Abstract: A load-activated electronic animal control system is provided for detecting an animal load across actuating conductors. In response to detecting such a load, an electrical stimulus is delivered to the animal load across the actuating conductors. The control system may be used on avian structures such as bird feeding or nesting structures or on electric fences for livestock or other animals. Specifically, a load-activated electronic animal control system delivers an electrical stimulus to animals greater than a predetermined size when such animals contact defined actuating surfaces of the structure. Prior to activation, the control system maintains the system circuitry in a low-power state. Further, the electrical stimulus is only delivered to the actuating surfaces when a load is detected across such actuating surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to estimate properties of an integrated circuit device utilizes reduced resources. The representation of an integrated circuit is sampled using the statistical techniques of survey sampling. An average value of a property is determined from these samples and used to determine the property of the integrated circuit as a whole. Thus a property of an integrated circuit is determined from an analysis of a fraction of the integrated circuit representation. Error bounds associated with the property can be optionally determined from the estimated variance of the sampled property measurements. The method is realized using a general purpose computer. The invention has application to the estimation of integrated circuit manufacturability, yield and other properties.

Abstract: Determining a characteristic or characteristics of a particular material such as the type, constitution, surface characteristics, or general flowability of the material. The material flows through a measuring cell (1) of constant volume so as to maintain a substantially constant volume of flowing material in the measuring cell. The weight of material in the measuring cell is continuously monitored and oscillations in the weight of the contents of the measuring cell as the material flows through the measuring cell are compared with stored comparative information to determine the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail in a continuous and automatic procedure includes an operative combination of processing stations including an input station for receiving incoming mail in bulk fashion and for separating the pieces of mail for individual delivery to the remainder of the apparatus; a station for detecting irregularities in the contents of the envelopes, such as metal items, folded contents, or oversized items; a station for out-sorting envelopes rejected in accordance with determinations made at the detection station; a station for opening the envelopes, preferably along multiple edges; a station for removing the contents from the opened envelopes, for subsequent processing of the contents; and a series of stations for handling and orienting the contents for subsequent delivery to a plurality of output stackers.

Abstract: A shoe formed to relieve a sliding frictional resistance between a shoe for guiding the running of a transmission chain and the transmission chain, the cross-sectional shape of an incoming end and an outgoing end of a shoe (11) (11') for guiding a transmission chain is formed from a flat pressing-contact surface (12) for slidably guiding bottoms of all transmission chain plates. The flat surface extends longitudinally a short distance and transversely. The cross-sectional shape of an intermediate section between the incoming end and said outgoing end is formed with a convex pressing-contact surface (13A), (13B) for slidably guiding an bottom of less than all of the transmission chain plates, and has a transverse cross-section in which the pressing-contact surface or surfaces does not extend across the full width of the shoe to provide a recess for lubricant, and provide pressing-contact with less than all of the transmission chain plates.

Abstract: A microfabricated device and method for proportioning and mixing electrokinetically manipulated biological or chemical materials is disclosed. The microfabricated device mixes a plurality of materials in volumetric proportions controlled by the electrical resistances of tributary reagent channels through which the materials are transported. The microchip includes two or more tributary reagent channels combining at one or more junctions to form one or more mixing channels. By varying the geometries of the channels (length, cross section, etc.), a plurality of reagent materials can be mixed at a junction such that the proportions of the reagent materials in the mixing channel depend on a ratio of the channel geometries and material properties. Such an approach facilitates voltage division on the microchip without relying on external wiring schemes and voltage division techniques external to the microchip.

