Abstract: A multi-electron beam system that forms hundreds of beamlets can focus the beamlets, reduce Coulomb interaction effects, and improve resolutions of the beamlets. A Wien filter with electrostatic and magnetic deflection fields can separate the secondary electron beams from the 5 primary electron beams and can correct the astigmatism and source energy dispersion blurs for all the beamlets simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure comprising: a gate electrode, a dielectric layer, and a planar layer of a topological material being separated from the gate electrode by at least the dielectric layer, and having a contact interface with the dielectric layer to generate an electric field-controlled Rashba spin-orbit interaction on application of an electric field thereto, wherein the topological material exhibits a topological phase transition between a trivial state and a non-trivial state at a critical electric field strength on application of the electric field, wherein the gate electrode is configured to apply the electric field across the planar layer in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the planar layer; and wherein the topological material exhibits a change in bandgap, in the presence of the electric field, having a spin-dependent contribution represented by a proportionality constant ?R and a non-spin-dependent contribution represented by a proportionality constant ?v; and wherein ?R>?v/3.

Abstract: A raised pipeline sleeve for a pipeline includes a tubular sleeve body insertable into pipeline pipes. Recessed sleeve shoulders are radially positioned about each end of the tubular sleeve body with a central portion therebetween. An outer surface of the tubular sleeve body along the central portion is shaped to conform to an inner surface of the pipeline pipes. The recessed sleeve shoulders are recessed a distance radially below the central portion to support a pipeline seal between the recessed sleeve shoulders and the pipeline pipes. A raised hump extends radially from the central portion along the outer surface of the tubular sleeve body. As the tubular sleeve body is inserted in the pipeline pipes, the pipeline pipes engage the raised hump and conform the raised hump to the inner surface of the pipeline pipes whereby installation of the tubular sleeve body into and alignment of the tubular sleeve body about the pipeline pipes is facilitated.

Abstract: A lockable pipeline seal, pipeline sleeve, and sealed pipeline connection for a pipeline. The pipeline seal includes a ring-shaped body having a head along a first ring end and a tail along a second ring end of the ring-shaped body, with a body portion therebetween. The ring-shaped body has an outer surface and an inner surface along its periphery. A deflection surface and abase surface are defined along the outer surface. The deflection surface is at an angle to a horizontal axis of the ring-shaped body, and a recessed grip is defined along the inner surface. The ring-shaped body is compressible such that, when the pipeline seal is installed between the pipeline sleeve and the pipeline pipe, the deflection surface is urged against the pipeline pipe and the recessed grip grippingly engages the pipeline sleeve whereby a locked seal is formed between the pipeline sleeve and the pipeline pipe.

Abstract: A system and method for variable power transfer in an inductive charging or power system. In accordance with an embodiment the system comprises a pad or similar base unit that contains a primary, which creates an alternating magnetic field. A receiver comprises a means for receiving the energy from the alternating magnetic field from the pad and transferring it to a mobile device, battery, or other device. In accordance with various embodiments, additional features can be incorporated into the system to provide greater power transfer efficiency, and to allow the system to be easily modified for applications that have different power requirements. These include variations in the material used to manufacture the primary and/or the receiver coils; modified circuit designs to be used on the primary and/or receiver side; and additional circuits and components that perform specialized tasks, such as mobile device or battery identification, and automatic voltage or power-setting for different devices or batteries.

