Abstract: An integrated circuit memory array with an extra column of memory cells and a reference bit line is provided, in which the reference bit line acts as a reference for a shared precharging and clamping control on the bit lines in the array. Clamp transistors are coupled to respective bit lines in the array, and adapted to prevent voltage on the respective bit lines from exceeding a target level. A comparator has an input coupled to the reference bit line and an output coupled to the clamp transistors on the plurality of bit lines. The comparator generates a bias voltage which turns on the clamp transistors at a first bias level when the reference bit line has a voltage below the target level, and a second bias level, which is lower than the first bias level, when the reference bit line has a voltage near the target level.

Abstract: An integrated circuit memory array with an extra column of memory cells and a reference bit line is provided, in which the reference bit line acts as a reference for a shared precharging and clamping control on the bit lines in the array. Precharge transistors are coupled to respective bit lines in the array, and adapted to precharge voltage on the respective bit lines to near a target level. A detector has an input coupled to the reference bit line and an output coupled to the precharge transistors on the plurality of bit lines. The detector generates a precharge signal which turns off the precharge transistors when the reference bit line has a voltage near the target level, and turns on the precharge transistors when the reference bit line has a voltage below the target level.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing asphalt as an infrared attuation and process additives for improving the insulating properties and for reducing the manufacturing cost of the foam products.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for sanitizing a plurality of articles, which comprises a housing enclosing a sanitizing zone, the housing having a seal for preventing leakage of gas or fluid from the sanitizing zone; a pump for introducing an antimicrobial fluid into the sanitizing zone; and a pump for withdrawing the fluid from the sanitizing zone. The device also includes at least one high power microwave source and at least one ultraviolet irradiating source, or a microwave source that also generates ultraviolet radiation. Preferably, the gas is a halogen, such as chlorine, bromine, or iodine, or a gas or fluid containing chlorine or bromine ions, but it can be ozone or another gas which kills bacteria, microbes, viruses, and other pathogens. The fluid can also be sprayed droplets or vaporized sodium hypochlorite, or similar antiseptic agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing asphalt as an infrared attuation and process additives for improving the insulating properties and for reducing the manufacturing cost of the foam products.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for removing airborne pathogens and toxic substances from a surface of an article or a volume of air, comprising: a main processing chamber having a door for ingress to and egress from the main processing chamber, at least two high voltage electrodes for generating a current. The electrode can form ozone, if desired, to destroy pathogens. Optionally, the electrodes can be in a sealed or unsealed glass tube, with or without mercury, to generate ultraviolet light for photochemical reaction with pathogens or other contaminants. The apparatus also includes a post processing chamber comprising at least one filter for removing or absorbing airborne particulates and pathogens, and includes low voltage electrodes to neutralize charges in air transmitted from the main processing chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable or hand-held vacuum cleaner that includes a filtration system or filtration module that can pick up particles and contaminants. It has a first passive stage (such as a HEPA filter) to collect dust particles, and contaminants over a predetermined size. The invention also includes an active stage filter(such as an ozone generator) which may include one or more chemical (or biological) agents effective to kill bacteria, viruses, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite textile or material comprising a substrate of high strength fibers, and having a natural or synthetic diamond coating bonded thereto. Preferably, the textile is a high strength fabric including or made from aramide fibers, and the natural or synthetic coating is applied by a process such as plasma or flame spraying, chemical vapor deposition, sintering, or fast pulse laser deposition. The textile or fabric can preferably be used to make or reinforce protective clothing including vests, hats, helmets, jackets, pants, shoes or boots, coats, blankets, rugs, curtains, and the like. The textile or fabric may also include an iodine or iodine containing coating, to absorb radioactive radiation, and to kill airborne pathogens, including bacteria and viruses.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas mask comprising a face piece including a transparent eye covering, and including a space to allow air to circulate around the nose and mouth of a wearer, and having an airtight seal to prevent contaminated air from entering the gas mask; a filtration apparatus containing an active stage and a passive stage, the passive stage for filtering out particles above a predetermined size, and including adsorbent media for removing toxic or harmful substances and fluids from the contaminated air, the active stage containing at least one agent to kill ambient bacteria and viruses; an intake vent permitting contaminated air to enter into the filtration system; at least one passageway connecting the filtration apparatus to the space around the nose and mouth of the wearer; and an exhalation port through which exhaled air may be expelled.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a housing having a purification chamber with an inlet to the housing for drawing in contaminated air and an outlet from the housing for releasing purified air. The air purifier also includes an inlet for introducing a fluid containing a source of antimicrobial ions into the purification chamber. The air purifier also includes at least one microwave radiation source and at least one ultraviolet radiation source which work in combination to increase the effectiveness of the antimicrobial ions. Also included are filters for removing airborne particulates and adsorbing antimicrobial ions from treated air.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable or hand-held vacuum cleaner that includes a filtration system or filtration module that can pick up particles and contaminants. It has a first passive stage (such as a HEPA filter) to collect dust particles, and contaminants over a predetermined size. The invention also includes an active stage filter(such as an ozone generator) which may include one or more chemical (or biological) agents effective to kill bacteria, viruses, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas mask comprising a face piece including a transparent eye covering, and including a space to allow air to circulate around the nose and mouth of a wearer, and having an airtight seal to prevent contaminated air from entering the gas mask; a filtration apparatus containing an active stage and a passive stage, the passive stage for filtering out particles above a predetermined size, and including adsorbent media for removing toxic or harmful substances and fluids from the contaminated air, the active stage containing at least one agent to kill ambient bacteria and viruses; an intake vent permitting contaminated air to enter into the filtration system; at least one passageway connecting the filtration apparatus to the space around the nose and mouth of the wearer; and an exhalation port through which exhaled air may be expelled.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing asphalt as an infrared attuation and process additives for improving the insulating properties and for reducing the manufacturing cost of the foam products.

