Abstract: In one example, a device includes at least one processor and one or more storage devices encoded with instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to execute a software program comprising three or more segments. Each of the three or more segments includes one or more modules. Each respective module is a member of only one of the three or more segments and implements an interface that enables direct communication between the respective module and modules that are members of any other of the three or more segments. All modules that are members of a respective segment implement a common interface associated with the respective segment.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a signal processor is disclosed that is configured to decode a clock-first, change-on-zero differential Manchester encoded data stream. The data stream has no local clock, and both combinatorial and sequential logic is used to decode the stream into a clocked data signal and an optional error signal. Decoding comprises a parser that separates the input data stream into an intermediate data signal, an intermediate clock signal, and a conditioning signal. A data and error generator receives the three signals and outputs a clocked data signal and a clocked error signal.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a signal processor is disclosed that is configured to decode a clock-first, change-on-zero differential Manchester encoded data stream. The data stream has no local clock, and both combinatorial and sequential logic is used to decode the stream into a clocked data signal and an optional error signal. Decoding comprises a parser that separates the input data stream into an intermediate data signal, an intermediate clock signal, and a conditioning signal. A data and error generator receives the three signals and outputs a clocked data signal and a clocked error signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to automatically manage hardware and software capabilities of replaceable electronic modules as the modules are replaced or reassigned to different tasks. Each such module stores configuration information in a persistent memory. This configuration information enables the module to use only selected hardware and to execute only selected software. A replaceable electronic module manager stores copies of each module's configure information in a separate persistent memory. When a module is replaced, a copy of the configuration information is fetched from the module manager's persistent memory and sent to a replacement module, thereby making the replacement module functionally equivalent (from a point of view of which hardware can be used by the module or which software can be executed by the module) to the replaced module.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to automatically manage hardware and software capabilities of replaceable electronic modules as the modules are replaced or reassigned to different tasks. Each such module stores configuration information in a persistent memory. This configuration information enables the module to use only selected hardware and to execute only selected software. A replaceable electronic module manager stores copies of each module's configure information in a separate persistent memory. When a module is replaced, a copy of the configuration information is fetched from the module manager's persistent memory and sent to a replacement module, thereby making the replacement module functionally equivalent (from a point of view of which hardware can be used by the module or which software can be executed by the module) to the replaced module.

Abstract: A key fragment generator accepts a key string, such as from a key string generator, and produces a plurality of key fragments that can be entered by a human with a lower likelihood of error than if the human attempted to enter the original key string. A key defragmenter accepts a plurality of entered key fragments, reconstitutes the original key string from the entered key fragments and, optionally, provides the reconstituted key string to a software package or other license manager. The key fragment generator can produce “friendly” key fragments that are easier for humans to read and enter than the arbitrary character strings that characterize typical key strings. The key fragment generator can produce “error-detectable” key fragments. If an error-detectable key fragment is entered incorrectly, the key defragmenter can generate an error message and permit a user to enter the key fragment again. The key fragment generator can produce “error-correctable” key fragments.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to automatically manage hardware and software capabilities of replaceable electronic modules as the modules are replaced or reassigned to different tasks. Each such module stores configuration information in a persistent memory. This configuration information enables the module to use only selected hardware and to execute only selected software. A replaceable electronic module manager stores copies of each module's configure information in a separate persistent memory. When a module is replaced, a copy of the configuration information is fetched from the module manager's persistent memory and sent to a replacement module, thereby making the replacement module functionally equivalent (from a point of view of which hardware can be used by the module or which software can be executed by the module) to the replaced module.

Abstract: An electrical device includes a power supply that is switchable between a first mode and a second mode. The power supply includes a first connector element of the power supply, the first connector element being one of a male and a female connector element for mating with a corresponding second connector element, the second connector element being one of a female and a male connector element, respectively. The power supply also includes a guard member disposed on the first connector element, the guard member being movable between a first position in which the first connector element is adapted to mate with any corresponding second connector elements and the power supply is in the first mode and a second position in which the first connector element is only adapted to mate with specially configured second connector elements and the power supply is in the second mode. The electrical device also includes electrical equipment powered through the power supply.

