Abstract:
The disclosed apparatus relates to a stringed practice device comprising: a neck with an upper end and a lower end; a headstock coupled to the lower end of the neck; and where the headstock comprises a plurality of tuning posts. The disclosed method relates to a using a stringed practice device. The method comprises resting a headstock against a thigh of the user; and fingering the strings on a neck of the stringed practice device with one hand of the user.
Abstract:
A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a system for emergency notification, comprising: one or more radio broadcasting stations operable to transmit signals in at least one of: RDS and RBDS format; and one or more receivers operable to receive signals in at least one of: RDS and RBDS format. Preferably, the radio broadcasting stations are in communication with at least one on-site commander via a back-channel data link, and the receiver is further operable to receive encoded paging information. In various embodiments: (a) the encoded paging information comprises RDS paging activation codes; and (b) the on-site commander is equipped with a computer operable to record status and arrival of fire companies.
Abstract:
Systems and methods provide for signals to be received at a device that cause a particular task to be performed at the device in an emergency situation. For example, a signal may be provided to a vehicle, cellular phone, or other device to cause an audio system of the device to provide an audible emergency broadcast system message to the operator and other occupants, such as a warning of inclement weather, accidents, and other impending dangers. As another example, a signal may be provided to a device to cause an audio system of the device to provide an audible alert about an approaching emergency vehicle. As another example, a signal may be provided to a vehicle to control a function of the vehicle, such as causing the engine to throttle down to slow the vehicle when being pursued by law enforcement.
Abstract:
A game data and arena display control apparatus includes a game control keyboard which includes a plurality of keys for generating respective keying signals in accordance with progress of play of a game. A processor is responsive to the keying signals for controlling the starting and stopping of a game clock, and for determining and storing a plurality of game data. The processor is further responsive to the keying signals to generate a first output signal indicative of game data, and a second output signal indicative of user selected data. A monitor is responsive to the processor for displaying information concerning operation of the apparatus during play of the game. A first output port is connected to the processor for outputting the first output signal to an arena scoreboard. Finally, a second output port is connected to the processor for outputting the second output signal to an arena display board. A database of team and player information and statistics is stored in a storage device which can be accessed by the processor during operation of the apparatus. By means of the game data and arena display control apparatus, team results and player statistics can be collected and updated simultaneously with control of a scoreboard and/or display board, by a single operator, during play of a game.
Abstract:
A novel process for the preparation of food products comprising rapid total surface heating via high intensity short wave infra-red. A variety of food products can benefit from such a preparation, for example coated products, meat products and vegetables which are heat treated before packaging in order to seal the product and produce a crisp outer layer, those products are then further heated/cooked by the consumer before consumption.
Abstract:
A rework process for ball grid array (BGA) packages which allows for reuse of devices that have been removed for lack of integrity of solder interconnections. The process uses a rework tool which comprises a plate including one or more depressions corresponding to the contours of inverted BGA packages. A BGA package to be reworked is placed in a respective depression with what remains of the original solder ball grid facing upward. The residual solder balls are wicked away, thus leaving the BGA package with the pads that the solder balls were attached to being exposed. A stencil with BGA patterns punched into it is then placed over the rework tool and solder paste is screened onto the rework tool so that the solder is deposited on the BGA pads via the openings in the stencil. The entire fixture is then subjected to a reflow process to cause the solder to ball up during this process. After the reflow process has completed, the stencil is removed, leaving behind a ball grid array similar to that found in the original package.
Abstract:
A collapsible door frame with an extendable fabric cover replaces a factory door for a sport utility vehicle, providing the vehicle for operation without a door while still allowing the drive to assemble and install the collapsible door frame and extend the fabric cover to provide protection from adverse weather conditions.