Abstract: An improved coin receiving mechanism for a vending machine, especially of the bulk vending machine type, and a method for operation thereof. The coin receiving mechanism accepts magnetic coins of a proper denomination and rejects other coins. The improved coin receiving mechanism includes a coin reception slot into which a coin of proper denomination can be received, a coin rejection slot aligned with respect to the coin reception slot so that a coin received in the coin reception slot is expelled from the coin receiving mechanism through the coin rejection slot, and a magnet mounted adjacent to the coin reception slot and adapted to apply a magnetic field to retain a magnetic coin in the coin receiving mechanism so that the magnetic coin can be directed into a coin storage area.

Abstract: A sorter with a plurality of sheet containing bins. The sorter has a first roller and a second roller for transporting a sheet received from a copying machine, and a punching mechanism for punching a sheet is provided immediately after the first roller. Power transmission to the second roller can be connected and disconnected. Immediately before the trailing edge of a sheet passes through the first roller, rotation of the second roller is stopped. Thereby, the trailing portion of the sheet makes a curve, the curve in the sheet caused by buckling of the sheet as the first roller holds the sheet against any further downstream movement, and the trailing edge is regulated by the first roller. In this moment, the punching mechanism is driven to punch the sheet.

Abstract: In each processing device of a parallel processor system, a processor outputs a signal when all the transmit data are transmitted to a router. A latch receives the signal from the processor to output a signal set to HIGH. To an AND gate are inputted the signal set to HIGH outputted from the latch and a signal set to HIGH which indicates that the router has no receive data received from a network. The parallel processor system performs AND operation on the outputs of the AND gates of all the processing devices, and detects that a data transmit/receive processing is completed among all the processing devices according to the results of AND operation.

Abstract: A serial/parallel converter has a function of forwarding data of remainder bits of p in number (e.g., 3) less than the serial/parallel number, which are positioned at the end of serial data, from the head from latches to p parallel output terminals via selectors. Accordingly, parallel data in which the data of remainder bit number are arranged correctly can be serially developed even though a simple delay amount is an arbitrary bit width. Thus, contemplated is a line memory of simple delay type which can set the simple delay amount to an arbitrary bit width, while performing serial/parallel conversion.

Abstract: N-piece redundant address comparing circuits are individually composed of impedance converting circuits, so that information using redundancy is transmitted as an impedance value. Consequently, even though the N becomes larger as the capacity of a memory becomes larger, a signal line having large capacitance and the node of a redundant judging circuit are not charged or discharged. A high-speed operation can be realized without being affected by the capacitance of the signal line or by the capacitance of the node of the redundant judging circuit.

Abstract: A bag for enclosing an object having a top face, a bottom face and a side panel. The side panel has a first fold line attached to the top face and a second fold line attached to the bottom face, wherein the side panel has a third fold line defining a first area and a second area and wherein the first area defines a trapezoid. In other embodiments, the first area may be a rectangle, a five sided area defined by a rectangle and either a trapezoid or a rounded gusset area. In addition there is disclosed a bag that is convertible into an eating surface. The convertible bag has a top face and a bottom face with each having a first edge and a second edge. A pair of side panels are attached to the side panels along the first and second edges so that they extend substantially perpendicular with respect to the top and bottom faces.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter for providing access to distal vascular sites. The intravascular catheter comprises an elongate shaft with a lumen extending therethrough. The elongate shaft is comprised of a composite construction and has a proximal relatively stiff section, a distal section relatively more flexible than the proximal section, and an intermediate section between the proximal and the distal sections that provides a transition in flexibility between the proximal section and the distal section. The distal section has surface contours that impart flexibility to the distal section. A method for processing a tubular member with surface contours for use in a medical device, such as a catheter or guide wire, is also provided.

Abstract: A wrist rest for a keyboard, such as for computers, that can be adjusted vertically in height and in inclination independently of each other.

Abstract: In a pulse width modulation amplifier use for audio devices, an input side of an operational amplifier of a pulse width modulation amplifier is used as an alternating current amplifier by grounding its negative terminal through a series circuit formed with a resistor and a capacitor. The direct current gain of the operational amplifier becomes 1, and the offset voltage decreases to the inherent offset voltage of the operational amplifier. The operational amplifier has no direct current coupling with next amplifying stage and hence, the offset voltage is not increased after leaving the operational amplifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and sealing a vascular puncture is connected to an energy supply such that heat is generated in, or thermally conducted to, the tissue, thereby thermally fusing the vascular tissue together. The method for closing and sealing a vascular puncture comprises applying radio frequency or other energy to the tissue, the energy being sufficient to thermally fuse the tissue together, thus sealing the puncture. Embodiments of depth finding and guiding devices, as well as blood vessel occluders, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing medical waste are disclosed. Medical waste is disintegrated or shredded, disinfected with radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and then transformed into useful material such as reclaimed plastic and refuse-derived fuel.