Abstract: A curbside mailbox wherein the outgoing mail compartment is located under the incoming mail compartment behind a single carrier service door. The incoming mail, when inserted, drops behind the outgoing mail compartment and falls into a deep mail storage area, to be retrieved by the owner through a locking rear access door. The rear access door retains a mechanical key lock and acts like a hasp fitting over a flange that is built into a upper rear wall. This feature allows the owner to double lock for added security or single lock placing a combination lock on the flange if the owner desires not to carry a key or give access to key for someone authorized to remove mail. The locking mailbox further includes a channel on top for a highly visible address display, a mounting channel on lower front to allow for quick and easy engagement, and a post cover assembly for safe and attractive installation.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes an interchangeable ball having a first bore for removably receiving a stub shaft attached to the towing vehicle. Both the ball and stub shaft have transverse bores that can be aligned with one another to receive a removable pin for securing the ball to the stub shaft during normal use. When the ball is not on the stub shaft, a clip can be inserted into the first bore of the ball to removably engage the pin and prevent the pin from being withdrawn from the ball. This feature helps to prevent the pin from becoming lost or misplaced while the ball is in storage.

Abstract: This relates to a tamper-evident overcap for packages of the type which include a container that is sealed closed by means of a removable closure. The overcap is preformed and shaped to tightly telescope over both the skirt of the closure and an upper part of the container body and is bonded to the closure skirt in the container body utilizing an adhesive. The collar of the overcap also includes an intermediate portion joining the portions bonded to the closure and the container and the intermediate portion is provided with a circumferential weakening line to facilitate separation of the two parts of the collar when the closure is to be removed. The collar may also be provided with suitable stripes of a coating containing microcapsules in which there is packaged a suitable FDA approved dye or coloring so that when the microcapsules are ruptured, the overcap will be stained so as to indicate tampering.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel processing for necking metal container bodies. The process comprises die-necking a container body to a first necked plug diameter, employing one or more operations, and thereafter spin-flow necking the container body to a second reduced plug diameter. The utilization of die-necking advantageously reduces plug diameter variability, thereby enhancing and complimenting the spin-flow necking operation.

Abstract: A closure of the press-on type which includes a shell having therein a liner which functions to both form a seal with a container neck finish and also to form in the closure threads which are complementary to the threads of a container neck finish wherein although the closure is pressed on, it may be removed by rotating the same and further may be reapplied to have the same original tight seal. The closure is particularly identifiable by the properties and dimensions of the liner with the properties including a percent puff range and a hardness and the dimensions including certain critical dimensions as to liner thickness.

Abstract: A method for controlling usage of a programmable computing machine which operates in accordance with uncoded or published machine language operation codes including uniquely encoding the uncoded operation codes of instructions of a program to be used on the computing machine as a function of location of the instructions in memory and as a function of machine state, and adding to the machine a decoder that decodes only the uniquely encoded operation codes.

Abstract: A self-cleaning brush comprises a body member having a hollow interior compartment and an anterior wall provided with a number of spaced apertures through which the bristles of the brush can project. A bristle supporting member, including a brush head to which the bristles are affixed, is located within the hollow compartment and has a brush head operating member attached to its upper surface which projects through an opening in a posterior wall. The brush head operating member is movable reciprocably within the hollow compartment from a first position, in which the bristles project through registering apertures in the anterior wall, to a second position, where the bristles are fully retracted within the brush body. The retraction of the bristles through the apertures in the anterior wall allows for easy removal of hair or debris from the bristles. The brush head operating member may be locked in any desired position by means of a reciprocable lever member which extends from the brush body.

Abstract: A device for insulating and cooling the sides of baking pans.The device is a strip of water absorbent elastic material adapted to adhere to the outer surface of a baking pan. The material may be made into a ring, rectangle, or the like, smaller than the periphery of the baking pan.

Abstract: A vibration resistant threaded fastener such as a set screw and method of forming the fastener wherein the load bearing flank of the thread surface of the screw is provided with a series of serrations. Each serration is formed with an inclined ramp terminating in a buttress forming a skewed angle with the radius of the fastener. The ramp surface is inclined in the direction of tightening the fastener so that the buttress presents a surface tending to act against rotation of the fastener to preclude its loosening. In forming the vibration resistant fastener a pair of flat thread roll dies may be used. Each die is provided with a mating segment near the end of the effective thread forming portion of the die having a configuration designed to impart the ramp and buttress serrations on the load bearing flank of the fastener rolled between the dies.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein a lift apparatus includes a load carriage movable along a mast member by a hoist means including a cable supporting the load carriage and connected to a drive means. Also included is a safety brake including brake means operative to apply a braking force between the load carriage and the mast member and for supporting the load carriage on the mast member when the brake means is in its operative condition. In accordance with the invention, the brake means is controlled through an operating member which is actuated by either a first or second actuating means, each of which is independent of the other. The first actuating means is arranged to operate the brake means if the cable supporting the load carriage fails and the second actuating means is arranged to operate the brake means in response to an over-speed condition created by other failures in the hoist means.