Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to controlling an application on a computing device with a mobile device. The mobile device captures an image of the application (i.e., by taking a photograph of the computing device's screen). A request is made to the computing device for bitmap information and the available options of the application. Once received by the mobile device, the options are associated with the bitmap representation and hard and/or soft keys are assigned on the mobile device. The user can then view the image of the application and select any of the keys, which, in turn, initiates requests for action that are submitted to the computing device. The computing device associates the actions with the corresponding options in the application and processes the actions accordingly.

Abstract: A portable computer may include battery indicator light structures. Battery status information in the portable computer may be presented to a user using an array of light-emitting diodes or other light emitters. Light-emitting diodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A stiffener may provide the printed circuit board with rigidity. The printed circuit board may include a connector that allows the board to be connected to a main logic board. A switch on the printed circuit board may be actuated by a power button on the portable computer. An opaque member with an array of holes may be used to reduce light bleed between adjacent light-emitting diodes. Diffusing plastic may be mounted within the array of holes. Bumps in the diffusing plastic may mate with corresponding holes on a portable computer housing.

Abstract: A portable computer may include battery indicator light structures. Battery status information in the portable computer may be presented to a user using an array of light-emitting diodes or other light emitters. Light-emitting diodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A stiffener may provide the printed circuit board with rigidity. The printed circuit board may include a connector that allows the board to be connected to a main logic board. A switch on the printed circuit board may be actuated by a power button on the portable computer. An opaque member with an array of holes may be used to reduce light bleed between adjacent light-emitting diodes. Diffusing plastic may be mounted within the array of holes. Bumps in the diffusing plastic may mate with corresponding holes on a portable computer housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visual light communication in an underwater environment are provided. The system can include a master control station that determines an amount of impairment of a water medium and selects one of a wired and wireless communication transceiver for exchanging communications with communication device located in the water. The system can also include a first gateway that exchanges radio frequency signals with the master control station and provides visual light communication signals to devices located in the water. The system can also include a second gateway that can exchange both visual light communication signals and acoustic communication signals with other devices located in the water.

Abstract: A timing recovery method is presented which enables time recovery of multi-level PAM signals at baud rate. The method uses a fixed A/D clock, a digital interpolator to re-synchronize incoming samples; a timing phase detector; a loop filter and a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO), controlling re-synchronization of incoming samples within the interpolator. The usage of a Farrow interpolator and a multi-level PAM timing phase detector allows a reduced complexity of the time recovery circuit and a free running clock to the A/D converter.

Abstract: Selectively reconfigurable shrink-wrap machine (30) for use with a loading device (34) for individually wrapping products (58) sequentially with shrink-wrap material (92) as delivered in sequence to the machine. It includes a sensor (62) sensing product position on the loading device. Shrink-wrap material is delivered from a roll at a wrapping station (40). A first conveyor (42) carries wrapped products between the wrapping station and a film sealing and cutting apparatus (44). First conveyor delivers products sequentially in synchronized velocity with the loading device in response to sensor signals. Film sealing and cutting apparatus has upper and lower heads (156, 164), at least one of which is driven into and out of engagement with the other between adjacent wrapped products received by the first conveyor for effecting a sealed cut between them. Heads are each maintained at a fixed angle of orientation. A second conveyor (43) receives wrapped products sequentially from the sealing and cutting apparatus.

Abstract: Selectively reconfigurable shrink-wrap machine (30) for use with a loading device (34) for individually wrapping products (58) sequentially with shrink-wrap material (92) as delivered in sequence to the machine. It includes a sensor (62) sensing product position on the loading device. Shrink-wrap material is delivered from a roll at a wrapping station (40). A first conveyor (42) carries wrapped products between the wrapping station and a film sealing and cutting apparatus (44). First conveyor delivers products sequentially in synchronized velocity with the loading device in response to sensor signals. Film sealing and cutting apparatus has upper and lower heads (156, 164), at least one of which is driven into and out of engagement with the other between adjacent wrapped products received by the first conveyor for effecting a sealed cut between them. Heads are each maintained at a fixed angle of orientation. A second conveyor (43) receives wrapped products sequentially from the sealing and cutting apparatus.

Abstract: A dual flow inflator for airbags is disclosed, together with related manufacturing, installation, and deployment methods. The inflator includes a primary gas chamber with a first exit orifice and a secondary gas chamber in gaseous communication with the primary gas chamber. The inflator also includes a flow restrictor positioned between the gas chambers. In use, the inflator provides primary and secondary flows of gas from the exit orifice. The primary gas chamber may include multiple exit orifices in order to provide axial gas flows in opposite directions upon activation so that each gas flow neutralizes the thrust of the other. The exit orifices may comprise frangible structures such as burst discs, scored surfaces, and compression closures.

Abstract: A dual flow inflator for airbags is disclosed, together with related manufacturing, installation, and deployment methods. The inflator includes a primary gas chamber with a first exit orifice and a secondary gas chamber in gaseous communication with the primary gas chamber. The inflator also includes a flow restrictor positioned between the bas chambers. In use, the inflator provides primary and secondary flows of gas from the exit orifice. The primary gas chamber may include multiple exit orifices in order to provide axial gas flows in opposite directions upon activation so that each gas flow neutralizes the thrust of the other. The exit orifices may comprise frangible structures such as burst discs, scored surfaces, and compression closures.

Abstract: Selectively reconfigurable shrink-wrap machine (30) for use with a loading device (34) for individually wrapping products (58) sequentially with shrink-wrap material (92) as delivered in sequence to the machine. It includes a sensor (62) sensing product position on the loading device. Shrink-wrap material is delivered from a roll at a wrapping station (40). A first conveyor (42) carries wrapped products between the wrapping station and a film sealing and cutting apparatus (44). First conveyor delivers products sequentially in synchronized velocity with the loading device in response to sensor signals. Film sealing and cutting apparatus has upper and lower heads (156, 164), at least one of which is driven into and out of engagement with the other between adjacent wrapped products received by the first conveyor for effecting a sealed cut between them. Heads are each maintained at a fixed angle of orientation. A second conveyor (43) receives wrapped products sequentially from the sealing and cutting apparatus.

Abstract: This disclosure is of a novel drum, specifically a snare drum which is capable of producing a definite pitch or note. The prior art drums did not produce a definite or definitive pitch. This disclosure is of a drum and the process of assembling it with a seamless shell, the skin being held tautly over the machined bearing surfaces of said shell. The drum may be tuned to other definite pitches by a tuning mechanism between the lugs on the hoop holding the skin firmly against the bearing surface of the shell and tuning lugs attached to the shell. The lugs in the shell holding the tuning means are also made of metal to enhance the tonal response of the seamless shell. The snare bed is enlarged both in width and depth and is a part of a machined bearing surface to also enhance the tonal response of the snare.