Abstract: In a device for detachable fastening of an auxiliary wheel (2) to a wheel (1) of a vehicle, at least one tensioning device (3) is provided with which the auxiliary wheel can be tensioned against the wheel (1) via a distance sleeve (10). The tensioning device (3) has an anchor part (13) which is connected by a wheel bowl of the rim (4) of the wheel (1), and which is provided with an aperture (18) which has a passage (20) with a narrowing (19). A head (21) of a connecting rod (14) can be inserted into the aperture (18) of the anchor part (13), which head is held in the anchor part (13). Disposed on the connecting rod end (14) opposite the head (21) is a tensioning element (15) which can be hung up and tensioned in a part of the rim (8) of the auxiliary wheel (2). With this device the auxiliary wheel (2) can be easily tensioned on the wheel (1), the tensile forces which arise being optimally transmitted.

Abstract: A backlashless ratchet-type tensioner includes a tensioner housing, a plunger slidably fitted into a plunger accommodation bore formed in the tensioner housing and urged by a spring such that a tip portion of the plunger is projected to the exterior of the plunger accommodation bore, and a ratchet pivotally supported on a ratchet pin provided on the tensioner housing. At least one ratchet pawl formed on the ratchet is meshed with rack teeth formed on an outer surface of the plunger so as to prevent the plunger from receding into the plunger accommodation bore. A front face of the ratchet pawl is formed substantially perpendicular to a straight line which passes through a tip of the ratchet pawl and the center of the ratchet pin. The angle between a plane perpendicular to the axis of the plunger and the front face of the ratchet pawl meshed with a rack tooth is slightly smaller than the angle between the plane perpendicular to the axis of the plunger and a rear face of the rack tooth.

Abstract: A cable lasher is provided for securing a telephone or transmission cable to a support strand strung in the air between adjacent utility poles to prevent sagging of the transmission cable. As the cable lasher traverses a span of the support strand, the lasher pays out a line of lashing wire that is helically wrapped around the cable and the strand to bind them together. A series of tensioning rollers maintains constant tension in the lashing wire at all times to ensure a tight uniform wind. A gearbox translates linear motion of the lasher along the guide wire into rotational motion of a drum portion of the lasher. The rotation of the drum causes the wrapping of the lashing wire about the cable and the strand. A one-way clutch allows the drum to rotate only in one direction when the clutch is engaged in order to prevent any slacking in the wound lashing wire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring environmental conditions that processes information to create and display information concerning changes in the status of environmental conditions. The apparatus comprises a means of transforming measured values of more than one parameter of the condition using a function dependent on at least one of the baseline and critical values of the conditions. In a preferred form, the function is a non-linear transformation function. The apparatus further includes mapping values for mapping the function to a sequence of reference values and generating a deviation indicator for each parameter. The deviation indicators are then analyzed to generate and display information concerning the changed status of the environmental (i.e., meteorological or geological) conditions.

Abstract: A programmable boundary pet containment system is provided for controlling the access of animals to areas outside of programmed boundaries. A programmable relay collar is provided on an animal to transmit positional data as detected from positional satellites to a remotely located processing station. The processing station calculates the relayed data to determine the position of the animal relative to a configuration data file establishing confinement area boundaries. Animals that are detected as venturing beyond the programmed boundaries are subject to a correction stimulus, such as a mild shock or audible signal, delivered to the animal by the relay collar as enabled by the remotely located processing station.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous coating compositions comprising:an aqueous, polyester- and acrylate-based polymer dispersion obtainable by free-radical polymerization of at least:a. one (meth)acrylic acid ester;b. one ethylenically unsaturated, at least monofunctional acid; and optionallyc. one ethylenically unsaturated monomer other than (a) and (b)or mixtures thereof, with a poly ester resin capable of undergoing a free-radical polymerization;one amino resin as crosslinking agent,one water-soluble and/or water-emulsifiable polyalcohol and optionally conventional laquer additives.Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of these aqueous coating compositions as clear coats for the preparation of multi-layer coatings.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for the standardized grading of gemstones is provided. The system gauges the spectral response of a gemstone subject to a plurality of incident light sources within an imaging apparatus. The operation of the imaging apparatus is controlled by an instruction set of a local station control data processor. Light energy data is captured in the form of pixel data sets via a charge coupled device of the imaging apparatus of the local station. The control data processor of the local station is operably linked to an analysis station, the station includes an analysis data processor and mass storage memory device. The memory device provides storage space for the instruction set of the analysis data processor as well as database records. The analysis station employs a data processor and model database for assessing the aesthetic and/or monetary value of gemstones by way of the communicated pixel data sets.

