Abstract: A method and system for bidirectional data, power transmission, electrical/electronic fault isolation, and system recovery is shown and described. An exemplary embodiment includes a DC power source, a main power controller (“MPC”) with a MPC microprocessor and an MPC power switcher driver and fault switching control circuit, and a plurality of Nodes connected to the DC power source through conductors that allow both power to be supplied and bidirectional data transfer between a data receiver and the plurality of Nodes. The fault switching control circuit can provide for short detection and isolation (or other fault detection and isolation) without the direct involvement of the MPC microcontroller. The combined use of the conductors for power, data transmission, and fault detection and isolation offers significant advantages over the prior art in terms of weight reduction, system modularity, and complexity, as well as system protection and survivability.

Abstract: A method and system for bidirectional data, power transmission, electrical/electronic fault isolation, and system recovery is shown and described. An exemplary embodiment includes a DC power source, a main power controller (“MPC”) with a MPC microprocessor and an MPC power switcher driver and fault switching control circuit, and a plurality of Nodes connected to the DC power source through conductors that allow both power to be supplied and bidirectional data transfer between a data receiver and the plurality of Nodes. The fault switching control circuit can provide for short detection and isolation (or other fault detection and isolation) without the direct involvement of the MPC microcontroller. The combined use of the conductors for power, data transmission, and fault detection and isolation offers significant advantages over the prior art in terms of weight reduction, system modularity, and complexity, as well as system protection and survivability.

Abstract: Hydrogen-containing fuel/oxidizer combinations, such as aqueous ammonia and aqueous hydrogen peroxide, are disclosed. Systems and methods using such fuel for generation of energy are also disclosed. The reaction products of the fuels are environmentally benign chemicals such as nitrogen gas and water.

Abstract: An interactive book reading system (600) responsive to a human finger presence. The system (600) includes a radio frequency (RF) scanning circuit (675), a control circuit (610), a memory (615) and an audible output device (650). The RF scanning circuit (675) is configured to detect the presence of the human finger when the finger enters an RF field generated by the RF scanning circuit (675). The control circuit (610) and the memory (615) are in communication with the RF scanning circuit (675). The memory (615) stores a plurality of audible messages. The audible output device (650) is also in communication with the control circuit (610). The audible output device (650) outputs at least one of the audible messages based on an analysis of the RF field performed by the control circuit (610) when the finger enters the RF field.

Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for fish-luring use with a separate fishing line includes a fishing-line-attachable shaft (e.g., a straight length of rigid wire) on which are mounted first and second rotator members. At least the first rotator is mounted rotatably and slideably for rotation and axially movement relative to the second rotator in response to water pressure when the shaft is moved forwardly in a body of water. The interaction of an irregular non-planar rearwardly facing end on the first rotator with an irregular non-planar forwardly facing end on the second rotator produces fish-luring vibrations. In one embodiment, the second rotator is also mounted rotatably and slideably, with the first rotator rotating clockwise, the second rotator rotating counterclockwise, and circumferentially spaced apart protrusions on the rearwardly facing end of the first rotator interacting with circumferentially spaced apart indentations on the forwardly facing end of the second rotator to produce the fish-luring vibrations.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide-fueled engine system is provided. Embodiments of the system include: a source outputting liquid hydrogen peroxide; a decomposition chamber including an inlet in fluid communication with the source for receiving the liquid hydrogen peroxide, an outlet, and a catalyst interposed between the inlet and the outlet; and a rotary expansion engine including a gas outlet, a gas inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the decomposition chamber, a generally lobe-shaped expansion chamber in fluid communication with the gas inlet and the gas outlet, and a rotor contacting a surface of the lobe-shaped expansion chamber between the gas outlet and the gas inlet, the rotor including an output shaft and diametrically-opposed first and second sealing arms that pivot outwardly to contact the surface. In another aspect, a method of producing rotational energy from decomposition of liquid hydrogen peroxide is provided.