Abstract: A power source, charging system, and inductive receiver for mobile devices. A pad or similar base unit comprises a primary, which creates a magnetic field by applying an alternating current to a winding, coil, or any type of current carrying wire. A receiver comprises a means for receiving the energy from the alternating magnetic field and transferring it to a mobile or other device. The receiver can also comprise electronic components or logic to set the voltage and current to the appropriate levels required by the mobile device, or to communicate information or data to and from the pad. The system may also incorporate efficiency measures that improve the efficiency of power transfer between the charger and receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for facilitating the funding of gaming. Relative to a gaming table, a player may provide a commercial bank card to access funds via a table client. A request for funds from an account associated with the bank card is transmitted to a banking network. Upon approval, a monetary value voucher is generated, such as by a casino voucher system, and is printed and provided to the player at the gaming table. The player may redeem the voucher for funds, such as monetary value gaming chips for wagering at the gaming table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method of use thereof for lower leg strengthening, particularly for strengthening the anterior tibialis. In one form, the device includes: a foot mount for mounting to a foot of a user, said foot mount including a pair of opposed side plates and at least two rods interconnecting the opposed side plates, at least one of said two rods including an actuating mechanism for tightening and loosening the opposed side plates about the foot of the user; and a weight mount operatively associated with the foot mount and configured to mount one or more weights thereon. In use, the device is configured to provide resistance to dorsiflexion of the foot of the user.

Abstract: A system includes a primary coil, a first drive circuit, a first sense circuit, and a communication and control circuit for providing power inductively to a portable device that includes a battery and an inductive receiver unit including a receiver coil and a receiver circuit. A portable device includes a battery and a receiver unit capable of receiving inductive power from a compatible inductive charging system including a base unit with a primary coil and associated circuit. A system includes a system rechargeable battery, an inductive coil, a drive circuit, a sense circuit, a communication and control circuit, a receiver rectifier circuit, and a wired power input for providing power inductively to a compatible portable device comprising a battery and an inductive receiver unit including a receiver coil and a receiver circuit.

Abstract: An electronic device having an inductive power transfer system to transfer power to a portable device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a first inductive coil for power transfer using an alternating magnetic field. The electronic device further includes a permanent magnet structure for creating a separable magnetic attachment between the electronic device and the portable device having a second inductive coil for inductive power transfer. The permanent magnet structure is positioned around an outer perimeter of the first inductive coil to align the first inductive coil with the second inductive coil in the portable device for inductive power transfer. The permanent magnet structure includes one or more discontinuous arc-shaped permanent magnets assembled to form a full or partial ring shape that includes a gap to impede eddy current generation in the permanent magnet structure by the alternating magnetic field during inductive power transfer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for facilitating the funding of gaming and preferably the purchase of gaming vouchers with commercial bank cards and/or with casino and/or new credit accounts and/or the prompting of opening of a new credit account, including an automated kiosk located on a gaming floor proximate to gaming machines but separate from particular gaming machines, including reading and printing equipment in communication with a voucher host; also including a prompt to open new a gaming oriented line of credit in response to a refusal of an EFT transaction, including a preferred gaming oriented credit card account and card having cash advance limits commensurate with credit limits for gaming oriented transaction, the approval of the account preferably based on EFT gaming transaction history.

Abstract: A system and method for distributed charging of mobile devices. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises a secondary coil or receiver associated with a mobile device. When the mobile device is placed in proximity to a base unit having one or more primary coils, each primary coil having a generally planar shape so that when a current is passed through the primary coil a magnetic field is generated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary coil, the perpendicular magnetic field is used to inductively generate a current in the secondary coil or receiver associated with the mobile device, to charge or power the mobile device. In accordance with various embodiments the system can incorporate efficiency measures that improve the efficiency of power transfer between the charger and receiver.

Abstract: An electronic device having an inductive power transfer system to transfer power to a portable device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a first inductive coil for power transfer using an alternating magnetic field. The electronic device further includes a permanent magnet structure for creating a separable magnetic attachment between the electronic device and the portable device having a second inductive coil for inductive power transfer. The permanent magnet structure is positioned around an outer perimeter of the first inductive coil to align the first inductive coil with the second inductive coil in the portable device for inductive power transfer. The permanent magnet structure includes one or more discontinuous arc-shaped permanent magnets assembled to form a full or partial ring shape that includes a gap to impede eddy current generation in the permanent magnet structure by the alternating magnetic field during inductive power transfer.

