Abstract: A crafting pad may include an enclosure portion and a multi-layered composite portion. The enclosure portion defines an enclosure pocket and the multi-layered composite portion is retained in the enclosure pocket, according to various embodiments. The crafting pad is generally configured to facilitate heat transfer from a heat press to a workpiece operably engaged against the crafting pad.

Abstract: Methods of forming Li2S and other MSn nanocrystals are provided. The methods employ low-cost lithium salts as a reagent and utilizes one or more metathesis reactions that occur either in solution, preferably at or near ambient conditions, or in the solid-state at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A precast concrete step unit formed of left and right sidewalls, risers, and treads, wherein left and right sidewalls are assembled from a plurality of pre-cast sidewall panel modules, with a stepped panel module with two or more steps. Pre-cast concrete riser modules and tread modules extend between the right and left sidewalls. Reinforcing cross brace members are fastened to the inside distal surfaces of the left and right sidewalls where they are bolted into screw anchors embedded into the sidewalls. There are also screw anchor inserts embedded into the proximal ends of the sidewalls and into the ends of a first or lowest of the risers, and adapted for affixing the riser and sidewalls using clip angles or right-angle brackets. After alignment, the treads and remaining risers are installed using a construction adhesive which may be applied using a caulk gun. The precast modules each weight about 200 pounds or less, with none exceeding 250 pounds, and most much less.

Abstract: A precast concrete step unit formed of left and right sidewalls, risers, and treads, wherein left and right sidewalls are assembled from a plurality of pre-cast sidewall panel modules, with a stepped panel module with two or more steps. Pre-cast concrete riser modules and tread modules extend between the right and left sidewalls. Reinforcing cross brace members are fastened to the inside distal surfaces of the left and right sidewalls where they are bolted into screw anchors embedded into the sidewalls. There are also screw anchor inserts embedded into the proximal ends of the sidewalls and into the ends of a first or lowest of the risers, and adapted for affixing the riser and sidewalls using clip angles or right-angle brackets. After alignment, the treads and remaining risers are installed using a construction adhesive which may be applied using a caulk gun. The precast modules each weight about 200 pounds or less, with none exceeding 250 pounds, and most much less.

Abstract: A precast concrete step unit formed of left and right sidewalls, risers, and treads, wherein left and right sidewalls are assembled from a plurality of pre-cast sidewall panel modules, including at least one stepped panel module and at least one rectangular panel module. The panel modules are joined edge-to-edge at seams, with cement and/or with hardware. Pre-cast concrete tread modules extend at least between the left and right sidewalls and are mounted onto respective stepped edge surfaces of the right and left sidewalls. Pre-cast concrete riser modules also extending at least between the right and left sidewalls and mounted onto tread modules. These each extend vertically to successive stepped edge surfaces. Reinforcing cross brace members are fastened to the inward surfaces of the left and right sidewalls and extend at crossed diagonals between them. The precast modules each weight about 200 pounds or less and can be carried by two workmen.

Abstract: A precast concrete step unit formed of left and right sidewalls, risers, and treads, wherein left and right sidewalls are assembled from a plurality of pre-cast sidewall panel modules, including at least one stepped panel module and at least one rectangular panel module. The panel modules are joined edge-to-edge at seams, with cement and/or with hardware. Pre-cast concrete tread modules extend at least between the left and right sidewalls and are mounted onto respective stepped edge surfaces of the right and left sidewalls. Pre-cast concrete riser modules also extending at least between the right and left sidewalls and mounted onto tread modules. These each extend vertically to successive stepped edge surfaces. Reinforcing cross brace members are fastened to the inward surfaces of the left and right sidewalls and extend at crossed diagonals between them. The precast modules each weight about 200 pounds or less and can be carried by two workmen.

Abstract: A time driven, computer simulation based electric power system training software package designed to train power system operators is used with an existing set of electric power system modeling algorithms, such as sold under the Powerworld™ brand. The software package includes: a file that provides all the data to be plugged into the electric power system modeling algorithms, a graphics file that shows a picture of the power system and serves as a graphical man-machine interface with the modeling algorithms, a time dimension file that initiates and ends the simulation session and changes specific data in the data file as time progresses and stores a history of selected parameters over the course of the session; and a spreadsheet file, such as an Excel® spreadsheet, that performs calculations on data and presents data in graphical form based on output from the modeling algorithms at the end of the simulation.

Abstract: For use in a CDMA receiver having a Viterbi decoder, a system for, and method of, performing one-pass blind transport format detection (BTFD) with respect to a received frame and a WCDMA receiver incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a traceback circuit that performs a zero state BTFD traceback function with respect to at least a Viterbi-decoded portion of the frame, the traceback function being dependent upon a relative position of a BTFD checkpoint and generating hard decision bits and (2) a BTFD point selection circuit, coupled to the traceback circuit, that employs the hard decision bits to determine a location of a BTFD point with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A turbo decoder employs max* term or max term maximum a priori (MAP) decoding of received, encoded data. Initially, MAP decoding is iterative and employs max* term computation of log-likelihood values at each iteration. Max* term computation includes computation of a max term and a logarithmic correction term. A bypass algorithm switches from max* term computation to only max term computation in later iterations with little or no degradation in decoder performance. The iteration selected for switching may be based on increasing intrinsic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the iterative MAP decoding. Since, in general, fewer computations are required for max term computation than for max* term computation, switching between max* and max allows for reduced power consumption of a particular decoder implementation.

