Abstract: The system for determining protection quality of a protective relay and related functions of the protection system include obtaining information concerning the output status of the various protective elements in the relay. The status of various operations in the protective element are also evaluated against specific standards. The operation of supervisory and control elements affecting the action protective elements are also evaluated. Other aspects of the relay, including the availability of the relay and the operation of the voltage and current transformers are also evaluated. In addition, associated aspects such as the status of the communication channels, the station voltage availability and the condition of the trip and close circuits are monitored. All of the above is analyzed in a summary report to provide an indication of protection quality for the relay and associated protection system functions.

Abstract: Driving power for a vibrating device is provided at less than full level when the device is initially used. Power is gradually increased in successive steps after a selected number of uses in each step until full power is achieved. Also, a battery-energized driving signal for a vibrating device has a selected characteristic, such as duty cycle, which is set initially at less than an optimum value, when the battery is at full strength. As the battery discharges, the selected characteristic is adjusted toward optimum so as to compensate for reduction in the battery voltage and ensure full power output.

Abstract: The residual phase currents for each selected winding of a transformer are first determined and then summed to provide a value designated I.sub.X. The neutral current for the transformer is also determined, with the neutral current being designated I.sub.Y. A directional element calculates a torque value T according to the following formula: T=R.sub.e (I.sub.X .multidot.I.sub.Y *). This torque value will be negative for an external (reverse) fault, and positive for an internal (forward) fault. The quantity of the torque is compared against threshold values before a forward or reverse fault for the transformer is declared.

Abstract: The spin puzzle includes a plurality of individual spin elements having opposing spaced surfaces and a peripheral edge surface therebetween. Each element has a circular axial opening and a thin lip positioned about the axial opening on one surface of the spin element and extending away therefrom, the other opposing surface having a recess about the axial opening into which a lip from an adjacent element can fit so that the two elements abut in axial alignment. Also positioned on one opposing surface of each element are a plurality of spaced, raised rib portions, each rib portion being rounded, elongated and relatively narrow. In the other opposing surface are matching cavities into which the rib portions from an adjacent element can fit, thus providing a rotational indexing capability for each element.

Abstract: The needle combination includes an insertion stylet which has a small diameter and is rigid. The tip of the insertion stylet is sharp for ease of insertion into the prostate. A needle sleeve has a larger diameter than the insertion stylet and is inserted into the prostate around the insertion stylet. A needle is loaded with radioactive seeds and spacers and is inserted, along with an implant stylet, into the sleeve after the insertion stylet has been removed. The needle and the sleeve are then removed together, while holding the implant stylet in place, so that the seeds are deposited in the prostate in desired locations.

Abstract: A snow board comprising a flexible core element enveloped by a covering of resin impregnated fiberglass wherein the core includes a plurality of parallel grooves running the longitudinal direction of the board such that in conjunction with resin impregnated fiberglass form a series of parallel integral hollow beam members increasing the strength of the board while simultaneously reducing the overall weight

Abstract: The apparatus detects subsidence current from unfiltered as well as filtered secondary current values in the current transformer. A lack of zero crossings during a predetermined period is a reliable indication of the presence of subsidence current. If subsidence current is detected, then a signal is generated which indicates that the circuit breaker for the power system has opened, providing an accelerated indication thereof relative to an indication produced by an overcurrent element dropping out.

Abstract: The fiber-optic transceiver system combines EIA-232 data with IRIG-B time code information in a time multiplexing arrangement. The combined signal is transmitted to a receiver where the time code information is decombined from the data so that the two signals are replicas of their originals. The time multiplexing is accomplished by inserting a pulse into the data stream following the occurrence of a minimum time for each data bit and the coincidence of a time code pulse.

Abstract: The solar concentrator system includes a generally parabolic-shaped primary reflector having a flat region at the center thereof, so that the focus of the primary reflector is a ring about the center axis of the reflector, in the plane of the rim thereof. A receiver, in the shape of an inverted, truncated cone, is positioned so that the peripheral surface of the receiver is approximately coincident with the ring focus. Solar cells are positioned in lines on the peripheral surface of the receiver. Prefilter tubular secondary concentrator elements are positioned just in front of the lines of solar cells, providing an additional focusing capability and improving the concentration of the solar rays, while being spaced sufficiently that the unilluminated areas between the lines of solar cells can accommodate electrical interconnectors.

