Abstract: A time domain data converter with output frequency domain conversion. A data conversion circuit is operable to receive a signal in the time domain and provide an output in the frequency domain. It includes a data converter for converting data from an analog format to a digital format in the time domain. It also includes a processor for processing the data in the digital format output from the data converter through a time domain/frequency domain transform to provide data in the digital format in the frequency domain. The output of the frequency domain operation or the time domain operation can be provided for output in response to the generation of a data ready signal.

Abstract: A telephone line protection element constructed of three lead frames having contact fingers for holding therebetween a semiconductor cell providing overvoltage protection between the telephone line and the customer circuits. The lead frames are soldered to a resistive semiconductor material to provide a fail-safe mechanism that mechanically connects either the tip or ring telephone line conductors to ground if a sufficient overcurrent exists. In response to an overcurrent, the resistive semiconductor material generates heat and melts the solder in contact therewith, which allows a pre-bent member of the lead frame to move in contact with a ground terminal, thereby shunting the overcurrent to ground. The entire protection element includes very few components and is efficiently assembled and attached to the pins of a 5-pin module.

Abstract: A neural network system is provided that models the system in a system model (12) with the output thereof providing a predicted output. This predicted output is modified or controlled by an output control (14). Input data is processed in a data preprocess step (10) to reconcile the data for input to the system model (12). Additionally, the error resulted from the reconciliation is input to an uncertainty model to predict the uncertainty in the predicted output. This is input to a decision processor (20) which is utilized to control the output control (14). The output control (14) is controlled to either vary the predicted output or to inhibit the predicted output whenever the output of the uncertainty model (18) exceeds a predetermined decision threshold, input by a decision threshold block (22).

Abstract: The distributed video communications system includes a plurality of nodes (10). Each of the nodes interfaces with a network that is comprised of a messaging layer (16) and a data transmission layer (14). Data is transmitted from each of the nodes to the data transmission layer in a multicast protocol such that all of the other nodes have access to the information transmitted thereto. Each of the nodes has configuration information stored in a conference configuration block (22) which is received through the messaging layer (16). A conference can be initiated by any of the nodes (10) by transmitting information as to the conferees in a conference to the other of the nodes in the conference. Each of the nodes (10) independently determines from the configuration information associated therewith the manner in which data is to be extracted from the messaging layer (14) and the manner in which it is displayed.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter having a digital-to-analog converter section for converting a Z-bit digital word. The digital-to-analog converter section includes an MSB portion for receiving a predetermined portion of the upper most significant bits, M bits, of the digital word and providing a monotonic division, VINC, of a reference voltage to provide a first analog voltage. A SubDAC portion is provided for receiving the remaining portion of the digital word, N bits, and providing a monotonic division of the voltage VINC to provide a second analog voltage. A summing device sums the first analog voltage with the second analog voltage to provide an analog output voltage with an M+N bit resolution, Z=M+N.

Abstract: This invention concerns weld quality measurement. In particular it concerns an apparatus and a process for measuring on-line, while the welding process is under way, the quality of the resulting weldment. The invention is applicable to spray-transfer gas-metal arc welding, short-circuiting transfer gas-metal arc welding, pulse welding, radio-frequency resistance welding and submerged arc welding. It involves the measurement of voltage or current and the generation of an artificial signal for the other. A two dimensional signal analysis then produces data for comparison with data obtained from a high quality weld.

Abstract: A drive shaft (78) extends across a wheelchair (12), transverse to a centerline (122) of the wheelchair (12). A first wheel (56) is rotatably mounted to one end of the drive shaft (78) and a second wheel (58) is fixedly mounted to the other end of the drive shaft (78), for rotating with the drive shaft (78). A drive wheel (66) is fixedly mounted to the drive shaft (78) on an opposite end of the drive shaft (78) from the second wheel (58) and adjacent to the first wheel (56). The drive wheel (66) is of a slightly smaller diameter than that of the first and second wheels (56, 58), being three to fifteen percent smaller. The drive shaft (78) has a plurality of linkage sections (92-100) which are rotatably connected such that the drive shaft (78) may be collapsed with a wheelchair frame (14).

Abstract: A method for installing and replacing revetment blocks in a cabled matrix. Each revetment block has a large opening therein for access to the cables that pass therethrough. The cable of a broken block is severed in the opening, and the parts of the broken block are removed. The ends of the severed cable are threaded through a replacement revetment block, and the block is lowered into place in conjunction with the neighboring blocks. The ends of the severed cable are pulled into the opening in the block and spliced together, preferably using a ferrule that is crimped to the ends of the severed cable. The large opening in each block also facilitates threading the cables through the rows of blocks in a matrix.

Abstract: A bumper has a bumper frame and an inflatable bladder, which is mounted to the bumper frame to extend exteriorly of the bumper frame. Fluid flow ports extend from the inflatable bladder, in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable bladder. Inlet valves and pressure relief valves are mounted in the flow ports for sealing air within the inflatable bladder. Two impact members are mounted to the bumper frame, extending outwardly from the bumper frame and interiorly within the inflatable bladder. The impact members are connected to respective ones of the pressure relief valves, such that inward movement of the impact members will open the pressure relief valves to allow fluid flow from within the inflatable bladder. Latch members are located adjacent to the pressure relief valves for securing the valves in open positions after impact.

Abstract: A refrigerated beverage mug is provided which includes a self-contained mechanical refrigeration unit which is powered by a power unit mounted onboard the beverage mug. The mechanical refrigeration unit is a closed loop system which is mounted to the beverage mug and includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion flow passage and an evaporator. The condenser and the evaporator are integrally formed with the main body of the beverage mug. The compressor is mounted to the beverage mug for circulating a refrigerant through the condenser, the expansion flow passage and the evaporator. The power unit includes a chamber which contains a pressurized, expansible fluid such as liquid nitrogen, which is selectively released for passing through a pressure chamber of the compressor to power the compressor and the mechanical refrigeration unit. A manifold is integrally formed into the compressor housing for passing the expansible fluid from the compressor and across a portion of the condenser.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for an object locator system (10) for requesting and obtaining information about the location of a mobile object, having attached thereon a lightweight object locator (42), operable in a region served by a two-way paging system (12) and a global positioning satellite system (50). The object locator (42) may be selectively activated to conserve power or enabled to respond only when beyond or within a boundary. Further, the object locator system (10) may provide the location information in several forms including rectangular or polar coordinates referred to a base station (18) or origin, position on a map display, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for retaining parameter information generated or received in an electronic circuit breaker (10). The electronic circuit breaker (10) includes a controller and is connected in a branch circuit coupled to a power source via a power line and powered by the power source. Upon occurence of a power fault, a control signal responsive to the power fault is generated and coupled to a control input of the circuit breaker. The control signal causes retention of parameter information generated or received in the electronic circuit breaker (10). Means for retaining the data representing parameter information include charging a storage capacitor to a predetermined value corresponding to the parameter information being retained, writing the parameter information being retained to an EEPROM and writing the data containing the parameter information being retained into a Static RAM.