Abstract: A Lenz' Law demonstration device. The invention is a child's educational toy that demonstrates magnetics, Lenz' Law (which creates a current within the tube by creating a magnetic field that opposes the field of the falling magnetic—making the magnet fall more slowly as opposed to a nonmagnetic drop that would fall at the speed of gravity). A magnet is dropped into a larger diameter copper (or other ferromagnetic material) tube. The magnetic resistance then causes the magnet to drop at a slower speed in the tube therefore creating the appearance of anti-gravity and generating an electrical charge through the resistance.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting the look, feel, and function of one's personalized computer preferences across multiple host computers, including the appearance, settings, programs, and user data. This system and method uses a portable memory device and a data management system that maintains a consistent interface and data file structure on multiple host computers, including a common visual desktop interface. The portable memory solution also provides mobile access to the user's applications and personal data files. The memory device is capable of being connected to multiple host computers via a standard interface such as a USB port.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting the look, feel, and function of one's personalized computer preferences across multiple host computers, including the appearance, settings, programs, and user data. This system and method uses a portable memory device and a data management system that maintains a consistent interface and data file structure on multiple host computers, including a common visual desktop interface. The portable memory solution also provides mobile access to the user's applications and personal data files. The memory device is capable of being connected to multiple host computers via a standard interface such as a USB port.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting the look, feel, and function of one's personalized computer preferences across multiple host computers, including the appearance, settings, programs, and user data. This system and method uses a portable memory device and a data management system that maintains a consistent interface and data file structure on multiple host computers, including a common visual desktop interface. The portable memory solution also provides mobile access to the user's applications and personal data files. The memory device is capable of being connected to multiple host computers via a standard interface such as a USB port.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting the look, feel, and function of one's personalized computer preferences across multiple host computers, including the appearance, settings, programs, and user data. This system and method uses a portable memory device and a data management system that maintains a consistent interface and data file structure on multiple host computers, including a common visual desktop interface. The portable memory solution also provides mobile access to the user's applications and personal data files. The memory device is capable of being connected to multiple host computers via a standard interface such as a USB port.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting the look, feel, and function of one's personalized computer preferences across multiple host computers, including the appearance, settings, programs, and user data. This system and method uses a portable memory device and a data management system that maintains a consistent interface and data file structure on multiple host computers, including a common visual desktop interface. The portable memory solution also provides mobile access to the user's applications and personal data files. The memory device is capable of being connected to multiple host computers via a standard interface such as a USB port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a “smart” AP, whereby the AP periodically checks its connection with a network and, if a determination is made that the connection between the AP and the network server has been lost, an indication of this loss of connection is made available to all wireless stations connected to the AP. In a preferred embodiment, the indication given to the wireless stations is in the form of an SSID change. When the AP detects the loss of network connection, it automatically changes its SSID from a primary SSID to an alternative SSID. The wireless stations receive the alternative SSID and, since they are configured to connect to the primary SSID, immediately and automatically begin to search for another AP in the system that is using the primary SSID, and then connect to AP having the strongest signal. In one embodiment, the alternative SSID's can be selected so as to provide diagnostic assistance to a person attempting repairs to the faulty AP/network connection.

Abstract: An integrated computer management and storage system comprising, in a preferred embodiment: an external mass storage device for a host computer; including a power storage sub-system, in the form of a capacitor or battery, such that during an intermittent communication breakdown, it has energy to sustain the static RAM values stored in the registers of the mass storage device for a sufficient period of time, thereby allowing for the option of reconnection, without re-initialization; and an associated mass storage device driver, typically residing on the host computer, capable of re-polling and restoring the connection without re-initialization. Optionally, a redundant backup of the static RAM values may also be stored on the host computer device.

Abstract: Each player places at least one game wager. Game wagers include player hand proposition wagers on the composition of the player hand and inclusion of game indicia having predetermined characteristics in the player hand; competitive wagers on the comparison of the player hand to other player hands and/or a dealer hand; and individual game indicium proposition wagers on an identified characteristic of a designated game indicium of the player hand. Player hands, and optionally a dealer hand, are dealt. Wagers are resolved and rewards are issued for winning wagers.

