Abstract: A programmable multi-channel load profile recorder includes a plurality of memory-based tables, such as a load profile configuration table, a plurality of channel and display configuration tables and an operations table, which can be updated when the recorder is reprogrammed in the field to record additional channels of metering quantities or reconfigured with new formulas. The load profile configuration table containing entries therein for each of a plurality of user-selected metering quantities to be recorded. The plurality of channel and display configuration tables contain parameter data and the operations table contains pointers therein to respective memory-based operation modules, each of which contains executable instructions therein. The metering quantities can be quantities such as watt-hours (Wh), var-hours (Vh), volt-ampere-hours (VAh), volt.sup.2 -hours (V.sup.2 h), ampere.sup.2 -hours (A.sup.2 h) and power factor (PF) as well as other user-selected quantities.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is an algorithm implemented in a microprocessor-controlled system which, for example, is disposed within an energy meter housing. Particularly, the microprocessor is coupled to a communications interface which receives and transmits messages on a power line or some other external communications media. Upon receipt of a message, the commands contained in the message are read. If a command corresponds to a "buffer and lock" command, then a timer operated by the microprocessor starts to run. For example, if data to be retrieved from the system is data which is erased from system memory when read therefrom, just prior to reading such data, a buffer and lock command is transmitted by the external communication device. Upon receipt of such command, the microprocessor initiates running of a timer and the data is read from the meter. The data also is copied to a buffer, e.g., a RAM memory location.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is an algorithm for implementation in a meter register and an reading device. In the one embodiment, the present invention enables selecting a display table to be read from the register, updating the billing read date and time in the register, reversing the order in which load profile (LP) data is transmitted from the register to the reader, specifying the number of LP intervals to be read from the register, and specifying the number of intervals to skip when reading from the register.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for writing a command to a communications unit of a meter, effecting the execution of the command, and reading the results of the execution includes an electrical metering device having metering means, register means and communications means. The write, indirect execute, and read operations are all driven from one command provided from the reading device to the communication unit.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for sharing passwords includes an electronic meter comprising a metering unit, a register unit, an optical port, and a communications unit. An external reading device, such as a handheld reading device or a personal computer, is coupled to the communication board via the optical port. The method and apparatus for sharing passwords provides that both the meter register and the communications unit have the same security code. In addition, the communications unit is able to distinguish between a security code for the communications unit and a security code for the meter register, and the communications unit will not interfere with communications between the external reading device and the meter register.

Abstract: A universal bed-rail clip for clipping one of a one-piece telephone and a supporting bracket for such a one-piece telephone onto a horizontal rail of bed-rail assembly, the universal bed-rail clip comprising top and bottom sides being joined together by a joining side and defining, opposite the joining side, an opening for receiving the horizontal rail, the universal bed-rail clip being substantially U-shaped in cross-section, at least one of the top and bottom sides being flexible between open and closed positions, wherein the open position permits passage of the horizontal rail through the opening into an interior of the universal bed-rail clip and fixation means for attaching the universal bed-rail clip to the one of a one-piece telephone and supporting bracket.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling knock on an internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of determining a maximum value of knock and determining whether conditions are right for updating the maximum value of knock. The method also includes using an unmodified spark advance if conditions are not right for updating the maximum value of knock and modifying the spark advance if conditions are right for updating the maximum value of knock.

Abstract: An improved system of vehicle propulsion utilizing the shifting of weight on various platforms, seats, and handles by a rider. An endless chain driving connected to the platform or handle reciprocates to drive, through a one-way clutch, ground engaging wheels in a forward direction. In other words weight is converted into forward thrust.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a closed loop linear position servo-motor having an armature including a first group of excitation windings and a second group of excitation windings, and a stator including field magnets disposed radially opposite the first winding group, and feedback windings disposed radially opposite the second winding group.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and improved skateboard of the type enabling the user to stand on the platform and shift his weight thereon to effect the forward motion of the skate board. The skate board may also be modified to be used as a weight carrier, in which the weight is loaded on the platform and the platform is oscillated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a closed-loop, linear position servomotor. The servomotor includes a tubular armature disposed within a tubular stator in which the stator includes, radially disposed throughout the shell thereof, a plurality of magnetically symmetric field magnets, each having its magnetic axis directed to the radial center of the stator and armature. The stator further includes a plurality of symmetric, longitudinally disposed alternating current excitation windings, the longitudinal extent of such windings corresponding to the extent of change in linear position of the servomotor. The armature of the servomotor has a non-magnetic substrate upon which is longitudinally wound high current, direct current windings, these windings comprising the primary windings of the servomotor, with the excitation windings of the stator comprising the secondary windings of the motor.

Abstract: Weight carriers, and a method of propulsion by applying weight force on the weight carrier, wherein the weight load forces extending arms to apply a force to the axles having clutched pinions which engage the racks forcing the wheels secured to the axles to rotate in one direction. When the weight is unloaded or lifted, the upper frame carrying the weight is then extended back to the elevated position permitting the oscillation cycle to continue as the weight force is applied and relative to the purpose desired. When used as a roller skate with one of the same secured to each foot, the oscillation cycle, if so desired, may continue or stop functioning at the will of the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to space vehicle where solar energy is used to generate steam, which in turn, propels the vehicle in space. A copper boiler is provided and a novel solar radiation condensing means is used to focus the sunlight on said boiler. Steam generated in said boiler is exhausted to the environment to provide a thrust for the vehicle.

Abstract: A rack for a bicycle is configured out of a single length of resilient wire curved to form a pair of arcuate bails. A wire carrying handle is formed at the center of the wire between the bails, while fasteners are defined at the opposite ends of the bails. The bails are spaced to pass on either side of the center of a spherical ball, such as a basketball, volleyball or soccer ball, and the fasteners are releasably attachable to the handle bars or seat supporting framework of a bicycle.

Abstract: A combined tennis racquet and ball carrier comprising a rectangular base structure provided with a spine member forming a handle on the dorsal surface thereof, the ventral surface forming a support. Hinged to the lateral edges of the ventral surface are two side panels each including a spring latching clip conformed to engage corresponding latching recesses in the handle structure. The interior cavity within the rectangular base is conformed to store tennis balls either collected in a can or loose. Similarly the opposing surfaces on the handle and the side panels include a layer of elastic foam for compressing the lateral faces of two tennis racquets therebetween.

Abstract: An improved performance MESFET device incorporating a structure fabricated utilized self-aligned gate process technology. The edges of the gate electrode formed are separated from the edges of the dopant regions implanted in the device substrate by a distance which optimizes device performance. In order to increase process yield, a layer of dielectric material is deposited on the substrate surface and then annealed to protect the gate electrode and both stabilize and planarize the substrate surface.