Abstract: A device for the distribution of materials in bulk comprises a chute (10) suspended from a first rotor (18) so as to be driven in rotation and to be capable of pivoting about a pivoting axis (33). A pivoting ring (38) is connected to the chute (10) so as to be capable of pivoting about an axis (36) perpendicular to the horizontal pivoting axis (33) of the chute (10). A guide means, preferably comprising a large diameter suspension bearing (52), is supported by a second rotor (40). It defines for the pivoting ring (38), in a reference frame attached to the second rotor (40), an inclined plane of rotation which makes an angle .alpha. with a horizontal reference plane. The pivoting ring (33) creates, during a relative rotation in this inclined plane of rotation, a pivoting of the chute (10) about the pivoting axis (33).

Abstract: The present invention provides a unitary, compact telecommunications interface adapter system. The adapter system comprises a bifurcated housing structure enclosing a modular connector and associated category 5 compliant elements. The housing structure has a plug end constructed and arranged for connection to a 110-type telecommunications interface. The associated elements of the adapter are an internal printed circuit board interface between the modular connector and a plurality of longitudinally spring loaded contacts which extend beyond the front perimeter edge of the printed circuit board through channels so that they are exposed for contact outside the housing structure at the plug end. The telecommunications interface adapter system additionally comprises a support structure which has top and bottom spacially parallel extension members integrally formed with the housing structure at the plug end and disposed respectively above and below the longitudinally spring loaded contacts.

Abstract: A massively parallel data processing system consisting of an array of closely spaced cells where each cell has direct output means as well as means for processing, memory and input. The data processing system according to the present invention overcomes the von Neumann bottleneck of uniprocessor architectures, the I/O and memory bottlenecks that plague parallel processors, and the input bandwidth bottleneck of high-resolution displays.

Abstract: A fitting for use with corrugated stainless steel tubing. The fitting includes a body having a locating sleeve. The locating sleeve aligns the central axis of the body with the central axis of the tubing. A nut, retained on the tubing by split ring washers, is tightened on a threaded end of the body. As the nut is tightened, a taper formed on the body flares the tubing. The flared tubing is compressed between the taper on the body and a beveled section of the split ring washer. This forms a leak proof fitting without the need for separate flaring tools.

Abstract: The invention is an arrangement whereby fluid dynamics is used to provide a cooling effect to a cutting tool while in use. More specifically, the invention is based upon the principles that fluid expands when sent through a restricted diameter channel which concomitantly to expansion and reduced pressure also causes a markedly reduced temperature of the arrangement. A cooling element comprising a long, restricted channel arranged on a support plate in a tightly spaced continuous pattern and having an inlet for any desired cooling fluid and an outlet. Cooling fluids can be contained within the system for indefinite reuse or can be cycled through (i.e. air or water). Preferred cooling fluids are tap water or ambient air.

Abstract: An acoustical hearing device is presented, including a foam and at least one porous component which is mechanically bonded to the foam. The mechanical bonding of the porous component arises during manufacture, wherein the porous component is placed into a mold cavity as an insert and a foam is formed within the mold so as to allow controlled penetration of the porous component during foaming. Importantly, entrapped air in the closed cavity may pass through the porous component during manufacture, thereby allowing the porous component to act as a mold vent. A method of manufacture of the hearing protective device of the present invention is also presented.

Abstract: A computer program generates an information screen display at a terminal of a computer. The information requested includes a prompt for a submission number. A set is created under the submission number. This set is intended to hold a plurality of image data files. This information is entered by a user prior to saving any images. Images are acquired and corresponding video outputs are presented to a computer, where the video images are digitized to generate image data sets. Desired images are saved by selecting a save feature. The save feature saves the image data in memory of the computer. The image data is saved as an image file, which is assigned a file name corresponding to the submission number followed by a suffix. For each subsequent image file saved, the suffix is automatically updated.

Abstract: Multimedia bezels designed to receive a variety of connectors and fit within a standard panel cut-out. The bezels include top and bottom notches that engage the edge of the panel cut-out. An opening in the body of the bezel receives the connector. A resilient section allows one of the sets of notches to deflect towards the body for insertion in the panel cut-out. Once within the panel cut-out, the resilient section presses against the edge of the panel cut-out to firmly mount the bezel in the panel. The body of the bezel may be parallel (flat) or at an oblique angle (angled) to the panel. Both the flat and angled embodiments include icon holding grooves for receiving an icon for coding the port. In the flat embodiment, the icon also prevents deflection of the resilient section and acts as a lock. The bezels are side stackable so that a variety of simplex and duplex bezels can be utilized in a panel cut-out.

