Abstract: A communicating faulted circuit indicator (“FCI”) apparatus, as well as methods for using the apparatus. A sensor is configured to collect data relating to a state of an electrical conductor. A controller is logically coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the data collected by the sensor and to determine whether to communicate the collected data to a location remote from the FCI. A communications facility is logically coupled to the controller and configured to communicate the data to the remote location in response to the controller's determination to communicate the data to the remote location. The communications facility can include a cellular communications device. The remote location can comprise a cellular communications device. The remote location also can be a computer system configured to receive communications from the FCI.

Abstract: A control system and method for a motorized high voltage loadbreak switch.

Abstract: A driver for powering an EL lamp includes a boost circuit for converting low voltage DC to high voltage DC and an inverter for converting direct current to alternating current. The driver also includes at least one transistor for discharging,the EL lamp and a generator for producing a ramp voltage that is coupled to the base of the transistor. The ramp voltage causes the discharge current through the EL lamp to be sinusoidal, without harmonics. The discharge current does not cause the EL lamp to produce sound.

Abstract: Arc suppression systems, devices and methods for avoiding undesirable arcing conditions inside a liquid-filled tank of a high-voltage electrical apparatus.

Abstract: Communication networks having redundant signal paths for sensed operating conditions and control parameters for electrical power transmission and distribution systems.

Abstract: A system and method enables intervention events occurring at a self-checkout station at a retail site to be addressed by an operator located at a remote site distant from the retail site. The system includes a checkout station located at a retail site, a video camera and microphone mounted at the checkout station, a data communicator for collecting video and audio data from the video camera and microphone and operational data from the checkout station, an intervention service station for receiving the video, audio, and operational data from the data communicator, the intervention service station being located off-site from the retail site; and the intervention service station includes a checkout station command generator for generating and sending checkout station commands to the checkout station in response to the operational data received from the data communicator so that an operator at the intervention service station can intervene in the checkout station operation.

Abstract: Provided is a laminated member for a novel automobile interior ceiling material which has good film formability, lightweight and high rigidity, excellent moldability on cold-pressing after preheating, no problem of wrinkles, improved shrinkage and heat resistance of a post-molding product (automobile interior ceiling material), and a small post-molding dimensional error. A laminated member (A) has a seven-layered structure including filler-containing polypropylene sheets (4 and 5) laminated on both sides of a foamed polyurethane sheet (1) with hot melt materials (adhesive layers) (2 and 3) interposed therebetween, and an adhesive layer (6) laminated to adhere an interior material (8) to an outer surface of one-sided filler-containing polypropylene sheet (4) and a backing material (7) adhered to an outer surface of the other-sided filler-containing polypropylene sheet (5).

Abstract: Systems and techniques for electronic shelf label (ESL) battery replacement are described. A first embodiment includes an ESL having a single battery and two battery compartments. A replacement battery is placed within the empty battery compartment before the old battery is removed. In a second embodiment, an ESL includes a single battery situated in a single battery compartment, and a large value capacitor connected in parallel with the battery which maintains the contents of the ESL's volatile RAM while the single battery is changed. In a third embodiment, an ESL includes two battery compartments, a single battery and a large value capacitor connected in parallel with the battery. In another aspect, an ESL displays instructions for changing the ESL battery. The ESL includes a pushbutton for user input which allows the user to cycle through multiple battery change instructions. These instructions may be stored in locally in the ESL or may be transmitted to the ESL from a host system.

Abstract: A means is provided for packaging disc drives and other information-storage devices in a manner that reduces transmittal of shock to the packaged device. The device is placed in a static-disssipative package comprising an upper and lower portion, each of which has external protrusions that deform to absorb shock. Further anti-impact protection is provided by internal buttresses that cushion the packaged device. The package is preferably a unitary article molded from PVC plastic sheeting, with the upper and lower portions joined at an accordion-like hinge. The upper and lower portions nest together at the peripheral edges, providing a labyrinthine path (in effect, a seal) that prevents passage of contaminants. Shock transmittal (relative to an unprotected drive) is reduced by a factor of approximately 5-7.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for electronic shelf label (ESL) battery replacement are described. A first embodiment includes an ESL having a single battery and two battery compartments. A replacement battery is placed within the empty battery compartment before the old battery is removed. In a second embodiment, an ESL includes a single battery situated in a single battery compartment, and a large value capacitor connected in parallel with the battery which maintains the contents of the ESL's volatile RAM while the single battery is changed. In a third embodiment, an ESL includes two battery compartments, a single battery and a large value capacitor connected in parallel with the battery. In another aspect, an ESL displays instructions for changing the ESL battery. The ESL includes a pushbutton for user input which allows the user to cycle through multiple battery change instructions. These instructions may be stored in locally in the ESL or may be transmitted to the ESL from a host system.

