Abstract: A high speed circuit interconnection apparatus involves an electrical connection assembly between a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) and a connector for receiving the PCB. The PCB has a plurality of logic signal lines and a plurality of power and ground lines, each of the logic signal lines terminating in a contact tab, the PCB having a contacting edge with power and ground conductors affixed thereto, electrically connected to the power and ground lines. The logic and power and ground lines are positioned to provide a desired transmission line impedance. The connector has a plurality of logic contactors, each firmly contacted by a corresponding contact tab when the PCB is inserted, closing a secondary contact. The secondary contact is made at a point on the logic contactor to minimize the length of each logic signal path made up of the corresponding contact tab and the corresponding contactor.

Abstract: A system minimizes fluid damage proximate an appliance that uses fluid in its operational cycle, and has an input from a fluid supply. At least one electrically operated valve is connected to the fluid supply and is actuated to the open position when the operational cycle is initiated. A controller provides an electrical signal to actuate the valve to the closed position upon the termination of a predetermined time or the receipt of an indicia signal indicating that the requirement for fluid for the operational cycle has terminated. Further, fluid sensing structure adjacent the appliance has an output connected to the controller to signal the presence of fluid, in response to which the controller sends an electrical signal to close the electrically operated valve.

Abstract: Data processing application requests are processed in a computer system configured as a plurality of nodes with a plurality of interacting processes. Data is requested by an application request originating on a first node. The request data includes data located on a plurality of the nodes. A portion of computer memory on the nodes is established as agent message queues ("AMQ's"). A first process, acting as a coordinating agent, receives an application request on the first node. The coordinating agent generates a plurality of internal requests for the application request. The coordinating agent communicates the internal requests to a fast communication manager process ("FCM") on the first node. The first FCM, sends the internal requests to FCM's on the nodes having the request data ("request data nodes"), for storage in selected AMQ's on the request data nodes. The internal requests are retrieved from the selected AMQ's by processes acting as subordinate agents on the request data nodes.

Abstract: The night light has a case with a front side and a rear side. The front side of the case has a portion defining a window. The lamp is secured between the sides and covering the window. The lamp has conductors for connecting to an electrical supply which are in electrical contact with a first and second blade, the blades extending from the rear exterior face of the case for engaging an electrical outlet. The blades are held in a slot through the rear side of the case and by a portion of the blades which engages the interior face of the front side of the case.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sending and receiving logic signals. A driver is connected to a first end of a transmission line with a predetermined impedance and first and second transmission line ends for communicating the logic signals. The driver has a source for sending the logic signals, and a reference generator connected to the source for setting the magnitude of the signals sent by the source. A receiver is connected to the second transmission line end, and has a transmission line terminator for sinking the signals, and a reference generator connected to the terminator for setting a bias of the terminator to establish a certain family of terminator impedances for sinking the signals. The driver reference generator and the receiver reference generator interactively match the terminator impedance to the transmission line for the set magnitude of the signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sending and receiving logic signals responsive to external digital data input and control signals. A reference circuit providing a first and second reference signal is common to the signal generating and receiving circuitry. The signal generating circuitry includes a signal source connected to the transmission line for generating a variable level digital signal, and a reference level adjusting and switching circuit ("RLA/S circuit") which is responsive to the digital data input and the first reference signal. The RLA/S circuit is connected to the signal source for selecting the level of the variable level digital signal and providing a switching signal. The signal source output is thus adjusted and switched so that the signal source generates a digital signal to the transmission line which follows the digital data input at the selected output signal level.

Abstract: A nesting passenger vehicle designed to improve access to subways and commuter trains by virtue of its reduced parking area requirements. A short cabin and a V shaped frame permit the vehicle to nest or horizontally stack into other vehicles of the same shape in a manner that requires a small amount of parking space per vehicle. The present invention provides a significant parking density advantage compared to conventional, privately owned automobiles.