Abstract: Wireline operation depth control in cased wells can be substantially improved by attaching a combined magnetic and radioactive marker to the casing in the vicinity of the zone of interest. A cased hole log is then performed, such as a perforation depth control (PDC) log, using both a casing collar locator and a gamma ray sensor. The marker produces distinctive spikes on the logs from both sensors. The casing collar log is tied in to the gamma ray log simply by aligning these distinctive spikes on both logs. This helps to ensure that subsequent cased hole wireline operations, such as perforating, that rely solely on a collar locator for depth control are performed at the correct depth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for augmenting ventilation and removing carbon dioxide of a spontaneous-breathing patient and a method of use thereof. The system further allows relaxation of the breathing process thus reducing fatigue of the patient. The system involves providing a high continuous flow of a humidified oxygen/air mixture at a predetermined oxygen content and at a constant flow rate through a transtracheal catheter into the lungs of the patient. The system typically provides an oxygen/air mixture of at least 21 percent oxygen, at a humidity between 80 to 100 percent, and a temperature of 35.degree. to 38.degree. C. The mixture is delivered through the transtracheal catheter at a flow rate of 8 to 20 liters per minute at a back pressure of 2 to 25 psi.

Abstract: A needle disposal system has a blood collection holder with an engaged blood collection needle and a companion biohazard receptacle for disposal of the needle after use. First, the blood collection needle engaged to the holder is irreversibly positively locked upon insertion into respective needle removal device of the biohazard receptacle, thereby preventing withdrawal of the needle from the biohazard receptacle. The needle is then unthreaded from the holder and disposed of inside the biohazard receptacle.

Abstract: A spray cleaning system is designed to use a flammable solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol, and includes safety features to maintain the concentration of solvent vapor within the cleaning chamber below a safe limit. The system includes a chamber for containing the article to be cleaned, a nozzle for directing a spray of solvent against the article, and a pump for supplying solvent to the nozzle. The chamber is ventilated with a flow of air to maintain the concentration of solvent vapor within the chamber below a predetermined safety limit, such as the lower explosive limit for the solvent, and the air is exhausted to create a negative pressure within the chamber. A sensor detects combustion or an explosion within the chamber. Additional sensors can be included to monitor leakage of solvent from the cleaning chamber or solvent supply tank. The flow of solvent to the nozzle is automatically halted in the event of combustion or explosion, or if solvent leakage is detected.

Abstract: A programmable filter for the read channel of a magnetic recording device filters the sensed signals corresponding to data on magnetic media at at least two different transfer speeds of the magnetic media. The programmable filter, under microprocessor control, selectively switches its filter characteristics without affecting the quality of the filter but changing the cut-off frequency so as to correspond to the two different transfer speeds. The programmable filter of the present invention utilizes solid state switches to implement the switching of the filter characteristics to change the cut-off frequency without affecting the quality. The programmable filter is inductorless and is designed only with resistors and capacitors arranged in a filter network. The programmable filter does not use operational amplifiers, using instead low cost transistors in an emitter-follower configuration.

Abstract: A DRAM or VRAM integrated circuit memory of the divided bit line design includes a bit line pair extending from a column decoder to a SAM. An N-sense amplifier divides the bit line pair into two pairs of bit line halves. The N-sense amplifier is connected to each of the bit line halves through an isolation transistor. A P-sense amplifier is connected across each pair of the bit line halves. The timing signals enabling and disabling the isolation transistors and the P-sense amplifiers are designed so that during an access of the bit line halves nearest the data port, the isolation of the N-sense amplifier and the associated P-sense amplifier from the bit line halves distal from the data port is extended through the P-sense amplifier cycle and into the precharge cycle, thereby charging only the bit line halves nearest the port and saving power.

Abstract: A low profile, compact television antenna for use on vehicles such as recreational vehicles. The antenna of the present invention uses snap-fastening assembly for ease of assembly and disassembly. The overall profile of the antenna has been reduced to two inches to reduce the effects of wind resistance against the antenna as the vehicle on which it is mounted is moved. The antenna also has improved stability. The angle of bend of the wing tips of the antenna wings have also been reduced to reduce the overall profile and to reduce oscillation of the wing tips against the roof of the vehicle. The antenna of the present invention also includes an integral leveling block for engagement with an antenna support boom. The leveling block is integrally molded with the housing to provide a stronger, lighter weight, more compact structure than the prior separable leveling blocks.

