Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.

Abstract: An amplifier system having an amplifier for amplifying a communications signal, a scanning receiver for monitoring a signal strength of the communications signal, a microprocessor for determining, based on the signal strength of the communications signal, whether the communications signal should be amplified, and a switch, controlled by the microprocessor, for allowing the communications signal to pass through the amplifier or be terminated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.

Abstract: A dynamic, compact, lightweight fuel processor that is capable of converting carbonaceous fuels to hydrogen rich gases suitable for all types of fuel cells or chemical processing applications. The fuel processor and process are based on the autothermal hydrodesulfurizing reforming reaction, followed by clean up of byproduct sulfur-containing gases and carbon monoxide that poison the fuel cell electrocatalyst. The fuel processor uses proprietary catalysts and hardware designs that enable the conversion in an energy efficient manner while maintaining desirable performance characteristics such as rapid start-stop and fast response to load change capabilities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of electronic entertainment devices in an entertainment system is described herein. A hardware system is coupled to a plurality of electronic entertainment devices to receive and transmit audio-video signals Transmit logic is coupled through a digital computer interface, preferably a SCSI interface, to the hardware system. The transmit logic has a plurality of ports and a memory associated with each port for storing control data sequences for each respective port. Each portis independently addressable by the hardware system A plurality of transmitters, each coupled to a respective one of the transmit logic ports transmits the respective store; control data sequences to respective ones of the electronic devices.

Abstract: Compositions having improved sability which, when applied to a variety of substrates and cured, form transparent coatings having superior abrasion resistant properties. The coating compositions are aqueous-organic solvent mixtures containing a mixture of hydrolysis products and partial condensates of an epoxy functional silane and a tetrafunctional silane and a multifunctional compound selected from the group consisting of multifunctional carboxylic acids, multifunctional anhydrides and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a tape responsive to gases. One version is paper impregnated with lead acetate, a backing layer of impervious sheet material, and a top face pervious, transparent layer. The top layer retards gas exposure and expands the range of sensitivity. The top layer is preferably pervious, transparent and has a thickness and width to control exposure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying codes for remotely controlling electronic devices via a wireless communication medium automatically selects a code which may control a first function of an electronic device. The code is transmitted to the electronic device via a wireless medium and then a check is made as to whether the first function occurred. If the first function occurred, then the code is identified as controlling the first function of the electronic device. If the first function did not occur, then the process is repeated with a different code.

Abstract: Wireless telephone networks, such as cellular, PCS networks, and other mobile radio services networks provide 911 or similar emergency calling services between mobile stations and a public safety answering point (PSAP). In emergency situations, the caller often will not be satisfied with the quality of the link to the PSAP, for any of a variety of subjective reasons. In such a case, the caller ends the first emergency call and initiates another emergency call. In accord with the invention, if the caller initiates the second emergency call within a predetermined interval from the first call, the mobile station will select an alternate operating system of the network for the second call. For example, if the first call utilized the A-side cellular carrier, the handset will select a B-side or PCS carrier for the second call. The handset also may select a different technology, e.g. analog instead of the normally preferred digital, for the second emergency call.

Abstract: Testing a CDMA cellular communication system involves placing stationary load box test units about a selected cell and transmitting predetermined signals from the test units. The signals include voice signals or audio test sequences, such that the transmissions simulate traffic loading in the cell. The effective radiated power from the stationary test units is varied in a predetermined manner to simulate fading, multi-path, and motion. A mobile test unit traverses the cell along a predetermined path. The mobile test unit makes, a CDMA telephone call to at least one of the stationary test units during transit. The mobile test unit includes a data recorder, which records test data regarding the call(s), including a recording of the voice or specialized audio test sequences. One or more of the stationary test units that receives a call from the mobile unlit also records pertinent data regarding the test call.

Abstract: This disclosure features a permeation storage chamber in a tube having a first membrane delivering a permeate flow into an intermediate chamber. This chamber delivers flow from a second membrane. The intermediate chamber delivers surplus permeate out through a pressure regulator, or a drain tube. Pressure stabilization at the second membrane enables constant permeation discharge, avoiding pressure or temperature dependent flow rate charges.