Abstract: A system for the electronic receipt and automatic fulfillment of a software package purchase order via the Internet is provided. An electronic order is placed by a purchaser and received through a vendor web site over the Internet. A customer data file is automatically created by the system. The system automatically queries the customer for any lacking desired customer information. The customer information is automatically recorded in the customer data file and an electronic invoice is automatically issued to the customer. Once payment for the software package is received, the system automatically assigns a software identification number to the software package, which is embedded therein. The system then automatically records the software identification number in the customer data file and then automatically transmits the software package to the customer.

Abstract: A method for using a personal digital assistant having a wireless communications transceiver to connect a personal computer to a computer network, such as the Internet. The method includes programming or instructing the transceiver to emulate the connectivity function of a modem, establishing a communications link between the personal digital assistant and the personal computer, and wirelessly connecting the personal computer the Internet through the personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A locator stop (10) having a body (12) is arranged to be supported on an upper surface of a truss table formed with a plurality of panels (P), so as to extend across a slot (S) between successive panels. The body (12) has a basal surface (22) by which it is supportable on the upper surface of the table. The stop has a lock (14) which projects below the body (12) so as to be at least partly locatable in the slot (S). The lock (14) has dimensions in two mutually perpendicular directions, substantially parallel to the basal surface (22), which respectively are less than the width of the slot (S) and greater than the width of the slot. The lock (14) is adjustable by a manual operation performed above the table, wherein the lock (14) is able to firmly engage at least one of the panels (P) defining the slot (S) and thereby clamp or hold the body (12) on the upper surface at a required position along the slot.

Abstract: A means is provided for packaging disc drives and other information-storage devices in a manner that reduces transmittal of shock to the packaged device. The device is placed in a static-disssipative package comprising an upper and lower portion, each of which has external protrusions that deform to absorb shock. Further anti-impact protection is provided by internal buttresses that cushion the packaged device. The package is preferably a unitary article molded from PVC plastic sheeting, with the upper and lower portions joined at an accordion-like hinge. The upper and lower portions nest together at the peripheral edges, providing a labyrinthine path (in effect, a seal) that prevents passage of contaminants. Shock transmittal (relative to an unprotected drive) is reduced by a factor of approximately 5-7.

Abstract: A means is provided for packaging disc drives and other information-storage devices in a manner that reduces transmittal of shock to the packaged device. The device is placed in a static-dissipative package comprising an upper and lower portion, each of which is externally ribbed to absorb shock. Further anti-impact protection is provided by internal buttresses that cushion the packaged device. The package is preferably a unitary article molded from PVC plastic sheeting, with the upper and lower portions joined at an accordion-like hinge. The upper and lower portions nest together at the peripheral edges, providing a labyrinthine path (in effect, a seal) that prevents passage of contaminants. Shock transmittal (relative to a bare drive) is reduced by a factor of approximately 5-7.

Abstract: A lamp assembly comprises a incandescent lamp capable of generating light. The incandescent lamp comprises a incandescent lamp tube and at least one filament. The assembly also comprises a shroud separate from the incandescent lamp and mounted in communication with the lamp tube on an exterior of the incandescent lamp tube. The shroud also comprises a coating disposed on the reflecting section of the shroud for reflecting energy having predetermined wavelengths emitted by the incandescent lamp. The shroud comprises a reflecting section disposed about the incandescent lamp tube, where the geometry of the shroud generally conforms to the geometry of the at least one filament of the lamp, to reflect energy having predetermined wavelengths back substantially toward the incandescent lamp and focusing the reflected energy generally at the at least one filament of the incandescent lamp so as to increase the output from the assembly.

Abstract: A process for making a composite substrate with cover utilizes heated dies of a forming tool to deform and heat the substrate. The heated substrate is then placed in a marriage tool having a room temperature lower die for receiving the substrate, and a heated upper die. A cover material layer is placed over the substrate and the marriage tool is closed. The cover material includes a heat activatable adhesive and with the marriage tool closed, the heat from the upper die adheres the cover material layer to the substrate while the room temperature die cools the substrate. In this way, when the marriage tool is opened, the composite structure can be removed without deformation.