Abstract: A variable heat transfer system and a passive, segmented hold-down mechanism for a preheater section and a hotplate section of a machine for manufacturing corrugated board. The preheater assembly having the variable heat transfer system includes a plurality of actuators to urge a continuous web of material toward a preheater drum. A sacrificial material is positioned between the web of material on the preheater drum and the actuators. In response to moisture detection in the material by a plurality of sensors, one or more of the actuators applies variable pressure in the cross-machine direction to the wet portion of the material. Also, the passive, segmented hold-down mechanism includes a plurality of independently weighted feet for varying a variable pressure profile in the cross-machine direction formed upon the web of corrugated board. The hold-down mechanism compensates for variations in the contour of the surface of the hotplate section.

Abstract: A spindle or baluster for use in a fence or deck railing which comprises a plastic outer shell having a first end section, a second end section opposite the first end section, and a middle section intermediate the first and second end sections. An elongate wood reinforcing element is positioned within the outer shell and extends from the first end section to the second end section.

Abstract: A housing for a surveillance camera has an upper housing that is cylindrical and made of steel or the like to withstand ballistic attack. The upper housing houses the pan-and-tilt mechanism, which is suspended from the inside of the upper housing. The camera is carried by the pan-and-tilt mechanism, and extends into a lower, transparent, housing. An inner liner is within the lower housing and covers the camera, the inner liner being made of hardened aluminum or the like to withstand ballistic attack. The inner liner covers the camera, except that a slot allows the camera lens to receive images through the lower housing. A shield is fixed to the camera to move with the camera, covering the slot in the inner liner, the shield defining one opening for the camera lens. The inner liner and the shield are dark in color to prevent visual location of the camera lens, and a polymeric guard physically protects the camera lens.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism that decreases the time needed to move the contacts of a circuit interrupter between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position to reduce the probability of the occurrence of restrikes. The actuator mechanism uses a toggle spring arrangement that uses a single spring to move the interrupter through both an opening stroke and a closing stroke. The interrupter is designed to connect to the circuit in parallel, so that the interrupter is not normally in the circuit when the circuit is closed. Because the interrupter is not normally in the circuit, it can be manufactured to less stringent standards than those that apply to electrical components that normally remain in the circuit. The interrupter is well adapted for use as a puffer-type interrupter in which the contacts of the interrupter are contained in an arc-extinguishing gas, such as sulphur-hexaflouride (SF6) gas to further reduce the probability of restrikes and to minimize the effect of occurring restrikes.

Abstract: A hollow plastic spindle for use in a fence, railing or decking is elongate and molded from thin-walled plastic. The spindle has first and second ends opposite each other and four non-planar sides extending between the first and second ends. The non-planar sides are provided such that at any cross-sectional view taken through the spindle between its ends and perpendicular to an axis of elongation, the cross-section of the spindle is rectangular or square. This improves the bending strength of a hollow spindle, while allowing the spindle to retain the general appearance of a turned element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a long distance call using a mobile telephone with a data messaging device communicating via a separate data network (rather than the call signaling network) to a Remote Telephone Call Origination (RTCO) platform. The mobile telephone analyzes each number dialed to determine whether to utilize the RTCO platform or to dial normally. If RTCO is utilized, the mobile telephone transmits a data message with instructions for setting up the call. The RTCO platform then makes a call to the mobile phone and bridges this to a second call made to the dialed party.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for learning from and responding to regularly arriving information at once by quickly combining prior information with concurrent trial information to produce useful learned information. A parallel embodiment of the system performs can perform updating operations for memory elements of matrix through the coordinated use of parallel feature processors and a joint access memory, which contains weighted values and provision for connecting feature processors pairwise. The parallel version also performs feature function monitoring, interpretation and refinement operations promptly and in concert with concurrent operation. A non-parallel embodiment of the system uses a single processor to perform the above operations however, more slowly than the parallel embodiment, yet faster than available alternatives.

