Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) having three cascaded A/D stages of the "flash" type. In the first stage, the analog signal is compared with a set of threshold reference voltages so as to develop a set of most-significant bits and to produce two analog residue signals: (1) a normal residue corresponding to the difference between the analog input and the reference voltage next below the analog input, and (2) a second residue corresponding to the difference between the analog input and the reference voltage next above the analog signal level. These two residue signals are amplified and directed to the second A/D stage. The sum of the residue signals equals one LSB of the first A/D stage, so that the two residues supply to the second stage information about the quantization error of the previous stage as well as the quantization step size to be used to define full-scale at the second stage. The second A/D stage develops a set of less-significant bits and two more residue signals for the third A/D stage.

Abstract: In order to prevent spilling the contents or fracturing a package being filled, a rigid tray is moved into a filling area by pushers in which the pusher is advanced under controlled acceleration and then deceleration for gently stopping the pusher in contact with or in close proximity to a filled tray. A short time delay in movement of the tray is provided and then the pusher is advanced along with the tray moved thereby under a controlled acceleration into a sealing station. The tray is brought under controlled deceleration to stop in the sealing station at a predetermined position where another short time delay is provided in the stop position of the pusher. The pusher is then retracted to a safe position out of the way in order to permit the sealing of the tray without the interference of the pusher while the tray is sealed. The sealed tray is then transferred to an outfeed area and the sequence is repeated for filling and sealing a following tray.

Abstract: Electronic circuitry in the form of input and output circuits simulate the functions of neurons of most conceivable types. The input circuit has a signal regulating circuit which automatically reduces or increases its output amplitude, based on prior experience, simulating reverberation and memory neurons, respectively. An output stage has an integrator and a threshold circuit with a possible plurality of different types of inputs applied thereto for generating an output which simulates the responsiveness of a neuron. Different combinations of input and output circuits are used to simulate different types of neurons which can then be assembled into neural networks.

Abstract: A bar code scanner, comprising a scanning pattern generator for deflecting a laser beam produced by a laser source so as to generate a scanning pattern in a scanning plane, further comprises a pattern divider for intercepting and dividing at least part of the pattern generated by the pattern generator into at least two divisional patterns and for projecting the divisional patterns in a scanning plane so as to form an altered scanning pattern. Preferably, at least some divisional patterns projected in the scanning plane overlap.

Abstract: Convenient access for quick and thorough clean-out and maintenance of an openable mixing chamber and both rotors in two-rotor continuous mixers for plastic materials is advantageously achieved by making each rotor in three separate pieces: a drive journal, a rotor body (also called a "rotor section" or a "rotor") and a driven journal. These three separate pieces of each rotor are axially aligned, with the rotor body being positioned between the drive journal and the driven journal. Each rotor body is disengageably coupled to its respective drive and driven journals. The drive and driven journals are rotatably mounted in bearing assemblies which are separate from the mixing chamber barrel (also called a "mixing chamber housing").

Abstract: The description relates to a process for soldering printed circuit boards or sets of components in electronics or metals in engineering work. The heat required for the soldering process is at least partly transmitted to the soldering points by wetting with a heated liquid.

Abstract: A low attenuation coaxial cable for carrying microwave energy at GigaHertz frequencies includes a center conductor, dielectric surrounding the center conductor and an outer conductor encircling the dielectric. This outer conductor is formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending conductive wire strands positioned adjacent one to another with a slight helical lay along the cable. Internal ruggedization includes a bedding layer of indentable dielectric material encircling the outer conductor with a single-layer ruggedizing winding of strong wire sufficiently tightly wound around the bedding layer for partially indenting this strong wire into the bedding layer. A protective outer jacket of tough plastic material surrounds the ruggedization layer. The helical lay of strong wire in the ruggedization layer is opposite to the slight helical lay of wire strands of the outer conductor.

Abstract: Focusing system for a bar code reader, comprising a lens system, wherein for varying the focal length the focusing system is provided with a reflector rotatable around a rotational axis, the reflector comprising at least one reflective surface normally intersecting the optical axis of the lens system, the point of intersection having a distance relative to the lens system which varies in response to the rotation of the reflector.

