Abstract: A microwave and millimeter wave hybrid or monolithic microstrip test probe assembly provides a noninvasive radio frequency test point in a microstrip circuit. The probe assembly comprises a microstrip coupler. (12) adjacent a microstrip line (10) in the circuit for sampling a small amount of microwave energy propagating along said microstrip line. A stripline circuit (20, 22 and 24) is connected to the microstrip coupler. The stripline circuit includes a pad area (24) and a probe (26) moveable to overlay the pad area. The probe forms a ground plane with respect to the pad area, and a coaxial line (34) has an outer conductor connected to the probe and an inner conductor projecting through a hole in the probe. The probe assembly provides an RF test point within a microstrip circuit which allows an accurate, calibrated and repeatable means of sampling a microstrip signal while not affecting the normal performance of the hybrid or monolithic circuit.

Abstract: A gravity operated switching circuit, having particular application in end of train equipment, allows the microprocessor circuit board in the equipment to be turned off. The circuit turns the power off when the equipment is laid on its side after a predetermined time constant, and when the equipment is again mounted in an upright position, the power is turned on after a different predetermined time constant. A modification of the basic circuit requires a reset button to be manually pressed to restore power after the equipment is again mounted in an upright position.

Abstract: A method for generating display screens for a set of application programs allows application programmers to write programs without having to code the specific locations on a computer display screen where information and data are to be displayed in fields of various display screens of the set of application programs. A series of screen management subroutines are callable from an application program. A display screen is defined by loading one or more arrays of screen specification data indicative of information and data to be displayed. The display screen may be defined by loading the arrays by an application program using data contained in a screen driver file or alternatively by supplying the data to the arrays by means of data statements. The display screen is managed by calling subroutines to read screen specifications, to display screen headings, to display data fields and to read data fields.

Abstract: The procedure which allows users of a computer system comprising a plurality of computers connected in a local area network to share both file resources and application programs on the local area network without modification to existing programs which were designed to run in a non-network environment is disclosed. The local area network comprises a server computer and at least one remote computer. Starting the network comprises an initial program load of the operating system for each of the computers, loading the local area network control program, and then loading a hypervisor or "node enabler" program. At each of the remote computers, a request to load a program or access a data file is converted by the "node enabler" to a file sharing and record locking protocol message with is transmitted to the server computer. The server computer stores a program matrix with entries indicating which programs can be run on the network without conflicts with other systems including the server computer.

Abstract: An anti-stall motor drive circuit for a very slow running permanent magnet d.c. motor is disclosed. The slow running speed of the motor sometimes allows an insulating film to build up between the brushes and the commutator which causes the stalled condition. The motor (10) is connected in the collector circuit of a drive transistor (Q1) which has a current limiting resistor (R9) connected in its emitter circuit. A stalled condition of the motor (10) is sensed by a lack of output from a tachometer (16) output. The output of the tachometer is full wave rectified by an operational amplifier (22) and diodes (CR1 and CR2). The rectified tachometer voltage is applied to an integrator (24 and C1) having a clamping diode (CR7) connected in its feedback circuit. A zero output from the rectifier allows the integrator output to ramp up to a limiting value determined by the clamping diode.

Abstract: A differential transformer is used as a feedback sensor for generating an error signal sensed at the face of an element of a sonar transducing array. This error signal is used to correct the excitation signal to the transducer to correct both phase and amplitude errors in the vibration of the radiating surface of the transducer. In this way, the transmitting beam pattern for the sonar array is improved. The differential transformer is capable of sensing the mechanical motion of the transducer radiating surface without being affected by a strong electric or magnetic field. By using a separate differential transformer sensor and processing circuit for each transducer in the array, electrical cross-talk between the individual elements of the array is eliminated.

Abstract: An academic quiz controller system includes first and second pluralities of identical and interchangeable response stations (11, 12, 13, 14 and 21, 22, 23, 24) each provided with a switch (17) and an indicator light (16) activated by the switch when pressed by a contestant. The first and second pluralities of response stations are serially connected by means of three pair telephone wire (10 and 20) and modular telephone jacks to form first and second strings of response stations. A microprocessor-controlled master console (30) has a plurality of indicators (33 and 34), one for each response station, a start switch (36) and a mode switch (37). The first and second strings of response stations are connected to the master console by means of three pair telephone wire (15 and 25) and modular telephone jacks as is a judge's switch pad (40) which is used for inputting an indication as to whether an answer is right or wrong.

