Abstract: System and methods for assembling electronic devices (110) using removable programmable active processing modules (120) are provided. An active processing module includes a first input/output (I/O) interface (202) and a second I/O interface (204). The active processing module also includes a controller (206) communicatively coupled to the first and the second I/O interfaces, where the controller is configured for selectively operating the active processing module in a programming mode or at least one component mode. In the programming mode, the active processing module is enabled to receive a plurality of operating parameters from a first electronic device via the first I/O interface to configure the active processing module to provide a functionality of a component for a second electronic device via at least one of the first and the second I/O interfaces. In the component mode, the active processing module is configured to operate according to the plurality of operating parameters.

Abstract: System and methods for assembling electronic devices (110) using removable programmable active processing modules (120) are provided. An active processing module includes a first input/output (I/O) interface (202) and a second I/O interface (204). The active processing module also includes a controller (206) communicatively coupled to the first and the second I/O interfaces, where the controller is configured for selectively operating the active processing module in a programming mode or at least one component mode. In the programming mode, the active processing module is enabled to receive a plurality of operating parameters from a first electronic device via the first I/O interface to configure the active processing module to provide a functionality of a component for a second electronic device via at least one of the first and the second I/O interfaces. In the component mode, the active processing module is configured to operate according to the plurality of operating parameters.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (500) for controlling a household electronic device (HED). The HED (102, . . . , 114, 142) comprises a processing unit (302) configured to execute first device-control software operative for controlling the HED so that it performs a primary function using original values for a plurality of operating parameters. The methods involve receiving, at the HED, an active processing module (130, . . . , 140, 144, 146) configured to execute second device-control software. The second device-control software is operative for controlling the HED so that HED performs the primary function using a customized value for one or more of the operating parameters or performs a secondary function different than the primary function.

Abstract: Systems and methods (600) for controlling an electronic device (100) with an active processing module (308) having a first and second input/output interface (502, 504). The methods involve interfacing the active processing module and a computing device using the first input/output interface of the active processing module. Thereafter, the active processing module is programmed using a user interface of the computing device. The method also involves interfacing the active processing module and the electronic device using at least the second input/output interface of the active processing module. Subsequently, the operations of the electronic device are controlled using a processing unit (506) of the active processing module and/or a processing unit (424) of the electronic device.

Abstract: A portable data storage device is provided having a non-volatile memory and a wireless data interface. The wireless data interface is coupled to the non-volatile memory to read data from the non-volatile memory for transmission through the wireless data interface and/or write data received from the wireless data interface to the non-volatile memory. The wireless data interface is a high data rate interface and/or a broadband interface. Data rates may be above 100 Mbps, and bandwidths may be 100 MHz or above. There is further provided a corresponding data storage method.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium encoded with computer instructions for providing relevant content on a web page for a user is provided. According to embodiments of the invention, the instructions are for determining a relevance metric for at least two articles. Each article of the at least two articles is selected from content of the user. Each article is associated with a time. The instructions further include instructions for selecting a set of relevant articles based on the relevance metric and ordering the set of relevant articles according to the associated time of each article of the set. The instructions also include instructions for providing the ordered set of relevant articles to the user.

Abstract: A method providing a self-dispensing additive for buffering a projectile trapping medium and passivating spent projectiles trapped therein. The additive is a buffering compound formed as blocks of low-density foamed-concrete that self-dispenses the additive when contacted by the fired projectiles. The blocks contain dry components that may include one or more of low-solubility phosphate compounds, low-solubility aluminum compounds, iron compounds, sulfate compounds, and calcium carbonate mixed with a cementing material, water, and an aqueous-based foam in substantially stoichiometric amounts. The aqueous-based foam is added in a quantity sufficient to adjust the density of the block to neutral buoyancy in the projectile-trapping medium. The additive chemically stabilizes the medium while also passivating projectiles, in particular heavy-metal projectiles, trapped in the medium.

Abstract: A portable data storage device is provided having a non-volatile memory and a wireless data interface. The wireless data interface is coupled to the non-volatile memory to read data from the non-volatile memory for transmission through the wireless data interface and/or write data received from the wireless data interface to the non-volatile memory. The wireless data interface is a high data rate interface and/or a broadband interface. Data rates may be above 100 Mbps, and bandwidths may be 100 MHz or above. There is further provided a corresponding data storage method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may be used to form a continuous covered area, such as a sidewalk or patio, by vertically interlocking tessellated components. One embodiment, termed PORTAPAVE™, achieves this interlocking via an array of uniquely configured two-sectioned pavers. Each paver has a first section of a first shape and a second section of a second shape impressed upon the first section and bonded together. In one embodiment, first sections of pavers in an installed bottom layer form a cavity between them having the same shape as the second section of a paver that is inverted onto the pavers of the bottom layer, thus providing a top layer. Each inverted paver in this top layer is fitted to interlock in that cavity formed between the un-inverted pavers in the bottom layer. Also provided is a method of making the components, e.g., pavers, and a method of installing them.

Abstract: A backstop for decelerating and trapping projectiles generally includes a support structure having an inclined surface and a projectile trapping medium disposed on the inclined surface. The projectile trapping medium may be either a resilient granular ballistic medium or a combination of a ballistic medium with a hydrated super absorbent polymer (SAP) gel. Preferably, the support structure is made of a shock absorbing, foamed, fiber-reinforced concrete, such as SACON®. In embodiments, the support structure also includes an enclosure. Additives may also be mixed into the projectile trapping medium to control alkalinity and prevent leaching of heavy metals.

Abstract: An additive for buffering a projectile trapping medium and spent projectiles trapped therein is a buffering compound formed as a low density foamed concrete block that will self-dispense via fragmentation or pulverization when subjected to incoming fire. The block combines at least one dry component selected from the group consisting of low solubility phosphate compounds, low solubility aluminum compounds, iron compounds, sulfate compounds, and calcium carbonate with a cementing material, water, and an aqueous based foam in substantially stoichiometric amounts. The aqueous based foam is added in a quantity sufficient to adjust the density of the resulting block to be non-buoyant without sinking in the projectile trapping medium. The additive may be employed in a projectile trapping medium to chemically stabilize the medium and environmentally stabilize projectiles trapped therein.

Abstract: Flexible graphite sheet is made by compressing a mixture of fine particle of intercalated, exfoliated, expanded natural graphite with fine particles of intercalated, unexpanded, expandable particles of natural graphite admixed with small amounts of a phosphorous bearing compound, the unexpanded particles being more finely sized than the expanded particles. The resulting sheet of flexible graphite exhibits improved fire retardant and sealability properties and additionally resistance to oxidation and corrosion.