Abstract: A method of transmitting data packets within a local network including a master unit and at least two slave units is adapted to a configuration according to which the master unit comprises two processors. The first processor executes an application and the second processor controls a transmission of data between the master unit and any one of the slave units. According to the method, data packets sent by a first slave unit to a second slave unit pass through the second processor and are forwarded directly in accordance with a readdressing directive obtained from addressing elements which are interassociated and communicated by the first processor to the second processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for mosaicing multiple input images, captured by one or more remote sensors, into a seamless mosaic of an area of interest. Each set of input images captured by the remote sensors within a capture interval are ortho-rectified and mosaiced together into a composite image. Successive composite images, along a given flight path, are then mosaiced together to form a strip. Adjacent strips are then mosaiced together to form a final image of the area of interest.

Abstract: An image adapter transforms an input image into an output image by successively processing tiles and by changing numbers of columns and of rows of image points. The image adapter includes queue memories connected in series so as to receive values associated with the points of a tile of the input image. A module for calculating a weighted average possesses inputs connected respectively to an output of one of the memories. The module produces values sampled in a direction parallel to the columns and corresponding to the values associated with points of the input image. A sampling rate converter, connected to the output of the module, produces values associated with the points of the output image according to a sampling rate determined for a direction parallel to the rows.

Abstract: A porous dielectric element is produced by forming a first dielectric and a second dielectric. The second dielectric is dispersed in the first dielectric. The second dielectric is then removed from the second dielectric by using a chemical dissolution. The removal of the second dielectric from the first dielectric leaves pores in the first dielectric. The pores, which are filled with air, improve the overall dielectric constant of the resulting dielectric element.

Abstract: A container for supporting a brassiere or a similar garment for cleaning and storage includes opposed flat plate members connected by a hinge, and opposed container cup members connected to the respective plate members at hinge connections for folding the container cup members over the plate members and for folding the plate members with respect to each other to form a closed container for supporting a brassiere. The plate members include hinged support members, each having an arcuate cross shape, for supporting brassiere cups between the plate members and the container cup members. Spaced apart clips secure the brassiere straps to the plate members. Spaced apart latches releasably secure the cup members to the plate members and the plate members to each other for placing the container in a compact folded position.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray charging nozzle designed for optimum charge level over a wide range of liquid and air flow rates. The electrostatic spray charging nozzle includes a nozzle cap having an outlet, a nozzle body having a first bore, and a fluid tip assembly extending at least partially through the first bore. The fluid tip assembly further includes a liquid inlet adapted to be connected to a source of liquid, and a liquid outlet adapted to dispense the liquid through the outlet of the nozzle body. The electrostatic spray charging nozzle further includes an adjustment mechanism operable to move the fluid tip assembly within the first bore so as to adjust a longitudinal distance between the liquid outlet of the fluid tip assembly and the outlet of the nozzle cap.

Abstract: Telecommunication equipment of the present invention includes a switch for receiving data from a plurality of ports and inserting a unique port identifier in the data from each port to identify the source port of the data. The equipment also includes a multiplexer coupled to the switch and operable to multiplex the data from the plurality of ports into a single serial data stream. A method of the present invention includes the steps of receiving data from a plurality of ports, adding a unique port identifier to the data from each port to identify the port from which the data came, and multiplexing the data from the plurality of ports into a single data stream for transmission.

Abstract: A revolving security door includes a drum defining a secure zone between door openings controlled by a revolving door disposed within the drum and wherein light curtain sensors and active infrared sensors may detect an intruder moving from a non-secure side of the doorway to the secure side and detect objects left behind in a secure zone. Methods of operation prevent persons or objects from passing from the non-secure side to the secure side of the doorway.