Abstract: Certain applications require a CRT display to be well shielded against emitting RF electromagnetic energy. A shield placed at the neck portion of a CRT envelope inhibits RF emissions from being transmitted through the face portion of the CRT. The shield comprises longitudinal conductors for suppressing transverse magnetic (TM.sub.01, TM.sub.02 . . . ) mode emissions and circular conductors for suppressing transverse electric (TE.sub.01, TE.sub.02 . . . ) mode emissions. Placing the shield at the rear of the CRT envelope eliminates the need for covering the face portion of the CRT with an optically transparent screen. To eliminate RF emissions from the CRT display the housing is provided with a contiguous RF emission shield that is connected to the shield on the neck of the CRT. Alternatively, an internal RF emission shield would enclose the video circuitry which includes all potential sources of undesired RF emission.

Abstract: Performance of a VLSI processor of the reduced instruction set computer (RISC) type is enhanced by executing two instructions simultaneously in the two execution units of the processor. There is very little increase in the cost of hardware. Three embodiments are presented with different cost and performance capabilities. The first embodiment has an instruction input to an instruction buffer (10) and two sets of control ROSs (40 and 42) and control registers (64 and 65). The control ROS and control register which is chosen depends on which instruction execution unit is to execute the instruction. Data inputs to the execution units is from a register file (48) which has an additional pair of outputs (51) and (53) that provide the data paths for simultaneous execution of instructions by the execution units. Execution unit I has an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) (24), while execution unit II has a rotate (26) and mask generator (31).

Abstract: An inductive device composed of a bead of magnetic material, such as ferrite, has an aperture through which an electrical conductor is adapted to pass. The bead is formed unsymmetrically about at least one axis. The asymmetry of the bead alters the magnetic characteristic of the bead so as to increase its ability to absorb volt-seconds on the conductor and thereby prevent destructively high currents. The inductive device is advantageously used in the d.c. supply to the power transistors of an inverter to protect the transistors from current surges due to the simultaneous conduction of the transistors.

Abstract: A computer based graphic editor has the capability of recognizing as a single graphic object a plurality of unconnected freehand strokes such as a signature. This makes possible editing a document with a signature, for example, without the various parts of the signature becoming separated and no longer being a viable entity. A cursor pointing device, such as a mouse with a button, is used to enter the plurality of unconnected strokes. Initially, the first point p.sub.1 at the beginning of a stroke which is the first stroke of a plurality of unconnected strokes is read and stored with the visible attribute. As long as the button is pressed, the position of the cursor is monitored and lines drawn from each successive point to the next point p.sub.2 with each point p.sub.2 being stored with the visible attribute. When the mouse button is released, the last read point position p.sub.2 is stored with the invisible attribute. When the mouse button is pressed again, the first point p.sub.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for liquid flow drainage control in gravity type systems such as sewage septic tank systems. A plastic cap which is insertable into the ends of the drainage pipes that project into a distribution box is formed with an end face and a cylindrical body. The end face is generally circular having a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the drainage pipes into which the cap is to be inserted. The outer periphery of the end face is provided with an interdigital or scalloped pattern to facilitate easy gripping even in the most adverse conditions. The end face is further provided with an eccentric discharge hole which is located along a diameter of the end face so that the hole is always some distance from the interior surface of the cylindrical body so that the hole forms a weir to the inlet of the drainage pipe into which the end cap is inserted. The eccentric hole is provided with an outwardly projecting flange which, in cooperation with a spirit level, is used for rough leveling.

