Abstract: A feedback coder, which employs simple CMOS push/pull amplifiers as gain elements, along with a bistable circuit, in its preferred embodiment takes the form of a second-order delta-sigma modulator. The output of the modulator is converted into pulse code modulated words by a finite impulse response filter which incorporates a partial coefficient generator utilizing simplified logic. The generator output is provided to an accumulator in which the stages operate at reduced speed. A simple multiplexer generates a serial output. The entire converter can be integrated on a semiconductor chip of relatively small area.

Abstract: The method of operation of a boiler system to which an additive is to be fed at a controlled rate and in which the optimal additive rate depends upon a plurality of changing parameters of the boiler system, in which the relationship between each of those parameters and the optimal additive feed rate is determined, the relevant parameters are sensed during the operation of the system, their effects on optimum additive feed are computed in accordance with said relationships and combined on a continuous basis to produce a control signal representative of the desired rate of additive feed, and controlling the additive feed in accordance therewith, all preferably continuously.

Abstract: A protector for use with a circuit board connector having exposed terminals to be electrically connected to terminal pads on an inserted circuit board, the protector partially housing the individual terminals of the connector, thereby to maintain them separated and properly located and insulate them against distortion and damage during handling, shipping, soldering and inserting the circuit board. The protector has walls inserted between contacts, and preferably two cooperating protector halves are utilized, one inserted from each side of the connector.

Abstract: Blank tickets, for use in an instant lottery game or the like, can be imprinted in a secure manner in an enclosed point of sale ticket-issuing apparatus under the control of a central computer. Prior to exposure of the ticket, an adhesive-backed sheet with a scratch-off material coating on areas aligned with the printing is applied to the surface of the ticket. The adhesive will cause obvious damage to the ticket to void same if an attampt is made to remove the label.

Abstract: Permeation of sea water through the protective rubber housing to the conductive portions of the exterior surface of the ceramic or other pressure-sensitive element results in the development of a low insulation resistance which leads to failure of the unit. The operational life of the unit is extended through the application of an acoustically transparent water impervious layer, interposed and bonded between the exterior surface of the ceramic or other pressure-sensitive element and the interior surface of the rubber housing.

Abstract: To prevent contact with the wound, a semi-rigid cylindrical hollow open-ended collar is mounted to an adhesive label by a flexible sheet. The sheet is sealed to the periphery of the lower end of the collar and ring-welded or adhesively attached to the surface of the label. The periphery of the sheet has an outwardly extending accordion-like section which expands to permit the label to accommodate the contours of the body. Irrigation ports may be situated in the collar wall. A drain port may be situated in the flexible sheet. The upper open end of the collar is designed to receive a removable cover which may have a transparent portion. Alternatively, the cover member may be provided with a flexible section surrounding an opening adapted to receive a catheter.

Abstract: A modular bracing system has a relatively small number of elements adapted so that some or all of them may be easily connected to make a variety of braces for the lower limb in the first instance. Lateral and medial calf and thigh shells have central recesses along their entire inner surface with holes at regular pitches. Shells have embossed cut lines across their width to aid accurate fitting. Hip, knee and ankle hinges have arms with corresponding widths, thicknesses and holes so that they may be received intimately into the shell recesses in a variety of positions. By this means, the length of braces and orthoses so formed may be adapted for patients of widely varying height. Wraps made of thin foam covered with pile fabric are embossed with cutting patterns for easy customizing of the braces. Wraps lie under the appropriate shells to render the brace comfortable to wear without inducing relative movement between wearer and brace and the entire unit is secured in place with straps.

Abstract: The container has an elongated port section formed of a flexible cylindrical wall. A first tube member is lodged within the wall at a location spaced from the end thereof. A second tube member is forceably inserted within the first tube member, engaging a section of the wall therebetween. The engaged wall section may include a double wall thickness. One of the tube members is composed of substantially non-elastic material and the other is composed of relatively elastic material. The elastic member will deform so as to tightly seal the wall section. A detent may be present on one of the tube members to cooperate with a detent receiving recess on the other to enhance the strength of the seal. Any conventional drain valve or tubing can be connected to the protruding end of the second tube member.