Abstract: An IC chip formed with an analog-to-digital converter having a switched-capacitor programmable gain stage and employing a switched-capacitor sigma-delta modulator. The chip includes pins to receive a number of different audio input signals which are selectively connectible to buffer amplifiers the outputs of which are directed to a switch to select one output for further processing. The selected buffer amplifier output is d-c coupled to an input signal terminal of a switched-capacitor programmable gain stage. The output of this gain stage is coupled to an output stage including an op-amp and associated switched-capacitor circuitry. The programmable gain stage has a reference input terminal which is connected through an IC chip pin to an external capacitor the other electrode of which is returned to signal common.

Abstract: In order to provide office security for receiving facsimile transmissions, a particular key or password of a receiver of a transmission is sent to the sender. The sender of a facsimile message incorporates the graphic pattern of the key of the receiver in a predetermined location on the first page of the facsimile message which is intercepted at the receiving end by a security reader which looks for the key. If the key is present, the message is placed in storage where it may be retrieved by the receiver by simply keyboarding the password related to the key to retrieve the stored message. If the key is not present, the facsimile transmission is sent on to a standard facsimile machine of the receiver.

Abstract: An exceptionally rigid and compact folding mechanism for a table employs hollow rail members which support the mechanism therebetween. A pair of legs are mounted to the ends of a stretcher member to form a folding unit. This unit is translationally and rotationally connected to the rail members by an over center cam mechanism operated by a lock bar. The lock bar bends to exert locking force in both the unfolded and folded positions of the table legs.

Abstract: A D-to-A converter of the type having a number of current sources each connected to a pair of switches operable by binary control pulses for directing the source current either to the output line or to ground. Power to operate the DAC is reduced by special control circuitry which opens both switches of any given switch pair whenever two successive control pulses call for the output-line switch to be open.

Abstract: Signal-sampling apparatus wherein information signals are directed to a register under the control of first clock pulses and are latched into the register under the control of second clock pulses. A calibrator monitors the timing of the first and second clock pulses to determine if they are so close together that data signals subsequently output from the register will be distorted so as to cause errors in downstream devices. If such condition is found, the calibrator inverts the phase of the second clock pulses to assure proper time spacing to avoid data corruption.

Abstract: A folding table system is designed primarily for use with computers and in computer training. It includes tables that are readily folded for storage and unfolded for use. The tables include a variety of optional wire storage capabilities and are so designed that they may be interconnected with one another and with bridging elements and storage devices. Accordingly, a customized arrangement may be readily assembled from a selection of standardized components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high speed aerial tow bag target of textile maial having a reduced aerodynamic drag provided with a frontside air entrance orifice and at least one air exit orifice at its tail. In order to reduce the drag of the tow bag and to improve its stability under flight condition the tail is provided with a contour tapering to the end of the bag and the hole area of the air exit orifices is made smaller than the cross section of the air entrance orifice at the front side.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting distributed software which relies on a unique factor such as an accessible serial number or the generation of a profile or fingerprint of the computer of the user which is entered individually and/or with a random factor to generate a unique first key which will differ for different computers. The first key is sent to a processing center which then generates a second key. The user applies the second key which compares the unique and/or random factors. If the comparison matches, the first and second keys are used in an algorithm in the software to generate a decrypting key permitting the customer to purchase the selected program(s).

Abstract: A cover retainer for an airbag vehicle occupant restraint module includes means formed integrally thereon for both retaining and securing the horn wires and providing a system ground connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering lumpy products, especially pills, pellets or tablets, with a coating material, comprising a rotatable drum, a device designed for feeding air into the drum, a device designed for releasing the air from the drum, including at least one releasing air channel provided with at least one air passage opening directed to the interior space of the drum, and further comprising a device designed for spraying the product located in the drum with a coating material. In order to provide a coating device which is easy to operate, especially easy to clean, and the stop periods of which are substantially reduced, the at least one releasing air channel extends along at least one part of the inside wall of the drum and is detachably connected thereto. Thus, the releasing air channels are easy to detach from the drum and may be cleaned outside therefrom.