Abstract: A distributed computer system having centrally available processing units. A plurality of computer workstations are connected to a plurality of processing units by computer transmission cables. In one embodiment each of the workstations may be connected to any of the plurality of processing units. These connections are accomplished by a switching unit controlled by a management computer where the management computer automatically connects and disconnects individual computer workstations to individual processing units. In a typical embodiment, there are more computer workstations then processing units and the management computer disconnects idle computer workstations from processing units and connects previously idle computer workstations that become active to processing units not then connected to another computer workstation. A portion of a video display adapter is included in computer workstations while a second portion of a video display adapter is included in the processing units.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor comprises a housing having first and second inlets; a rod-shaped capacitive displacement sensor affixed to the housing in the interior thereof; a first electrode constituted by an end face of the displacement sensor; a second electrode constituted by a diaphragm extending generally parallel to and at a distance from the first electrode; a bellows affixed to the housing and the diaphragm along a circumference thereof; a first chamber defined within the housing and communicating with the first inlet; and a second chamber defined within the housing and communicating with the second inlet. The first and second chambers are separated fluid tight from one another. One of the faces of the diaphragm is exposed to the pressure of a first fluid admitted to the first chamber through the first inlet and the other face of the diaphragm is exposed to the pressure of a second fluid admitted to the second chamber through the second inlet.

Abstract: A pump includes a pump housing defining a pumping chamber and having two opposite end walls and a piston arranged in the pumping chamber for alternating motion towards and away from the end walls for drawing a cryogenic liquid into and driving it out of the pumping chamber. There are further provided first and second superconducting energizing coils mounted on respective end walls for generating a radial electromagnetic field in the pumping chamber. The energizing coils are coaxial with the piston axis. A superconducting control coil is fixedly mounted on the piston for generating a further magnetic field in the pumping chamber. The control coil is coaxial with the piston axis. The energizing coils and the control coil form part of an electromagnetic drive for generating, in the pumping chamber, an electromagnetic force which propels the piston back and forth between the end walls. Further, a bellows is affixed to peripheral regions of the piston and to the end walls for enclosing the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A method of making a superconducting coil from a superconducting wire includes the step of winding the wire to form a coil. Prior to the winding step, the wire is submitted to repeated tension-stressing of a predetermined stretch and a predetermined number of cycles, in order to reduce the "training" of the superconducting coil.