Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for providing an improved encoder and frequency-domain syndrome generator circuit implementing Reed-Solomon codes which reduces hardware by sharing circuitry between the encoding and frequency-domain syndrome generation functions. Self-checking for proper encoder operation during write operations is achieved by verifying that all remainders from dividing codewords by factors of the code generator polynomial are equal to zero after encoding. Apparatus implements fast finite-field multiplication by a selected constant using Read Only Memory circuits. Hardware required is further reduced by incorporating Random Access Memory circuits and employing time-multiplexing techniques. Interleaved codewords are supported by implementing memory circuits for storing intermediate results of other codewords while processing symbols from one codeword.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for multiple level user and master key lock rekeying changes externally by the use of appropriately bidded level change keys. Several variations of methods and apparatus for removing user level change wafers to rekey user levels independent of master levels and to rekey master levels independent of user levels are disclosed. Some of the apparatus are suitable for locks wherein the cylinder is rotatable at 180.degree., and other embodiments are disclosed for locks wherein cylinder rotation is limited to less than 180.degree.. Further, apparatus for enhancing the security of such rekeyable locks are disclosed.

Abstract: A mailbox or receptacle for mail, newspapers, and the like, has two compartments: an unsecured upper compartment and a secure, locked lower compartment, with a partition between the two compartments. A door in the partition allows access to a chute extending downwardly from the upper into the lower compartment. The chute is set at angles which allow mail and papers to pass from the upper to the lower compartment, but prohibits arms or hands from extending into the lower compartment.

Abstract: A device for holding a disposable cup or the like is disclosed. The device includes a member for gripping the cup about the outer surface thereof, and a mechanism for adjusting the gripping member to conform to the diameter of the cup. A handle is provided along with a mechanism for attaching the handle to the gripping member.

Abstract: A steam system management method and apparatus includes a condensate collection reservoir with a pilot operated, pressure actuated dump valve that has a quick, snap action fully open/fully closed mode of operation. The pilot operation of the dump valve is actuated by a very low voltage solenoid actuator powered by a thermal-electric generator which thermionically converts heat from the steam system directly to electricity. Condensate dumps are controlled by liquid level sensing switches positioned near the top and bottom of the reservoir and electrically connected to a relay logic that turns the solenoid on and off. Temperature sensors positioned in the steam system and adjacent the thermal-electric generator are utilized in combination with the thermal electric generator and a microprocessor to monitor the air content in the steam system and to open the dump valve to purge excess air from the steam system.

Abstract: This invention discloses a vortex shedding flowmeter comprising a vortex generating member disposed across one cross section of the flow passage and a pair of vortex sensing wings respectively disposed across two cross section of the flow passage straddling the vortex generating member in a parallel relationship thereto, wherein one extremity of each wing is secured to a stocky container member housing a piezo-electric element by a flange of a thin diaphragm construction, which stocky container member is rigidly secured to the wall of the flow passage, while the other extremity of each wing is secured to the opposite side wall of the flow passage in a resilient manner.

Abstract: This invention discloses a vortex shedding flowmeter comprising a vortex generating member disposed across one cross section of the flow passage and a vortex sensing member including a wing disposed across another cross section of the flow passage parallel to the vortex generating member, wherein one extremity of the wing is secured to a stocky container member housing a piezoelectric element by a flange of a thin diaphragm construction, which stocky container member is rigidly secured to the wall of the flow passage, while the other extremity of the wing is secured to the opposite side wall of the flow passage in a resilient manner.

Abstract: A disposable spray shield has a thin, planar sheet of large surface area fabricated with an inexpensive, semi-rigid material, such as cardboard, formed with a structural reinforcing rib along its rear edge. The rib can be used as a handle in combination with a hand hole through the sheet adjacent the rib, or, preferably, a removeable handle is included for removeable attachment to the disposable spray shield. The rib is preferably formed from a portion of the planar shield sheet folded into an elongated, three-dimensional configuration and the handle has clamping jaws and mating surfaces that engage the rib. Disposable handles are also provided as an alternative.

