Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: A pumpskid comprises a frame adapted for connection to a remotely operated vehicle for positioning thereby. A male connector mounted on the frame is adapted for engagement with the suction port on a suction anchor. Clamping apparatus is provided for securing the male connector in engagement with the suction port of the suction anchor and thereby clamping the pumpskid in engagement with the suction anchor. A pump mounted on the frame is connected in fluid communication with the male connector by piping sections which include a port open to the surrounding sea. Valves and valve actuators are provided for causing the pump to cause water flow out of or into the suction anchor, as required.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for anchor installation, a plate anchor is mounted at the bottom of a suction follower comprising a hollow cylinder having an open lower insertion end and a closable upper suspension end. The suction follower and the anchor secured thereto are engaged with the sea floor, whereupon water is pumped out of the suction follower causing the suction follower and the anchor to penetrate into the sea floor to a predetermined depth. The anchor is then disengaged from the suction follower, whereupon water is pumped into the suction follower to disengage the suction follower from the sea floor for recovery to the surface, leaving the anchor embedded in the sea floor. The plate anchor may comprise first and second plate members, the second plate member pivoting relative to the first plate member to prevent upward movement of the anchor.

Abstract: A medical tubing and slide clamp set is disclosed for use with a medical infusion pump designed for operation with a preselected medical tubing set having predetermined size and functional characteristics. The medical tubing and slide clamp includes a preselected medical tubing set having predetermined size and function characteristics. An opaque slide clamp is provided with a grasping end and a longitudinal clamp plate extending from the grasping end. The longitudinal clamp plate defines a clamp slot with a wide open portion sized for receiving the preselected medical tubing without closing the tubing, a narrow open portion sized for closing the tubing and a transition portion interconnecting the narrow and wide portions. A plurality of orifices are formed along the longitudinal clamp plate at predetermined locations arranged according to the size and functional characteristics of the medical tubing set.

Abstract: A sound attenuation device for internal combustion engines includes a tubular core extending from an inlet end to an outlet end and having apertures formed therethrough to allow fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the tubular core. One or more flanges position the tubular core in an exhaust passageway and are provided with apertures so that exhaust flowing through the exhaust passageway can flow either through the tubular core or through the flange apertures. End caps may be employed to close the inlet end of the tubular core and to provide a reduced diameter opening at the outlet end thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides laces, such as shoelaces, having affixed to them repeatedly collapsible and expandable aglets which can form 2- or 3-dimensional objects. The aglets can advantageously be passed through an eyelet thereby making it possible for them to be permanently affixed to laces during their manufacture. Thus, a user need not purchase a lace and aglets separately and attach them to each other after lacing an article such as a shoe.

Abstract: In a system for mooring offshore drilling units, a first mooring assembly is installed at a first drilling venue, after which the mobile offshore drilling unit is moored by connection to the mooring lines. A second mooring assembly is installed at a second drilling venue while drilling operations are carried out at the first drilling venue. In this manner the mobile offshore drilling unit can be relocated between successive drilling venues with minimum down time. Less than complete mooring assemblies can be used to temporarily secure the mobile offshore drilling unit.

Abstract: A method of radio frequency (RF) welding of a flexible PVC sheet to a rigid copolyester carrier by holding a flexible PVC sheet and a rigid copolymer carrier together between heated RF dies. A predetermined temperature differential is maintained between the RF dies, with the flexible sheet side at a higher temperature than the rigid carrier side and adjusted so that a weld plane is established along the interface between the PVC and the copolyester. An RF weld signal is passed through the first and second RF dies and the PVC and copolyester therebetween, so that the flexible PVC sheet and the copolyester rigid carrier partially melt and become welded together at the weld plane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the plasma potential of a plasma within a plasma chamber (50) is disclosed. The apparatus and method utilize a Faraday shielded inductive source antenna (60) to generate the plasma within the plasma chamber (50) and an electrically conductive probe (100) that is inserted into the plasma chamber (50) to regulate the plasma potential. By independent biasing of the conductive probe (100), which regulates the plasma potential, the ion energy distribution at a conductive substrate (150) within the plasma chamber (50) may be controlled.

Abstract: A diagnostic golf swing training device (10) for providing real time feedback to a golfer relating to the rotation of the golfer's hips and weight distribution during the golf swing is disclosed. The device (10) comprises a footplate (12) that is positioned beneath one of the feet of the golfer. A vertical support member (14) is coupled on its lower end (16) to the footplate (12). A hip plate (30) is coupled to the upper end (28) of the vertical support member (14). The hip plate (30) is adjustable such that it may be positioned adjacent to the hips of the golfer. During the golf swing, the footplate (12) provides real time feedback to the golfer by signaling excessive forward or rearward movement of the hips of the golfer if the hips of the golfer contacts the hip plate (30).