Abstract: Precursor materials and methods of making are disclosed. The precursor materials include at least one of a silica source, and a carbon source, with or without liquid and a binder The methods described include pyrolyzing the precursor material to form a carbonaceous mixture and heat treating the mixture for a pre-determined time and at an elevated temperature during which carbon and/or nitrogen react with silica in the mixture to form carbides and/or nitrides. The carbides and nitrides formed from said methods may be used as blowing agents in a glass, ceramic, or metal forming processes or for promoting dispersion of the carbides and nitrides throughout a glass, ceramic, or metal composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera system having a compound array of imaging sensors disposed in a retinal configuration. The system preferably comprises a concave housing. A first imaging sensor is centrally disposed along the housing. At least one secondary imaging sensor is disposed along the housing, adjacent to the first imaging sensor. The focal axis of the second imaging sensor, in the preferred embodiment, intersects with the focal axis of the first imaging sensor within an intersection area.

Abstract: A gantry tower spraying system with a cartridge/receptacle assembly includes a gantry and a spray assembly coupled to the gantry to allow for translational movement of the spray assembly along the gantry. The spray assembly includes a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing a cosmetic liquid for skin treatment, and a spray nozzle coupled to the receptacle for receiving the cosmetic liquid and dispensing the cosmetic liquid in a spray. The receptacle has an inner surface of a size and shape to generally conform to a size and shape of a portion of an outer surface of the cartridge. The spraying system can further be provided with an oscillation mechanism adapted to cause oscillation of the spray nozzle. The bottle can be provided with a keying mechanism for engaging a corresponding key structure of the receptacle.

Abstract: A door hoist includes a bracket, drive sprocket, ring gear, hub assembly, set of planetary gears, and governor shaft. The drive sprocket has a drive sprocket axis. The ring gear is fastened to the drive sprocket. The ring gear has a ring gear axis that is in alignment with the drive sprocket axis. The hub assembly includes a connector to receive a door drive shaft and secure the door drive shaft in a fixed rotational alignment with the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is rotationally mounted to the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is configured to mate with the ring gear. The governor shaft includes a sun gear, brake assembly, and link. The sun gear is configured to mate with the set of planetary gears. The brake assembly has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The sun gear is rotationally fixed relative to the bracket in response to the brake assembly being in the engaged position.

Abstract: An electric motor driven barrier operator includes spaced apart frame plates for supporting the motor, an intermediate drive shaft and an operator final output shaft. The motor output shaft, intermediate shaft and final output shaft are mounted on bearings at fixed centers on the frame plates and the motor and intermediate shaft are interconnected by a stretchable flexible drive belt reeved over respective drive pulleys mounted on the motor output shaft and the intermediate shaft. The drive belt may be mounted on the pulleys and replaced without adjusting the position of the motor output shaft, the intermediate shaft or the operator output shaft.

Abstract: A synthetic microsphere having a low alkali metal oxide content and methods of forming the microsphere and its components are provided. The synthetic microsphere is substantially chemically inert and thus a suitable replacement for natural cenospheres, particularly in caustic environments such as cementitious mixtures. The synthetic microsphere can be made from an agglomerate precursor that includes an aluminosilicate material, such as fly ash, a blowing agent such as sugar, carbon black, and silicon carbide, and a binding agent. The synthetic microsphere is produced when the precursor is fired at a pre-determined temperature profile so as to form either solid or hollow synthetic microspheres depending on the processing conditions and/or components used.

Abstract: A respiratory suction catheter assembly includes a manifold supporting a rotatable swivel member for engagement with an endotracheal tube, and a seal support body disposed on a boss of the manifold opposite the part supporting the swivel for supporting a catheter tube seal and a porous filter for filtering air flowing into and out of a flexible elongated sheath enclosing the catheter tube. The sheath includes opposed tapered ends secured to the seal support body and to a boss on a suction control valve housing. The valve housing supports a tapered plug closure member engageable with a resilient actuator and a slide-lock member. Certain components, including the sheath, the seal support body, the filter, the catheter tube seal and the catheter tube may be treated with an anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: A metal-clad cable assembly includes a conductor assembly having at least two conductors and a binder disposed around the at least two conductors. The cable assembly also includes a bare grounding conductor disposed externally to the conductor assembly and at least partially within at least one interstice formed between the at least two conductors. A metal sheath is disposed around the conductor assembly and the bare grounding conductor. The binder exerts a force on the bare grounding conductor to position the bare grounding conductor against an interior surface of the metal sheath.