Abstract: The positive sequence voltage on the power line is measured at a given time, i.e. the present time, and also for one cycle earlier, and the ratio thereof is then compared against a threshold value of 0.9. There are four other supervisory tests which also must be true for a loss of potential condition to be indicated. These include determination of change in positive sequence current and angle and zero sequence current and angle. If the change in those values is smaller than selected thresholds, then a loss of potential condition is indicated.

Abstract: The system of computer furniture includes a plurality of conference units which have a work surface with a straight portion and a 90.degree. curved portion at one end of the straight portion, a plurality of units having a straight work surface, a plurality of units having a quarter-round (90.degree.) work surface, a plurality of units having a half-round (180.degree.) work surface, and a plurality of units having one inside corner configuration. The units each include a first latch member on one end thereof and a second latch member on the other end thereof so that the units can be conveniently mated with and released from each other to provide flexibility in making various system arrangements. The latch member itself comprises two mating portions, one portion having a body and two truncated triangular elements extending from a surface of the body, with a space therebetween, the other portion having a body with two triangular slots therein to receive the triangular elements of one portion.

Abstract: The controller scans a plurality of chord switches which select a particular type of chord. If a previously operated selection switch is still closed, the previously generated MIDI chord message continues. If a selection switch is newly operated, then the MIDI signals from an associated musical instrument on a selected channel are scanned to determine the presence of a particular note meeting pre-selected criteria. When such a note is recognized, a three-note MIDI chord message using the particular note as the root note in the chord is produced and transmitted to the music sequencer, which produces a musical pattern in the particular chord as an accompaniment to the musical instrument.

Abstract: The stepper apparatus for use in imaging/treatment of prostate cancer with radioactive seeds includes a body portion, a support element for holding the ultrasound probe, a slide portion for moving the support element relative to the body portion, and a support element for holding a template which has a plurality of openings therethrough, through which radiation seed insertion needles may be positioned. The ultrasound probe may be moved longitudinally relative to the prostate in indexed steps of a known distance and also may be moved in a controlled, continuous fashion to determine the rear edge of the prostate which can then be used as a reference for future indexed steps. The slide portion moves along two spaced guide rods, one of which has a threaded portion which mates with a spring-loaded ball in the side of the slide portion as well as a rack and gear arrangement for accomplishing the dual (indexed and continuous) motion.

Abstract: The equalizer hanger system includes a torque arm bracket which is secured to the vehicle frame and depends downwardly therefrom. The bracket includes means for receiving one end of a torque arm, the other end thereof being connected to an axle of the vehicle. A beam-type load cell for measuring the force of a vehicle load is bolted to the undersurface of the torque arm bracket, and an equalizer bracket is bolted to the lower surface of the load cell. A conventional equalizer member is mounted to the equalizer bracket, with the equalizer adapted to receive portions of the suspension system for the vehicle.

Abstract: A closed cylindrical storage device for fishing hooks and attached leaders wherein a hollow spool is captured within an outer shell. The hollow spool is divided into sections for containing the hook, and the leaders extend through gates and are wound about the exterior of the spool as dictated by the individual gate. Relative rotation between the spool and its exterior shell is limited to one direction.

Abstract: An over-the-cab transporting device, including a pair of tracks extending from a position adjacent the vehicle-supporting surface over the cab to a position aft of the cab. A load-carrying platform moves from a position partly supported by the vehicle-supporting surface for loading and unloading to a position above the cab, where it is secured for transport.

Abstract: A portable machine for on the job forming of pre-countered metal roofing tile wherein the pre-contour may be selectively flattened for accurate cutting or bent to accommodate ridges or valleys.

Abstract: A substantially unitary undergarment covering the majority of the upper body which includes an integral holster beneath the arm of the wearer and includes stitching and straps to secure the weapon in a concealed fashion adjacent the body and ready for use. The garment could include means to shield the weapon from perspiration.