Abstract: A flashlight with a rotatable lamp head is provided. The lamp head pivots about two cylindrical coaxial electrical connectors. The lamp head also includes reflector having a major parabolic reflective surface and a minor reflective parabolic surface. The reflector is configured so that the minor reflective surface is nested within the major reflective surface. The flashlight also includes a series of fluid-tight seals to insure that the flashlight is waterproof. In addition, a flapper valve is provided to function as a one-way valve allowing the release of gases produced by the use of the batters, and preventing fluid from entering the flashlight. A battery charger is also provided to recharge a battery pack for the flashlight.

Abstract: An information security system for tracing information outflow from a remotely accessible computer or computer network is disclosed. The system includes an internal communication system that has at least one internal computer for transmitting security information by tracing data through communication equipment, outputting the data to an external output means, and connecting the internal computer to an external network. A communication monitoring device stores information regarding the data that is to be transmitted by applying a security policy according to a security grade assigned to the destination to which the data is to be transmitted. The communication monitoring device is configured for extracting the identification of the destination from the transmitted data.

Abstract: A self-indicating tensioning device for a scraper blade includes a flat spring coupled at one end to a rotatable shaft which supports the blade and coupled at it's other end to an adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism is operable to exert a force on the flat spring which in turn applies a torque to the rotatable shaft for displacing the scraper blade. An indicator rod has one end fixed to the rotatable shaft and the other end is free and located adjacent to a graduated indicator plate.

Abstract: A tensioning device for adjusting the contacting/cleaning force of a scraper blade on the surface of an endless conveyor belt is provided for use on a shaft supporting the scraper blade. The tensioning device allows the shaft to be rotated and locked in a position which is very close to its optimum cleaning position, thereby increasing the efficiency of the scraper assembly. The disclosed tensioning device has three collars with a spring located in between the rotatable collar and adjusting collar. Sequences of axially-directed apertures on the adjusting collar and the stationary collar move into and out of registry with each other as the adjusting collar is rotated. A locking pin is inserted through the aligned holes in the adjusting collar and the stationary collar when the desired amount of torsion is applied to the shaft.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for aluminum foil dispensers. The cutting assembly comprises a member corresponding to the length of the dispenser carton. The member has a U-shaped cross-section adapted to slip over the free edge of the front panel of the dispenser carton having a base web with one leg on the inside of the carton and a second leg exposed on the outside of the carton. The inside leg has an extension which is bent back over the leg and extends the full height of the inside leg to project above the base web of the U-shaped member. The upward extension is serrated with a continuous row of teeth projecting above the base, preferably a depth of 0.020". The outside leg of the member has a flap which is bent back internally of the U-shaped member to provide a retainer strip which projects angularly upward and inward of the U-shaped member to provide a resilient flap which resists upward displacement of the member from the panel.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is provided wherein each string has two critical points. A fulcrum tremolo is mounted on the instrument for varying the tension of the strings and the distance between the two critical points. The strings are attached to a plurality of intonation modules mounted on the fulcrum tremolo. Each intonation module is adjustable so that the strings can be adjusted from an untensioned state to a proper playing pitch. A bearing assembly is also included to facilitate pivoting of the fulcrum tremolo.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for facilitating single-leg cycling training is provided. The training device operates in connection with a bicycle mounted on a resistance trainer that supports the rear wheel of the bicycle. The device incorporates a single-leg trainer. The single-leg trainer includes a pair of vertically adjustable foot rests that are disposed in a spaced apart relation and are substantially longitudinally aligned with the pedals of the bicycle.