Abstract: A primary compressor and a booster compressor connected in series is presented. A first conduit connects the low side of a heating/cooling or refrigeration system to the inlet of the booster compressor, the outlet of the booster compressor and the inlet of the primary compressor. A second conduit connects the outlet of the primary compressor to the high side of the system. The first conduit includes a check valve for closing or opening the connection between the first conduit and the outlet of the booster compressor. A sump conduit is positioned near the bottom of the primary and booster compressors to allow lubricant to flow from the booster compressor to the primary compressor.

Abstract: A method of verifying the authenticity of an object is disclosed employing a spatial integrating optical correlator. An unreadable and hence non-counterfeitable mask (e.g., a. complex mask or a phase mask) is coupled to the object and the optical correlator compares the mask with a reference mask on which it is scanned over. The correlator produces a correlation spot or image having an intensity which exceeds a given level if the mask is genuine. An alternate embodiment includes a fingerprint or other personalized pattern bonded to the mask, and the fingerprint or other personalized pattern on the card is compared to a reference fingerprint or other personalized pattern of the card holder for added security.

Abstract: When reagent was discharged in a physiological tissue reagent treatment apparatus, it was troublesome to retain the sample so that it was not discharged together with the reagent. This apparatus offers an improvement on this point, saves work involved in reagent treatment and enables lower costs to be attained. Samples 70 are held in separate sample containers 8. The base of this sample container 8 comprises a mesh 64. Consequently, when the sample container 8 is inserted in a reagent bath 6 in which reagent has collected, reagent flows from this mesh 64 into the container 8. Reagent may flow also from a flow hole 66. The reagent which has flowed into the container 8 acts on the sample 70, and reagent treatment takes place. The reagent in a plurality of the sample containers 8 set in a container holder 10, is then aspirated by a pump 30, or by a nozzle inserted together with the container 8 in the reagent bath, via the mesh 64 of the container.

Abstract: A transducer for a stringed instrument comprises a first uppermost coil, and a second lowermost coil with the axes of the coils coincident. At least one permanent magnet pole piece associated with the coils and a shield of magnetically permeable material arranged between the coils with the shield having one or more walls which extend over sides of the coils.

Abstract: A downhole controller for a flow control device. The controller is responsive to commands from the surface or from downhole and controls the flow device using a four way solenoid actuated spool valve and a hydraulically actuated piston system connected to the flow control device.

Abstract: A low cost microwave circuit package having high performance characteristics is disclosed. The package operates in the frequency range up to 90 GHz while requiring less space on the printed circuit board. Space savings is provided by small components and the leadless design of the package. Taking the place of leads is a ball grid array and RF ports. An unlimited number of layout designs are possible within an ?s! matrix close to ##EQU1## within the operating frequency band of the package, for any pair of signal transmission ports.

Abstract: A stair climbing hand truck utilizes two pairs of wheels which are attached to a secondary frame forming a part of the hand truck and which are mounted in an overlapping relationship. The first pair of wheels is mounted exteriorly of the secondary frame so as to lie outside of the hand truck's main frame structure, and the second pair of wheels is mounted interiorly of the main frame structure wherein all wheels are of the same diameter.

Abstract: A charging device for a shaft furnace with a lower bell comprises lower means of blockage allowing an upper hopper to be isolated in a sealed manner from a lower hopper and allowing the retention of the charging material. In their open position, these lower means of blockage are positioned so that they unblock a free central passage for the flux of material. This flux is established in the form of a compact and focused flux. Means for moving the lower bell are positioned so as not to disturb the focusing of this flux. Positioned above the lower bell is a deflecting surface, which causes the focused flux to diverge with axial symmetry. Inter alia, a better symmetry in the filling of the lower hopper is obtained.

Abstract: A sheet material dispenser for dispensing rolls aluminum coilstock. The sheet material dispenser is made from plastic and includes a front door that renders the sheet material dispenser substantially weatherproof. A rain overhang extends over the edge of the door to prevent water from entering the sheet material dispenser. A rear affixing tab allows the sheet material dispenser to be attached to a work table to facilitate working with the coilstock. The interior of the sheet material dispenser includes rollers that ease dispensing of the coilstock.

Abstract: A server located at a first location for recording and managing communications for transcription generated at a second location. Clients contact the server to store communications for transcription. The client is given the option to create a user configurable profile that defines user identification data and recording options for that client. The user identification data includes a user identification number and an audible user identification which is associated with each user identification number. The communications are recorded based on the recording options in the user configurable profile. Exemplary recording options include file integrity and audio archiving. The server also provides the user with the ability to withhold a recording for completion at a later time.

Abstract: A coupling device for the automatic coupling of a teeming ladle to several gas pipes is presented. The coupling device comprises a first coupling part connected to a gas supply and a second coupling part attached to the teeming ladle, with several gas outlets being arranged in the first coupling part and several gas inlets being arranged in the second coupling part. Each individual gas outlet can be closed by a closing element in the first coupling part, wherein, when being coupled to the second coupling part, this closing element is pressed inwards into the first coupling part and opens the corresponding gas outlet. To bring about self-cleaning of the coupling parts before they are coupled together, the closing elements are designed in such a way that, when the two parts of the coupling are coupled together, before the sealing union of the two coupling parts, a single gas outlet is first opened, before the other gas outlets are opened.

Abstract: A novel plano lens and eyewear incorporating such lens is presented wherein the plano lens comprises a front surface curvature which is created by rotating an aspheric shape about an axis which is offset from an axis of the aspheric shape. In a preferred embodiment, the aspheric shape is an ellipse or at least is an aspheric shape, a segment of which has an elliptical arc. This elliptical arc is rotated about an axis spaced (offset) some distance from a major or minor axis of the ellipse. In a more preferred embodiment, the ellipse is rotated about an axis spaced from and parallel to the major or minor axis of the ellipse, but in the same plane as the ellipse. The resulting surface of this preferred lens configuration will have a cross-section in a first axis which is a segment of an ellipse, and a cross-section in a second axis (perpendicular to the first axis) which is a segment of a circle.

Abstract: A primarily electronically set permanent or retrievable downhole tool having a hydraulic contingency arrangement to activate the downhole tool in the conventional way in the event electronic communication fails.

Abstract: A scanner frame comprises a vertical track which is slidably attached at one end thereof to a horizontal track. The horizontal track is attached to a drawing board or any other suitable flat surface. An optical imaging device (i.e., an optical scanner) is slidably attached to the vertical track. A marker strip comprising a series of bars of uniform pitch are disposed on a surface of the horizontal track along the length thereof. These bars are detected by a sensor assembly disposed on the vertical track. Another marker strip comprising a series of bars of uniform pitch are disposed on a surface of the vertical track along the length thereof. These bars are detected by a sensor assembly disposed on the scanner. During use, a drawing to be scanned is secured on a board, the vertical track is positioned at the left-most position and the scanner is positioned at the upper end of the vertical track.