touchscreen has been made. The actuator can include a vibrating motor, solenoid and other mechanical means for providing various types of physical movement.

Abstract: A system for reducing power consumption by a liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided. One embodiment includes a processing device, an LCD controller and a switching device. The processing device is configured to generate a digital output having a first state and a second state. The LCD controller is coupled to the LCD and has a display clock input, wherein the frequency of the display clock input controls the frame frequency of the LCD. The switching device has a first input coupled to a first clock signal and a second input coupled to a second clock signal, and has a control input coupled to the digital output of the processing device. The first clock signal has a first frequency and the second clock signal has a second frequency.

Abstract: A system for operating a color flat panel display (FPD) is provided that includes a color FPD, a rear light source, and a display processing device. The color FPD has an adjustable color depth and is configured to reflect ambient light. The light source transmits light through the bottom surface of the color FPD. The display processing device is coupled to the color FPD and decreases the color depth of the color FPD when the EL light source is activated and increases the color depth of the color FPD when the EL light source is turned off. The color flat panel display is configured to allow more reflection of ambient light than transmission of light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: A phase change material for use in a heat battery is provided which includes a salt of hydrated Group IIA metal nitrate and Group IA metal nitrate and an effective amount of an aqueous material sufficient to cause the densities of the liquid and solid phases of said phase change material to be approximately equal during phase transformation. A method of making the phase change material and a heat battery which contains the phase change material are also provided.

Abstract: A combination step bolt and harness attachment for use with transmission structures and the like comprising a rod member having a threaded end portion and nut that is bolted to the tower to form a projecting step bolt, and a flange member, which may be formed integrally with the wall member or as a separate element, that is disposed between the step bolt and the surface of the transmission tower, such flange member including an opening positioned to receive a hook attached to the harness of a line technician, and including a brace portion projecting downwardly from the step bolt so as to be in abutment with the tower when the combination step bolt and harness attachment is mounted to the transmission tower.