Abstract: A detection apparatus for detecting refrigerator door openings is coupled to at least one switch configured to be activated by a door opening. When the door is opened, the switch is activated and inputs a signal to the detection apparatus. The detection apparatus rectifies the signal; and phase-shifts the rectified signal so that it leads or lags the line voltage. The shifted output signal is fed to a processor that detects the opening of the door based upon the shifted signal. Signals output by a plurality of switches that generate a signal when activated mixed using an opto-coupler. Relative impedance of the lead and lag circuits may be adjusted to differentiate a phase shift of one shifted signal relative to another signal. The processor converts a value in degrees of phase shifting of the mixed signal to a time value, and based upon the time value, the processor determines which of the doors is open.

Abstract: Transmission of messages composed on one or more input devices to a single or multiple recipients by means of one or plural communication modes is facilitated. Such communication modes may include conventional or wireless telephone, facsimile transmission, pager, e-mail, postal mail or courier. Thus, a message may be directed to a single recipient via multiple modes, such as e-mail and fax, in order to ensure the earliest possible receipt of the message; or may be directed to multiple recipients by a single mode or by different modes. In the case of multiple-mode delivery, “escalation” rules may specify conditions under which different delivery modes may be sequentially employed. Automatic follow-up to determine whether a message has been received, as well as automatic sender notification upon confirmation of receipt, may be employed. The system is capable of sending messages having embedded questions, and facilitating multi-question surveys.

Abstract: Transmission of messages composed on one or more input devices to a single or multiple recipients by means of one or plural communication modes is facilitated. Such communication modes may include conventional or wireless telephone, facsimile transmission, pager, e-mail, postal mail or courier. An application program interface (API) mediates between remote applications requesting messaging functions and a message server that actually implements these functions. The API is capable of processing high-volume requests for message routing, status information, and various other functions on an automated basis, enabling businesses to make routine use of these functions.

Abstract: Transmission of messages composed on one or more input devices to a single or multiple recipients by means of one or plural communication modes is facilitated. Such communication modes may include conventional or wireless telephone, facsimile transmission, pager, e-mail, postal mail or courier. An application program interface (API) mediates between remote applications requesting messaging functions and a message server that actually implements these functions. The API is capable of processing high-volume requests for message routing, status information, and various other functions on an automated basis, enabling businesses to make routine use of these functions.

Abstract: A system for measuring a biopotential signal produced by a body in free space at a location adjacent to the body, and if desired, through clothing, includes a probe that can be positioned adjacent to the body. The probe includes a conductive electrode to receive the biopotential signal and a conductor that is maintained at a fixed distance from the electrode. The potential of the conductor can be maintained substantially equal to the potential of the electrode to shield the electrode from stray electrical noise. The system further includes a high impedance first stage amplifier that is incorporated into the probe and electrically connected to the electrode using a relatively short connector to minimize connector noise. Functionally, the first stage amplifier compares the electrical potential of the electrode to a second potential (e.g. a local ground) and generates a signal that is indicative of the biopotential.

Abstract: Air is separated in a single fractionation column (116) to produce a top nitrogen gaseous fraction (142) and a bottom liquid fraction (120) containing less than (80) mole percent of oxygen. A liquid nitrogen product (136) is also produced. The necessary refrigeration is created by expansion with the performance of external work of firstly a stream of compressed air in an expansion turbine (114) and of secondly a stream of vaporised bottom fraction in an expansion turbine (128). At least part of the feed to the column (116) comes from the turbine (114). The outlet pressure of the turbine (114) is essentially the gaseous nitrogen product pressure. A double fractionation column may be used instead of the single fractionation column (116).

Abstract: A control system for an appliance utilizing a plurality of peripheral devices includes a controller and a communications bus coupled to the plurality of peripheral devices and to the controller. The controller is configured to receive data from the peripheral devices over the communications bus and transmit control operations to the peripheral devices based on the data received. The communications bus reduces overall wiring requirements due to elimination or reduction of power wiring of the peripheral devices, facilitates distributed displays and human machine interfaces, and allows model differentiation with late point identification by a population of bus connections with a sensor, display, interface, or a blank. A data collision detection scheme is also provided to ensure proper communication along the bus.

Abstract: A control system for a refrigeration system having a refrigeration compartment and a quick chill/thaw pan. A main controller board, electrically connected to a temperature adjustment board and a dispenser board through the serial communications bus, controls the temperature of the refrigeration compartment and the quick chill/thaw pan. The control system accepts a plurality of inputs to determine a refrigeration mode and to execute a plurality of software algorithms to control the refrigeration compartment as both a chill pan to rapidly chill food and beverage items without freezing and a thaw pan to timely thaw frozen items at controlled temperature levels.

Abstract: A method for controlling speed in a pulse-width-modulation-controlled motor powered by a load voltage source is provided. The method includes the steps of measuring the motor load voltage, and setting a pulse-width-modulation duty cycle based on the measured voltage.