Abstract: A roller chain assembly has pins extending through the outer links with minimal projection beyond the outside edge of the outer links. The minimal pin projection provides a chain assembly of narrow construction.

Abstract: A rotary embossing die includes a curved metallic plate having an inner and an outer surface. An embossing design is etched on the outer surface of the metallic plate and an epoxy-based support plate is formed on the inner surface of the metallic plate. The metallic plate and the support plate preferably cooperate to define a shoulder. Die clips positioned around the shoulder are used to fasten the embossing die to the die cylinder of a rotary embossing machine. The metallic plate can be formed from brass or magnesium, and is preferably curved to any suitable radius.

Abstract: A bicycle with simulated motorcycle parts includes a shroud attachable to the bicycle. The shroud has a center portion simulating a gas tank and a rear fender portion extending over the rear wheel. The shroud is configured to fit around the seat tube of the bicycle and preferably covers the top tube of the bicycle. In one embodiment, a fairing mounted in front of the handlebars simulates a fairing on a motorcycle. In another embodiment, chrome plated plastic parts are used to simulate a motorcycle engine and a sound system is included that replicates the sound of a motorcycle.

Abstract: A field frame changeover mechanism suitable for a single-lens reflex camera, which allows clear confirmation of the photo range without increasing the size of the camera.The mechanism has darkening plates movable between a darkening position where the plates cover a part of the focusing screen and an open position where the focusing screen is uncovered by the plates. When the mirror which reflects the light transmitted from the photo-taking lens of the camera to the optical system of the viewfinder of the camera moves from an observation position located in the path of light transmitted through the photo-taking lens to a photo-taking position, the darkening plates retract from the locus of the mirror's movement in a correlated manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pool which permits movements such as complicated twisting of the legs and loins in stretching movements to be easily performed in water. The pool has a space surrounded by walls and a bottom and an irregular portion including recesses each having the form of an isosceles right-angled triangular prism, which are formed on a portion of the walls, and the projections formed between the respective adjacent recesses. The pool further has substantially horizontal handrails respectively provided at the upper ends of the recesses. Massage nozzles may also be provided in the walls of the recesses so as to spray streams of water.

Abstract: A microcomputer comprises an integrated circuit device with processor and memory and communication links arranged to provide non-shared connections to similar links of other microcomputers. The communication links include message synchronization and permit creation of networks of microcomputers with rapid communication between concurrent processes on the same or different microcomputers.

Abstract: A mechanical latch tacking device carried by the toe of the sewing machine presser foot that will allow the operator to produce a relatively short stitch chain at the end of a seam and in a single smooth ergonomical motion cause the chain to be severed and the end of the chain that extends from the needle retained in a location where the next workpiece is started the retained chain will be sewn into the seam.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an open top, walled member for containing a molten metal, especially a flowing molten metal or reconstructing a worn or damaged member. The method includes the step of forming the inner walls of a mold which define the inner surfaces of the walled member of an open metal mesh screen which is meltable by the molten metal which is to be contained. The next step is to transfer, usually by pumping, an alumina-silicon carbide casting compound into the space between the open mesh metal screen and the outer walls defining the mold, which outer walls may be in situ structures. If an existing walled member is being repaired, any damaged or worn portions of the existing walled member are removed and the casting compound is poured in to replace these portions. The next step is to apply heat to dry the casting compound while the open mesh screen of the mold remains in place in contact with the casting compound.

Abstract: A tubing set for connecting a source of irrigating fluid to an intraoperative surgical instrument having a fluid delivery passage therein. The tubing set includes a first section having an inlet for connection to the source of irrigating fluid, a second section having an outlet for connection to the intraoperative medical instrument, and a pump connected between the first section and the second section. A valve is located between the inlet and the outlet and restricts flow so that flow is in a direction from the inlet toward the outlet. The tubing set can deliver a continuous flow or trickle of fluid from the source of irrigating fluid to the medical instrument and can deliver a bolus of fluid to the surgical instrument upon operation of the pump.