Abstract: A pad oxide is formed on a silicon substrate followed by a layer of polysilicon about 100 .ANG. thick. A silicon nitride layer is formed over said polysilicon layer then patterned with a first, fluorine-based, etch process to expose selected areas of the polysilicon layer. Then the exposed areas of polysilicon are removed using a second, chlorine-based, etch process fundamentally different from the first etch process. The high selectivity of the first etch process for nitride combined with the high selectivity of the second etch process for oxide, results in negligible CD loss in the overall process.

Abstract: The no balance duplex signalling circuit eliminates the need for setting balance resistors and capacitors to match or be proportional to cable resistance and capacitance as was required of previous duplex signalling circuit designs. A microcomputer is also used to evaluate the output of a simple loop current and voltage sensing circuit to dynamically determine the signalling state of the far end of the trunk conductors. The microcomputer stores a plurality of data which indicate signalling thresholds for all possible duplex signalling states. The microcomputer can then compare the measured voltage and current on the trunk conductors to automatically make a determination of the signalling state based on the stored data indicative of permissible signalling states.

Abstract: An optical inspection system which inspects for the presence of defects in colored labels placed, for example, on the side walls of cylindrical beverage cans. The optical inspection system utilizes a conveyor for conveying the beverage cans in a production line where such beverage cans typically are randomly oriented. The optical inspection system positions an optical head near the beverage cans as they move in the production line without physically interfering or interacting with the movement. The optical head senses a preselected number of different colors which appear in a predetermined field of view of each moving can. The cans being randomly oriented have different portions of the label visible in the predetermined field of view which is fixed in position. The optical head produces analog electrical signals corresponding to the intensity of each sensed color. A computer is utilized to process these analog electrical signals from the optical head.

Abstract: A modular system of interchangeable compartments mounted on a support member. The support member, such as a belt or vest, includes a support surface portion formed of a continuously looped, brushed polyester weave material. The outer surface is smooth and will not accidently snag other surfaces. Compartment modules, provided in a variety of shapes and sizes according to the activity in which the modular system is to be used, include at least one fastening strip of upstanding hook elements. The upstanding hook elements are able to engage the continuously looped brushed polyester weave to secure the compartment modules onto the support surface portion of the modular system. The compartment modules can be attached to the support surface in any desired position as well as any angular orientation by simply pressing the fastening strips onto the support surface. The compartment modules are easily removed from the support surface by forcibly disengaging the fastening strips from the support surface.

Abstract: A central depository for secure storage and rapid retrieval of important documents and information, such as living wills, durable powers of attorney, testamentary wills, authorization for organ donation, authorization of bone marrow donation, and insurance information. The depository includes a data storage facility having a computer and Write Once, Read Many (WORM) drive CD-ROM player connected to an optical scanner. The documents are scanned by the optical scanner and stored on the CD-ROM player. Other information is entered into data storage facilities connected to the computer. Requests for information can be received by the depository from remote locations by data transmission devices, such as telephone, facsimile, postal service, or electronic mail. The system also provides a procedure for updating the information and documents as legislation regarding the stored information and documents changes. Also, the system monitors for changes in residence which may affect the information and documents.

Abstract: An improved distribution automation remote terminal unit which directly connects to a distribution feeder. The distribution automation remote terminal unit of the present invention is directly connected to voltage and current sensors on the feeder to sense the presence of signals on the distribution feeder. The remote terminal unit includes the first transformer interconnected to the potential sensors to produce a potential signal of reduced peak-to-peak voltage corresponding in phase to the AC potential waveform on the distribution feeder. A second transformer is directly coupled to the current sensor for producing a current signal of reduced peak-to-peak voltage corresponding in phase to only the AC current waveform on the distribution feeder. The reduced peak-to-peak voltage signals are delivered into a multiplexer and are sampled a predetermined number of times. The sampled analog voltage is then digitized by a digital to analog converter and delivered into a digital signal processor.

