Abstract: The present invention relates to an enclosure that protects an operational data storage device (preferably a common disk data storage devices with an IDE interface) from fire, flood or other hazards. The preferred embodiment comprises an enclosure which is water resistant and heat transfer protected to preserve the disk data storage device in the event of disaster involving flood or fire. Insulation, including phase change materials, are used to maintain internal temperature during normal operation and during fire conditions, so as to meet the thermal test portion of UL 72, Class 125, one hour, and the disk data storage device temperature does not exceed 125° C. The enclosure of the preferred embodiment manages humidity to an internal RH at 80% or below.

Abstract: A frequency synthesiser comprises a voltage controlled oscillator, VCO, having means for fine tuning the oscillator frequency and switchable capacitive elements for coarse tuning the oscillator frequency. First comparison means are provided for comparing the frequency and phase of the output of the VCO or a signal derived therefrom with that of a reference frequency signal to provide an error signal, the error signal being provided to said means for fine tuning the oscillator frequency. Second comparison means are provided for comparing the error signal against one or more reference values and a control means receives the result of the comparison from the second comparison means and switches said switchable capacitive elements on and off in dependence upon the result so as to coarse tune the oscillator frequency.

Abstract: A frequency synthesiser comprises a voltage controlled oscillator, VCO, having means for fine tuning the oscillator frequency and switchable capacitive elements for coarse tuning the oscillator frequency. First comparison means are provided for comparing the frequency and phase of the output of the VCO or a signal derived therefrom with that of a reference frequency signal to provide an error signal, the error signal being provided to said means for fine tuning the oscillator frequency. Second comparison means are provided for comparing the error signal against one or more reference values and a control means receives the result of the comparison from the second comparison means and switches said switchable capacitive elements on and off in dependence upon the result so as to coarse tune the oscillator frequency.

Abstract: Jewelry items such as rings, bracelets and necklaces are made of pop beads of novel construction. The structure includes a spherical body from which extends in a radial direction an elongate, flexible neck having a ball formed on its distal free end. The neck is sufficiently long to enable it to be formed into a loop so that it can be press fit into a socket formed on the opposite side of the same spherical body, and the neck is adapted to receive a plurality of strung beads to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the item. In a second embodiment, the neck is not long enough to enable it to be formed into a loop, but is sufficiently long to receive at least one strung bead so that bracelets and similar items are made by connecting a plurality of the pop beads together with strung beads being positioned between the respective spherical bodies of the pop beads. Additional embodiments include pop beads that depend from barrettes, eyeglass holders, lanyard hooks, and similar articles.

Abstract: A slide staining system has a slide holder assembly comprising a plurality of slide holders 3 each holding a slide 2. The holders are mounted rotatably with respect to each other and can rotate between a first position where all holders are aligned and a second position where each slide holder is offset by a predetermined angle from an adjacent slide holder.

Abstract: A valved device is provided for controlling flow into or out from a surgical patient. It includes a body defining a flow passageway and a valve connected to the body in flow communication with the body's passageway. The valve includes a barrel and a piston extending into the barrel. Means is provided for displacing the piston within the barrel along the barrel's axis to open a flow path that is preferably adapted for liquid suction. Means is also provided for rotating the piston within the barrel around the barrel's axis to open a flow path that is preferably adapted for smoke or gas evacuation.

Abstract: A probe is provided for adjustable use in the right or left hand of a user. It includes a valve barrel that can be rotated with respect to the probe's body so that the relative position of a valve port can be adjusted according to the preference of the user.

Abstract: A service node provides a shared added value service within a telephony network, such as a public switch telephone network. Peripheral devices, such as speech applications platforms shared announcement platforms and message recording platforms, are connected to a switch which operates under the control of a central control computer. The switch includes distributed processors responsive to externally originating signals, such as DTMF signals, generated while calls are being processed. The distributed processing devices supply information derived form said signals to the central control computer. Thus, it is no longer necessary for a central control computer to examine ongoing calls in order to detect the presence of DTMF signalling. Detection of DTMF signalling is performed locally and information is returned back to the control computer only when relevant information has been detected.

Abstract: Apparatus for the control of Protistal growth in distillates including a flow path through which the hydrocarbon distillate is caused to flow, and a magnet assembly for producing a magnetic field in or about the flow path so that distillate flowing through the flow path is passed circuitously through the magnetic field.

Abstract: A device for simulating the sound of a motorcycle as a child's toy in which the simulated sound is composed of at least two rectangular waves partially out of phase with each other, mixed and amplified. The frequency (and preferably the volume) of the mixed rectangular waves varies with the position of a rotatable simulated throttle.

Abstract: A one step process for applying sugar and an edible fat or oil to cereal bases. No separate step of spraying the oil into the cereal substrate is necessary. The invention also provides an emulsion cereal coating for achieving the above purpose, and a method of preparing said coating. A quantity of edible fats or oils or other edible oil-or fat-derived oleaginous material along with a quantity of emulsifier is added to an aqueous sugar solution to make up a syrup emulsion having a water content in the range of 9% - 34% by weight. The edible fat or oil and emulsifier are added to the aqueous syrup at a temperature ranging from 115.degree.F, to 155.degree.F., and after emulsification, the mixture is heated to about 180.degree.F. After enrobing of the cereal particles with this mixture, the coating is then dried. Coated cereal products so prepared are crisp, non-hygroscopic and milk resistant, but have a softer texture and are less frangible than conventional candy-coated cereal particles.