Abstract: A combination seat cushion and liquid container has a self-bleeding bung dispensing valve positioned in a single bung hole of the container for dispensing liquid from the container while bleeding air into the container. The valve structure includes an air bleed valve and a liquid drain valve, both of which open simultaneously upon the depression of a button in the bung hole and which automatically close simultaneously upon release of the pressure on the button.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring steam quality of wet or two-phase flowing steam includes a flow-through densitometer comprised of two parallel tubes connected to two common nodes, a vibrator for causing the tubes to vibrate, and a transducer for detecting the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations. A temperature probe detects the temperature of the steam, and a computer is used to monitor the vibrations and temperature and to calculate steam quality. The computer can also be used to control the vibrator. An intake sampler is positioned in a flowing steam line to divert a representative sample of the wet steam into the densitometer. The bulk density of the steam is determined as a function of the fundamental frequency of the densitometer with the steam flowing therethrough, and the steam quality is determined as a function of the bulk density and vapor density, which is a function of temperature.

Abstract: An angle-sensitive interferometer includes a first beam splitter for splitting a beam of coherent radiation into two portions and a second beam splitter for recombining the two beam portions to produce an interference pattern. It also includes reflecting mirrors and lenses for recombining the two beam segments in such a manner that an angle of deviation in the incident beam results in the recombined beams diverging from the interferometer axis to create a wedge angle. A corner cube reflector, cat's eye reflector, or a telescope with either convex lenses or concave mirrors are used for this purpose. The invention also includes a mirror in one of the beam portion paths to reflect it out of alignment with that beam portion path emerging from the first beam splitter so that the second beam splitter where the beam portions are recombined does not produce feed back into the radiation source.

Abstract: A retractable in-row tiller device is adapted for mounting on a movable vehicle and for tilling the ground around and between objects in a row. An outrigger arm with a rotary tiller mounted on its distal end is retracted inwardly and extended outwardly by a trapeze-type control arm which amplifies the velocity and magnitude of reciprocal motion produced by a hydraulic ram to move around and avoid objects encountered in the row. Both manually and automatically operable controls are included respectively to allow an operator to retract and extend the tiller out of and into the row as desired and to cause the tiller to be retracted and extended out of and into the row automatically upon encountering an object in the row. Manual control is also provided for the operator to override the automatic retraction control.

Abstract: Fly ash combined with a bonding agent, an air entrainer, water, and a foaming agent which forms gas as a result of a chemical reaction within the mixture; allowed to foam and harden, produces a material that is relatively strong and light, has good structural strength, and is resistant to fire, freezing, and thermal shock. Since the major component, fly ash, is a waste product, the material is also inexpensive, and can help alleviate a waste disposal problem. The composition can be handled and fabricated much like concrete, and standard concrete components can be used to modify its strength, setting time, density, color, and water reistance. It may also be formed or crushed for use as a light weight aggregate.

Abstract: A volume flow control device for an aerosol sampler is disclosed. The device includes a mechanism for drawing the aerosol through the sampler. A critical flow venturi is disposed downstream in the sampler for maintaining a predetermined volume flow of aerosol through the sampler. The aerosol drawing mechanism is adapted to create a vacuum downstream of the venturi.

Abstract: A generic key, for allowing a data use to efficiently search a set of user data recorded in blocks in an efficient method using a multiplicity of user keys. As user data blocks are built up for recording, the unique identifiers are placed in the header of the data block, recorded on the disk surface with the contents stored on the device and the platter index. The user can then sort and search the index based upon which of the multiplicity of user keys he selects.

Abstract: A well drilling fluid additive for viscosifying and controlling filtration or water loss from the fluid matrix is comprised of ground durum derived from the outer portion of the endosperm of the durum kernel. This product is very high in protein and polysaccharides, in addition to starch, which not only results in excellent viscosity and filtration control characteristics, but also in ability to maintain such characteristics in high temperature and pressure environments. It is equally effective in mineral-contaminated water, salt water, and fresh water, and it eliminates the necessity of flocculating or expanding clays in drilling fluid matrices for most normal oil well drilling applications. In normal use, this additive is mixed with the drilling fluid at a cool temperature in order to achieve maximum uniform dispersion. It is then circulated into the well where subsurface formation temperatures heat the fluid to at least 175.degree. to 180.degree. F.