Abstract: An input generating device for use in a hand held electronic device having a housing includes a core formed in a planar and semicircular in shape, forming a peripheral edge extending around said core and a track slidably engaged with the peripheral side edge. A curved portion of the peripheral edge extends outwardly from the housing allowing access thereto by the user. A first input is generated by sliding movement of the flexible track relative to the core. First input detection means, such as a turns encoder switch detects the sliding movement of the track. The core is depressibly mounted within the housing, generating a second input when the core is depressed. A second input detection means, such as a tactile contact switch detects depression of the core.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatuses are provided for automatically converting a word length of sample data being transmitted over a serial link. A serial interface transmits and/or receives one or more data words comprising digital signals, a bit clock synchronizes transmission of individual bits, and a word clock is used to group the bits into sample words. A desired word length is determined based on the relationship between the bit clock and the word clock during the transmission or reception of a data word. Based on the desired word length, the sample data is either truncated or padded, and an appropriate amount of dither is added to the sample words to reduce the distortion and quantization artifacts introduced by the word length conversion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for facilitating an employer's compliance with employment laws. A typical system includes a data store for storing compliance information, a processor for supporting compliance functionality and a link to a communication channel allowing communication with one or more agents of an employer. A request to interact is received from an agent indicating a selected employment action. The agent is provided access to process documentation guiding him through a process associated with the selected employment action. The agent's interactions with the process documentation are stored. Compliance reports are generated and sent to appropriate employer agents. Some embodiments may support process documentation development and update. An education facility may be provided in some embodiments.

Abstract: A substantially achromatic multiple element compensator system for use in wide spectral range (for example, 190-1700 nm) rotating compensator spectroscopic ellipsometer and/or polarimeter systems. Multiple total internal reflections enter retardance into an entered beam of electromagnetic radiation, and the elements are oriented to minimize changes in the net retardance vs. the input beam angle resulting from changes in the position and/or rotation of the system of elements.

Abstract: An autonomous weapon system including weapon (9) and weapon mounting system (7, 8) operable to point the weapon (9) in accordance with input control signals. The weapon system includes a sensor (2) to acquire images and other data from a target zone and an image processor (3) to process acquired image data and identify potential targets (1) according to predetermined target identification criteria. Targeting system (4, 5) provides input control signals to the weapon mounting system (7, 8) to point the weapon (9) for firing at potential targets (1). A control system operates targeting system (4, 5) and fires the weapon (9) at selected targets (1) according to a predetermined of rules of engagement. The rules of engagement include combat, peacekeeping or policing scenarios. Remotely located operator (10) may amend the rules of engagement, or override the control system as required.

Abstract: A vehicle lift has a communication and/or a lift control assembly, including a processor, which is functional to control the raising and lowering of the lift and to enable the display of, and communication of, a variety of lift data. The vehicle lift includes sensors in communication with the control, where the pre-programmed processor recognizes and categorizes lift data and lift faults before sending warnings, notices, and other lift data to lift users, maintenance providers, or a central headquarters. The visual display unit of the assemblies may include a processor and may be detachable or adjustable.

Abstract: Low aberration relay systems modified to perform as spatial filters in rotating compensator ellipsometer, polarimeter and the like systems.

Abstract: A method and associated system for time delay banking for aircraft arrival time, aircraft departure time and/or en route flight position. The delay credit value for a given flight may decrease with passage of time and may be transferred to or traded with other flights having the same or a different user (airline owner or operator). The delay credit value for a given aircraft flight depends upon an initial delay credit value, which is determined by a central system and depends upon one or more other flight characteristics. Optionally, the delay credit value decreases with passage of time. Optionally, a transaction cost is assessed against a delay credit value that is used on behalf of another flight with the same user or is traded with a different user.

Abstract: A method for distributing advertisement information in an advertisement system having a system server at a system site and a remote unit having a remote display device includes receiving the advertisement information by a cellular network by way of a first cellular modem to provide received advertisement information and transmitting the received advertisement information by way of the cellular network to provide transmitted advertisement information. The transmitted advertisement information from the cellular network received by way of a second cellular modem to provide transmitted advertisement information and a display is provided on the remote display device in accordance with the transmitted advertisement information to provide displayed advertisement information.