Abstract: A frequency compander for improving the frequency response of a telephone line when used for remote broadcasting. The inventive device comprises an encoder for compressing the frequency spectrum of an audio signal and a decoder for expanding the signal back to its original spectrum. Preferably the encoder comprises: an anti-aliasing filter; an A/D converter for digitizing incoming audio; a DSP for compressing the audio; and a D/A converter for outputting compressed audio to the phone line. The decoder comprises: an anti-aliasing filter; an A/D converter for digitizing the incoming compressed signal; a DSP for restoring the original audio; and a D/A converter for outputting program audio. In a preferred embodiment, encoding and decoding are performed in the frequency domain. In another preferred embodiment, encoding and decoding are performed in the time domain using trigonometric transformations.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a detector system including a solid state flat panel detector and an image processor, the detector including a plurality of pixels, each pixel generating an initial intensity signal, the initial signals together defining an initial image, the processor storing an initial bad pixel map that includes a known bad pixel set, after signals are generated, the processor automatically using intensity signals corresponding to other than the bad pixel set to generate replacement intensity signals for each of the bad pixel set pixels thereby generating a corrected image, the apparatus for identifying additional bad pixels, the apparatus comprising a processor that, after the image data is collected, examines at least one of the initial image and the corrected image to identify a likely additional bad pixel set including pixels that have unexpected values and an interface for indicating the likely bad set to a system user.

Abstract: A portable external computer device having a connector for a standard computer interface and a integral cover, comprising, in a preferred embodiment, a USB-based mass storage memory device, and an “integrated” cover for the USB connector portion; such that the cover is automatically retractable so as to expose the connector for connection to a host computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a detector system including a solid state flat panel detector and an image processor, the detector including a plurality of pixels, each pixel generating an initial intensity signal, the initial signals together defining an initial image, the processor storing an initial bad pixel map that includes a known bad pixel set, after signals are generated, the processor automatically using intensity signals corresponding to other than the bad pixel set to generate replacement intensity signals for each of the bad pixel set pixels thereby generating a corrected image, the apparatus for identifying additional bad pixels, the apparatus comprising a processor that, after the image data is collected, examines at least one of the initial image and the corrected image to identify a likely additional bad pixel set including pixels that have unexpected values and an interface for indicating the likely bad set to a system user.

Abstract: Techniques for increasing the capacity of a radio link, using radio signal superimposing in space and frequency and subsequent signal restoration, are described. Each of the transmitting and receiving systems are connected to a plurality of collocated antennas. The signals that are superimposed are recovered by one or a plurality of restorers. The disclosed method of signal processing involves appropriate filtering of signals, then summing them in order to restore the original individual signals and to cancel out all undesired signals received as a result of superimposing. Preferably, the spacing between antennas is optimized so that while the undesired signals are minimized or canceled out, the restored signals are maximized. In simple situations, signal filtering may be reduced to phase adjustment of the signals and the restoration may be done at RF, IF or baseband. In more complex situations, general adaptive filters implemented in baseband may be preferred.

Abstract: An anti-cheating device for a gaming machine, which prevents or detects the insertion of a cheating device through a hole or seam. In a first preferred embodiment, an assembly links a more sensitive local alarm system across to an independent central alarm system. An attempt to create a small opening by slightly offsetting a gaming device's door, to allow insertion of a cheating device through the newly created seam results in a central system alarm or a “tilt” of the machine. In another preferred embodiment, a protective guard prevents access to the system reset mechanism by an elongated cheating device, thereby preventing manipulation of the reset button.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting the look, feel, and function of one's personalized computer preferences across multiple host computers, including the appearance, settings, programs, and user data. This system and method uses a portable memory device and a data management system that maintains a consistent interface and data file structure on multiple host computers, including a common visual desktop interface. The portable memory solution also provides mobile access to the user's applications and personal data files. The memory device is capable of being connected to multiple host computers via a standard interface such as a USB port.

Abstract: An integrated electronic camera and software package that can change the characteristics of captured images (such as color, brightness, and contrast). By the operation, the camera device includes onboard image manipulation software and utilizes the existing camera monitor, and thereby allows the user to directly alter captured images to suit their personal preferences.

Abstract: A quantum tunneling transistor which provides two switching inputs, for example source and drain as with a conventional FET, and a control input which, in one embodiment, performs much like the gate input of a conventional FET. In one embodiment, charge pump circuitry is integrated onto the semiconductor substrate material of the transistor to provide a plurality of switching voltages to the transistor. The circuitry is configured such that switching of the transistor is controlled by a single, high impedance input, thus allowing the use of the quantum tunneling transistor in existing applications.

Abstract: A frequency compander for improving the frequency response of a telephone line when used for remote broadcasting. The inventive device comprises an encoder for compressing the frequency spectrum of an audio signal and a decoder for expanding the signal back to its original spectrum. Preferably the encoder comprises: an anti-aliasing filter; an A/D converter for digitizing incoming audio; a DSP for compressing the audio; and a D/A converter for outputting compressed audio to the phone line. The decoder comprises: an anti-aliasing filter; an A/D converter for digitizing the incoming compressed signal; a DSP for restoring the original audio; and a D/A converter for outputting program audio. In a preferred embodiment, encoding and decoding are performed in the frequency domain. In another preferred embodiment, encoding and decoding are performed in the time domain using trigonometric transformations.