Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for orienting an image (402, 404) on a display (116) of a wireless communication device (100). The device includes a housing (102) for supporting the display and an electronic circuit (502, 508, 512) coupled to the display to rotate the image on the display upon activation. In addition, the device has a second display (514) to provide a second image. The wireless communication device also includes a transceiver circuit (506) positioned in the housing to receive an incoming signal via wireless communication so that the display may provide the image based on the incoming signal.

Abstract: A power converter capable of receiving either an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage and generating a programmable DC output voltage. The converter comprises a first circuit that converts an AC input voltage to a predetermined DC first output voltage, and a second circuit that converts a DC input voltage to a predetermined second DC output voltage. The converter also comprise a third circuit which is adapted to receive the first and second DC voltages from first and second circuits to generate a selectable output DC voltage. In selected embodiments, the first and second DC output voltages provided by the first and second circuits, respectively, are generally the same value and are coupled to a common node that feeds the input terminal of the third circuit. Moreover, the third circuit is adapted to provide a selectable output DC voltage which may be set higher or lower than its DC input voltage.

Abstract: Various systems and methods provide users with the ability to track, detect, record analyze and report various events associated with the life of an electronic mail message delivered to any recipient. Some of the events that may be tracked by the systems and methods of the preferred exemplary embodiment include identification of when a recipient views a message and clicks on any web page links contained within the message. In accordance with another aspect of the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the systems and methods provide a simple mechanism for storing, monitoring and accessing information relating to various events that have transpired with respect to a large volume of electronic mail messages. Electronic mail message list may also be automatically generated with the data acquired by the systems and methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A power converter capable of receiving either an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage and generating a programmable DC output voltage. The converter comprises a first circuit that converts an AC input voltage to a predetermined DC first output voltage, and a second circuit that converts a DC input voltage to a predetermined second DC output voltage. The converter also comprise a third circuit which is adapted to receive the first and second DC voltages from first and second circuits to generate a selectable output DC voltage. In selected embodiments, the first and second DC output voltages provided by the first and second circuits, respectively, are generally the same value and are coupled to a common node that feeds the input terminal of the third circuit. Moreover, the third circuit is adapted to provide a selectable output DC voltage which may be set higher or lower than its DC input voltage.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for determining the broadcast coverage of an antenna without having to go through the steps of actually building the antenna. The antenna characteristics, including mechanical and electrical beam tilt, are received and intercept points representing a predetermined decreasing signal strength are calculated to define a broadcast area representing predetermined decrease in signal strength. Once this area is determined, it can be overlayed on the geographical information associated with the antenna so that the broadcast area of the decreased signal strength can be shown graphically. This information can then be altered to anticipate the broadcast coverage of an antenna without having to physically construct or manipulate the antenna itself. This invention is a considerable improvement over the current state of technology so as to allow the optimal determination of broadcast areas for an antenna without having to physically construct the antenna themselves.

Abstract: A method for assuaging tobacco addiction comprises pulsing doses of nicotine into a user's bloodstream so it reaches the brain before passing through the liver. A nicotine-burst tablet is held in the mouth by a user to receive each nicotine-pulse dose. The tablet is configured to suddenly release its entire nicotine payload from an otherwise inert or benign material. Such nicotine payload is relatively small, e.g., under one milligram. The therapeutic effects depend on the change of nicotine levels in the blood over a change in time. Rapid nicotine onset of a small dose is more assuaging than a slow build-up to a high dosage. An oral carrier comprises a nicotine saturated instant-dissolve paper that delivers one nicotine pulse. An additive prevents abuse by causing excessive use to catalyze a foul taste or sickening sensation.

Abstract: A double sided electrical connection flexible circuit particularly useful as a substrate for an area array integrated package, and the method of fabricating the structure is described. A circuit having interconnections on one surface and solder ball contact pads on the second surface are interconnected by copper plated from a single surface in order to avoid entrapment of air pockets. In one embodiment, the conductive vias are formed from a copper film which extends from the solder ball contact pads, which may be indented, providing a well for solder balls in the contact pad.

Abstract: A method for assuaging tobacco addiction comprises pulsing doses of nicotine into a user's bloodstream so it reaches the brain before passing through the liver. A nicotine-burst tablet is held in the mouth by a user to receive each nicotine-pulse dose. The tablet is configured to suddenly release its entire nicotine payload from an otherwise inert or benign material. Such nicotine payload is relatively small, e.g., under one milligram. The therapeutic effects depend on the change of nicotine levels in the blood over a change in time. Rapid nicotine onset of a small dose is more assuaging than a slow build-up to a high dosage. An oral carrier comprises a nicotine saturated instant-dissolve paper that delivers one nicotine pulse. An additive prevents abuse by causing excessive use to catalyze a foul taste or sickening sensation.

Abstract: A system for determining the location of a moving signal-receiving station, when the primary location determination (LD) signals become unavailable because the antenna is adjacent to or within a signal-interfering structure, such as an urban canyon, a natural canyon, a forest or the like. Before the primary LD signals become unavailable, secondary LD signals are received at spaced apart locations and used to estimate the secondary LD signal source locations (preferably fixed). After the primary LD signals become unavailable, secondary LD signals, now with known source locations, are received and used, either alone or in combination with the remaining primary LD signals, if any, to determine the present location of the moving station. The primary LD signal sources can be GPS or GLONASS or LEO or other satellite-based sources. The secondary LD signal sources can be pseudolites or Loran signal towers or other ground-based sources.

