Abstract: A rotary sliding vane pump having vanes fabricated from a carbon/carbon based material that provides improved performance by inhibiting vane wear, chipping or fracture. The advantages provided by carbon/carbon based materials may be further enhanced by impregnating each carbon/carbon sliding vane with a teflon based coating.

Abstract: Improved resin compositions for use in multiple cavity stretch blow molding processes comprising: (a) a propyleneethylene copolymer resin including from about 5% to about 15% of a second stage polymer characterized by a cycle time of T.sub.1, when used to produce containers in multiple cavity stretch blow molding processes; (b) from about 0.1% to about 1.0% of a nucleating agent prepared by irradiating in air a mixture of a propylene homo or copolymer and about 500 to about 3000 ppm of antioxidant with a sufficient amount of ionizing radiation to cause said nucleating agent to have a xylene insoluble content of at least 30%. The improved resin composition is characterized by a cycle time of T.sub.2 when used to produce containers in multiple cavity stretch blow molding processes such that the ratio of T.sub.2 /T.sub.1 is less than 0.95.

Abstract: An adaptable card mounting system includes a number of card guides having predefined configurations selectively mounted at slot locations within a chassis to enable cards of varying dimensions to be installed. A first type of card guide is mounted to opposed walls of the chassis at each slot location. This first card guide is required for installation of cards of a first length and first depth. A second card guide is mounted to the walls of the chassis in conjunction with the first card guide at slot locations requiring installation of circuit cards having a second depth different than that of the first depth. A third type of card guide is mounted between the opposed first or second card guides at selected slot locations requiring installation of cards of a second length shorter than the first length. Use of the three card guides at selected slot locations permits installation of circuit cards of varying dimensions independent of slot location.

Abstract: A broadband phase shifter and vector modulator includes two artificial transmission lines interconnected by FETs to selectively produce and sum incremental phase shifts of an input signal. A number of low pass filter sections are connected in series to form the first of the two artificial transmission lines and a number of high pass filter sections are connected in series to form the second artificial transmission line. Use of low pass and high pass filters equalizes transit times of each phasor through the phase shifter so as to maintain the proper phase relationship between the phasors over a broad bandwidth. Each of the two artificial transmission lines are coupled to a transistor circuit connecting corresponding low and high pass filter sections. The phase shifter operates by selectively summing the output variable-amplitude phase-shifted signals generated within the transmission lines to produce an output signal having a phase shift between 0.degree. and 360.degree..

Abstract: The conveyor belt picks the products from the bottom of the cartridge using a vacuum control element and carries it up the conveyor until it reaches a pinch roller that holds the product ready to be dispensed to a central conveyor of the AOS. Products are picked from the product cartridge by the inclined conveyor in an unbalanced position such that a product will fall off the conveyor unless held by a vacuum generated by the vacuum control element. Thus, random multiples removed from the cartridge with the picked product fall off the conveyor. The product stream from the hopper is thereby singulated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating and communicating with vehicles is provided, including at least one mobile cellular unit connected to at least one microprocessor and installed within a vehicle. The microprocessor interrogates the mobile cellular unit to obtain location information from an overhead message stream transmitted from cellular telephone transmitter sites. The location is displayed on a display located in the vehicle or the microprocessor periodically instructs the mobile cellular unit to initiate a call to a host controller and, upon receipt of transmitting instructions from the host controller, transmits the location information for display on a screen connected to the host controller.

Abstract: An improved Optical Character Recognition System (OCRS) is taught using programmable logic devices to implement the mathematical algorithms that are used to make the black/white and related decisions. The programmable logic devices include, but are not limited to, Programmable Read Only Memories (PROMs), Erasable Read Only Memories (EPROMs), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memories (EEPROMs), and Field Programmable Logic Arrays (FPLAs).

Abstract: The invention includes a doll transformable between two characters or persona. The doll includes interconnected upper body portions of each character or persona. A stand portraying the lower body portion of at least one of the characters or persona receives the upper body portion not in use. Assembly of the stand with one of the upper body portions extending therefrom gives the illusion of a complete character or persona.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention there is provided a reconfigurable compartmentized vertical conveyor dispenser for dispensing products in an automated order dispensing system. The size of compartments for holding the products is chosen by adjusting the spacing of shelves forming the compartments. The width of the compartments is varied by coupling adjacent compartmentized vertical conveyor dispenser for synchronous operation.

