Abstract: When integrating a peripheral, it is common practice to use a fully custom design. Custom designs typically optimize performance, size, and energy usage. However, custom designs are more expensive in terms of testing and development time. Rather than designing an integrated peripheral, an existing design (for example, peripheral 420) for the peripheral with attendant communications bus interface (for example, interface 424) is combined with an existing communications bus interface (for example, peripheral bus interface 410) to produce an integrated circuit (for example, integrated circuit 405). The use of existing designs greatly reduces development and test time, along with costs.

Abstract: System and method for transparently attaching wireless peripherals to a computer using a Bluetooth wireless network. A preferred embodiment comprises an interface (for example, interface 630), a communications bus (for example, a USB 620), and a Bluetooth wireless network adapter (for example, a master unit 610). The interface translates messages from either the communications bus or the Bluetooth wireless network adapter so that a software stack is not needed to perform the translation at a later time. This helps to maintain the computer's reliability and performance. The system and method also affords wireless connectivity without the presence of a computer system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the loading of a control program of a peripheral (for example, peripheral 325) via a communications link between a computer (for example, computer 305) and the peripheral 305. The control program is stored in a first memory (for example, memory 315) and upon system power-up or reset, a driver program reads the control program and loads the control program into a second memory (for example, RAM 335) located in the peripheral 325. The need for a custom memory interface and flash memory in the peripheral 325 is eliminated.

Abstract: A non-aqueous slurry comprising(a) one or more water soluble polymers;(b) polyalkylene glycol or thickened polyalkylene glycol; and a(c) a slurry stabilizer comprising an amine phosphate ester salt is provided. The slurry has a number of applications, including oil recovery, and in the paper and textile industries.

Abstract: An outdoor ground-supported light fixture having a non-conductive hollow staff and having a lower end for disposition in the ground and an upper end where electrical conductor elements are received by the lower end into the staff and where the electrical conductor elements exit the staff from the upper end is disclosed. The light fixture also includes a shade unit having a non-conductive wiring compartment integral therewith. The unit has a top end and a bottom end with the wiring compartment located at the bottom end of the unit. The bottom end of the unit is for connection with the upper end of the staff. The compartment has a base with an aperture therein for receiving the electrical conductor elements from the upper end of the staff through the aperture. The compartment has a lamp receiving device devised for connecting a lamp to the electrical conductor elements.

Abstract: Waterproof explosive compositions are made from blends of inorganic oxidizing salts, fuel oil and polygalactomannans plus crosslinkers. When exposed to water, the polygalactomannans and crosslinkers form gels which protect the explosive composition from penetration of water and the dissolution of the inorganic oxidizing salt.

Abstract: In a process for preparing crosslinked gels from aqueous polygalactomannans using potassium pyroantimonates, the rate of gel formation is decreased by chelating the potassium pyroantimonate with di or tri alkali metal or ammonium citrate.

Abstract: An insect control system for buildings of masonry construction and the like comprises a perforated, flexible resilient sheet member of width and height each greater than the width and height respectively of the weep hole with which it is to be used; and an inserter that has a blade of width and height less than the width and height resectively of the weep hole with which it is to be used, and a manipulating handle for securance to the blade.