Abstract: A method of joining two pipe ends, by forming male threads on an end of a first pipe with a steep taper angle, forming matching female threads on an end of a second pipe, and applying adhesive material to the threads before twisting the pipes to fully engage the male and female threads, thereby spreading the adhesive material across adjacent load-bearing surfaces of the threads. The threads have multiple start locations for thread engagement so that the pipe ends may be twisted to achieve full engagement in less than one full relative rotation. The male and female threads are formed with a squeeze angle between matching surfaces of the threads between 0.5 and 5.0 degrees. The finished joint provides immediate leak-tightness, and immediate tensile, compressive and torsional strength and does not protrude outside of the pipe profile.

Abstract: A surface tracker includes a tubular marker body having an interior electronic marker and a visual indicator attached to an upper end of the marker body which extends away from the marker body. When deployed, the marker body is mostly underground and the visual indictor extends upwardly from the ground level to provide above-ground visual recognition. The visual indicator may be a plurality of resilient filaments which pass through a hole in a tab portion of the marker body at the upper end thereof, the filaments being folded about the tab portion and secured to the tab portion using a heat-shrink tube. The visual indication, along with the ability to electronically detect the marker, provides a tracker with superior locating capability.

Abstract: A universal credit card system utilizes a portable card access device which stores information associated with multiple bank card accounts, electronically authenticates a user of the bank card accounts, allows the user to select a particular one of the bank card accounts for usage, and then magnetically encodes the selected bank card account information on a separate card substrate (a “universal” credit card) and releasing the card for use. Bank card account information can be stored by inserting an existing bank card into the access device and reading the existing bank card, by manually entering the information using a keypad, or by downloading the information from a computer directly to the card access device. Authentication may be performed using an optical fingerprint scanner. After use, the universal credit card is re-inserted into the card access device and the previously selected bank card account information is erased.

Abstract: Physical design optimizations for integrated circuits, such as placement, buffer insertion, floorplanning and routing, require fast and accurate analysis of resistive-capacitive (RC) delays in the network. A method is disclosed for estimating delays at nodes in an RC circuit by calculating a first and second impulse response moments of the RC circuit, and matching the impulse response moments to a Weibull distribution. Based on the match, a signal delay value is computed. The invention may thus be used to determine whether the RC circuit meets a desired optimization condition, based on the signal delay value. In the exemplary implementation, the signal delay value at a delay point is calculated by finding a percentile of the Weibull distribution corresponding to the delay point. This implementation is accurate and very efficient as it uses only two very small look-up tables.

Abstract: The spool impeller is a fully automatic cutting head for whirling filament vegetation trimmers, simpler, less expensive, and more reliable than the predecessors. Unlike the predecessors, the spool impeller does not waste filament. It consists of a single part, a small diameter spool attached to the drive shaft. The free end of filament coiled on the spool extends tangentially so that the tip traces a circle about the axis of rotation. In use, the coiled filament gradually unwinds to compensate for filament wear, maintaining a cutting swath of precisely constant size. There is no need for the operator to monitor the filament. Feeding new filament is controlled by the aerodynamic drag and centrifugal force acting directly on the extended filament. If the length of the extended filament is correct, drag and centrifugal force balance, and no unwinding or rewinding occurs. Too long, drag dominates over centrifugal force, rewinding the extended filament onto the spool just enough to restore the proper length.

Abstract: The present invention includes a card memory device (20) comprising a microprocessor (2), a plurality of memory units (5-12) for storage of digital data, the memory units (5-12) being embedded in the card memory device (20). A selecting device (3, 4) is provided for selecting one of the memory units (5-12) and for routing address information and data to the selected memory unit (5-12), both the microprocessor (2) and the selecting device (3, 4) being embedded in the card memory device (20). The card memory device integrates components into a thin flexible memory card with surface contacts (1) so that the components can cooperate as a compact unit providing environmental sealing and secure access to several Mbytes of digital data. A specially designed set (1) of contacts (21-25) are also described which reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge. The card memory device (20) may be used for secure control of a personal computer.

