Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the testing, training on, demonstration of, or otherwise exercising an integrated and interactive software system in the environment in which such a system is to be utilized. A tool used for accomplishing these objectives has a record mode in which a unified input queue (UIQ) is generated of all inputs to the system when the system is being utilized to perform an exemplary function. In play mode, the system normally operates in response to inputs from the UIQ, which inputs are provided in the same sequence and with the same duration between inputs as when recorded. Controls are provided to permit selection of application tools which are to be recorded and which are to be played back, to control portions of the operations which are to be recorded, to edit the UIQ to add, delete or change inputs, to move forward or backward by controlled amounts in the UIQ in play mode and to control the rate at which inputs are applied to the system in play mode.

Abstract: An easy-to-use user interface device includes: parts forming means 13 for forming parts providing visual representations of functions of applications; parts storing means 1 for storing the information upon parts; operational environment constructing means 500 for constructing the operational environment by combining the parts together to construct operational environments; operational environment storing means 14 for storing the constructed operational environment; and operational environment using means for executing a task of an application via the operational environment read out from the operational environment storing means 14. The visual, semantic, and movement information upon the parts, representing the screen images, the associated functions, and movements thereof, etc., are stored and adjusted as the user uses the operational environment. The adjustments are effected automatically as far as feasible, thereby reducing the burden upon the user.

Abstract: An acoustic feedback suppression device, particularly for auxiliary ringers in plug-in telephone systems, includes diodes in addition to a rectifier bridge of the ringer. The circuit provides direct-current decoupling and limits the AC voltage present across the auxiliary ringer.

Abstract: An automated surgical instrument provides a housing having a linear drive for moving a cannula toward and away from the housing. The housing may be supported stationarily while the cannula is driven to a predetermined location in the body through an incision. The end of the cannula includes a surgical tool or laparoscope to be positioned within an area undergoing an operation. Surgical tools can be actuated automatically by an actuator positioned in the housing and having a linkage extending through a lumen of the cannula to the tool. Both the actuator and the linear drive motor can be controlled by means of switches located on the housing or at another remote location.

Abstract: A telescopic handle construction for an umbrella having an arrangement of a shaft support for the umbrella shaft. An outer handle with a sleeve internally fixed on the elongated handle. The sleeve and elongated handle telescopically collapse over the shaft adapter guided by movement of a pin fixed to the shaft adapter and engaging a Z-shaped slot in the sleeve. The elongated handle locks in a closed or opened position by engagement of the pin in one of two constricted ends on the Z-shaped slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ZrO.sub.2 - and SiO.sub.2 -based ceramic fibers in which the weight ratio between SiO.sub.2 and ZrO.sub.2 is comprised between 99 and 0.7. The tetragonal ZrO.sub.2 phase is stable at temperatures comprised between 0.degree. and 1500.degree. C. The process comprises the preparation of: a solution of Zr(OR.sup.1).sub.4, where R.sup.1 is an alkyl or aryl, Si(OR.sup.2).sub.4, where R.sup.2 is alkyl or aryl, an organic solvent and an acid. Vapor-phase water is bubbled in said solution, then the obtained solution is drawn and the fibers thus obtained are heated to obtain the crystallization of ZrO.sub.2 and SiO.sub.2.