Abstract: A simulation press is provided comprising a fixed main body; a carriage associated with the main body for movement relative to the main body; a first plate coupled to the fixed main body and being adapted to engage a workpiece; and a second plate coupled to the carriage for movement with the carriage. The second plate is also adapted to engage the workpiece. One or more motor apparatus are coupled to the fixed main body and the carriage for effecting movement of the carriage relative to the main body. A drive controller is coupled to the motor apparatus for controlling the operation of the motor apparatus in response to feedback from one or more feedback sensors so as to cause the second plate to move relative to the first plate such that the first and second plates engage the workpiece and simulate a ring rolling operation on the workpiece.

Abstract: An optical disk has a holographic security label applied in a recessed portion of the disk. An associated method of applying a holographic label to a recessed portion of an optical disk is also described.

Abstract: An optical disk has a holographic security label applied in a recessed portion of the disk. An associated method of applying a holographic label to a recessed portion of an optical disk is also described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24 hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/ m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.

Abstract: A communications system includes a communications channel, a first processing unit; and interface unit, and an interrupt controller. The first processing unit is adapted to monitor the communications channel and provide a plurality of status bits. The interface unit includes an interrupt register. The interrupt controller is adapted to identify a plurality of interrupts in response to changes in the status bits. Each interrupt has a priority, and the interrupt controller is adapted to store selected interrupts in the interrupt register in an order determined by the priority of the interrupts. A method includes monitoring a communications channel. A plurality of status bits associated with the monitoring are provided. A plurality of interrupts are identified based on changes in the status bits, each interrupt having a priority. Selected interrupts are stored in an interrupt queue in an order determined by the priority of the interrupts.

Abstract: A distributed shared memory multiprocessor computer system is provided, which has a number of processors and is divided into partitions. Each partition has within it one or more of the processors, and may also have memory or cache and other related hardware. Although each partition works together and communicates with other partitions to share computational load, the partitions each are independently operable and execute an independent copy of the operating system. The partitions comprise additional features to enable removal of a partition from the operating computer system, and to enable insertion of hardware into the operating computer system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for impedance matching for an apparatus capable of supporting voice and data. The method includes receiving an input signal having at least one of a voice component, data component, and DC component, and filtering at least a portion of the data component and DC component of the input signal to provide a filtered signal. The method further includes adjusting an input impedance of the apparatus to a first preselected value for the voice band in response to the filtered signal and adjusting the input impedance of the first apparatus from the first preselected value to a second preselected value. The method includes adjusting at least one of a magnitude and phase of the filtered signal to adjust the input impedance to a third value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible bag comprising at least one sheet of flexible sheet material assembled to form a semi-enclosed container having an opening defined by a periphery. The opening defines an opening plane, and bag is expandable in response to forces exerted by contents within the bag to provide an increase in volume of the bag such that said the accommodates the contents placed therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether or not sufficient consumable supplies such as toner or ink and print media, for example, are available to an imaging device such as a printer to complete a submitted print job. The method determines the amount of selected consumable supplies remaining and, based on the requirements of a submitted print job and historical data gathered over the lifetime of the imaging device, calculates the amount of consumable supplies required for the print job and compares that to the amount of consumable supplies available. If insufficient consumable supplies are available, the user is notified of the condition. The user then knows at the time the print job is submitted that sufficient consumable supplies are available and that the print job will be complete and available at the printer. The user is further notified that specific consumable supplies are in need of replenishment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high surface area insulating film comprising a sheet of material, wherein the sheet material includes a first region and a second region being comprised of the same material composition. The first region undergoes a substantially molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the sheet material is subjected to an applied elongation along at least one axis. The first region and the second region are visually distinct from one another, wherein the second region includes a plurality of raised rib-like elements and the first region is substantially free of rib-like elements.

Abstract: A system and method for providing software-implemented, programmable testing of telephone subscriber line power conditions during ring mode. A user-controlled fault detection system for detecting subscriber line faults, including resistive faults and foreign voltages, on a telephone subscriber line during ring mode is provided. A user interface is provided to enter user-programmable threshold values corresponding to subscriber ring mode line fault conditions. A fault threshold memory, coupled to the user interface, is provided to store the generated threshold values. A current level detector identifies a ring mode current during ringing on the telephone subscriber line. A processing unit is configured and arranged to compare the ring mode current on the telephone subscriber line to the generated threshold values stored in the fault threshold memory. A fault is identified in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for providing software-implemented, programmable testing of telephone subscriber line power conditions. The system detects subscriber line faults including resistive faults and foreign voltages on a telephone subscriber line. A user interface is provided to enter user-programmable threshold values corresponding to subscriber line fault conditions. A fault threshold memory is coupled to the user interface to store the generated threshold values. A processing unit is configured and arranged to compare signal attributes on the telephone subscriber line to the generated threshold values stored in the fault threshold memory, and is further configured and arranged to identify an occurrence of a fault corresponding to a predetermined condition introduced onto the telephone subscriber line in response thereto.

Abstract: A spark plug cover includes a silicone elastomeric boot that includes a first portion for covering a spark plug terminal area and a second portion including a corrugated portion for covering a lead wire. A seal is provided at each end of the corrugated region. A ceramic shield covers a part of the elastomeric boot adjacent the spark plug terminal area. A recessed portion in the silicone elastomeric boot retains the ceramic shield, and a chamfered surface provided on the silicone elastomeric boot facilitates mounting the silicone elastomeric boot within the ceramic shield.

Abstract: A spark plug cover includes a silicone elastomeric boot that includes a first portion for covering a spark plug terminal area and a second portion including a corrugated portion for covering a lead wire. A seal is provided at each end of the corrugated region. A ceramic shield covers a part of the elastomeric boot adjacent the spark plug terminal area. A recessed portion in the silicone elastomeric boot retains the ceramic shield, and a chamfered surface provided on the silicone elastomeric boot facilitates mounting the silicone elastomeric boot within the ceramic shield.

Abstract: A wind powered vehicle including an operator platform having tilting and stationary sections coupled together via a plurality of hanger bearings and a longitudinal pivot axle. The platform section tilts with foot pressure applied at a stirrup to direct a forward steering assembly. The stationary platform section includes a resilient suspension and supports an opposite foot of the operator. The forward steering assembly provides a tilting, center biased steering turntable and axle. Adjustable axle bearing collar support and shock absorbers support forward and aft pairs of skis, wheels or runners which are tilted at opposite caster angles. The steering assembly, hanger bearings, cable truss supports and a sail coupler are each longitudinally adjustable along the length of the platform. In alternative configurations, wheels are mounted to the fore and aft axles; the platform includes spray guards; or the vehicle is constructed with water skis and the platform is constructed to provide flotation.

Abstract: A method is provided for washing the inside of an organic digester of the type having a rotatable roof member. The method includes supporting the roof member, with pressurized gas excluding oxygen, rotating the roof member, spraying water on the interior walls of the digester, and observing the washing process.