Abstract: An interlocking building block includes a block fastening system having a male coupling element and a female receptacle which cooperate together to secure a first block to a second block. The male coupling element includes a male interlocking element and a pedestal element for supporting the interlocking element at a fixed distance from the block sidewall. The female receptacle includes first and second female interlocking elements and spaced apart first and second female pedestal elements which support each female interlocking element.

Abstract: An earth and root removing implement is formed from a cylindrical steel walled tube having a mouth at the front end for penetrating the earth into the root structure of a plant to be removed. To aid in penetration and permit disengaging of earth and roots received within the tube, the mouth includes an opening in the tube wall extending and tapering rearwardly to an apex. To maintain sufficient structural rigidity of the tube, the opening extends about the circumference of the tube for less than 180.degree. and defines in combination with the front end a scoop-like configuration. Attachment devices, including slots at the rear end of the tube for receiving the blade of a bucket of a front end loader and chains extending from the bucket to the tube, mounts the implement upon the bucket. By manipulating the bucket, and hence the implement, the implement is used to dig under, loosen and pry out of the earth the roots of selected plants.

Abstract: A characteristic tone in a delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter is shifted out of an audible pass band without diminishing dynamic range or signal-to-noise ratio thereof by operating the digital-to-analog converter to measure its offset voltage. If the amplitude of the measured offset voltage exceeds a predetermined value, no dither signal is applied to the input of the delta-sigma modulator. If the measured offset voltage is less than the predetermined value, a positive DC dither voltage is added to the input voltage of the delta-sigma modulator if the measured offset voltage is positive, or is subtracted if the measured offset voltage is negative.

Abstract: A method for oxidatively consuming volatile sulfur compounds selected from the group consisting of dimethylsulfide, hydrogen sulfide, and methylmercaptan at the epithelial barrier of the rectal, vaginal, urethral, oral, nasal, ocular, and auditory canal orifices to maintain the epithelial barrier and reduce penetration of any of Candida, Actinobacillus actinomycetumcomitans, Pseudomonades, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, said method comprising the step of applying to the orifices a composition comprising a topical preparation selected from the group consisting of liquid solutions, suspensions, semi-solids, salves, creams, and suppositories, wherein the topical preparation contains chlorine dioxide in a concentration in the range of about 0.005% to about 2.0% and a phosphate compound selected from the group consisting of disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, trisodiuit phosphate, or sodium monofluorophosphate in a concentration in the range of about 0.02% to about 3.

Abstract: A method for creating a model for managing storm water is described which is capable of providing projected results and effects based upon varying the inputted data as a function of the consequences of presently made or proposed decisions by the decisionmakers. The severity of the storm event and/or the level of investment in mitigation infrastructure may be varied to view simulated, three-dimensional likely outcomes and losses. Data collected from a plurality of sources are converted into an electronic database which may be automatically and/or periodically updated. The model provided by modeling and simulation modules may be in the form of two- or three-dimensional visual presentations in an especially equipped multiple, computer-driven, projector screen room or may be in the form of a printed media for binding and distribution with screen images combined with text.

Abstract: A method for monitoring air pollution within a significant atmospheric volume and for providing real time and projected results and effects based upon varying the inputted data as a function of pollution abatement procedures that might be implemented. Data collected from a plurality of sources are converted into an electronic database which may be automatically and/or periodically updated. A series of software modules utilize the data for a series of specific representations. The output provided by modeling and simulation modules may be in the form of two- or three-dimensional visual presentations in a specially equipped multiple, computer-driven, projector screen room. The output may also be in the form of printed media for binding and distribution with screen images combined with text.

Abstract: A probe card assembly includes a probe card, an interposer and a probe array. The probe array includes a plurality of closely spaced pins, each pin includes a post and a beam, and each beam has a first end attached to the top of a post and a second end for contacting an integrated circuit. A bead on the second end of the beam assures that the free end of the beam will contact an IC first. For contacts on a grid, the beams extend diagonally relative to the rows and columns of the grid, enabling the beams to be longer. For contacts in a row on centers closer than the pins, two rows of pins straddle the contacts and the beams extend toward the contacts from opposite sides of the contacts. The probe array can be formed on the high density side of the interposer.

Abstract: A partially collapsible catheter is formed as a substantially-flattened tube of flexible, collapsible plastic; a spacing member disposed within such tube allows the tube to substantially flatten and collapse in the absence of infusion fluid, but maintains at least one channel open within the tube for allowing fluid to be aspirated therethrough. During infusion, infusion fluid expands the catheter to a generally rounded configuration. The spacing member can be incorporated within a single lumen catheter; alternatively, the spacing member can divide the tube into first and second lumens for providing a dual lumen catheter.

Abstract: An autonomous controller includes a microprocessor, a programmable memory for storing a plurality of cycle structures, a clock/calendar circuit accurate to within a few seconds per month, a lamp driver including a plurality of isolated outputs for operating traffic signals, a display driver for providing a indication of optimum speed through the controlled intersection, and an I/O device coupled between the microprocessor and an external connector for downloading the cycle structures to the programmable memory. The microprocessor reads data from the programmable memory, selects a cycle structure suitable for the time of day, and causes the lamp driver to control the traffic signals in an intersection in accordance with the selected cycle structure.

