Abstract: A brush having an ergonomic handle is utilized in conjunction with a body in different orientations as a result of rotation of the handle. Suitable handles are readily removed from the body by the user by operating a spade shaped clip or other quick release mechanism. It is especially desirable to provide a collection of interchangeable brushes and handles that provide numerous permutations for different uses. It is further contemplated that the advantages of such a system of brushes could benefit from advertising that directs potential consumers to usefulness with respect to automotive care.

Abstract: A relatively thick sponge has a washable microfiber cloth that removably covers at least a portion of the sponge, and is particularly well adapted for automotive use by virtue of a microfiber pile on the cloth. Preferred cloth coverings have microfibers with a length (pile height) of between 0.5 and 0.11 cm, and more preferably between 0.7 and 0.9 cm. The sponge can be any suitable size and shape, but is preferably dog bone shaped, having a length of at least 10 cm, a width of at least 6 cm, and a thickness of at least 2 cm. The cloth is preferably sized and dimensioned to completely enclose the sponge.

Abstract: A brush having an ergonomic handle is utilized in conjunction with a body in different orientations as a result of rotation of the handle. Suitable handles are readily removed from the body by the user by operating a spade shaped clip or other quick release mechanism. It is especially desirable to provide a collection of interchangeable brushes and handles that provide numerous permutations for different uses. It is further contemplated that the advantages of such a system of brushes could benefit from advertising that directs potential consumers to usefulness with respect to automotive care.

Abstract: A transceiver device comprises a transmitter to transmit signals over a plurality of conductors to a memory device. An interface receives control information from a serial communication path coupled to a controller device. The control information is provided to the memory device as the signals using the transmitter. A register stores a control parameter that specifies a drive strength adjustment to the signals to transmit over the plurality of conductors to the memory device using the transmitter.

Abstract: A transceiver comprises a first interface to receive a first signal, through a first channel, from a memory device. A transmitter transmits a second signal that represents the first signal, through a second channel, to a master device. A plurality of registers stores a plurality of values provided by the master device. The plurality of values includes a first value that specifies a transmit timing adjustment to the second signal to transmit to the master device by the transmitter.

Abstract: A system including an integrated circuit memory device. The integrated circuit device comprises a register to store a value representative of an output voltage setting. A circuit holds a value representative of an adjustment to the output voltage setting. An output driver outputs a drive voltage during a calibration operation, wherein a signal is generated based on a comparison between a signal derived from the drive voltage and a reference voltage. The signal updates the value representative of the adjustment to the output voltage setting.

Abstract: A method of operating a memory system that includes an integrated circuit memory device is provided. A value representing an output voltage setting of an output driver of the memory device is stored in a register. The output driver outputs the drive voltage. A signal derived from the drive voltage is compared to a reference signal to generate a signal that indicates an adjustment to the output voltage setting. The output voltage setting of the output driver is adjusted using a counter that holds a count value representing an update to the output voltage setting. The count value is updated in accordance with a signal that indicates the adjustment to the output voltage setting.

Abstract: A system and method for performing data transfers within a computer system is provided. The system includes a controller configured to dynamically adjust the interleave of the communications required to perform a series of data transfer operations to maximize utilization of the channel over which the communications are to be perform ed. The controller is able to vary the time interval between the transmission of control information that requests a data transfer and the performance of the data transfer by signaling the beginning of the data transfer with a strobe signal sent separate from the control information. The controller is able to defer the determination of how much data will be transferred in the operation by initiating the termination of a data transfer with a termination signal. The method provides a technique for distinguishing between identical control signals that are carried on the same line.

Abstract: A method of operating an integrated circuit including an output driver. The method includes storing a value in a register, wherein the value is representative of a voltage swing setting of an output driver. The voltage swing setting of the output driver is adjusted using a counter that holds a count value representing an update to the voltage swing setting. The count value is updated in accordance with a signal that indicates an adjustment to the voltage swing setting. In addition, an integrated circuit memory device comprising an output driver, a register and a counter is provided. The counter updates a count value in response to a signal that indicates a direction to adjust the count value.

Abstract: A coin validator is arranged to sample the outputs of electromagnetic sensors in order to derive measurements for use in testing coins. Frequency measurements are made by counting a predetermined number of oscillator cycles, terminating the sample period in response to this count being reached, and taking into account the duration of the sampling period and the number of cycles of the oscillator during the sampling period, including any cycles which may have occurred following the predetermined number. The predetermined number is altered in order to change the sampling period.

Abstract: A control circuit of a money-handling unit receives an input from a coin sensor, and detects whether liquid is present by detecting the occurrence of a false signal caused by liquid shorting the output of the sensor. Two different thresholds of conductivity can be used to detect whether liquid is present and to distinguish between high conductivity liquids and low conductivity liquids. The control circuit carries out different courses of action to respond to the liquid depending on the conductivity. Either a temporary or permanent shut down is selected.

