Abstract: A printed circuit board (1) for a straddle mount electrical connector (2) includes a first side surface (10) and a second side surface (12) opposite to the first side surface. Each of the side surfaces has a front and a rear rows of conductive pads (14), (16) and the conductive pads in the front row are staggered with respect to the conductive pads in the rear row. A number of solder pastes (11), (13) are applied through a solder stencil (18) to the conductive pads wherein each solder paste corresponding to the conductive pad in the front row is narrower and longer than the conductive pad. The straddle mount electrical connector has staggered signal and grounding contacts (221), (222) respectively secured to the front and the rear rows of conductive pads of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A system for drying particulate material in a drying hopper (DH) has a plurality of gas flow paths, one (FP1) of which extends from a compressed gas inlet (16) to a first sub-system (SS1) that includes a membrane dryer(MD) and a heater (EH′), whereby dried and heated gas is supplied to a lower portion (36) of the hopper, and another (FP2) of which extends from the inlet (16) to a second sub-system (SS2) that includes a mixing device (30) and a heater (EH). The mixing device uses compressed gas to induce a flow of gas from the hopper and mixes the compressed gas with gas withdrawn from the hopper. The mixed gases are heated and supplied to a second portion (34) of the hopper.

Abstract: Apparatus (16) and a method for roll bending heated glass sheets includes a pair of sets of bending rolls (40) and a support and drive mechanisms (44) that supports and rotatively drives the bending rolls at progressively increasing inclinations within a heating chamber (32) of a roll bending station (18) to provide engagement and bending at opposite lateral sides of a conveyed glass sheet. The bending rolls (44) are positioned in their progressively inclined inclinations by cooperation of an elongated connector (60) and clamps (64) for providing securement to curved support ribs (48) of an associated frame at the adjacent lateral side of the roll bending station housing.

Abstract: A method of transmitting interleaved real-time and non-real-time data on a packet based network so as to provide voice Quality of Service comparable to the Time Division Multiplexing realm of traditional telephony. The method reduces packet jitter and delay by employing separate queues for the different types of data as well as through the use of jitter buffers. The interleaving method consists of a number of discrete concepts and mechanisms that when used together in the manner disclosed herein provides consistent high-quality transmission of real-time data over packet/frame/cell-based networks. The elements required for this method include time-slot co-ordination, a dynamic MTU algorithm, and a Multiple queue egress traffic management system.

Abstract: Apparatus (16) and a method for roll bending heated glass sheets includes a pair of sets of bending rolls (40) and a support and drive mechanisms (44) that supports and rotatively drives the bending rolls at progressively increasing inclinations within a heating chamber (32) of a roll bending station (18) to provide engagement and bending at opposite lateral sides of a conveyed glass sheet. The bending rolls (44) are positioned in their progressively inclined inclinations by cooperation of an elongated connector (60) and clamps (64) for providing securement to curved support ribs (48) of an associated frame at the adjacent lateral side of the roll bending station housing.

Abstract: A modular storage system for cylindrical objects, such as rolled carpet mats, having an open frame in the form of a right parallelepiped comprised of a horizontal rectangular base, a horizontal rectangular top, and vertical standards connecting the corners of the base and top. Within the frame there are disposed a plurality of pairs of left and right face-to-face vertically extending abutting mirror image formed or shaped shells. Each mirror image shell is formed to define a plurality of alternating inwardly facing one-half storage cells separated by oppositely facing one-half storage cells of substantially identical shape and cross-section. Each abutting pair of face-to-face shells forms a composite unit and defines a vertical row of spaced apart horizontal storage cells. Each adjacent abutting composite unit defines a vertical row of similar horizontal storage cells in staggered relation to the first row.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of detecting contamination in a fluid sample includes bringing a fluid sample into contact with a pair of spaced apart electrodes and applying a plurality of voltages across the electrodes, wherein the plurality of voltages vary in magnitude between a first and second voltage level. The current is then measured between the electrodes at the plurality of voltages and a contamination level is determined using the measured currents. The present invention also includes a system for determining a particulate contamination level in a fluid sample. The system includes a sensor including a pair of spaced apart electrodes, wherein the fluid sample is brought into contact with the electrodes for detection of the level of particulate contamination therein, and a voltage application means for applying a voltage across the spaced apart electrodes. The system also further includes a current sensor coupled to one of the electrodes.

