Abstract: An automated ordering system has a gathering conveyor belt and a plurality of product dispensers for dispensing products onto the gathering conveyor belt, the plurality of product dispensers arrayed in a matrix in rows and columns wherein each row of product dispensers and each column of product dispensers share common control elements. The product dispensers are of cartridge type utilizing gravity to eject products from a cartridge suspended above the gathering conveyor belt onto the gathering conveyor belt. A universal product dispenser platform accepts a wide range of different sizes and shapes of cartridges storing products to be dispensed. The universal product platform provides support for an actuator for singulating products mounted to the cartridge.

Abstract: A lenticular autostereoscopic display includes a first layer, containing a composite image frame. The composite image frame is generated by creating a plurality of random dot image frames. Closely related pairs of image frames form a stereoscopic image when viewed stereoscopically. The plurality of random dot image frames are interlaced into a plurality of alternating vertical strips, and a lenticular material is placed over the composite image frame, allowing a viewer to perceive the stereoscopic image or images created by the interlaced random dot image frames.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wastewater treatment to minimize solid-waste by-products requiring disposal in a landfill site. The system for carrying out the process utilizes initial screening and dissolved air flotation processes to remove a large portion of the solid-waste matter within the wastewater. The wastewater is then processed by anaerobic and aerobic means to clarify the wastewater to a point where it may be discharged into normal sanitary sewage systems. The solid-waste matter removed during the process is dewatered and composted. The composted matter may be used for land applications such as fertilizing or fill dirt.

Abstract: An improved receiver for a non-coherent radar system including a mixer, an intermediate frequency amplifier, an envelope detector and a sliding window integrator. The receiver further includes a circuit connected to the sliding window integrator for providing enhanced signal-to-clutter ratios and azimuth resolution. The circuit comprises a pair of cascaded inverse filters wherein the first inverse filter compensates for the filter response of the sliding window integrator, and the second inverse filter compensates for the filter response of the radar system antenna due to its gain pattern.

Abstract: A battery rejuvenator circuit for use in conjunction with automatic start/stop battery generators. The rejuvenator circuit generates a positive voltage pulse train (characterized by a fast rise time spike followed by a non-uniform hump-shaped trail-off) that is combined with a DC charging current output by the charger. Operation of the rejuvenator circuit is controlled by a start-up delay circuit and a disconnect circuit. The start-up delay circuit senses the connection to a battery and delays for a predetermined time period to allow charging to begin before activating the rejuvenation circuit. The disconnect circuit senses the disconnection of the charger from the battery and deactivates the rejuvenation circuit.

Abstract: A walk-through metal detection system with split field generation coils excited in phase to generate an electromagnetic field having a substantially uniform vertical field density. A plurality of receive coils are also provided, each receive coil connected to a separate detector circuit for detecting disturbances in the generated field caused by the presence of metal objects. The signals output from the detector circuits are processed in a first embodiment to generate an output signal indicative of the total metal mass detected within the generated electromagnetic field. In a second embodiment, the signals are processed to generate an output signal indicative of the individual lumped metal mass (or masses) detected within the generated electromagnetic field. The output signal is compared to a threshold signal, and if greater than the threshold signal, then an illicit metal object is presumed to be present within the electromagnetic field and an alarm is sounded.

Abstract: There is described a vehicle door assembly with shear layer control for controlling the airflow in and around an aperture in the vehicle fuselage. The vehicle door assembly consists of an upper door and a lower door, both slidably mounted to the exterior surface of the vehicle fuselage. In addition, an inner door is slidably mounted beneath the upper door. Beneath the inner door is an aperture assembly having an aperture opening positionable to be substantially flush with the exterior surface of the vehicle fuselage. Also provided are means for positioning the aperture assembly in an upward and downward direction in relation to the vehicle fuselage.

Abstract: Semiconductor piezoresistive sensors are fabricated by a process that includes plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and selective laser recrystallization. An insulating dielectric layer is first vapor deposited on a flexible substrate. A layer of highly resistive, doped semiconductor material is then deposited over the insulating layer. Metal contacts for the as yet to be formed piezoresistive sensor are deposited at selected locations on the semiconductor layer. Optionally, a passivating layer is then deposited over the semiconductor layer. Through selective laser annealing, portions of the semiconductor layer between selected metal contacts are recrystallized to a preselected resistance to form piezoresistive sensor elements. The non-annealed portions of the semiconductor layer remain to act as insulators between adjacent formed sensor elements.

Abstract: A universal condenser for an air conditioning system for replacing a custom built condenser. The universal condenser enables use of standardized parts resulting in less inventory requirements. The universal condenser includes a tube assembly fastener and mounting rails for supporting the condenser in an engine well. The standardized parts include a limited number of specifically designed brackets, a set of tubes, and the fastener for securing a tube to the condenser.