Abstract: A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed (preferably six and/or seven joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere ranging from six to eight feet in diameter and a measuring accuracy of 2 Sigma .+-.0.003 inch. In addition to the measuring arm, the present invention employs a controller (or serial box) which acts as the electronic interface between the arm and a host computer. Additionally, a number of end effector probes are provided that fulfill functions other than measurement only.

Abstract: A modular outlet having reduced crosstalk is presented. The modular outlet of the present invention comprises a connector housing which supports a plurality of contacts and a termination cap mated to the housing for terminating a plurality of wires at one end of the contacts. The contacts are positioned on a contact carrier which is received in the housing. The contacts include current carrying plates which are stacked to induce capacitance between selected contacts. This method of achieving a controlled amount of capacitive coupling between selected contacts allows the modular outlet to meet or exceed Category 5 requirements. Further, while the modular outlet connections are positioned in accordance with a standard configuration, the insulation displacement contacts are sequentially positioned, thereby eliminating pair splitting when terminating.

Abstract: An earmuff cushion and other foam hearing protective components such as earplugs and pods for semi-aural hearing protectors and earplugs providing improved attenuation are described. The cushion and other foam hearing protective components are comprised of a dynamically stiff foam material having a low static stiffness, and a high dynamic stiffness, which produces improved attenuation in the earmuff and other hearing protective devices in which it is used. Earmuffs made from the cushion, semi-aural hearing protectors, earplugs, and improved methods of making the hearing protective devices are also described.

Abstract: A downhole multilateral completion tool is disclosed which includes a premachined window joint and a production tube adapted to be moved downhole through the window joint and kicked off into the pre-drilled lateral. A flange and seal form a part of the uphole end of the production tube and provide a 3500 psi seal after the production tube is placed in the lateral. The invention, moreover, includes an energizing sleeve which biases the flange into a sealed position and a packer which by pulling the production tube, enhances the seal of the flange.

Abstract: An improved busway end box construction of the present invention terminates a busway run and provides insulation between the phase bars and the ground bar. The assembly includes an adjustable-height enclosure and an insulation sub-assembly. Adjustment slot in the top cover of the enclosure allows the top cover of the end box enclosure to slidably move up or down, varying the height of the busway end box. The insulator sub-assembly includes insulating walls nesting in between U-shaped comb-like brackets. Notches in the insulating walls provide vertical height to the insulator walls, allowing the insulator sub-assembly height to be self-adjusted as the height of the busway end box varies.

Abstract: A busway construction with a standard elbow section that can be adjusted to a wide range of positions to eliminate the need for specialized elbow sections. This adjustable elbow standard busway section with a full-range rotation is designed to connect to other sections of busway which are at non-standard angles to each other.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a plurality of different manufacturers' second stage regulators to commercially available full face masks for use in self contained breathing situations.

Abstract: A physiological tissue sample on a glass slide is treated by a reagent. A reagent bath is formed so that its horizontal depth becomes progressively larger from the lower part to the upper part. In a first treatment mode, a small amount of reagent is introduced in the reagent bath, and a sample plate is introduced into the bath up to a first treatment position. In a second treatment mode, a large amount of reagent is introduced in the reagent bath, and a sample plate is introduced into the bath up to a second treatment position.

Abstract: A helical-screw rotary compressor having a twin rotor configuration or a multi-rotor (i.e., at least three) configuration with defined compressor induction and discharge ends has at least one unloader piston disposed at said compressor discharge end with an economizer injection port therein. The unloader pistons being opened and closed in fine discrete steps by microprocessor controlled stepping motors which drive linear actuators.

Abstract: A hinge and a reconfigurable ladder having at least one pair of hinges is disclosed. The ladder has stile sections connected together by the hinges. The hinges consist of two hinge members mountable to ends of respective stile sections. A hinge cover extends over and receives the hinge members which are pivotally connected to the cover. The hinge members are linked to each other to control the pivotal movement of the hinge member so that they both pivot in unison and to the same extend relative to the cover. The hinge members have locating apertures. A locking mechanism is cooperable with the locating apertures for locking the hinge members in a desired relative position to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring position and orientation of features of a part or item and tube fitting using a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is presented. The coordinate measuring machine comprising a multijointed manually, positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring the position of a point in space by using a special probe, which may be a disk, to perform the tube fitting is interconnected with a host computer. The tube fitting is performed using a coordinate measuring machine in conjunction with appropriate CAD (computer and design) based inspection software which includes tube fitting capabilities.