Abstract: A proprietary component (300) receives (101) substantially unique open-platform device information and stores (102) it. The proprietary component, upon later detecting (103) requested usage of its capabilities, receives (105) verification information (from, for example, the open-platform device) and compares (106) that verification information against the previously stored information. If this comparison does not provide an expected result (107), the proprietary component prohibits (109) some or all of its capabilities and functionality. Such prohibition can be temporary or permanent. Such prohibition can also be conditioned, if desired, upon similar tests being conducted with respect to other proprietary components as may also have been operably engaged with the open-platform device.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating multi-phase signals includes a delay chain to produce multi-phase signals, a slow boundary signal, and a fast boundary signal. An array of trim capacitors is connected to the delay chain. A timing control window circuit produces a control signal when a reference signal is outside a timing control window defined by the slow boundary signal and the fast boundary signal. A digital circuit produces a digital capacitive trim signal for application to the array of trim capacitors in response to the control signal. The digital capacitive trim signal alters the capacitive loading of the delay chain.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic air conditioner includes an ion generator that has an electrode assembly including a first array of emitter electrode(s), a second array of collector electrode(s), and a high voltage generator. The first and/or second electrode array can be include an electrically conductive foam, which may provide various advantages.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of making improved rubber modified asphalt cement compositions, and compositions made by the method, where the compositions are useful in paving, roofing, coating and other sealing applications. In one aspect, the method comprises combining asphalt, RVPR (or a blended mixture of asphalt and RVPR) and at least one dodecyl or tridecylbenzene sulfonic acid (SA), which can be linear (LAS) or branched (BAS), in the presence of moderate heat. After heating the resultant RMAC mixture exhibits at least one of the following: (1) an increase in softening point, (2) an increase in hardness, or (3) improved recovery from deformation. In another aspect, the invention teaches addition of at least one SA to previously manufactured RMAC to accomplish at least one of the following: (1) an increase in softening point, (2) an increase in hardness, or (3) improved recovery from deformation.

Abstract: Cupstick is an outdoor game that can be played on a field course of grass, like the game of golf. The game of Cupstick is played by two or more players, and uses a stick and a cup. At play time, the cup is inserted into the ground, and the players stand approximately 200 yards from the cup. Point marks are placed on the field which designate point scores. The game is played by having each player throw the stick towards the cup to score points. A predetermined maximum number of throws may be specified. Upon scoring the predetermined score, a player can attempt to throw the stick into the cup. The game is over when a player lands the stick in the cup.

Abstract: Diamond microtip field emitters are used in diode and triode vacuum microelectronic devices, sensors and displays. Diamond diode and triode devices having integral anode and grid structures can be fabricated. Ultra-sharp tips are formed on the emitters in a fabrication process in which diamond is deposited into mold cavities in a two-step deposition sequence. During deposition of the diamond, the carbon graphite content is carefully controlled to enhance emission performance. The tips or the emitters are treated by post-fabrication processes to further enhance performance.

Abstract: A method of weaving a fabric using fill yarns from forming packages may comprise providing a plurality of warp yarns to a loom, providing at least one forming package of yarn as a fill yarn to the loom by paying out the yarn from the outside of the at least one forming package, and weaving the plurality of warp yarns and the fill yarn to form a fabric. An apparatus for providing a forming package of yarn with substantially no twist to a loom may comprise at least one package holder and at least one payout ring removably coupled to the at least one package holder. The payout ring may have a diameter larger than a diameter of the forming package to be provided to the loom.

Abstract: A heater assembly includes a housing structure, a support structure, an insulator structure, and a heating structure. The housing structure conveys heat to be produced within the housing structure from a first portion to a second portion of the housing structure. The support structure is releasably and fixedly secured to the housing structure. The insulator structure is affixed to the support structure to be releasably and fixedly secured to the housing structure. The heating structure is affixed to the insulator structure to be releasably and fixedly secured to the housing structure, and to be insulated from at least one of the housing structure and the support structure. The housing structure includes an outer surface having a non-uniform cross section with respect to an axis of the housing structure. The support structure, the insulator structure, and the heating structure are positioned within the housing structure.

Abstract: A heater assembly includes a housing structure, a support structure, an insulator structure, and a heating structure. The housing structure conveys heat to be produced within the housing structure from a first portion to a second portion of the housing structure. The support structure is releasably and fixedly secured to the housing structure. The insulator structure is affixed to the support structure to be releasably and fixedly secured to the housing structure. The heating structure is affixed to the insulator structure to be releasably and fixedly secured to the housing structure, and to be insulated from at least one of the housing structure and the support structure. The housing structure includes an outer surface having a non-uniform cross section with respect to an axis of the housing structure. The support structure, the insulator structure, and the heating structure are positioned within the housing structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for welding monofilaments at a loom makes possible a method for a continuous process for weaving monofilaments into fabric. The apparatus comprises a stand (15) on which is mounted welding apparatus (16) and a filament alignment block (20). In the method, a monofilament (30a) in the loom is welded to the leading end of a monofilament (30) on a new spool of monofilament. By welding new monofilament to monofilament in the loom, restringing of the loom is avoided.