Abstract: A programmable data alarm containing a dedicated microprocessor serially interfaced with a data communications network is configured to monitor the network's data transmission lines for transmission of preselected characters. A number of preselected character strings may be input into the data alarm through data terminals coupled to the communications network and stored in a non-volatile memory. The microprocessor compares each character string transmitted over the communications network to the stored preselected character strings and outputs an audible and visual alarm signal when a match between the transmitted and stored strings occurs. The microprocessor may also be configured to monitor the handshake lines of the data communications network for signal transitions that will trigger the alarm signal.

Abstract: An optical scanning system wherein a moving cylinder supporting a segment of recording media on its inner surface is axially moved over a pair of fixed cylinders. A slit is provided between the fixed cylinders, and a light beam is radially scanned by the system through and along the slit to scan the surface of the supported segment of media as the moving cylinder moves in an axial direction over the fixed cylinders and across the slit. A pressure source provides air to the moving cylinder, with the supplied air expelled from an inner surface of the moving cylinder against the fixed cylinders to form an air bearing. Air is also expelled into the area between the fixed and moving cylinders to float the media therein during media advancement. A vacuum source is also provided to draw air through the moving cylinder from the area between the fixed and moving cylinders holding the media against the inner surface of the moving cylinder while the media is being scanned by the light beam.

Abstract: A plurality of data storage modules form a library, with a directory archive maintaining a directory of the information contained on each data storage module (file server application) or on the storage modules retained in the library (volume server application). A plurality of interface computers are coupled to a plurality of host computers for receiving data and for generating request signals to access the library. In response to a received request signal, the directory archive locates a data storage module and generates a location output signal. A control computer receives the location output signal and generates a media access signal for causing the data storage module to be loaded into a selected data recorder. An input/output data channel couples the interface computer generating the access request signal to the selected data recorder for reading or writing an entire volume of information or selected file information to/from the data storage module.

Abstract: A communications system programmable to operate at a selected one of multiple frequency ranges and any one of a plurality of modulations schemes and data rights including an open architectural bus line for linking a plurality of board level units. A single board receiver exciter operates to receive and transmit signals at a plurality of frequencies and contains means for interfacing the single board receiver exciter with the open architectural bus line. A single board modulator demodulator allows for modulation/demodulation and for encoding/decoding of signals. The single board modulator demodulator also includes means for interfacing with the open architecture bus lines so that instruction and programming commands may be received. A single board processor multiplexer controls operations of the single board receiver exciter and the single board processor multiplexer over the communications link created by the open architecture bus line.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing continuous tortillas which includes a double-press system with three conveyors. The two presses are arranged in series to eliminate production gaps as the tortillas proceed into the oven. The structure of the second press is positioned higher than the structure of the first press so that tortillas formed from the second press can be deposited on the intermediate conveyor with tortillas formed from the first press, thereby providing a continuous supply of tortillas to the oven.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a reconfigurable microstrip transmission line network having a microstrip circuit consisting of an RF ground plan separated from a transmission layer by a dielectric layer. The transmission layer comprises a silicon material responsive to a plurality of excitation sources. The excitation sources generate excitation beams which upon interacting with the surface of the transmission layer actuate a conductive pathway. By alternately actuating and deactuating the excitation sources and varying the excitation beams, the configuration of the microstrip transmission line network upon the transmission layer may be reconfigured as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aeration of waste water in a dissolved air flotation waste water treatment system includes a container for receiving and retaining waste water for settling of heavy particles and flotation of light particles to the surface of the waste water. Waste water is removed from the container and supplied to a free standing tank. Pressure in the tank is maintained at a predetermined level through the injection of compressed air into the tank. Waste water removed from the tank is pumped through a multiple jet configuration wherein air from the tank is entrained in the waste water as the water is injected back into the tank. The aerated water is discharged from the tank back into the container, thereby providing an efficient aeration process. Aerating the water in a free standing tank separate from the container increases clarification quality as a result of reduced disturbance of the particles floated to the surface of the waste water and reduced need for chemical addition to the waste water.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the position of a piston in a hydraulically or pneumatically operated actuator including a fixed position, rotatable shaft having a pair of attached pins, each pin off-set from the center of the shaft. The pins are positioned on either side of a drive ring located about the circumference of the piston. When the piston moves in either direction, one of the pair of pins will remain in contact with the drive ring and cause uni-directional rotation of the shaft. In order to detect piston position, a sensor is mounted to detect shaft rotation.

Abstract: A system for enabling a central location to control a service at a plurality of remote locations. The system includes a plurality of control modules for controlling the length of time for actuation of a switch at remote locations. A magnetic stripe card programs one of the plurality control modules to provide a service to the remote location for a predetermined period of time. The magnetic stripe card also programs the remote control module with a series of progressive warning modes. A central site manager programs the magnetic stripe cards for use with a specific control module. The central site manager contains a storage means containing information concerning each control module under the control of the site manager and information concerning all of the magnetic stripe cards issued by the central site manager.