Abstract: Methods of designing an active shield for substantially zeroing an electro-magnetic field on one side of a predetermined boundary in open magnetic resonance imaging systems and in open electric systems are provided. The methods include defining a finite length geometry for a primary structure which, in the case of zeroing a magnetic field, carries a first current distribution on its surface. A finite length geometry is also defined for a secondary structure which, in the case of zeroing a magnetic field, carries a second current distribution on its surface. In the case of zeroing an electric field, the current distributions are replaced with charge distributions. A total magnetic or electric field resulting from a combination of the first and second current or charge distributions respectively is constrained such that normal components (in the magnetic field case) or tangential components (in the electric field case) thereof substantially vanish at the surface of one of the primary and secondary structures.

Abstract: Preparation of English muffin bagels by using a set of yeast-rising flour bread ingredients quite similar to ingredients for standard bagels, but configuring individual buns into the cornmeal coated bun configuration of standard bagels but eliminating the boiling step of standard bagels, and adding a very long (3 hour) proofing step after the second rising to achieve effective maximum rising prior to the final baking step. The result is a bun configured like a bagel, tasting like a standard English muffin, and having a chewiness and crumbliness intermediate the standard English muffin and the standard bagel.

Abstract: A localized coil (30) is disposed in the temporally constant magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging system. The localized coil is designed in five steps: a static problem formulation step, a static current solution step, a discretization step, a current loop connection step, and a high frequency solution step. One radio frequency coil designed by this process to be carried on a circularly cylindrical former includes two coil sections (60, 62) disposed on opposite sides of the dielectric former. Each of the two coil sections includes a pair of inner loops (64.sub.1, 64.sub.2) disposed symmetrically relative to a z=0 plane of symmetry and a second pair of loops (68.sub.1, 68.sub.2) also disposed symmetrically about the plane of symmetry. To raise self-resonance frequency, the inner and outer loops are connected in parallel. The resonance frequency is fine-tuned with reactive elements (66.sub.1, 66.sub.2).

Abstract: An improved knot for attachment of withdrawal cords to tampons is provided. The knot comprises at least two closed loops around a portion of a length of absorbent material. The standing parts of the cord cross at least twice, to form a crossed portion at the base of the loops; a loop portion overlies the crossed portion when the knot is in place around the absorbent material, applying pressure to the crossed portion when the knot is tightened. The invention also features a process for forming the knot.

Abstract: A method for assembling an electrical connector (10) to the edge (18) of a printed circuit board (12). A machine (50) incorporates an actuating mechanism that requires only a single input motion to achieve a variety of functional motions within the machine. The machine includes a carriage assembly (54) that moves substantially vertically within the frame of the machine to sense the thickness of the circuit board and then to align the centerline of the connector held on fixture (280) with the exact center plane (44) of the board. A slide member (140) then moves toward the connector, causing a pair of comb members (252,254) to close into position in front of the moving connector. The solder tails (38,40) of the connector (10) then enter spaced slots (260) in the edges of the comb members for support and the connector housing engages the face (272) of the combs, pushing them toward the circuit board.

Abstract: A machine (50) is disclosed that assembles an electrical connector (10) to the edge (18) of a printed circuit board (12). The machine incorporates an actuating mechanism that requires only a single input motion to achieve a Variety of functional motions within the machine. The machine includes a carriage assembly (54) that moves substantially vertically within the frame of the machine to sense the thickness of the circuit board and then to align the centerline of the connector held on fixture (280) with the exact center plane (44) of the board. A slide member (140) then moves toward the connector, causing a pair of comb members (252, 254) to close into position in front of the moving connector. The solder tails (38,40) of the connector (10) then enter spaced slots (260) in the edges of the comb members for support and the connector housing engages the face (272) of the combs, pushing them toward the circuit board.