Abstract: A steerable bottom hole assembly may be used for drilling both a curved section and straight section of the borehole, with the bottom hole assembly including a reamer beneath the downhole motor 12. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit 30 having a bit face defining a bit diameter, and a gauge section 32 having a substantially uniform diameter cylindrical surface approximating the bit diameter and having an axially length of at least 75% of the bit diameter. The motor is preferably run slick without stabilizers for engaging the wall of the borehole.

Abstract: A steerable bottom hole assembly may be used for drilling both a curved section and straight section of the borehole, with the bottom hole assembly including a reamer beneath the downhole motor 12. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit 30 having a bit face defining a bit diameter, and a gauge section 32 having a substantially uniform diameter cylindrical surface approximating the bit diameter and having an axially length of at least 75% of the bit diameter. The motor is preferably run slick without stabilizers for engaging the wall of the borehole.

Abstract: For use in a CDMA receiver having a Viterbi decoder, a system for, and method of, performing one-pass blind transport format detection (BTFD) with respect to a received frame and a WCDMA receiver incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a traceback circuit that performs a zero state BTFD traceback function with respect to at least a Viterbi-decoded portion of the frame, the traceback function being dependent upon a relative position of a BTFD checkpoint and generating hard decision bits and (2) a BTFD point selection circuit, coupled to the traceback circuit, that employs the hard decision bits to determine a location of a BTFD point with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A turbo decoder employs max* term or max term maximum a priori (MAP) decoding of received, encoded data. Initially, MAP decoding is iterative and employs max* term computation of log-likelihood values at each iteration. Max* term computation includes computation of a max term and a logarithmic correction term. A bypass algorithm switches from max* term computation to only max term computation in later iterations with little or no degradation in decoder performance. The iteration selected for switching may be based on increasing intrinsic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the iterative MAP decoding. Since, in general, fewer computations are required for max term computation than for max* term computation, switching between max* and max allows for reduced power consumption of a particular decoder implementation.

Abstract: A steerable bottom hole assembly may be used for drilling both a curved section and straight section of the borehole, with the bottom hole assembly including a reamer beneath the downhole motor 12. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit 30 having a bit face defining a bit diameter, and a gauge section 32 having a substantially uniform diameter cylindrical surface approximating the bit diameter and having an axially length of at least 75% of the bit diameter. The motor is preferably run slick without stabilizers for engaging the wall of the borehole.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete panel is formed by embedding a stretched steel chain link mesh unit within concrete. The panel can be used to form a building or a flood dyke, or an earth reinforcing wall. The earth reinforcing wall is formed by digging a trench in the soil. Vertical posts are positioned in the trench, the posts spaced apart by a distance corresponding to a width of a panel. The panels are lowered between adjacent pairs of posts, and the edges of each panel slide within grooves formed in the posts. Finally, the trench is filled with concrete to encase the panels and posts.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete panel is formed by embedding a stretched steel chain link mesh unit within concrete. The panel can be used to form a building or a flood dyke, or an earth reinforcing wall. The earth reinforcing wall is formed by digging a trench in the soil. Vertical posts are positioned in the trench, the posts spaced apart by a distance corresponding to a width of a panel. The panels are lowered between adjacent pairs of posts, and the edges of each panel slide within grooves formed in the posts. Finally, the trench is filled with concrete to encase the panels and posts.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for providing a pin-for-pin replacement of a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The integrated circuit includes an emulation circuit for mimicking the programmable stage (e.g., initialization, configuration and start-up states) of the FPGA. The integrated circuit is designed to be transparent to the user/customer, thereby eliminating the need for a costly redesign of a user's circuit board.

Abstract: A ladder top storage rack includes a rigid tool box having securable to a ladder top. A pair of side pouches are secured to two side walls of the tool box. Each of the side pouches has a zippered opening. A rear pouch is secured to the rear wall of the tool box. The rear pouch has a zippered opening.

Abstract: A stripping apparatus comprising an elongated cylindrical outer jacket and an elongated inner cylinder surrounded by the outer jacket. The inner cylinder has an inner surface forming a stripping chamber and has an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end. It has two portions of reduced outer diameter forming two separate channels and seal between the inner cylinder and outer jacket at the ends of said two separate channels. A plurality of parallel slots extend angularly through the two portions of reduced diameter in the direction of the outlet of the innner cylinder. Separate inlets extend through the outer jackets to the two separate channels for conducting different fluids under pressure or solids thereto.