Abstract: This is a method and system to lock and release modules on computing devices. The system may include: An automatic lock system for modules on a computing device, the system comprising: a processor connected to a system bus; an input means connected to the processor by the system bus; an output means connected to the processor by the system bus; and a module that inserts into the computing device and is connected to the system bus; a module controller that controls the module and is connected to the system bus; a latch that locks and releases the module to and from the computing device; and a subsystem that controls the latch. The system may also include a basic input/output system (BIOS).

Abstract: A method of improving the planarity of spin-on glass layers in semiconductor wafer processing is disclosed. Gaps in between active conductive traces on a trace layer of a semiconductor wafer that exceed a predetermined threshold distance are provided with dummy surfaces arranged in a micro-pattern in order to improve the planarity achieved in subsequently applied spin-on glass layers. In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold distance is greater than approximately 2 micrometers, as for example in the range of approximately 4.65 to 5 micrometers. In some applications, both the active conductive traces and the dummy surfaces are formed from a metallic material that is deposited in one single step with a dielectric layer being deposited over both the active conductive traces and the dummy surfaces prior to application of the spin-on glass layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for allocating a data file across a plurality of media servers in a network, wherein each media server has associated therewith one or more levels of I/O devices organized in a hierarchical manner. An attempt is made to allocate the storage of data across the I/O devices in such a way that the bandwidth imposed on the devices when the data file is sequentially accessed will be balanced, and optimum use of I/O bandwidths at all points in the system is achieved. This balancing can be done by incorporating knowledge regarding various bottlenecks in the system into the decisionmaking process required for distributing the data blocks.The method and apparatus further allows bandwidths to be allocated to various clients in the system at the time a data file is opened. Various checks are provided at the time a data file is accessed to ensure that the data rates actually imposed by the requesting client do not exceed that requested by the client at the time the data file was opened.

Abstract: Differential image data compression systems and techniques are disclosed for use in video telephone systems for full duplex, real time transmission of audio and video images over nominal 3 kHz residential telephone lines and other narrow bandwidth channels. Each video telephone device consists of a transmitting portion and a receiving portion. In the transmitting section a reduced grey-scale (luminance) image, preferably consisting of only black-and-white pixels, is compared in an image processing module with a similarly reduced image derived from previous values to determine pixel positions that have changed. Information representative of the changes is then encoded and modulated and (time or frequency) multiplexed with the audio and/or chrominance signals for transmission. At the receiver, the incoming signal is demodulated and demultiplexed to separate the audio and video portions, the image portion is decoded and the luminance value is updated by an image updating unit.

Abstract: A pattern (e.g., the normal or abnormal characteristics of a biological cell) within an image is recognized based on visual characteristics of the pattern, the image being represented by signals whose values correspond to the visual characteristics, using a location channel which determines the location of the pattern within the image based on the signal values, and a classification channel which categorizes the pattern based on the signal values, the location channel and the classification channel operating in parallel and cooperatively to recognize the pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating an exoatmospheric structure, such as a spin stabilized satellite, in an environment subject to gravitational forces. The apparatus includes a floating structure which is pivotally and rotationally supported upon a gimballed bearing structure positioned adjacent the center of mass of the floating structure and suspended upon a support structure. The floating structure is translatable in either vertical direction relative to the supporting structure upon a vertically movable suspension system connected to the supporting structure. The supporting structure is provided with bearing assemblies which are adapted to engage a supporting surface for permitting freedom of movement of the supporting structure over the supporting structure in any direction.

Abstract: A generic algorithm search is applied to determine an optimum set of values (e.g., interconnection weights in a neural network), each value being associated with a pair of elements drawn from a universe of N elements, N an integer greater than zero, where the utility of any possible set of said values may be measured. An initial possible set of values is assembled, the values being organized in a matrix whose rows and columns correspond to the elements. A genetic algorithm operator is applied to generate successor matrices from said matrix. Matrix computations are performed on the successor matrices to generate measures of the relative utilities of the successor matrices. A surviving matrix is selected from the successor matrices on the basis of the metrics. The steps are repeated until the metric of the surviving matrix is satisfactory.