Abstract: A memory controller component of a memory system stores memory access requests within a transaction queue until serviced so that, over time, the transaction queue alternates between occupied and empty states. The memory controller transitions the memory system to a low power mode in response to detecting the transaction queue is has remained in the empty state for a predetermined time. In the transition to the low power mode, the memory controller disables oscillation of one or more timing signals required to time data signaling operations within synchronous communication circuits of one or more attached memory devices and also disables one or more power consuming circuits within the synchronous communication circuits of the one or more memory devices.

Abstract: A method for feeding uneven media from a high capacity feeder includes rotating the pages in a stack 180° every 100-250 pages. This is only done with non-flat pages, such as, envelopes, pages with labels thereon, etc., which create tilted stacks and limit the number of pages that can be placed in the high capacity feeder. Rotating the pages 180° distributes the uneven build-up of the pages and creates a relatively flat stack, allowing the high capacity feeder to be filled to capacity. A camera or sensor placed in the high capacity feeder will detect the orientation of the stack on the fly so the image can be rotated accordingly.

Abstract: A method for feeding uneven media from a high capacity feeder includes rotating the pages in a stack 180° every 100-250 pages. This is only done with non-flat pages, such as, envelopes, pages with labels thereon, etc., which create tilted stacks and limit the number of pages that can be placed in the high capacity feeder. Rotating the pages 180° distributes the uneven build-up of the pages and creates a relatively flat stack, allowing the high capacity feeder to be filled to capacity. A camera or sensor placed in the high capacity feeder will detect the orientation of the stack on the fly so the image can be rotated accordingly.

Abstract: A sacrificial circuit connector for interposition between male and female connector terminals for applications in which the expected connect and disconnect cycles may exceed the rated cycle limits of at least one of the connector terminals. The structure of sacrificial connector is largely determined by the need for connection compatibility between the sacrificial connector and the connector terminals. By making repeated disconnections at the sacrificial connector rather than between the connector terminals, the usable life of at least one connector terminal can be significantly increased, thereby adding efficiency and reliability while decreasing costs.

Abstract: A lightweight multipurpose trailer which separates into two parts includes a base chassis and cargo deck. The base chassis provides the hitch beam, axles, suspension, and wheels, but the chassis alone does not have the necessary structure or strength to carry a load without the addition of the cargo deck. The attached cargo deck provides the required strength and rigidity through its connections directly to the axle and the hitch beam. Different customized cargo support decks each fit on the base chassis, but can be stored separately with or without their cargo.

Abstract: A device for mounting an umbrella in front of the operator on a riding lawn mower. The fixed base of the device attaches to the lawnmower structure in front of the seat mesial the operator's legs. An offset frame pivotally attached at it's lower end to the fixed base is configured to clear the operator's hands as he or she moves the mower's steering levers. The frame can be easily rotated forward, lowering the umbrella, for traversing under low tree branches and for mounting and dismounting the mower. The umbrella is rotationally mounted in the upper end of the vertical frame allowing it to turn when it comes in contact with stationary objects, such as a walls, fences, hedges etc. while the mower is traveling parallel to them.

Abstract: A Christmas tree shaped artificial tree having a pole for a tree trunk with a plurality of guy wires attached to the top of the pole and extending downwardly and outwardly to the surface on which the pole is disposed. Profile cables are attached to a hoistable sleeve at the top of the pole but under the guy wire attachment. They extend downwardly and outwardly to spreaders radiating from the pole, then back to the pole a distance above the base end of the pole creating a Christmas tree shape. The guy wires may be rotatably attached to the top of the pole, with the base of the pole mounted on a rotating device, if a revolving tree is desired. Christmas tree light strings are suspended between the profile cables and additional hoistable sleeves on the pole to define a branch shaped form.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for billing usage over a network. This may include determining when a network interface is turned on and determining when the network interface is turned off. A time-based bill may be created based on when the network interface is turned on and when the network interface is turned off.

Abstract: An articulating, telescopic ramp for mounting on the top surface of the cargo bed of a truck, trailer or van. A base assembly 20 attaches to the cargo bed. A pivoting frame 40 is pivotally attached to the base assembly. A telescopic frame 60 is positioned on the pivoting frame so that it travels parallel to it. Lifting cylinders 46 attached to the forward end of the pivoting frame and to the forward end of the base assembly lift the forward end of the pivoting frame thus pivoting it relative to the base assembly. A pulling system 90 consisting of a rod less cylinder 93 and a traveling hub 92 is used for loading and unloading cargo on and off the ramp A modified tailgate 122 allows the ramp to reside and telescope forward and aft under it.

Abstract: The present invention provides a base trailer to which various types of cargo support platforms may be attached. The base trailer includes a rear axle with wheels rotatably supported on its opposing ends, and a main beam (or neep) extending forwardly from the center of the axle and including a conventional tow hitch attached to its forward end. A traditional suspension system, such as leaf springs or a torsional system, may be incorporated into the axle and wheel structure. A pair of mounting brackets are attached to the axle, adjacent each of the wheels, and a mounting hole is formed through the main beam, at an intermediate point therealong.

Abstract: A device for controlling or metering fluid flow in either direction through a conduit. The device comprises a shell disposed in communication with the conduit. Disposed within the shell is a body having a pair of metering orifices axially extending therethrough. A valve is, disposed within the shell and adapted such that fluid flow in a first direction through the device urges the valve to allow fluid flow through the first metering orifice and closes off the second metering orifice. Upon a flow reversal, the fluid urges the valves means to operate in the opposite manner wherein the first metering orifice is closed off and communication is established through the second metering orifice. The device is adapted for use in a reversible vapor compression air conditioning system. In this application, one metering orifice in the body is sized to provide proper metering for heating mode operation and one metering orifice is sized to provide proper metering for cooling mode operation.