Abstract: The lens includes a transparent body having a central section and a peripheral section. The central section has a surface with a truncated elliptical curvature. The peripheral section has an inner refracting surface and an outer reflecting surface. The inner refracting surface has a diverging truncated conical shape. The outer reflecting surface has a parabolic shape.

Abstract: When a weigh feeding system which senses the rate of material feed by weighing the material and automatically controls the actual feed on the basis of a departure of the sensed rate of material feed from a desired rate, thereby to produce an error signal, is subjected to a major or sporadic disturbance such that the sensed rate departs from the desired feed rate by more than a predetermined amount, the system limits the feed rate used to produce the error signal to a synthetic amount no matter by how far the sensed feed rate departs from the desired rate, the values of said predetermined amount and said synthetic amount being selected in accordance with the nature of the system, the degree of accuracy desired, and the nature of the expected disturbances, thereby to improve the overall accuracy of the system when subjected to such disturbances.

Abstract: The present invention consists in a distributing unit to be connected to a central hot water supply system, said unit comprising a housing consisting of two longitudinally extending pipes located one within the second, a number of primary pipes located in pre-determined distances and extending perpendicularly to said longitudinal pipes and terminating in the outer one; and secondary pipes extending within said primary pipes and terminating in the inner one of said longitudinal pipes. The invention also consists in a central hot water supply system which comprises such distributing unit.

Abstract: Recirculation is prolonged in a broadband microwave loop by flattening the overall frequency response of the loop. A bandpass filter, tuned to the input signal frequency, is placed in the loop after the broadband amplifier. A frequency discriminator responsive to the input signal controls the filter driver.

Abstract: Adhesive pouch connecting rings with radially extending gripping portions are formed and stacked in angularly offset relation on a plurality of ostomy faceplates in a highly automated fashion. Sets of rings are die cut from a continuous adhesive coated sheet. Each set includes a plurality of spaced, identically oriented rings, in an arcuate pattern across the sheet. The sheet is intermittently advanced to bring the sets, one at a time, into alignment with faceplates located on a round platform. The platform is indexed to move the faceplates stepwise through a path coincident with the pattern of the ring sets. Each time the platform is indexed, a set of rings is removed from the sheet and the rings are placed on the respective faceplates, each in proper angular relation with the previous rings. Faceplates with a full complement of rings are removed from the platform.

Abstract: A substantially solid transparent molded plastic body focuses light from an internal point to a point external to the body. The body has a center section with a surface having the curvature of a Cartesian Ovoid of revolution and a peripheral section. The peripheral section includes an inner refracting surface in the shape of a diverging truncated cone whose apex substantially coincides with the internal point and an outer reflecting surface in the shape of a polynomial curve of revolution. The slope of the outer surface causes it to reflect light rays between the refractory inner surface and the internal point. A light source such as an LED, or a photo-detector, may be immersed in the body at the internal point.

Abstract: When pipes are provided with comparatively rigid linings, the gaps which tend to appear between the pipe and the lining along the length thereof, and through which gaps gaseous type contents tend to escape, are sealed by providing between the pipe and the lining radially expandable sealing rings spaced along the length of the pipe, those rings compressing when the lining is in place and only partially expanding if the lining tends to separate from the pipe, thereby to provide a series of annular seals along the length of the pipe. The sealing rings may be positioned within the pipe before the lining is applied or may be initially secured to the lining and moved into place with the lining.

Abstract: A rectifier designed for leadless surface mounting on a P.C. board has a cylindrical body situated between two disk-like end parts. The end parts extend radially beyond the surface of the body defining a recess adapted to receive epoxy compound. A plurality of rectifiers are situated end-to-end within elongated cylindrical cavities in a mold. The end parts cooperate with the cavity walls to seal each individual recess when the mold halves are closed. Openings in the cavity wall aligned with each recess permit epoxy compound to enter each recess and be cured. Leads may be attached to the end parts after the molding operation to convert the rectifier into an axial lead device, if required.