Abstract: A pressure responsive apparatus having a flow-through element provides indications of measured pressure. The apparatus preferably includes a pressure gauge having a flow-through Bourdon tube responsive to an external pressure. The flow-through Bourdon tube drives a conventional pointer indicator and further supports a reflective target that is positioned in response to pressure applied to the Bourdon tube. Light is transmitted to the target by means of fiber optic cables from a remotely positioned oscillator. Light is reflected by the target and transmitted by fiber optic cables to processing circuitry that responds to reflected light signals as generated by the oscillator. To generate these light signals, light emitting diodes form a light source and the light signals are detected by means of phototransistors. A reference target is also provided along with a second light source/light detector pair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-flight refueling of unmanned aircraft includes a manned tanker aircraft having a refueling probe mounted thereon. The probe is extendable for increased visual reference. A drogue mounted on the distal end of a flexible refueling hose is trailed from the unmanned aircraft. The refueling hose is stored on a reel assembly mounted on the fuel tank of unmanned aircarft. The reel assembly is remotely actuated from the manned tanker to pay out the refueling hose. A homing system transmits signals from the manned aircraft guiding the drogue to the probe. Upon insertion of the probe into the drogue, automatic coupling occurs and the unmanned aircraft is refueled.

Abstract: In a meter for an automobile comprising a meter case, a pointer driven by a meter drive unit, a dial plate having a display area and a graduations, characters and patterns display part formed on a base, the dial plate having a ground color providing a background to permit recognition of the position of the pointer, and an illumination lamp located on the rear side of the dial plate mounted in the meter case so as to illuminate the dial plate from the rear side or from the front side through a light guide member, at least one of the display area and the display part of the dial plate is formed by evaporation of a metal film permeable to light.

Abstract: The invention comprises an expandable skirt mattress cover and a method for making a mattress cover. The mattress cover includes a top platform attached to a skirt having an elastic band. The mattress cover is manufactured using the steps of stretching the skirt farbic; attaching the top platform to the skirt; stretching the elastic band and the skirt fabric; and attaching the elastic band to the skirt. Because the skirt stretches in two directions, the mattress cover adjusts to fit same-size mattresses of differing thicknesses.

Abstract: A coherency generator for providing signals to control the time and phase coherency of data information signals in an overlap region of a simulcast system that comprises a control site and a plurality of remote broadcast sites. A channel card located at each remote site derives from the information signals a master clock signal for synchronizing the broadcast of data information on an RF carrier. At substantially regular intervals a transmit section of the coherency generator transmits a synchronization command signal after detecting a predetermined sequence of ones or zeros. A receive section of the coherency generator issues a reset pulse to the remote site channel card upon detecting a predetermined pattern of values of a preselected data bit, and following detection of the synchronization command pulse. The reset pulse clears the memory elements of the channel card, setting the phase of the clock signal.

Abstract: A closure element for use in circular ducts for controlling the flow of material in the duct. The element has a unique unitary shape which allows installation within the confines of the duct with minimum distortion of the duct cross-section when the valve is open. This results in a very low pressure drop through the valve. Because the closure element geometry is such that the element pivots from the duct wall solely within the confines of the duct, the valve is well suited as a check valve.

Abstract: A decorative lighting and rotating display fixture kit comprises a support frame for mounting the fixture to a ceiling fan, a shroud concealing the support frame, and at least one electrical light socket mounted within the shroud. A motor is mounted to extend below the support frame shroud, is concealed by a decorative motor shroud, and supports a decorative display or carousel for rotation about a vertical axis. Electrical wiring connects the light socket and the motor to the ceiling fan wiring. A switch attached to the support frame and connected to the electrical wiring controls electrical energy to the fixture kit. The fixture kit may be mounted directly to the ceiling or other wiring location as a separate fixture, without the ceiling fan.

Abstract: A starch filled, coextruded degradable polyethylene film includes a starch filled inner layer positioned between two outer layers that contain a prodegradant. The outer layers of the film, which contain no starch, enable the film to retain desirable physical properties similar to conventional polyethylene film. The prodegradant causes the outer layers of the film to degrade under appropriate conditions exposing the starch filled inner layer. The starch in the inner layer then serves as a source of nutrients for microorganisms which consume starch, leaving a porous structure that is vulnerable to oxidation, hydrolysis, direct enzyme action or combinations of these processes.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting ceiling fans to cathedral ceilings with steep pitch angles connected between a ball-joint and the fan down rod. At the point where the apparatus interconnects with the ball-joint, the apparatus includes means for permitting the apparatus and ball-joint to pivot to a greater angle within the ceiling hanger, allowing a ceiling fan attached thereto to be vertically suspended from cathedral ceilings having steep pitch angles.