Abstract: A novel imaging process is disclosed comprising preparing microcapsules having an elongation of less than 1%, adhering the microcapsules to a substrate then imagewise rupturing certain of said microcapsules upon selective application of a thermal energy input comprising a .DELTA.T of at least 115.degree. C. per 1 millisecond. The process makes use of novel microcapsules polymerized at a temperature of from 65.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. which are heat resistant yet heat fracturable upon application of a thermal pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus for near vertical laying of pipeline offshore. A support frame and movable deck on a lay vessel support a tower at the desired angle for pipe laying. The tower has a travel block that is movable between open and closed positions for receiving a pipe section and supporting the weight of the pipe or pipeline. The travel block is adapted for movement along the length of the tower for raising or lowering the pipe and pipeline. A pedestal that is movable between open and closed positions for receiving a pipe section and supporting the weight of the pipeline is positioned near the bottom of the tower and adapted to transfer the weight of the pipeline from the travel block to the pedestal without the need to open the travel block. A strongback with adjustable clamps is used to grasp a pipe section from a ready rack and transfer the pipe section into the tower for addition of the pipe section to the pipeline. The strongback is guided into and up the tower by rails.

Abstract: A novel record material is disclosed comprising a substrate bearing microcapsules having nonmeltable walls. The microcapsules contain a chromogen or developer and a photosensitive composition internal thereof, said microcapsules undergoing a change in viscosity upon exposure to actinic radiation. The walls of the microcapsules have an elongation of not more than 1%, and the record material is resistant to heat, measured by not producing any substantial color when placed in a 150.degree. C. oven for one minute. Surprisingly, the record material however is capable of forming a color upon application to the record material of a point source energy input comprising a .DELTA.T of at least 115.degree. C. per one millisecond.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for continuous treatment of a material (M) of continuous length with a low temperature plasma of a plasma gas (G) under vacuum. The apparatus (1) includes a plasma treatment chamber (3) having a chamber wall (4) and, in the wall (4), an entrance zone (6) and an exit zone (7) for receiving and discharging the continuous material (M). Evacuating means (48) is operable to establish a vacuum in the chamber (3). Support means (9) advances the continuous material (M) along a path (8) through the chamber (3) and also maintains a vacuum seal at the entrance and exit zones (6,7). The support means (9) includes a backing roller (10) mounted adjacent the entrance and exit zones (6,7), an entrance sealing roller (11) positioned adjacent the entrance zone (6) and an exit sealing roller (13) positioned adjacent the exit zone (7).

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has an integrated circuit transponder which, upon interrogation by an external RF signal, transmits tire identification and tire pressure data in digitally-coded form. The transponder has an antenna adjacent and thereby coupled by electric or magnetic fields to an annular tensile member comprising a bead of the tire. The antenna has lead wires that preferably are positioned between the innerliner of the tire and its continuous carcass ply. The transponder thus is on the axially inner side of the reinforced carcass ply. A pressure transducer is within the transponder and is responsive, preferably through the innerliner material, to pressure within the tire. If the antenna is a coil, the coil is substantially planar in shape and parallel with the reinforced carcass ply. The transponder and pressure transducer also can be attached to the axially inner side of the innerliner.

Abstract: A tampon is provided which includes an absorbent material (12) wound in a spiral configuration, the outermost winding (18) of the spiral having a liquid permeable overwrap material (10) disposed thereon, a portion of said overwrap being folded over the edge (18) of the spiral which corresponds to the withdrawal end of the tampon and adhered (seal 16) to the inside surface (13) of the outermost winding.

Abstract: A masonry screw anchor having two different constant diameter shank portions connected via a taper. Each portion has a set of constant diameter threads and intermediate smaller diameter protrusions with the threads and protrusions on the larger diameter shank portion being larger in diameter than the diameter of the threads and protrusions on the smaller diameter portion.