Abstract: A device for controlling or metering fluid flow in either direction through a conduit. The device comprises an elongated body having two end walls forming an internal chamber therebetween. One end wall of the device has a first metering orifice. The other end wall has one or more bypass openings. Disposed within the chamber is a free piston having a rod portion extending therefrom and disposed within the first metering orifice. The free piston and rod portion has a second metering orifice axially extending therethrough and in axial alignment with the first metering orifice. Fluid flow through the device urges piston against the end wall in the direction of fluid flow. In one position, fluid flowing into the device passes through the bypassing the opening(s) of the opposite end wall. Fluid flowing out of the device passes through the second metering orifice in the piston. Upon a flow reversal, the piston is urged against the opposite end wall.

Abstract: A device for controlling or metering fluid flow in either direction through a conduit. The device comprises an elongated body having two end walls forming an internal chamber therebetween. Each end wall further having an aperture extending axially therethrough. Disposed within the chamber is a free floating piston having a first metering orifice and a second metering orifice extending therethrough. Fluid flow through the device urges the piston against the end wall in the direction of fluid flow. In this position, the end wall in the direction of fluid flow closes off the second metering orifice while fluid is permitted to pass through the first metering orifice and into the aperture in the end wall in the direction of fluid flow. Upon a flow reversal, the piston is urged against the opposite end wall. In this position, fluid will flow through the second metering orifice in the piston and exit into the aperture in the end wall in the direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: Embodiment (14) of the present invention has powered rotating drive rollers (44, 46) on each side of the bed's mattress (30). The drive rollers are connected to articulating arms (56) which pivot about axis (58, 59) near the center of the head end (21) and the foot end (22) of the bed. A transfer/turning sheet (66) removably connects to the drive rollers. By raising the drive roller on one side of the bed a patient (80) will be rolled over toward the opposite side. That drive rolled will then be lowered and the transfer/turning sheet will lay flat on the mattress again. The patient can be transferred laterally (47) across the bed by turning the drive rollers.

Abstract: The lifter/rotator device of the present invention is useful in assisting a user to raise from a sitting position to a standing position, rotating to a different direction, and resitting on another device or piece of furniture. Embodiment (16) shows base (40B) incorporated in a wheelchair (100). Vertical support column (60B) is mounted off center on a powered rotatable standing platform (50B). Parallel linkage lifting arms (94) and (94') connect pivot assembly (69) on top of support column (60B) to body rest (92). By activating the controls on hand grip and controls (98) a user is lifted upward and forward, rotated to another direction, and lowered on another device. Platform (91) is for a legless user not needing the more elaborate support provided by body rest (92). Storage tank (110) supplies compressed air for driving the various functions.

Abstract: A mixer system for aggressive (toxic, hazardous, corrosive, etc.) materials which are mixed (agitated, suspended, circulated, etc.) in a vessel with an impeller connected to a drive shaft has the impeller and its shaft mounted in an assembly which extends through an opening into the tank and closes that opening. The assembly has a cylindrical hub with a passageway through which the shaft extends out of an open end of the hub. Bearings which are made of materials resistant to the aggressive material in the tank are mounted in the hub and journal and support the shaft. The passageway is part of a confinement region which is terminated by a confinement shell which separates inner and outer rotors of a magnet coupling. The inner rotor is connected to the shaft, directly or through a gear train (preferably a planetary gear set). The outer rotor is connected to a drive shaft.

Abstract: A device for converting a flat bed into an adjustable bed. The system (10) has a base (20) which mounts on the bed's box-springs (14) and an articulating platform (30) sandwiched between the box-springs (14) and the mattress head section (18A). The articulating platform (30) pivots about the pivoting end (28) of base (20) by inflating bellows (40). The controls (42, 43, 44) provide for adjustable firmness, degree and speed of pivoting, and delay for the start of the deflating of bellows (40) for lowering articulating platform (30).

Abstract: A person conveyor system (20) for transporting its user transversely across either a flat bed or an articulating bed (30). Drive rollers (42 and 46) on each side of the bed move a conveyor belt (48) on which a traveling mattress (50) is attached. Generally, a primary unit supports the user's torso. Optionally, one or two additional units may support the users legs and/or head. When two or more units are incorporated in the system, by cross controlling the units the user can partially rotate his or her body about the surface of the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for retracting and engaging the cleaning blade from the imaging surface and preventing copy reprint. At least one of two momentary switches are depressed by one of at least two lobes on a motorized cam. When the copying machine is in a standby condition, a computer controlled signal energizes the cam motor to advance the cam until the appropriate switch is depressed by the cam lobe.

Abstract: A mixer system for aggressive (toxic, hazardous, corrosive, etc.) materials which are mixed (agitated, suspended, circulated, etc.) in a tank with an impeller connected to a drive shaft has the impeller and its shaft mounted in an assembly which extends through an opening into the tank and closes that opening. The assembly has a cylindrical hub with a passageway through which the shaft extends out of an open end of the hub. Bearings which are made of materials which are resistant to the aggressive material in the tank are mounted in the hub and journal and support the shaft. There are no dynamic seals which close the confinement region so that the aggressive materials can be present therein.