Abstract: The present invention relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. The thread clamping device has a structure adapted to accommodate substantially planar outer surfaces of the segments engaging planar surfaces of the end housing of the device, leading to a more robust device and improved performance. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses. Various embodiments of the thread clamping device include a multi nut configuration, a quick release, and including mechanical or magnetic clip attachments.

Abstract: A digital phase lock loop (PLL) for maintaining synchronization with the phase of a received data signal including a preamble and an information-containing data frame, by incrementing a state machine through an internal cyclic count, each cycle thereof including a center count tending to coincide with center regions of the successive pulses and an edge count tending to coincide with edges of the successive pulses. The PLL selects a current sample of the signal whenever the internal count reaches the predetermined center count value. The state machine internal count is updated in accordance with a cumulative phase error obtained by summing the phase errors detected over successive edges between each edge and the corresponding center count. The interval over which the cumulative phase error is computed depends upon the number of received edges during the preamble and depends upon elapsed time during the data frame.

Abstract: System for the transformation of a number of source databases having n legacy data models to a target database having one target model, for the purpose of providing corporate information, such as customer information with integrated customer images. Use is made of a merge database, having an intermediate data structure with which the source database is coupled to the target database. The merge database has a number of structure elements on which four basic operations are performed, namely PROJECTING: filling the table of the merge database from the source database, GROUPING: determining the target-object-id of the object to which the record belongs, RELATING: determining the target-object-id of a related datum within the merge database, and CALCULATING: evaluation of an attribute of one table of the merge database. In this regard, the structure elements are read and changed by one of said basic operations according to a given processing matrix.

Abstract: A self-similar log-periodic antenna is described comprising a plurality of substantially triangular conductive elements, 4, symmetrically disposed in either planar or curved configurations about a central conductive boom to form an antenna arm. Two or more antenna arms are assembled into an antenna by symmetrically locating such antenna arms substantially in the shape of a pyramid (for planar arms) or in a conical shape (for curved arms). Some embodiments include a conductive fin, 5, to reduce cross-polarization coupling between antenna arms. Some embodiments include a grounded conductive shield on the interior of the antenna providing electromagnetic shielding for the interior region of the antenna while preserving the self-similar geometry of the antenna and shield combination.

Abstract: The present invention makes use of ion bombardment to amorphize the source and drain regions of a short channel FET prior to implanting. The source/drain implants are then localized to a shallow depth by appropriate choice of implanting conditions, typically employing rather low bombardment voltages of approximately 10 KeV. Amorphous source/drain regions substantially hinder the diffusion of source/drain dopants and thereby reduce the possibility of punchthrough and loss of FET function. Such devices are preferably used in NAND type flash memory devices maintaining proper self-boosting voltages and FET functions even when short channel lengths are employed.

Abstract: A two-component porous material including small silicalite crystals in a porous binder provides a low dielectric constant material useful as an insulating layer in microelectronic devices. The silicalite/binder porous material uses silicalite nanocrystals smaller than the characteristic dimensions of the features on the integrated circuit device. The binder is an amorphous porous material that links the silicalite nanocrystals together, formed from a precursor which polymerizes on heating. The silicalite nanocrystals are supplied as a colloidal suspension or slurry. The slurry and binder precursor are spincoated onto a substrate and thermally treated to polymerize the binder precursor and drive off solvent in the slurry, forming the porous silicalite/binder material. The silicalite/binder porous material is readily integrated into standard damascene fabrication processes.

Abstract: A reaction product is formed and transferred from an autoclave to a receiving vessel at a laminar flow rate, using a self-adjusting transfer mechanism. A specific amount of water in the receiving vessel is heated and vaporized prior to the reaction product transfer to raise the pressure in the receiving vessel to saturation pressure. A flow passage between the autoclave and the receiving vessel is now opened, and a resulting pressure differential between the autoclave and the receiving vessel initiates the transfer process. A heat exchanger cools the reaction product flowing from the autoclave to the receiving vessel, where the amount of cooling is dependent upon the transfer rate of the reaction product. An increased transfer rate will cause the hotter reaction product entering the receiving vessel to increase the pressure inside the receiving vessel, thereby reducing, or self-adjusting, the transfer rate.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a brim surrounding a wafer or wafer-like object during plasma etching in a non-contact wafer holder, such brim facilitating uniform flow of the plasma discharge around the edge of the wafer during plasma etching. The brim of the present invention avoids plasma instability and non-uniform flow typical of conventional plasma etching near the edges of the wafer being etched. The brim of the present invention, by facilitating uniform and stable plasma flows, decreases non-uniform etching. One embodiment of the present invention permits the brim to move in the axial direction from a position substantially. This permits the etching process to be controlled for more uniform and precise wafer etching as lowering the brim tends to shadow the edge region of the wafer from the plasma, reducing etching in the edge region while not significantly affecting etching in the central regions of the wafer.