Abstract: A lancing device and method for self-collecting a sample of body fluid by penetrating a body tissue at a sampling site. The invention includes a housing geometry configured for ease of use at different sampling sites on the body, even by persons having reduced dexterity and/or poor vision. Depth of penetration is selectively controlled by adjusting the stroke range of a spring-driven lancet carrier. A pressure applicator is included for stimulating flow of the body fluid. A transparent portion permits observation of the sampling site.

Abstract: A pay telephone housing comprises a large capacity vault having a floor, first and second side walls, and a back wall. The vault includes a front opening and a peripheral rim extending at least partly around the front opening and having a rear edge. A removable vault door is provided for covering and uncovering the front opening and includes first and second locking plates which are operable to be extended to a locking position at least partly behind the rear edge of the peripheral rim to prevent the removable vault door from being removed from the vault. A key operated lock assembly is operable for selectively locking the first and second locking plates in the locking position.

Abstract: A decorative candle holder for supporting a spring-loaded candle sleeve in an upright position. The holder comprises a shell forming a cavity therethrough, a base, an upper aperture, a lower aperture and feet. The lower aperture and the cavity are dimensioned for receiving the candle sleeve. In the preferred form, the upper aperture has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the sleeve such that the tip of the sleeve rest within the upper aperture but does not extend therethrough. The bottom of the sleeve is frictionally secured within the lower aperture by preferably a flexible ring that is slidably engaged with the sleeve and is of sufficient thickness to snugly fit radially between the bottom of the sleeve and the walls of the lower aperture. Preferably, feet are attached to the bottom of the holder to further assist in supporting the holder in an upright position.

Abstract: An astronomy-based card game using a deck of cards including suits of cards representing planets of the solar system. Cards are played according to a prescribed set of rules until a player assembles a hand including cards representing a complete solar system of a single suit. Wildcards representing various astronomical bodies permit a player to play according to a non-standard protocol. Factual information regarding the various astronomical bodies provided on the cards educates the players in the field of astronomy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high-speed scanning of electromagnetic emission levels includes a synchronizer for synchronizing scanning of a device under test with digitizing a output video signal from a spectrum analyzer. The synchronizer can be responsive to a synchronization signal from the device under test or can generate a synchronization signal to the device under test. Methods for calibrating the level and frequency of the video output signal are provided. Once calibrated the high-speed scanning can be used to develop single probe multifrequency/time scans yielding amplitude versus frequency and time plots, and single frequency multiple probe/time scans yielding amplitude versus space and time plots.

Abstract: A nudging device that can be used for aligning the core of a roll of paper with a caliper used for loading the roll into a roll stand. The nudging device has a nudging plate with a pivoted end and a free end. The pivoted end of the nudging plate is pivotally attached to a base by a pivot. The base can be securely maintained stationary with respect to a surface supporting a roll of paper to be nudged. The nudging device also has a means for pivoting the nudging plate from its resting position, and this means may be a pneumatic actuator (such as an air bladder), a hydraulic actuator, a ball screw actuator, or a pawl and ratchet actuator. The pivot is strategically placed on the base so that as the nudging plate is pivoted from its resting position, the free end of the nudging plate travels through an arc in a first circular direction (e.g., clockwise) while causing the roll to be nudged away from the nudging device as the roll moves in a second circular direction (e.g.

Abstract: A penetrating contact design that decreases the time needed to move the male and female contacts of a circuit interrupter from a closed circuit position to an open circuit position. The penetrating contact has a grip-enhancing member that can be located on either the male or female contact. The grip-enhancing member of the penetrating contact maintains physical contact between a male contact and a female contact, while the penetrating contact is in the closed circuit condition. The grip-enhancing member creates a relatively high resistance to separation of the male and female contacts. This separation resistance enhances the separation acceleration of the male and female when they are separated by the circuit interrupter. When an operator initiates a disconnect procedure, this separation resistance will maintain the male contact and female contact in the closed circuit position for a longer time as the interrupter's separation mechanism is energized.