Abstract: A cable-driven animated bird replica comprises a decoy housing 12 having the overall configuration of a bird's body, the decoy having a pair of bird wing members 14 extending laterally of the housing and rotating on a common axis, a flexible cable 16 having a first end 122 attached to the housing and in operative communication with the bird wing members, and a second end 124 rotatably attached to a foot pedal 18 such that hands-free rotation of the bird wing members can be controlled from a location remote from the housing without the use of electric power.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for post-layout optimization of an integrated circuit. In one instance, only local transformations accomplished by incremental changes to placement and routing are provided, so as to avoid the costly design iteration loop that requires re-synthesis, re-place and re-route. Optimization can be provided in multiple optimization phases each accomplishing a specified set of transformations. Static timing analysis is performed at the end of each set of local transformations to determine if further optimization steps are required. In one instance, the physical design is first scanned for mismatch between drivers and loads. Then, in a second optimization phase, “hot spots” in the physical design are identified for local transformation using a “bidirectional combinational total negative slack” (BCTNS) algorithm. In subsequent phases, optimization based on meeting setup times and hold times in a critical path are performed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for post-layout optimization of an integrated circuit. In one instance, only local transformations accomplished by incremental changes to placement and routing are provided, so as to avoid the costly design iteration loop that requires re-synthesis, re-place and re-route. Optimization can be provided in multiple optimization phases each accomplishing a specified set of transformations. Static timing analysis is performed at the end of each set of local transformations to determine if further optimization steps are required. In one instance, the physical design is first scanned for mismatch between drivers and loads. Then, in a second optimization phase, “hot spots” in the physical design are identified for local transformation using a “bidirectional combinational total negative slack” (BCTNS) algorithm. In subsequent phases, optimization based on meeting setup times and hold times in a critical path are performed.

Abstract: A cable-driven animated bird replica comprises a decoy housing 12 having the overall configuration of a bird's body, the decoy having a pair of bird wing members 14 extending laterally of the housing and rotating on a common axis, a flexible cable 16 having a first end 122 attached to the housing and in operative communication with the bird wing members, and a second end 124 rotatably attached to a foot pedal 18 such that hands-free rotation of the bird wing members can be controlled from a location remote from the housing without the use of electric power.

Abstract: A method for controlling speed in a pulse-width-modulation-controlled motor powered by a load voltage source is provided. The method includes the steps of measuring the motor load voltage, and setting a pulse-width-modulation duty cycle based on the measured voltage.

Abstract: A detection apparatus for detecting refrigerator door openings is coupled to at least one switch configured to be activated by a door opening. When the door is opened, the switch is activated and inputs a signal to the detection apparatus. The detection apparatus rectifies the signal; and phase-shifts the rectified signal so that it leads or lags the line voltage. The shifted output signal is fed to a processor that detects the opening of the door based upon the shifted signal. Signals output by a plurality of switches that generate a signal when activated mixed using an opto-coupler. Relative impedance of the lead and lag circuits may be adjusted to differentiate a phase shift of one shifted signal relative to another signal. The processor converts a value in degrees of phase shifting of the mixed signal to a time value, and based upon the time value, the processor determines which of the doors is open.

Abstract: A control system for an appliance utilizing a plurality of peripheral devices includes a controller and a communications bus coupled to the plurality of peripheral devices and to the controller. The controller is configured to receive data from the peripheral devices over the communications bus and transmit control operations to the peripheral devices based on the data received. The communications bus reduces overall wiring requirements due to elimination or reduction of power wiring of the peripheral devices, facilitates distributed displays and human machine interfaces, and allows model differentiation with late point identification by a population of bus connections with a sensor, display, interface, or a blank. A data collision detection scheme is also provided to ensure proper communication along the bus.

Abstract: An animated waterfowl decoy apparatus includes a decoy housing, a pair of decoy wing members rotatably connected to the decoy housing, and an elongated stand supporting the housing to position the decoy housing over the surface of a body of water. The apparatus may be readily converted between wind-powered operation and motor-powered operation.

Abstract: An animated waterfowl decoy apparatus includes a decoy housing, a pair of decoy wing members rotatably connected to the decoy housing, and an elongated stand supporting the housing to position the decoy housing over the surface of a body of water. The apparatus may be readily converted between wind-powered operation and motor-powered operation.

Abstract: A conveyor belt lifting device is configured to shift the belt away from the conveyor frame, which facilitates cleaning of the undersurface of the belt and the portions of the frame covered by the belt. The device includes a support bar rotatably mounted to the conveyor frame and at least one arm projecting from the bar, such that rotation of the bar corresponds with swinging of the arm. The arm is configured to engage the undersurface of the belt and shift the belt away from the frame as it swings from a standby position to an operating position.