Abstract: A barrier material for use in preventing interdiffusion of silicon and aluminum at silicon/aluminum interfaces comprises a layer of titanium, aluminum, and nitrogen between about 100.ANG. and 1000.ANG. thick. The barrier material comprises between 1% and 20% aluminum, between 30% and 60% titanium, and between 30% and 60% nitrogen. The TiAlN material is more resistant to diffusion than TiN and can be etched and sputtered like TiN. It has better thermal budget than TiN and better stability on silicon, and thus can replace TiN in many of its uses in semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A multichannel, multipoint distribution services (MMDS) dipole antenna for receiving multiple channels in the S-band frequency range of 2000 and 3000 MHz is formed from a printed circuit board which is directly connected to a coaxial cable. On the printed circuit board are etched two stacked dipoles. Each of the dipoles has a first one-half element etched on the first side of the printed circuit board and the second one-half element etched on the second side of the printed circuit board. The first and second dipoles are oriented to be in phase with each other and are separated from each other at a wavelength spacing between 0.25 lambda and 0.40 lambda. The antenna of the present invention further uses a phase combining circuit and an impedance matching circuit etched on the printed circuit board for combining in phase the polarized signals, for canceling the non-polarized signals at 0.degree. and 180.degree.

Abstract: An audible turn signal canister unit for automobiles incorporates an audible alarm in the form of a unitary, self-contained module which can be plugged into the existing socket in the automobile in place of a standard flasher unit. The alarm is a pure tone in the mid-speech frequency range (e.g. 1000 to 2500 Hz) in order to be more readily heard over background noise or by hearing impaired individuals. Optionally, the unit can be provided with a time delay circuit in the form of an electronic counter that is reset each time that the turn signal switch is turned on or closed in order to establish the beginning count for the activation of the alarm a predetermined time interval after the turn signal unit is activated.

Abstract: The thickness of the layers of rubber covering the steel belts within a tire can be measured by transmitting a microwave signal toward the outer surface of the tire and measuring the phase shift of the signal reflected by the tire. In the preferred embodiment, a waveguide is used to direct the microwave signal toward the tire. A standing wave is created within the waveguide by interference between the transmitted microwave signal and the microwave signal reflected from the tire. A series of crystal detectors mounted along the length of the waveguide measure the standing wave. A processor calculates the phase of the reflection coefficient, and determines the thickness of the rubber layer as a predetermined function of the phase. By proper selection of the microwave frequency and the spacing between the waveguide and the tire, the rubber layer thickness can be uniquely determined as a function of phase for any range of rubber thicknesses likely to be encountered in a tire.

Abstract: A tensioning and support system for a sports net assembly uses a compound pulley arrangement attached to one of the vertical supports to simultaneously adjust the tension placed on both the upper and lower net cables. In one embodiment, each support has a standard extending upward from the ground, an upper elongated member, and a clamp for adjustably securing the upper elongated member to the upper portion of the standard to allow height adjustment of the net. A scale mounted between the upper end of the standard and the elongated member at approximately eye-height permits accurate measurement of the height of the net. Optionally, a clam cleat or other one-way cleat can be used to secure the free end of the pull cord extending from the pulley after the desired tension has been applied to the net cables.

Abstract: An improved leak detection float system for use in underground storage tank containing fuel wherein the float system utilizes an elongated hollow test probe extending downwardly into an underground storage tank and into the fuel stored therein. A microprocessor is contained in an upper compartment of the test probe along with control electronics. A rod is centrally affixed in the lower portion of the test probe and a float is disposed around the rod, but within the test probe so as to float on the surface of the fuel. The float uses tapered edges to minimize offset error due to surface tension. An excitation transducer is placed above the float on the rod which produces vibrational waves down the rod having a predetermined frequency, power, and duration. The vibrational wave breaks the surface tension existing between the float and the fuel so that the float can obtain a position within the fluid based upon the buoyancy of the float in the fluid.