Abstract: Method for adjusting one or more projectors, each projector generating a number of light beams of different color, characterized in that the projected picture (9-9A) is automatically adjusted during normal use of the projector (1-1A).

Abstract: A method of designing the layout of an integrated circuit (IC) by deriving an analytical constraint for a cut-based placement partitioner using analytical optimization, and placing cells on the IC with the cut-based placement partitioner using the analytical constraint. Quadratic optimization may be used to determine a desired ratio of a cell area of a given partition to a total cell area (the balance parameter), and placing may be performed using multilevel bisection partitioning constrained by the balance parameter. This implementation may include a determination of an aspect ratio for an entire partitioning region of the integrated circuit, and a “center-of-mass” coordinate of the cells based on the quadratic optimization, which are then used to define a placement rectangle having the same aspect ratio, and centered on the center-of-mass coordinate. This placement rectangle is used to derive the balance parameter.

Abstract: A derailleur utilizes a 4-bar linkage, including a housing which acts as one bar of the 4-bar linkage. A hydraulic assembly located within the housing moves the housing relative to the mounting shaft in response to hydraulic pressure to define a chain guide operating path. The derailleur device may include a detent mechanism formed on one of the three other bars. In one embodiment, the 4-bar linkage includes an input shaft rotatably attached to the housing at a one end, and an output shaft rotatably attached to the housing at the other end, and the housing rotates around the first shaft in response to the actuation force. The hydraulic assembly may include a piston which moves within a cylindrical bore, with one of the three other bars of the 4-bar linkage being attached to the piston. The resulting hydraulic derailleur design is comparable to mechanical (cable-pull type) derailleurs in size and weight.

Abstract: A buried closure guard has an electronic transponder attached to a flat, perforated carrier sheet constructed of a flexible polymer. Holes in the carrier sheet, which serve to anchor the guard, preferably have an effective diameter of at least about 1½″ to allow typical backfill materials to pass through. By providing a webbed carrier, any protrusion of a digging tool (such as teeth on a backhoe bucket) will catch on one of these holes and pull at the carrier to make it further visible during excavation. The perforated construction of the sheet allows backfill material to settle and pass through the carrier without significantly shifting or bending the carrier. The carrier also makes it easy to manually deploy the transponder, i.e., maintain a proper horizontal orientation of the transponder coil.

Abstract: A self-calibrating apparatus and a self-calibrating method for measuring the pressure distribution generated by a three-dimensional object, is described which includes a plurality of first non-linear force sensors arranged in an array; and a second force sensing device (3) having a linear or linearisable output for measuring the total force applied to the first force sensors. The first sensors are dynamically calibrated based on the results of the comparison. The three-dimensional object may be a human foot and the apparatus and method amy be sued for fitting shoes or for determining irregularities or ailments of the human foot or leg.

Abstract: A rotary device for automatically dispensing and retracting a line, such as cutting filament for a vegetation trimmer, has a spool around which is wound a small coil of the line. The line has a cutting segment that extends radially from the spool. The cutting segment has a precise length that is automatically maintained by a balance of centrifugal force and aerodynamic drag. The rotary device also has additional storage capacity for the line. An additional supply of line for the rotary device beyond the small coil may be stored in many different forms while remaining ready for immediate deployment and use. Examples include extended storage loops of the line protruding from the spool, a second coil or reservoir of line located remotely from the spool, or a magazine of the line mounted to the spool.

Abstract: A magnetron including a target (2) for sputtering onto a substrate in described. The magnetron comprises a magnetic field generator (4) for generating a closed loop magnetic field adapted to generate a plasma race-track above the target (2) and a driving device for establishing relative substantially translational movement between the race-track and the target (2) and adapted to influence the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator (4) at least during part of the relative substantially translational movement, the distance between any point on the race track and the momentarily closest part of the one or more pieces (50) of ferromagnetic material varying in accordance with the relative substantially translational movement of the race-track and the target (2).