Abstract: A wheel and solid rubber tire assembly as provided with a metal wheel having a predetermined diameter and a cylindrical rim around the periphery of the wheel. The rim has a predetermined narrow width. A soft narrow layer of rubber is secured to the narrow rim and has a first diameter and a first width at the first diameter approximately equal to the narrow width of the rim. The soft layer has a second predetermined diameter larger than the first diameter. A wide wear layer of solid rubber, having a width that is significantly greater than the width of the narrow layer, is bonded to the narrow layer at the second diameter. The wear layer has a predetermined maximum outer diameter that is larger than the second diameter of the inner soft layer. The wear layer has a hardness greater than the hardness of the soft narrow layer. The movement of the soft inner layer upon compression is increased per pound of impact so that a smoother ride is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for periodically providing information about subsurface formations in a marine environment using a non-towed seismic signal source (3) and a static array of seismic signal receivers (4) is disclosed. The seismic signal source (3) comprises a support frame (10) and a line (7) attaching the support frame to a stationary platform (2), wherein the line (7) restrains the support frame (10) in a position that is static in relation to the formation (8). The seismic signal source (3) includes eight air guns (12) attached to the support frame (10) such that the air guns (12) are discharged to provide a tapered, heavy centered, point source seismic signal at a specific location relative to the formation (8) that is reflected to the static array of seismic signal receivers (4) such that changes in the formation characteristics may be observed over time.

Abstract: An interactive learning system has an interactive control unit that displays competition or quiz questions in multiple-choice or other format. Students using the system enter answer choices on a wireless keypad. A base station connected to the interactive control unit receives answer choices from and communicates with the wireless keypads. The interactive control unit keeps track of the scores for all users, and scores of different groups of users (i.e., classes).A receiver connected to the interactive control unit receives content for competitions by satellite broadcast. The competitions are then stored for later use. The system can conduct competitions from those that have been stored or broadcast, or from those that can be created by individual teachers. Previously broadcast and stored competitions can be played simultaneously by a plurality of remote locations, in a "live competition" setting.

Abstract: A two-way pressure relief assembly includes a disk having a peripheral flange for clamping the disk between inlet and outlet clamps in a passageway. The inlet side of the disk has a selected inlet relief pressure which will cause the flange and disk to pull out from between the inlet and outlet clamps and move toward the outlet side. The outlet side of the disk has an outlet relief pressure which will cause the flange and disk to pull out from between the inlet and outlet clamps and move toward the inlet side. A pressure support may be clamped between the disk flange and the inlet clamp for increasing the outlet relief pressure to a selected magnitude. The open center of the pressure support may be enlarged to decrease the outlet relief pressure or reduced to increase the outlet relief pressure. Support members may be extended across the central portion of the pressure support for increasing the outlet relief pressure. Inlet and outlet gaskets may be provided on the corresponding sides of the disk.

Abstract: A rotation control for a device to be rotated includes a variable speed DC motor having a constant rotational speed upon receiving a selected fixed voltage electrical input power from an adjustable electrical input power supply connected to the motor for supplying the selected fixed voltage. A switch circuit is connected between the motor and the power supply activatable in response to a first electrical signal to turn the motor "on" and activatable in response to a second electrical signal to turn the motor "off". A selectable frequency, regular interval electrical signal device is connected to the switch circuit to provide electrical signals to activate the switch circuit to turn the motor "on" at regular intervals. An encoder wheel is coupled to the device to be rotated and to the motor for rotation of the timing disk at a speed proportional to the constant rotational speed of the motor. The timing disk has a plurality of openings around the disk with predetermined spacing there between.

Abstract: A product dispensing apparatus includes a gathering conveyor and a plurality of product dispensers for dispensing items onto the gathering conveyor, the plurality of product dispensers including a first subset of product dispensers and a second subset of product dispensers, the first subset and the second subset have at least one common product dispenser. First and second relays are coupled to the first and second subset of product dispensers, respectively; simultaneously energizing the first and second relay actuates at least one of the product dispensers. The product dispensers are arrayed in a matrix for dispensing products, the matrix of product dispensers having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, corresponding the first and second subset.

Abstract: A method is provided for inventory management which includes an initial step of receiving a customer request for an inventory item and then generating a table or menu of one or more inventory items that most closely correspond to the customer request using a price forecasting system. Based on negotiations concerning price, timing and other typical concerns, an item is selected from the table and a price quotation associated with the selected inventory item is generated using the price forecasting system, which price quotation has been predetermined by a yield management system using a pricing strategy. The customer information associated with the customer request is input into a traffic billing system. Information needed for price recalculation associated with the customer request is input into the yield management system.