Abstract: A system for bidirectional data and power transmission is shown and described. In an embodiment, a network power controller provides power to a node and communicates bidirectionally with the node. In an embodiment, the network power controller is coupled to an AC power source and provides both AC and DC power to the node. In an embodiment, the network power controller and node are coupled via a conduit comprising three wires, wherein the first wire carries DC power and communications, the second wire carries AC power, and the third wire is the neutral/ground line. In another embodiment, the network power controller and node are coupled via a conduit comprising two wires, wherein the first wire carries AC power and communications and the second wire is the neutral/ground line. In an embodiment, AC power having one phase or more can be controlled at the network power controller and the node.

Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

Abstract: A method and system for bidirectional data and power transmission are shown and described. An exemplary embodiment comprises a current receiver, including a microprocessor and a driver, and a plurality of nodes connected to the current receiver through a plurality of wires that allow both power supply and bidirectional data transfer between the current receiver and the plurality of nodes. The use of the plurality of wires for both power and data transmission offers significant advantages over the prior art in terms of weight reduction and system modularity.

Abstract: A method and system for bidirectional data and power transmission are shown and described. An exemplary embodiment comprises a current receiver, including a microprocessor and a driver, and a plurality of nodes connected to the current receiver through a plurality of wires that allow both power supply and bidirectional data transfer between the current receiver and the plurality of nodes. The use of the plurality of wires for both power and data transmission offers significant advantages over the prior art in terms of weight reduction and system modularity.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) communication device for audible sound communication over an infrared beam. The IR communication device includes an IR receiver, an IR transmitter, a speaker, and a microphone 210. The IR receiver receives the incoming IR beam. The IR transmitter 206 generates the IR output beam. A pair of IR communication devices form an IR communication system with a pair of IR communication channels. Simplex and full duplex IR communication may be provided over one or a pair of IR communication channels.

Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a shaft having a first end for connection to a line and a second end for connection to a hook. An outer body is provided on the shaft to conduct water through its hollow interior during retrieval while an inner body gating component rotatably mounted on the shaft within the hollow interior repetitively interrupts or gates the flow of water in a way that produces low frequency vibrations. As an angler retrieves a line attached to the shaft, water flows into an outer body input port, through the hollow interior, and then out a plurality of outer body output ports located at a rearward end of the outer body.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a shaft having a first end for connection to a line and a second end for connection to a hook. An outer body is provided on the shaft to conduct water through its hollow interior during retrieval while a gating component rotatably mounted on the shaft within the hollow interior repetitively interrupts or gates the flow of water in a way that produces low frequency vibrations. As an angler retrieves a line attached to the shaft, water flows into an outer body input port, through the hollow interior, and then out a plurality of outer body output ports located at a rearward end of the outer body.

Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

Abstract: An apparatus which transforms itself from one form to another. The apparatus comprises a body having a first rotatable leg and a second rotatable leg mounted thereon. When placed in motion, the apparatus is in its first form. First and second links are rotatably mounted in the first and second rotatable legs, respectively. The first and second links are pivotably joined at a pivot point. The apparatus has a weight disposed at the pivot point. Forces acting on the apparatus at different stages of travel cause forces to shift. This causes rotation of the first rotatable leg and said second rotatable leg. When this occurs, the apparatus is transformed into the second form. Also, a center of gravity shifting apparatus shifts the center of gravity of the apparatus from the front of the apparatus to the rear of the apparatus.

Abstract: Gyro stabilized remote controlled toy motorcycle having good stability and controllability without using ground contacting auxiliary wheels or the like. The motorcycle comprises a chassis supporting a fixed angle rear wheel drive and associated motor and a castered front wheel. A gyro wheel having an axis nominally parallel to the axis of the rear wheel is mounted in a gimbal with a vertical axis in the forward part of the chassis and connected to the front wheel fork and post to turn the front wheel responsive to the rotation of the gimbal relative to the chassis. The chassis further includes a radio receiver, battery power and a steering device, such as a motor and slip clutch for torquing the gyro wheel gimbal. To turn in a first direction the gyro gimbal is torqued in the opposite direction, initially causing the front wheel to also turn in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An improved security system for use in mobile commerce consisting of an electromechanical lock and electronic key and an integrated program-erase procedure whereby overall systemic complexity and security are judiciously increased through the unequivocal implementation of a first electromagnetic wavelength irradiation to erase the volatile memories of the lock and/or key combined with the implementation of a second electromagnetic wavelength irradiation to program the volatile memories of the lock only.