Abstract: A system for providing power inductively to a portable device is disclosed. The system a primary coil, a drive circuit, a sense circuit, and a communication and control circuit. The communication and control circuit is configured to perform operations, including detection of communication and drive circuit operations. A portable device that includes a receiver unit coupled to a battery and configured to receive inductive power from an inductive charging system including a base unit with a primary coil and associated circuit is also disclosed. The receiver unit includes a receiver coil, a ferrite layer, and a receiver circuit. The receiver circuit includes a receiver communication and control circuit to modulate current in the receiver coil to communicate with a base unit while the receiver circuit is being powered by the inductive charging system.

Abstract: A system for providing power inductively to a portable device is disclosed. The system a primary coil, a drive circuit, a sense circuit, and a communication and control circuit. The communication and control circuit is configured to perform operations, including detection of communication and drive circuit operations. A portable device that includes a receiver unit coupled to a battery and configured to receive inductive power from an inductive charging system including a base unit with a primary coil and associated circuit is also disclosed. The receiver unit includes a receiver coil, a ferrite layer, and a receiver circuit. The receiver circuit includes a receiver communication and control circuit to modulate current in the receiver coil to communicate with a base unit while the receiver circuit is being powered by the inductive charging system.

Abstract: A system and method for distributed charging of mobile devices. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises a secondary coil or receiver associated with a mobile device. When the mobile device is placed in proximity to a base unit having one or more primary coils, each primary coil having a generally planar shape so that when a current is passed through the primary coil a magnetic field is generated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary coil, the perpendicular magnetic field is used to inductively generate a current in the secondary coil or receiver associated with the mobile device, to charge or power the mobile device. In accordance with various embodiments the system can incorporate efficiency measures that improve the efficiency of power transfer between the charger and receiver.

Abstract: A power source, charging system, and inductive receiver for mobile devices. A pad or similar base unit comprises a primary, which creates a magnetic field by applying an alternating current to a winding, coil, or any type of current carrying wire. A receiver comprises a means for receiving the energy from the alternating magnetic field and transferring it to a mobile or other device. The receiver can also comprise electronic components or logic to set the voltage and current to the appropriate levels required by the mobile device, or to communicate information or data to and from the pad. The system may also incorporate efficiency measures that improve the efficiency of power transfer between the charger and receiver.

Abstract: A system for power inductively to a portable device is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment the system includes a first primary coil that provides power inductively at a first power level and a second primary coil that provides power inductively at a second power level different from the first power level. The first primary coil and the second coil area are different in size and overlap one another partially. The system further includes a communication and control circuit that receives current modulated information in the primary coil that provides power. The received information includes information corresponding to a voltage or current induced by the primary coil that provides power, a unique identification code, and a manufacturer code. The system selects which primary coil to use to charge the portable device based on the received information.

Abstract: An electronic device configured to transmit or receive power by inductive power transfer is disclosed. The electronic device includes an inductive charging receiver to receive electromagnetic power through a surface from a magnetic field at an operating frequency within a frequency range of 100 kHz to 1 MHz from an inductive charger. The inductive charging receiver includes a substantially planar inductive coil with a metallic spiral-shaped conductor, and further includes an electrically conductive shield positioned between the conductor of the inductive coil and the surface of the electronic device such that the shield covers the metallic spiral-shaped conductor. The shield may include a metal layer that has a metal thickness in a range of 1 to 70 micrometers, or the shield may be non-metallic. Transmission of electromagnetic power through the shield is allowed in the frequency range for inductive power transfer.

Abstract: A system for power inductively to a portable device is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment the system includes a first primary coil that provides power inductively at a first power level and a second primary coil that provides power inductively at a second power level different from the first power level. The first primary coil and the second coil area are different in size and overlap one another partially. The system further includes a communication and control circuit that receives current modulated information in the primary coil that provides power. The received information includes information corresponding to a voltage or current induced by the primary coil that provides power, a unique identification code, and a manufacturer code. The system selects which primary coil to use to charge the portable device based on the received information.