Abstract: Systems and methods of providing power through a Universal Serial Bus connector are provided. A charging system comprises an interface configured to receive power, a power converter coupled to the power source interface, the power converter configured to use the received power to generate power output, and a charging controller configured to control an amount of power provided at the USB connector on the power lines derived from the power output, and configured to generate an identification signal on the USB connector's two data lines, the identification signal usable to indicate the charger is not subject to standard USB power limitations, the identification signal provided through the use of a resistance between the D+ and D? data lines.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing power through a Universal Serial Bus connector are provided. A charging system comprises an interface configured to receive power, a power converter coupled to the power source interface, the power converter configured to use the received power to generate power output, and a charging controller configured to control an amount of power provided at the USB connector on the power lines derived from the power output, and configured to generate an identification signal on the USB connector's two data lines, the identification signal usable to indicate the charger is not subject to standard USB power limitations, the identification signal provided through the use of a resistance between the D+ and D? data lines.

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: Systems and methods of controlling a charging status indicator in a charging system for a device having a rechargeable power supply are provided. The charging system determines whether a device connected thereto supports remote control of the charging status indicator, and controls the charging status indicator as directed by the device where the device supports remote control of the charging status indicator.

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 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 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: 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: A method for reducing current drain in a communication device includes a first step of developing a history of readings of received signal strengths (RSS) of a neighboring broadcast control channel (BCCH). A next step includes monitoring a RSS of the neighboring channel during a wakeup period. A next step includes determining whether the RSS is substantially stable with respect to the history of readings. A next step includes skipping the monitoring of the RSS for at least one of the subsequent wakeup periods if the RSS is substantially stable with respect to the history of readings.

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 improved apparatus comprising a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement comprises a sapphire envelope for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire envelope may be in the form of a sapphire sheath fitted over the thermocouple. The apparatus may also comprise a thermowell, with the sapphire envelope being provided by the thermowell.

Abstract: A method for reducing current drain in a communication device includes a first step of developing a history of readings of received signal strengths (RSS) of a neighboring broadcast control channel (BCCH). A next step includes monitoring a RSS of the neighboring channel during a wakeup period. A next step includes determining whether the RSS is substantially stable with respect to the history of readings. A next step includes skipping the monitoring of the RSS for at least one of the subsequent wakeup periods if the RSS is substantially stable with respect to the history of readings.

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 optical leak detector for use with a cooling system is described. The optical leak detector includes a light source, a light detector, and a conversion device. The light source is optically coupled to the light detector by way of an optical path. The light detector generates an electronic signal in response to light received from the light source. The conversion device, which is attached to the light detector, generates an electronic signal in response to the amount of light received from the light source. This electronic signal can indicate if a leak has occurred in the cooling system by the traversal of a entrapped gas bubble across the optical path formed by the light source and the light detector.

Abstract: An improved apparatus including a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement includes a sapphire reinforced outer protection tube for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire reinforced outer protection tube may be integrally formed around an inner protection tube, the inner protection tube being receptive of a sapphire-sheathed thermocouple. The apparatus may be inserted directly into a gasification stream without the use of a thermowell. The sapphire reinforced outer protection tube increases the life of the thermocouples used in gasification processes.

Abstract: An improved apparatus comprising a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement comprises a sapphire envelope for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire envelope may be in the form of a sapphire sheath fitted over the thermocouple. The apparatus may also comprise a thermowell, with the sapphire envelope being provided by the thermowell.

Abstract: An improved apparatus comprising a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement comprises a sapphire envelope for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire envelope may be in the form of a sapphire sheath fitted over the thermocouple. The apparatus may also comprise a thermowell, with the sapphire envelope being provided by the thermowell.

Abstract: A diaphragm failure monitoring system for detecting leakage in a diaphragm of a diaphragm pump. The system includes a pump having an operating chamber containing a working fluid and a pumping chamber for pumping material into and out of the pump and a diaphragm separating the operating and pumping chambers. A first optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for transmitting an optic signal across the working fluid. A second optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for receiving the optic signal from the first optic fiber. An electric signal establishing device establishes a first electrical signal when the optic signal from the first optic fiber to the second optic fiber passes through uncontaminated working fluid.

Abstract: A support device and method for use of a support device with a miniature electronic device are provided by the present invention. Use of the miniature electronic device is facilitated by the present invention's anchoring the miniature electronic device and ergonomically supporting the operator's hand such relative to the miniature electronic device. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the support device includes a base member having a receiving member adapted to securably receive a miniature electronic device formed in an upper surface of the base member. The base member is preferably formed of an elastomeric material. The upper surface of the base member is dimensioned to support the hand of an operator of the miniature electronic device, such that the level of the operator's hand is substantially coplanar with the level of the top surface of the miniature electronic device. The receiving member can be positioned to accommodate right or left-handed operators.