Abstract: Produce, whether vegetable and/or fruit, is supported upon a screen basket (18) suspended within a closed cabinet (12). Each of a plurality of nozzles (334) disposed about the basket (18) emits a filled cone (338) of washing fluid (333) to scour the produce and to dislodge by agitation and flotation debris therefrom. After filtering of the washing fluid (333) through a screen (30) in the cabinet (12), the washing fluid is recycled by a pump (84) pumping the washing fluid (333) from a collection trough (80) to the nozzles (334). Preferably, the washing fluid (333) is slightly acidic.

Abstract: An integrated circuit assembly using tape automated bonding (TAB) reduces the number of TAB test pads formed upon the TAB film, for purposes of testing the integrated circuit prior to surface mounting, by sharing at least some of such test pads between at least two output terminals of the integrated circuit. A control signal indicates to the integrated circuit that a TAB test mode of operation is in effect. A second control signal indicates which of the two output signals should be enabled to the shared test pad during the TAB test mode. Multiplexers are provided at the output terminals, and are responsive to such control signals, for selectively allowing one of such output signals to be conducted to the test pad, while temporarily presenting a high impedance at the other output terminal. A method of testing such integrated circuit assembly includes the step of trimming such test pads from the tape automated bonding film after testing and before surface mounting.

Abstract: A pack for safely securing personal items below stadium seating at sporting events includes a flexible sack including one or more pockets that can be sealed by a closure flap. One of such pockets may be used to contain a seat cushion to be placed upon such stadium seating. A fastening system is provided for securing the flexible sack to the underside of the stadium seating. The fastening system may include hooked members secured by elastic straps to opposing ends of the pack. Alternatively, the fastening system may include straps secured to the sack and which extend around and above the stadium seat. The pack may include a handle, shoulder strap, or a pair of arm straps to aid in carrying the pack to or from a stadium.

Abstract: A method for creating an electronic general plan for a municipality is described which is capable of providing projected results and effects based upon varying the inputted data as a function of the consequences of presently made or proposed decisions by the decisionmakers of the municipality. Sources of data collected from a plurality of sources are converted into an electronic database which may be automatically and/or manually updated periodically. A series of software modules utilize the data for a series of specific applications defined by the municipality. To portray the municipality at a specified future date, the methodology would utilize the full capabilities and data resident in the database. The output provided by modeling and simulation modules may be in the form of two- or three-dimensional visual presentations in an especially equipped multiple, computer-driven, projector screen room or may be in the form of a printed media for binding and distribution with screen images combined with text.

Abstract: A DC to DC converter repeatedly divides a first digital signal (26) into 8 time frames, and repeatedly generates a second digital signal (V.sub.S) during one of the 8 time frames. A DC input signal (V.sub.IN) is converted to a pulse width modulated signal (PWM) representative of the DC input signal, which is amplified and applied across a primary winding (4A) of an isolation transformer (4) during the one time frame. A second pulse width modulated signal produced across a secondary winding (4B) of the isolation transformer is rectified to produce a DC output voltage, which is compared to a reference voltage to produce a error signal. The error signal is transmitted across the isolation transformer during the one time frame and is used to adjust the pulse width modulating, to thereby regulate the DC output voltage.

Abstract: A method for resolving an emergency incident is described which is capable of providing projected results and effects based upon varying the inputted data as a function of the consequences of presently made or proposed decisions by the decisionmakers. Sources of data collected from a plurality of sources are converted into an electronic database which may be automatically and/or periodically updated during the course of the emergency incident. A series of software modules utilizes the data for a series of specific applications to reduce the public risk. The output provided by modeling and simulation modules may be in the form of two-dimensional or three-dimensional visual presentations in specially equipped multiple, computer-driven screens at a command center.

Abstract: Differential filters for removing both normal-mode and common-mode noises are provided. A first-order differential low pass filter is composed of a first resistor connected between a first input terminal and a first output terminal, a second resistor having the same resistance value as the first resistor and connected between a second input terminal and a second output terminal, a first capacitor connected between the first output terminal and a reference potential, a second capacitor having the same capacitance value as the first capacitor and connected between the second output terminal and the reference potential, and a third capacitor connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal.

Abstract: A shovel includes a handle and a blade in which a central portion of the blade contains a plurality of perforations. The perforations are in an array of rows and columns and the rows extend in a direction perpendicular to the handle. The perforations are elongated and have a length in a direction approximately perpendicular to the handle. The perforations in adjoining columns and rows are interleaved a predetermined amount and the total area of the perforations is about one-half the area of the central portion. The blade is made from a single sheet of steel that is punched and bent into a compound shape to provide a rigid basket for retaining material. The perforated area is relatively flat, extends to the front edge of the blade, and can be reinforced with ridges that are formed when the sheet is bent. The front edge is reinforced by rolling the edge out of the plane of the central portion.

Abstract: A stable solution, cream, salve, or spray composition containing chlorine dioxide and phosphates, such as disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and sodium monofluorophosphate, is disclosed for the prevention and treatment of abnormal conditions of the epithelium of bodily orifices. Examples of such abnormal conditions of the epithelium of the rectal, vaginal, urethral, oral, nasal, ocular, and auditory canal orifices include bacterial infections, such as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, and fungal infections, such as Candida, and leukoplakia. The preferred concentration ranges are in the range of about 0.005% to about 2.0% chlorine dioxide, and in the range of about 0.02% to about 3.0% phosphate. The phosphate compound retards escape of chlorine dioxide in the pH range of about 6.0 to about 7.