Abstract: A short leg brace which is composed of a foot mount and a calf splint pivotably attached to each other so as to allow plantar and dorsal flexions and which is provided with a compression spring between the splint and the heel portion of the mount for elastically hindering the plantar flexion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a signalling system for a railroad locomotive, providing the locomotive with the capability to signal its approach to upcoming railroad crossing signals in order for the crossing signals to activate lights, bells or similar warning devices. The present invention includes a global positioning system receiver mounted within the locomotive for the purpose of determining the train location and, therefore, its proximity to the known locations of railroad crossings. The present invention also includes a self-diagnostic mechanism within the crossing signal device capable of performing certain internal checks for proper functioning of the warning devices. Such information, along with a digitally encoded identification of the particular crossing, is relayed to the locomotive as it passes the crossing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved material and manufacturing method for the extrusion of particle board. It is shown herein that the use of fine particles of lignocellulosic material, typically wood, in combination with an extrudable plastic, allows an increased proportion of wood to be used (typically greater than 50% by weight, wood to plastic) and still obtain an extrudable particle board with good quality surface finish. The use of wood particles finer than approximately 40 mesh is used in the production of extruded particle board in the present invention. A coupling agent is also used consisting of a polyurethane-type coupling agent, added in an amount of approximately 3% by weight, to the extrusion mixture prior to extrusion. This combination of fine wood particles and the above coupling agent yields good quality extruded particle board having a majority of the composition thereof consisting of wood or other lignocellulosic material.

Abstract: A solid state, bipolar, ignition exciter for gas turbine engines is described for delivering high energy pulses to one or more igniter plugs. A storage capacitor is charged with typically 12 to 20 Joules of stored energy and discharged through a solid state switch and a series-connected ignitor plug. The solid state switch consists of a plurality of silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) connected in series, in combination with other components connected in parallel with each SCR. Protection is provided against transients in voltage by means of resistance-capacitance snubber circuits connected in parallel with each SCR. Protection is provided against transients in current by means of inductance connected externally, and in series with, the solid state switch. Protection is provided against damage from reverse voltages by means of a reverse current path through the solid state switch, typically by means of a diode or series-connected diode chain connected in parallel with the SCRs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the reduction and recycling of papermaking sludge. Papermaking sludge is incinerated in a rotary heater, typically a rotary cement kiln, asphalt dryer, or specially designed rotary kiln or incinerator. Aggregate may be combined with the sludge to provide better dispersion of the sludge within the heater, and to facilitate heat transfer. Once in operation, the heat of sludge combustion is added to the process heat, resulting in markedly reduced energy requirements. Papermaking sludge is typically fed continuously into said rotary heater while temperatures in the combustion zone are maintained in the range of approximately 800.degree. to 3500.degree. F. During incineration, mixing catalysts (typically casein or soy protein) and wood fibers are burned, while moisture is evaporated. The resulting product consists essentially of carbonate particles which are collected for subsequent use.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for separating components of rubber vehicle tires. This apparatus has two, substantially parallel platforms, one above the other, and a means for varying the separation between them. A rubber tire to be processed is positioned on the lower platform on a rotatable portion thereof. The upper platform has mounted thereon a plurality of rotary nozzles through which high-pressure fluid is directed onto said tire, fragmenting the rubber components from said tire and flushing them away with the effluent stream of fluid while leaving substantially clean steel cord behind on said lower platform.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an apparatus for supplying insufflation gas at high flow rates during laparoscopic surgery including some or all of the following features: at least two gas delivery tubes; a pressure-sensing transducer independent of the gas flow in any gas delivery tube, said pressure sensor being connected to the gas delivery system to decrease gas flow automatically if over pressurization occurs and to increase flow rates if under pressurization occurs; an automatic valve to switch at least one of said gas delivery tubes to a suction tube if serious over pressurization is sensed; manual controls for suction and flow rates to allow the operator manually to flush rapidly with insufflation gas upon direction of the surgeon; gas quality control devices including filtration means, humidification means, temperature controlling means, and means for adding medication or other chemicals to the insufflation gas stream, typically with a nebulizer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a gutter channel for bowling alleys. In particular, the present invention comprises a bowling alley gutter having a symmetric cross-section. The symmetric cross-section leads to both left and right gutters being identical, eliminating the possibility of misinstalled gutters. The bowling alley gutter of the present invention comprises a structure having a shape similar to a segment of a cylinder subtending an arc of approximately 117 degrees with a circular radius of approximately 5.625 inches. At the terminating ends of such circular arc, acute angular bends, approximately 29 degrees and 0.375 inches in length, directed away from the center of said cylinder, have been placed. Metal having a vinyl coating securely laminated thereto is a convenient material for the gutter of the present invention. The present invention also relates to a design for mounting clips for such a bowling alley gutter allowing particularly efficient installation and replacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter apparatus for medical endoscopes. The present invention comprises an apparatus for inserting tightly into a typical access port of a medical endoscope. Such adapter apparatus permits certain medical implements, such as optical fibers for laser surgery, to be inserted therethrough for treatment of the patient. This adapter apparatus also permits simultaneous passage therethrough of saline or other irrigation fluid without the prior removal of the medical implement. This permits rapid, simultaneous irrigation to proceed directly through an existing endoscope channel.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a golf club putter having a curved lower surface and a vertically-upward directed shaft, the combination thereof allowing the golfer to strike the ball while holding the shaft at substantially any angle from true vertical to an angle deviating at least 10 degrees from vertical, and to employ a variety of putting strokes. Additionally, the putter of the present invention is weighted on the heel and toe ends thereof such that the club rests in balance when placed on the putting surface with the shaft having any angle with respect to said putting surface from true vertical to an angle of at least 10 degree deviation from vertical. The structure of the present putter allows special putting procedures to be used by the golfer.