Abstract: A system for monitoring operation and location of a movable entity, such as a person, vehicle, movable equipment item or movable structure, at an activity site, such as a construction or mining site, that carries a location determination (LD) signal module to determine the entity's present location. When a restricted or hazardous activity occurs without warning (emergency) or is scheduled to occur at a selected location (fixed or moving) and selected time interval on the site, a buffer zone surrounding the restricted activity location is determined, and any movable entity that is within or will come within the buffer zone is advised to move or be moved elsewhere during the time the restricted activity occurs, unless the movable entity has an associated priority that is greater than an associated priority for the restricted activity. The buffer zone may vary with time in size, location and other characteristics.

Abstract: A weapon control system is disclosed which includes system electronics providing control and drive electronics for the weapon control system, a weapon mount for supporting and firing a weapon in accordance with commands from the system electronics, a remote control including a visual display and hand controls for operational control of the weapon control system from a position distant from said weapon mount, and a system disconnect for removal of control of the weapon from the weapon control system and for safety interlock to prevent accidental firing of the weapon. The weapon mount is adapted to support and fire a variety of weapons. A gyro stabilization assembly is mounted on the weapon mount and operatively connected to the remote control and the system electronics for allowing line-of-sight weapon and integral sight stabilization.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a slope of a land mass is precisely monitored. Remote sensors are placed in selected positions on the slope. The remote sensors are configured to provide real time position information. A virtual model of the slope is created using positioning information generated by the remote sensors and is stored in a computer memory. The position of each remote sensor is also recorded in the computer memory so that the virtual model accurately reflects the real world situation. A threshold value is set to establish a permissible deviation of each remote sensor location. Real time positioning information produced by the remote sensors is monitored at a base station and is used to update the virtual model. If the position of a remote sensor deviates beyond its associated threshold value, an alarm message is flashed. The information so obtained can also be displayed to a user as a graphical and textual representation of the current state of the slope.

Abstract: A reflector-pump network is provided for insertion between an AC power supply source and a full-wave rectifier in an AC-DC power converter. The complex harmonic current demands generated by the full-wave rectification process are satiated by a pump in the network. Such complex harmonic current demands are further isolated from the AC power source by the reflectors in the network.

Abstract: The system for the remote computer assisted precise pile driving and rig drilling operations is disclosed. The system includes a base station, a computer assisted precise pile driving and rig drilling (CAPPDARD) system, and a communication link. The CAPPDARD system includes a moving platform including a piling rig and a mast, a location determination means, a computer, and a communication means. The CAPPDARD system can be operated manually or remotely from the base station.

Abstract: Scissors or shears of the pivoted cross-blade type, adapted for relief of carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand repetitive stress injuries. The scissors upper and lower handles are characterized by especial contours which immobilize the thumb and index finger, while presenting the stronger middle finger, ring finger and little finger for flexing or gripping action to operate the scissors.

Abstract: A network for connection between an AC power line and a DC power supply to isolate harmonic currents generated by the DC power supply from the AC power supply, the network employing at least one "resonator", which is connected across the input of a DC power supply, and at least one "reflector", which is connected to couple the input of the DC power supply to an AC power line. Each "resonator," includes the series combination of an inductor and a capacitor. At least some of the "reflectors" include the parallel combination of an inductor and a capacitor.

Abstract: A network for connection between an AC power line and a DC power supply to isolate harmonic currents generated by the DC power supply from the AC power supply, the network employing three similar portions each connected between a repective conductor of the (three phase) AC power line and a respective conductor of the DC power supply. Each of the portions includes the series combination of three "reflectors" each having the parallel resonant combination of an inductor and a capacitor. Further, three series resonant inductor-capacitor combinations are employed each connected between a unique pair of the DC power supply conductors.

Abstract: A structure to facilitate the stacking of a significant number of newspapers in a tidy manner and having means for facilitating the bundling of the newspapers stacked in the structure. In a preferred embodiment, the structure includes a framework having an open generally box-like configuration made of wire rod, a support for a supply of string or other filament, and a cutting implement to trim the string to required lengths. The framework is also provided with anchors to retain the string in an operative position ready for tying the newspapers or other paper stacked in the framework.

Abstract: A mounting device for adjustability and lockability of a reflector within a luminaire and for reduction of dark spots in the lighting pattern of adjacently mounted luminaires. The device includes an elongated reflector, mounting straps which may be inserted into and tightened against the reflector and which receive other components of the device, lampholders which may be connected to the mounting straps, mounting brackets, one arm of which is attached to a surface and the other arm of which may be connected with mounting fulcrum screws to a left end mounting strap, a right end mounting strap, or to the left and right end mounting straps of two adjacently mounted luminaires, and locking clamps which may be connected with orientation locking screws to mounting straps and may be clamped to mounting brackets by tightening the orientation locking screws.

Abstract: A high-speed feedback circuit for use with, particularly, a buck or buck derived regulator (power processor). The circuit employs a voltage developed by the regulator after the switch and before the filter. From this voltage, a current is developed which is combined with (subtracted from) a reference current. The combined current is integrated in a capacitor to develop a voltage used to drive the switch. The load is not referenced to ground.