Abstract:
The present application discloses an innovative improved circuit, in which the long transient at write-to-read transitions is avoided by using a shorting switch to short the inputs of the first amplifier stage together when the read amplifier is activated. This speeds up write-to-read transition. Moreover, since read mode can now be entered more quickly after a power-down condition, this circuit also permits the use of other power-saving tricks to idle the read amplifier momentarily.
Abstract:
A progressive ophthalmic lens element including a lens surface having upper viewing zone providing good optical quality at a predetermined low surface power over a large area of vision; said predetermined power being determined by the viewer's distance prescription (R.sub.x) the horizontal fitting position normally being determined by the inter pupillary distance of the wearer, and the vertical fitting position normally being determined by the vertical frame midpoint; a lower viewing zone of higher surface power providing an enhanced range of vision for intermediate or lesser viewing distances; and a corridor of relatively low astigmatism extending therebetween; wherein the contours of mean surface power and/or surface astigmatism within the lower viewing zone, upper viewing zone and corridor are generally symmetric about a vertical lens meridian.
Abstract:
An innovative differential amplifier circuit, which can control the midpoint potential of a load which does not itself have any midpoint connection. This is achieved by using a proxy load element in parallel with the primary load. The proxy load is of much higher impedance value than the primary load, and does have a center tap. The potential of the center tap of the mirrored load is used for a feedback connection to a control loop which regulates the output to both the primary load and the proxy load.
Abstract:
A storage enclosure of ample size to contain common firearms within, comprising a box with a door attached to the top of the box with articulating hinges, that latches at the bottom of the box. A latch release mechanism at the bottom of the box, with a release bar on the exterior of the bottom of the box, which when pressed inward, releases the latches and allows the door to open unassisted by the user via the force of compression springs. Within the interior of the storage enclosure are slatted attachment structures—both on the interior of the box and the interior of the door—to which a vast array of self-defense weapons can be mounted with retaining devices of various type (hooks, pegs, etc.). To the storage enclosure assembly is attached cladding elements—legs, panels, fascia—to make a bed headboard.
Abstract:
A timing recovery system that provides a timing estimate between a transmitter clock and a receiver clock. The system includes a down-converter that converts a received intermediate frequency signal in the receiver and down-converts, using Fs/4 down-conversion, the received signal into baseband in-phase and quadrature phase signals. The baseband in-phase and quadrature phase signals are sent to a direct down-converter that frequency shifts the in-phase and quadrature phase. The frequency-shifted in-phase and quadrature phase baseband signals are then low-pass filtered in order to isolate the frequency components of interest, reduce noise, and remove zeros that are artifacts of the Fs/4 down-conversion. The signals are sent to a square-law non-linearity circuit that provides squaring non-linearity to generate non-linear in-phase and quadrature phase signals. The non-linear in-phase and quadrature phase signals are sent to a single-pole, low-pass post-filter circuit that generates the timing estimate.
Abstract:
A method of designing and/or selecting a progressive addition lens design for a wearer is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes displaying a graphical representation of an initial progressive addition lens design including design parameters having design values. A user interface is provided including, for each of one or more of the design parameters, a control that is adjustable over a range of levels, each level in the range being associated with a corresponding value of the respective design parameter. A control is adjusted to select a level and the selection is processed so as to substantially simultaneously update the displayed graphical representation in accordance with the selected level to provide a modified progressive lens design. A system for designing and/or selecting a progressive addition lens design for a wearer is also disclosed.
Abstract:
The invention provides mesostructured materials and methods of preparing mesostructured materials including metal-rich mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrids, porous metal-nonmetal nanocomposite mesostructures, and ordered metal mesostructures with uniform pores. The nanoparticles can be metal, metal alloy, metal mixture, intermetallic, metal-carbon, metal-ceramic, semiconductor-carbon, semiconductor-ceramic, insulator-carbon or insulator-ceramic nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. A block copolymer/ligand-stabilized nanoparticle solution is cast, resulting in the formation of a metal-rich (or semiconductor-rich or insulator-rich) mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrid. The hybrid is heated to an elevated temperature, resulting in the formation of an ordered porous nanocomposite mesostructure. A nonmetal component (e.g., carbon or ceramic) is then removed to produce an ordered mesostructure with ordered and large uniform pores.
Abstract:
A method for testing a person's vision is disclosed. The method includes providing, for display to the person, one or more sequences of test images, each test image including one or more test symbols. For each test image, a target symbol is identified to the person. The person then views each test image in the sequence and activates a control in response to recognising a test symbol that replicates the shape of the target symbol. At the completion of the sequence, a parameter value associated with the activations is processed and correlated with a vision metric. A system for testing a person's vision is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method and system for designing a progressive lens is disclosed. The method includes modifying a reference progressive lens design having a peripheral design which is suitable for a wearer and design features with known values. The modification of the reference progressive lens design provides a new progressive lens design in which at least one of the design features have been customized according to the wearer's preference. The new progressive lens design has substantially the same peripheral design as the reference progressive lens design.
Abstract:
Compositions and processes for preparing extrudable powder blends containing at least one vinyl chloride resin and a cellulosic material are provided. More specifically, compositions and processes for preparing extrudable free-flowing powder blends containing PVC and wood flour (WF) are also provided for preparing foamed or nonfoamed extrudates. The processes provided herein incorporate components which may contain up to a total of 25 weight percent water. Processes for preparing foamed extrudates are also provided wherein a cooling fluid is used to increase the expansion ratio of the foam. Finally provided are composites having an extrudable thermoplastic substrate and at least one capstock layer disposed thereon containing a PVC/WF composition.