Abstract: Apparatus for validating items of value is described. The apparatus includes a measurement circuit including an inductor, the complex impedance of which varies in accordance with the interaction between a test item of value and a magnetic field within which the inductor is located. Circuitry is provided for extracting first and second periodic signals from the measurement circuit, and a circuit is provided for timing the interval between corresponding portions of the first and second periodic signals. A processing element then determines the value of a parameter related to at least one of the real and imaginary parts of said complex impedance, as a measure of the validity of said test item, from the outputs of the timing circuit.

Abstract: Vehicle security protection system provides anti-theft security system for the voluntary vehicle vacate situation, regardless of whether the engine is running. When a thief trips the armed system, the engine ignition circuit is instantaneously and continuously broken at the vehicle's engine ignition module. The system is difficult to hot-wire or to reset. An anti-hijack security protection system is also provided which can interface with the anti-theft system. Either system can be "armed" regardless of engine status. However, the user must be in the vehicle before arming the anti-hijack system because the door/courtesy light circuit is used as the trigger circuit for engine kill. A time delay is provided in the anti-hijack mode to cause the thief to commit to public actions and to give the owner time to escape from the hijack scene. In either mode, when the system is tripped, the fuel gauge indicates an empty tank condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for relieving eyestrain and fatigue. A plurality of light sources, arranged in a selected three-dimensional pattern around a video display terminal, automatically cycling through a selected sequenced pattern at chosen time intervals for specific time periods, provides stimulation for the eyes away from the two-dimensional surface of the terminal screen. Colors and shapes of the light sources may be varied in order to maintain user interest.

Abstract: Modularized vehicle security mounting system for converting a conventional four-door motor vehicle into a safely and well-equipped security vehicle having full conventional vehicular safety features while isolating passengers in the rear seating area and also while providing for running of wire harnesses from trunk to dashboard and for providing rear seating area climate control and sanitation.

Abstract: A gas appliance stove safety valve system that incorporates a safety valve assembly between the gas line manifold of the stove and the wall shut-off valve from the main gas line. The safety valve assembly is mounted adjacent the rear of the gas appliance stove beneath an aperture in its top wall. Special structure is utilized to fasten the ball valve assembly to the top wall of the stove. A special key is utilized that can be inserted through the aperture in the top wall of the stove to rotate the valve stem of the ball valve assembly between a closed position and an open position. There is also structure for preventing removal of the key unless the safety valve assembly is actuated to its shut-off position.

Abstract: An apparatus that safely locks a shotgun within the forward passenger compartment of a vehicle. A gun carrier receives the receiver part of the shotgun and includes an opening that receives the trigger group of the weapon so that when the trigger group is positioned in the opening, the shotgun is properly positioned in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a base member immovably mounted to a passenger seat, and an elongate pivot arm is hingedly secured to the base member. The gun carrier is secured to the distal free end of the pivot arm. Thus, a police office may adjust his or her driver's seat rearwardly or forwardly and the pivot arm follows such movement and does not restrict such movement. The gun carrier may be opened by activating a solenoid through a switch on the dashboard of the vehicle, or, in the alternative, by using a key. Thus, if the solenoid fails for any reason, the officer can still open the gun carrier with the key.

Abstract: The present invention provides surgical gowns and other garments possessing the advantages of raglan sleeve construction in terms of comfort and freedom of movement, with improved manufacturing efficiency. The garment of the present inveniton provides a raglan sleeve divided into an upper portion and lower portion joined approximately in the area of the bicep. Waste is greatly reduced by creating a shoulder portion from material removed to form the arm openings in the body portion of the garment. The shoulder portion is attached to the body portion of the garment to form a raglan shoulder portion which extends to about the bicep of the wearer. A sheet of material is cut in a trapezoidal pattern to form a plurality of lower sleeve portions, each of which is attached to a shoulder portion. Gowns made in accordance with the present invention exhibit the flow and shoulder lines of a raglan sleeve construction while making efficient use of the fabric from which the gown is constructed.

Abstract: The present invention provides surgical gowns and other garments possessing the advantages of raglan sleeve construction in terms of comfort and freedom of movement, with improved manufacturing efficiency. The garment of the present invention provides a raglan sleeve divided into an upper portion and lower portion joined approximately in the area of the bicep. Waste is greatly reduced by creating a shoulder portion from material removed to form the arm openings in the body portion of the garment. The shoulder portion is attached to the body portion of the garment to form a raglan shoulder portion which extends to about the bicep of the wearer. A sheet of material is cut in a trapezoidal pattern to form a plurality of lower sleeve portions, each of which is attached to a shoulder portion. Gowns made in accordance with the present invention exhibit the flow and shoulder lines of a raglan sleeve construction while making efficient use of the fabric from which the gown is constructed.