Abstract: A scanning system is described for a two-dimensional sensor array which uses one or more continuous layers of active sensing material. The sensing material can be selected for optimal measurement accuracy, avoiding the constraint of production requirements, for example the selection of manufacturing steps such as screen printing or individual mounting of sensors. Preferably, the sensitive areas can cover the area to be monitored in a substantially complete manner. Preferably, the scanning device for the sensor array produces an electronic rather then a physical isolation between the different sensors to be measured. Furthermore, in order to increase the scanning speed, multiple sensors may be scanned simultaneously until an active area is detected. Once detected the scan can concentrate on this area. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the scanning pattern of the sensor array may be changed dynamically to match the application.

Abstract: A sputtering magnetron with a rotating cylindrical target and a stationary magnet assembly (22, 24*) is described, the magnet assembly (22, 24*) being adapted to produce an elongate plasma race-track on the surface of the target, the elongate race-track having substantially parallel tracks over a substantial portion of its length and being closed at each end by end portions (22′), wherein the spacing between the tracks of the race-track is increased locally to materially effect sputtering onto a substrate. The increase in spacing may be at the end portions or along the parallel track portion. The increase in spacing may provide more even erosion of the target beneath the end portions of the race-track, and provide more even coatings on the substrate.

Abstract: A family of new bicycle shifting systems incorporate improved derailleur designs that are controlled by sealed hydraulic actuators. The shifting systems (i) a hydraulically-actuated, manually-powered front and rear derailleur shifting system, (ii) a hydraulically-actuated, power-assisted front and rear derailleur shifting system with manual control, and (iii) a hydraulically-actuated, power-assisted front and rear derailleur shifting system in which the shifting sequence for the rear derailleur is controlled automatically by pedal speed. Each of these shifting systems utilize a totally sealed, inclined linear shifting path. Environmental contaminants are prevented from entering any of the critical derailleur or control elements. The linear, inclined shifting path provides precise chain shifting, more uniform chain wrap on the rear bicycle drive sprockets, and lower chain and sprocket wear. Several different shifting control units are disclosed. An integrated shifting and braking module is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planar magnetron including a surface for mounting a planar substantially polygonal target (2) having a substantially central target area for sputtering onto a substrate. The magnetron comprises an array of magnets (4) defining a closed loop magnetic field for generating an elongated plasma race-track above the target (2). Means for establishing cyclical, relative, substantially translational movement between the race-track and the target support surface are provided, the substantially translational movement being substantially parallel to this surface and the trace of the substantially translational movement being a two-dimensional figure. The periphery of the race-track lies substantially within said substantially central target area throughout each cycle, the establishing means being adapted to provide a substantially uniform erosion of the target (2) at least within said substantially central target area.

Abstract: A phase shifter is implemented using a polyphase filter. The filter is preferably a linear phase Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter. The amount of delay imparted by the phase shifter is determined by a particular set of coefficients selected from a plurality of such coefficients. Storage requirements are reduced by taking advantage of symmetries in the coefficients for the filters. Memory requirements are further reduced by partitioning the polyphase filter into two polyphase filters and using one to set a rough delay amount and the other to set a fine delay amount between rough delay amount settings. The particular amount of delay may be set by an external synchronization signal.

Abstract: A decimation filter implements selective decimation ratios by arranging a plurality of sinc filters in different pipeline arrangements to produce the desired ratio. Power savings area achieved by implementing the sinc filters as FIR sinc filters and by implementing multiplications using look up tables. One approach uses a fixed first stage filter and one or more second stage sinc filters selected from the group comprising two 4th order, 5 tap sinc filters, a 4th order, 9 tap sinc filter; a 5th order, 6 tap sinc filter and a 6th order 7 tap sinc filter. The sinc filter is particularly useful applications in the field of data acquisition and particularly in the area of seismic sensing.