Abstract: A social expression card with a detachable gift portion includes a first panel and a second panel connected by a fold line to the first panel. The second panel is foldable over said first panel to form a card. A third panel, which includes a detachable gift portion, is connected by a fold line to the second panel. The third panel is foldable over the second panel to a position in which the detachable portion is hidden between the first and second panels when the second panel is folded over the first panel. The detachable portion includes gift indicia. Examples of gift indicia include gift certificates, photographic images, and the like.

Abstract: Xylene derivatives, such as chloro-ortho-xylene, are oxidized in a solvent in the presence of at least one metal catalyst with addition of promoter after the reaction has proceeded to an intermediate stage of conversion to product mixture. The product comprises chlorophthalic acid or chlorophthalic anhydride.

Abstract: A portable liquid heating and dispensing system is provided. A preferred embodiment includes a self-contained dispensing unit and a receiver. The dispensing unit may include a container portion, a dispensing portion, and an electric heat generating portion. The container portion has a main reservoir for holding a supply of the liquid to be dispensed. The dispensing portion has a down tube, a manually operated pump mechanism connected to the down-tube, and an outlet spout connected to the pump mechanism. The pump mechanism has a liquid reservoir. Liquid is drawn through the down tube and into the liquid reservoir and out of the outlet spout. The heat generating portion is positioned at the liquid reservoir, so that liquid pumped out of the main reservoir is heated before being pumped out of the spout. The receiver accepts and provides power to the self-contained dispensing unit.

Abstract: An intelligent video monitor system includes a video monitoring unit having a plurality of detectors arranged in an array for monitoring for an intrusion within a defined area. A plurality of video receiver units are dispersed with and arranged in an array along with the plurality of detectors for monitoring video within the defined area, each of the plurality of video receiver units arranged for monitoring a portion of the defined area. Processing and control circuitry processes outputs from the plurality of detectors and video receiver units and automatically selects at least one of the video receiver units based on the processed outputs and a wireless transmitter transmits the output from the automatically selected at least one video receiver unit. A wireless receiver unit receives the output signal transmitted by the transmitter. The receiver unit includes an antenna for receiving the signal output from the transmitter.

Abstract: Xylene derivatives, such as chloro-ortho-xylene, are oxidized in a solvent in the presence of at least one metal catalyst and optionally at least one promoter. The product comprises chlorophthalic acid or chlorophthalic anhydride.

Abstract: A security system responds to a notification sent via wireless link to notify the subscriber and also to take some protective action, such as interrupting electric power or shutting off a gas supply. The system is particularly applicable to protecting subscriber premises in the event of an earthquake.

Abstract: Structures, and methods of fabrication thereof, are described wherein between an electrically conducting region and a ceramic region there is an interface region which has a thermal coefficient of expansion which is intermediate between the thermal coefficient of expansion of the conducting region and the ceramic region. This interface region substantially avoids separation of the adhesion of the conducting region from the ceramic region and avoids the creation of voids therebetween. The interface region is preferably a mixture of metal particles and ceramic material. The interface region is created by sintering alternately in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres which results in metal particles being disposed away from the metal body about the periphery or the metal body within the ceramic material.