Abstract: A method for calibrating a magnetometer of a device is provided. The method includes collecting, with a portable calibration device having a magnetometer, magnetic field measurements in a spatial region about a mounting location where the device is to be installed for operation, estimating magnetometer compensation parameters to correct for magnetic field distortion at the mounting location based on the magnetic field measurements collected by the portable calibration device, and configuring the device installed at the mounting location based on the magnetometer compensation parameters.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical instrument that is sensitive to backlash that would adversely affect the transmission of controlled torque and position to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is coupled to motors in a surgical instrument manipulator assembly via a mechanical interface. The combination of the mechanical interface and surgical instrument manipulator assembly have low backlash, e.g., less than 0.7 degrees. The backlash is controlled in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly. From the drive output disk in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly to the driven disk of the surgical instrument, the mechanical interface has zero backlash for torque levels used in surgical procedures.

Abstract: A self-propelled remotely controlled pilot vehicle adapted for use on raiad tracks to monitor hazardous conditions and obstacles on the railroad tracks. The pilot vehicle precedes a train along the railroad tracks at a distance which will allow the train to come to a complete stop in the event the pilot vehicle encounters a hazardous condition on the track. The pilot vehicle is equipped with a sensor array which measures a variety of different parameters such as the presence of noxious gases, moisture in the atmosphere or at ground level, and breakage in one or both rails of the track. The pilot vehicle is also equipped with a television camera which provides a visual image of the railroad track ahead of the pilot vehicle to the engineer of the train.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a multi-component mattress comprising a pillow top detachably connected to a mattress core. The mattress core comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, liquid impervious covers for the cylinders, a variety of foam cushions positioned on top of the so-encased cylinders, a resilient edging holding the cylinders in place and defining the outer perimeter of the mattress core, a moisture barrier, and a cover encasing the core members. Upon assembly, water is added to the cylinders. A unique feature of this mattress is that it is manufactured and sold in knock-down, ready-to-assemble form. This provides for compactness in shipping, ease of handling, and a substantial reduction in consumer cost. The mattress is used in combination with a planar support platform which also is disclosed.

Abstract: A stand particularly suited for supporting a television set or computer which comprises a planar top members, a connector on the bottom surface of this top member which also is a coupling attached to one end of a hollow shaft, a second coupling holding the second end of the shaft and affixed to a bracket of a configuration to provide for attachment of the stand to a bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drawer which can be manufactured in kit form for compact shipping and is easily assembled using hand tools. The side, bottom, front and back of the drawer are configured such that these members contain grooves, notches and predrilled holes to assure ready assembly and securing of these members in assembling the drawer.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is to a bed frame assembly which is of an adjustable width to support various sizes of mattresses and springs. In general the assembly comprises two rectangular frame units positioned in spaced apart side by side relationship and held a predetermined distance apart by an adjustable spacer member or members. Storage drawers and a storage compartment are a part of the frame assembly.

Abstract: A settler-soaking apparatus for treating the effluent from an acid-catalyzed alkylation reaction is disclosed which comprises three interconnected vertically aligned chambers. The uppermost chamber possesses a hydrocarbon outlet means above an acid hydrocarbon inlet means and a downspout having an acid transfer means extending through and ending in the lower end of the middlemost chamber. The latter possesses a hydrocarbon outlet means at an elevated position with respect to the end of the acid transfer means in the downspout and a lower situated acid outlet means. The lowermost chamber possesses a multitude of spaced horizontal perforate trays and an acid hydrocarbon inlet means, which is in connection with the hydrocarbon outlet means of the uppermost chamber. The middle and lowermost chamber are in open communication via a chimney which extends upwardly into said middle chamber to provide a hydrocarbon outlet means at a point above the end of said downspout.

Abstract: A self-standing carrier for articles comprising an elongated flexible web fitted with a plurality of generally -shaped supporting frame members, the upper ends of the frame members being flexible and connected to handles in the ends of the web.

Abstract: A process for the acid-catalyzed alkylation of an alkylatable hydrocarbon with an olefin-acting alkylating agent is disclosed. The alkylation reactor effluent is treated in a unitary settler-soaker vessel whereby a substantial reduction in the acid catalyst inventory of the system is effected. A novel combination soaking-settling apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for insuring a vehicle operator's attentiveness at potentially dangerous locations along a path of travel. A signalling device is provided in advance of a potentially dangerous location, in the direction of travel of the vehicle. A vehicle carried signal responsive device responds to the signalling device when within the effective zone of the signalling device. The vehicle includes warning apparatus, for example, an alarm and a buzzer. The vehicle also includes an operator actuatable push button and a speed sensing apparatus. A control device responds to the push button and to the vehicle carried signal responsive device to operate either the buzzer or the alarm. If the operator evidences his alertness to the potentially dangerous location by actuating the push button prior to reaching the signalling device (within some constraint), the control apparatus merely sounds the buzzer when the signalling device is detected and resets itself.

Abstract: A continuous catalytic alkylation reaction and catalyst reactivation process is carried out using a simulated moving catalyst bed to effect simultaneously in different zones of a multi-zone, fixed catalyst bed, an alkylation reaction and a reactivation of catalyst. The catalyst of the present invention is a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite composited with a Group VIII metal hydrogenation agent, and the reactivation medium utilized includes alkylatable hydrocarbon and hydrogen.

Abstract: A continuous catalytic alkylation reaction and catalyst reactivation process is carried out using a simulated moving catalyst bed to effect simultaneously in different zones of a multi-zone, fixed catalyst bed, an alkylation reaction and a reactivation of catalyst. The catalyst of the present invention is a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite composited with a Group VIII metal hydrogenation agent, and the reactivation medium utilized includes alkylatable hydrocarbon and hydrogen.

Abstract: An improved alkylation reaction chamber for contacting acid catalysts with alkylation reactants. A heat exchanger, a plurality of baffles and a plurality of spray nozzle assemblies are disposed within a vertically positioned, elongated vessel. Acid catalyst flows upward in serpentine fashion through the vessel and alkylation reactants are sprayed into the catalyst at a plurality of elevations within the vessel. Sprays are directed in substantially all directions so that maximum utilization of the available reaction chamber volume is effectuated. Exothermic heat of reaction is removed by the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A fail-safe timing circuit which includes a variable passive timing element and an active timer or timing device so as to control a device, for example, a fail-safe or B-relay such as is used in railroad signaling.

Abstract: An improved process for the hydrogen fluoride catalyzed alkylation of isoparaffins with olefins wherein better utilization of internal streams is achieved. Isoparaffins used as a stripping medium in the catalyst regeneration zone are reclaimed, free of a hydrogen fluoride phase, and are utilized as recycle isoparaffins to improve the quality of the alkylate product.