Abstract: An improved automatic train-line air brake pressure monitoring system includes circuits that emulate an automatic brake valve and cause an automatic brake manifold release whenever a four psi increase in pressure is sensed. The system includes a pressure sensor amplifier (10) which provides a signal proportional to the sensed pressure in a brake pipe. This signal is tracked by a peak hold circuit (12) that stores the peak value of the signal. The output of the sensor amplifier is subtracted from the output of the peak hold circuit in a subtractor (14) to provide a difference signal. The difference signal is tracked by a reduction hold circuit (22) which stores the minimum value of the difference output from the subtractor. An increase in measured pressure from the stored minimum value is compared in a comparator (24) with a reference value representing the four psi level, and when the increased pressure exceeds the reference value, a system reset is generated.

Abstract: An adaptive mechanism is presented in the context of optimization of expert system applications. Both single and multiple processor implementations are disclosed. The mechanism is used to maintain a near-optimal sequence for scanning rule lists in expert systems. For a program containing a sequential-decision chain with many independent or mutually exclusive outcomes with each decision having associated with it some fixed cost and probability, the adaptive mechanism tends to produce the optimal ordering automatically from repeated observations of the execution of the decision chain.

Abstract: An easy-to-use technique for specifying measurements of a document to be printed uses a pointing method, such as a cursor which is moved around a display screen by means of a pointing device having a select button. The pointing cursor is moved to each desired location in a predetermined sequence, and the select button is pressed. The values of the measurements so selected are calculated based on the relative position of the pointing cursor at the time the select button is pressed.

Abstract: An application composite editor for compound documents containing not only text but also graphics and tables to facilitate the manipulation of object sets in the formatting algorithm. The editor works with a page layout philosphy wherein data objects reside on the page and data resides in the data objects. All pages reside within a document object, and some data objects may have additional objects within them. Objects are data-specific entities that the user can manipulate on the page. All objects exist within a specified boundary on the page, and this boundary is defined as an object set boundary. Object sets may be moved into positions on the page such that more than one object set is occupying a single displayable area on the page. Such an arrangement of objects creates a structure called a superblock. A superblock is any displayable area containing two or more objects sets positioned so that the object sets overlap one another, reside side-by-side or extend above or below one another.

Abstract: A document preparation program for use in connection with a word processing facility includes a succinct identification and listing of designated parts of a memorandum or document, each unique part having access to an associated file which contains the basic text and formatting controls for that particular part. The user of the program may readily assemble a document from the parts inventory displayed on a master screen by mere cursor reference or by keying the name of designated parts and have the newly created document displayed, or printed in most cases without reference to additional screens.

Abstract: A transportable bus control architecture for single-chip microprocessors consists of an interface control unit that is logically independent of the associated co-resident, common clock-driven microprocessing unit. This independence allows the interface control unit logic to be used with a variety of microprocessing units. The interface control unit presents an external appearance that is compatible with the peripheral devices of a specific microprocessor referred to as the "compatible microprocessor", thereby making available to an associated co-resident microprocessing unit the support devices of the compatible microprocessor. The interface control unit can also access other external devices not related and transparent to the devices of the compatible microprocessor. The interface control unit is logically divided into an execution section and a control section.

Abstract: A microcomputer memory system is organized into a plurality of banks (16). Each back consists of an array of static column mode dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) of the type having an on-chip static buffer for storing an entire row. The static buffers associated with each bank functions as a distributed cache (24) to hold the last accessed row for the associated bank. A memory controller (18) receives real addresses from a CPU (10) or other device on the memory bus (14) and extracts bank and row numbers from the address. The memory controller determines whether the accessed row for a memory bank is in the distributed cache and, if it is, accesses the distributed cache for that bank. Otherwise, the memory controller switches the contents of the distributed cache with the contents of the addressed row for that bank.

Abstract: An annealing process carried out at 800.degree. C. in a wet O.sub.2 ambient permits the manufacture of a reliable storage capacitor wherein the dielectric layer is comprised of silicon oxynitride formed by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD). The manufacturing process includes first depositing the silicon oxynitride film by LPCVD, second annealing in wet O.sub.2 at 800.degree. C. or N.sub.2 at 1000.degree. C., third forming an N-type region in the silicon substrate by As.sup.+ ion implantation through the silicon oxynitride film, fourth annealing in wet O.sub.2 at 800.degree. C., and fifth depositing an electrode.