Abstract: A Communication Interface Box (CIB) enables bidirectional synchronous/asynchronous data transfer between external devices including data terminal equipment (DTE) and data communication equipment (DCE) and a personal computer by way of the parallel port of the personal computer. The CIB provides one or more input/output ports from the DCE and DTE for receiving or transmitting serial data. A bidirectional universal synchronous/asynchronous transmitter/receiver USART and a control circuit are used to transfer control and data signals between external devices and a personal computer for serial data analysis. The CIB eliminates the need for equipment dedicated solely to serial data analysis as well as the need to add hardware boards to personal computers to perform serial data analysis. The CIB allows for serial data analysis by way of the parallel port of a personal computer.

Abstract: An active-matrix-addressed liquid crystal display includes an active-matrix substrate and an opposing electrode substrate on which opposing electrodes are formed. The opposing electrodes are formed into a combination of stripe electrodes each for collecting an electric field originating from the associated data line conductor, and display electrodes each corresponding to the associated pixel electrode. The stripe electrodes are connected with the associated display electrodes outside display areas. There are provided on the opposing electrode substrate a black mask formed of a photosensitive resin in which pigment of black is dispersed. The opposing electrodes may also be formed in an assembly of stripe electrodes each correspondingly to the associated pixel electrodes, no opposing electrode being disposed above the data line conductor.

Abstract: A means and method for modifying the width of a racing surface of a racetrack having a movable barrier positioned between a stationary outer barrier and a stationary inner barrier, the movable barrier comprising pylons having a removable tethering means connecting the movable barrier to the inner stationary barrier, and also having a limiting means to enable the user to place the movable pylons in generally the same position prior to the beginning of every race. During the course of the race, the user will move the movable pylons off of the racing surface, thus increasing the width of the racing surface available to the horse and driver. In another embodiment, an inner lane of approximately 8-10 feet exists to increase the width of the racing surface during the stretch portion of the race.

Abstract: A quiz controller for developing a time-ordered list of contestant responses. A microprocessor-based main unit is in electronic communication with one or more players interfaces. Each player interfaces may have up to eight contestant pushbuttons. The main unit includes a digital display on a front panel and a digital display on a back panel. The main unit also includes four control pushbuttons which control two timers, the contestant display, and clearing the system. The control pushbuttons also may be used to reset the parameters of the game.

Abstract: A nesting vise for holding bundles of stock comprising a base with a fixed jaw and a movable jaw mounted thereon, both jaws having faces with apertures therein. A strap is provided which extends between the two jaws through the apertures. A lock is provided to hold the strap on one end, and a strap tightener is attached to the other end of the strap which tightens and holds the bundle of stock, resulting in even radial pull towards the center of the vise so as to locate all of the pieces of stock in the bundle and locking them together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a band saw machine having the capability to produce finished piece parts by employing a rotatable collet and an index vise to rotate and longitudinally position the piece part, a band saw blade positioned in a blade twist assembly capable of making straight, angular, and arcuate cuts on the work piece, and a motor means to move the saw blade perpendicular to the work piece, all under the direction of a pre-programmed computer control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a band saw machine having the capability to produce finished piece parts by employing a rotatable collet and an index vise to rotate and longitudinally position the piece part, a band saw blade positioned in a blade twist assembly capable of making straight, angular, and arcuate cuts on the work piece, and a motor means to move the saw blade perpendicular to the work piece, all under the direction of a pre-programmed computer control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a band saw machine having the capability to produce finished piece parts by employing a rotatable collet and an index vise to rotate and longitudinally position the piece part, a band saw blade positioned in a blade twist assembly capable of making straight, angular, and arcuate cuts on the work piece, and a motor means to move the saw blade perpendicular to the work piece, all under the direction of a pre-programmed computer control.

Abstract: A valve driving apparatus for impartation of a motive force to a valve component which employs a flexible drive member intermediate the actuator member and the valve component to be moved. The flexible drive member is capable of storing energy momentarily so that the speed of movement of the actuator member and the speed of movement of the valve component may be different, preferably with the motion of the valve component being slower than the motion of the actuator member. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator member, flexible drive member, and valve component operate substantially on a common axis.

Abstract: A multi-tiered flooring arrangement, with each level of floor acting as a self-contained conduit. The system comprises a series of vertical support members and horizontal connectors arranged in generally rectangular shape onto which are placed removable flooring surfaces which act as separators for defining a plurality of separated plenum spaces for containing selected conductors and conduits.