Abstract: A protective guard for the transparent dome of a surveillance camera system deployed in a harsh or dangerous outdoor environment. The guard is a hemispherically shaped metallic unit that covers the dome with a series of longitudinal arcuate ribs originating at the equator of the hemisphere and terminating at an open circle at the pole. The guard may be deployed on a surface-mounted dome having an upward, downward or sideways orientation, or it may be deployed on a heavy-duty dangling pendant enclosure. The pendant embodiment includes weather-resistant features including air insulation around the internal components, and slots that allow for the passage of fluid through the pendant for removal of moisture, cooling and evaporation.

Abstract: An article of manufacture describes and simulates a logic device that detects the all-zero scenario for an n-bit word. The n-bit word has a selected bit that is defined using a high-inactive convention, and (n−1) non-selected bits that are defined using a high-active convention. The article of manufacture is embodied as a computer useable medium configured to store computer program codes that describe and simulate the logic device. The logic device described by the computer program codes includes an output FET, a pre-charging circuit, a first evaluation circuit, and (n−1) second evaluation circuits. The pre-charging circuit charges the output FET gate, drain, and source to a pre-charge voltage during a low clock cycle. During a high clock cycle, the first evaluation circuit evaluates the selected bit and discharges the pre-charge voltage on the output FET source if the selected bit is a voltage high.

Abstract: An output synchronization-free NOR gate detects the all-zero scenario for an n-bit word. The n-bit word has a selected bit that is defined using a high-inactive convention, and (n−1) non-selected bits that are defined using a high-active convention. The NOR gate includes an output FET, a pre-charging circuit, a first evaluation circuit, and (n−1) second evaluation circuits. The pre-charging circuit charges the output FET gate, drain, and source to a pre-charge voltage during a low clock cycle. During a high clock cycle, the first evaluation circuit evaluates the selected bit and discharges the pre-charge voltage on the output FET source if the selected bit is a voltage high. The (n−1) second evaluation circuits evaluate the non-selected bits and maintain the pre-charge voltage on the output FET gate if each of the non-selected bits is a voltage low. The output FET conducts if the pre-charge voltage is maintained on the output FET gate and if the output FET source is discharged to ground.

Abstract: An output synchronization-free NOR gate detects the all-zero scenario for an n-bit word. The n-bit word having a selected bit that is defined using a high-inactive convention, and (n−1) non-selected bits that are defined using a high-active convention. The NOR gate includes an output FET, a pre-charging circuit, a first evaluation circuit, and (n−1) second evaluation circuits. The pre-charging circuit charges the output FET gate, drain, and source to a pre-charge voltage during a low clock cycle. During a clock high cycle, the first evaluation circuit evaluates the selected bit and discharges the pre-charge voltage on the output FET source if the selected bit is a voltage high. The (n−1) second evaluation circuits evaluate the non-selected bits and maintain the pre-charge voltage on the output FET gate if each of the non-selected bits is a voltage low. The output FET conducts if the pre-charge voltage is maintained on the output FET gate and if the output FET source is discharged to ground.

Abstract: Diamond microtip field emitters are used in diode and triode vacuum microelectronic devices, sensors and displays. Diamond diode and triode devices having integral anode and grid structures can be fabricated. Ultra-sharp tips are formed on the emitters in a fabrication process in which diamond is deposited into mold cavities in a two-step deposition sequence. During deposition of the diamond, the carbon graphite content is carefully controlled to enhance emission performance. The tips or the emitters are treated by post-fabrication processes to further enhance performance.

Abstract: An Electrical Connection Apparatus for automotive batteries having, in its preferred embodiments a multi-purpose screw threaded bolt with an enlarged head which can be inserted into the side terminal aperture of a battery to form a terminal post for connection of standard top post cable connector, may be provided with perforations allowing it to be tightened/loosened by any linear object, may be utilized as a tightening bolt for a C clamp type cable connector, and may be utilized in conjunction with branching cables for simultaneous connection to the top and side terminals of dual terminal automotive type batteries.

Abstract: The lockout mechanism selectively prevents passengers from reclining an airplane seat even though they activate the seat's recline input button. Instead of a single cable extending from the recline button to the recline actuator, the invention has separate input and output cables. The input cable attaches to a cylindrical input fitting, and the output cable attaches to a cylindrical output fitting. The input fitting telescopes within the output fitting. A ball, which is adjacent the output fitting, moves between a lockout and a normal position. In the normal position, the ball secures the input and output fittings together so that the input and output cables move together. Therefore, pushing the recline button activates the recline actuator. When the ball is in the lockout position, the fittings telescope relative to each other. Therefore, pushing the seat recline button does not activate the recline actuator. A remotely activated piston cam moves the ball between the normal and lockout positions.

Abstract: A solid state chemical sensing device is described in which a chemically sensitive electrode, and at least one diamond film are deposited on a conductive or insulating substrate. The device forms a sensing structure in which conduction of current through the device in the presence of a target chemical is dominated by space charged limited current, thereby providing enhanced sensitivity and selectivity.