Abstract: A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a model pantograph. The operation of the pantograph is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. An upper articulating portion of the pantograph is mounting to the model vehicle using a breakaway assembly. The upper articulating portion may also be coupled to a drive motor via an elastic coupling permitting elastic movement of the upper portion independently of the drive motor.

Abstract: A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a model automatic door. The operation of the door is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. A drive mechanism moves the door between open and closed positions. In the open position, the door is displaced laterally along and displaced outwardly of the body of the train car to expose a door opening. In the closed position, the door is substantially flush with the body of the car and covers the door opening. The control circuit permits automatic operation of the door and provides various features for enhancing realism of the operating model.

Abstract: A model train car uses an improved coupling mechanism that permits close coupling of adjacent cars in a model train, while also providing a rotational operating range that permits operation of the train with tighter model track curves. The coupling mechanism operates to extend a coupling bar from the model car when the train turns to the right or left, providing clearance for further rotation of the bar. The mechanism further provides for elastic portions of the model car housing, which give way to the rotating coupling bar as the bar rotates towards its outer limits.

Abstract: A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a motorized tilt mechanism for tilting train cars when traversing curved sections of track. The operation of the tilt mechanism is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. A motorized tilt mechanism moves a train car body between left, right, and upright positions, depending on the direction and speed of movement of the model train. The control circuit permits automatic operation of the tilt mechanism in response to position and velocity input.

Abstract: A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a force-isolating drive mechanism. The drive mechanism provides a mechanical linkage and speed reduction between an output shaft of a motor for a model locomotive and its drive wheels, via a gear train. The gear train includes a floating mechanism that permits the model locomotive drive wheels vertical freedom of movement, while still remaining mechanically linked to the gear train. The floating mechanism isolates the model locomotive from forces transmitted from the track bed through the drive wheels, thereby providing a more stable and vibration-free model performance.

Abstract: A method 29 is disclosed of protecting against the mistaken dialing of a cellular telephone 10 by an inadvertent keystroke. A user may inadvertently place a telephone call or activate another function by accidentally pressing a key 15 on a cellular phone 10 while it is in a standby mode. If the key 15 pressed remains depressed for over a predetermined amount of time, the cellular phone 10 disregards the action and places the phone back in the standby mode. While in the locked mode, the cellular telephone 10 may receive a call, then upon termination of the call, the cellular telephone 10 will display a query to the user if it should be in locked mode or active mode.

Abstract: An input generating device for use in a hand held electronic device having a housing includes a core formed in a planar and semicircular in shape, forming a peripheral edge extending around said core and a track slidably engaged with the peripheral side edge. A curved portion of the peripheral edge extends outwardly from the housing allowing access thereto by the user. A first input is generated by sliding movement of the flexible track relative to the core. First input detection means, such as a turns encoder switch detects the sliding movement of the track. The core is depressibly mounted within the housing, generating a second input when the core is depressed. A second input detection means, such as a tactile contact switch detects depression of the core.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device includes an improved battery compartment door having a miniature camera disposed thereon. The battery compartment door with its camera advantageously does not alter the form factor of the handheld electronic device and can easily be replaced with a similar battery door without a camera which, when installed on the handheld electronic device, will provide the same form factor. A battery compartment of the handheld electronic device is configured to be larger than required to accommodate a battery of the handheld electronic device in order to also accommodate the camera of the battery compartment door.

Abstract: There are provided according to the invention, novel compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined in the specification, processes for preparing them, formulations containing them and their use in therapy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A gain control at the input monitors an input signal and a supply voltage, which drives an output. The gain control adjusts the gain to compress the input signal when the supply voltage decreases in magnitude and/or the input signal is of such magnitude to cause the supply voltage to decrease.

Abstract: A gain control at the input monitors an input signal and a supply voltage, which drives an output. The gain control adjusts the gain to compress the input signal when the supply voltage decreases in magnitude and/or the input signal is of such magnitude to cause the supply voltage to decrease.