Abstract: An interactive presentation system receives a plurality of series of digital data segments (e.g., image frames), each series of digital data segments appearing at the video presentation system on a repetitive, cyclic basis. Each digital data segment includes a first data portion from which an image can be constructed and a second data portion which includes information relating to the image and further includes, if required, information which links an active area of the image to another data source. The system includes an interface for receiving the repetitively transmitted series of digital data segments and a switch for selecting at least one of the received series of digital data segments. A display presents an image that is constructed from the first data portion of a data segment that is included in a series of digital data segments.

Abstract: A signaling and traffic control system which is capable of a vehicle determining its own absolute position along a guideway based on information received from the wayside using an inductive loop or beacon system in conjunction with the distance traveled according to the onboard tach generator(s), and report its position to a wayside control device, whereby the wayside control device reports to the vehicle, as part of its communications message, the location of the closest forward obstacle. Based upon this information, the vehicle controls itself safely based upon its characteristics as contained in a topographicla database and a vehicle database.

Abstract: A communication system for submitting RF signals responsive to the currents of defects or hazards in a railway system wherein a reserve cell ampule containing an electrolyte is disposed in one compartment of a housing and the electronic apparatus transmitting desired signals is disposed in a second compartment such that when the reserve cell is heated the pressure rises within the ampule to rupture it, whereby the electrolyte contained is dispersed in the first compartment and causes energization of electronic apparatus including an antenna connected to such apparatus, whereby the antenna is ejected from the housing and is able to broadcast suitable RF signals.

Abstract: A multipoint, multiple function recorder which can record, display, and process up to 135 input/output data points, either analog or discrete, in various combinations. A strip chart recorder is provided for permanently recording input and output data points and, in conjunction with the chart recorder, a separate programmable dot matrix display is provided, such display being responsive to the same input/output data points and operable for displaying data in both alphanumeric and graphic form, the display being independently operable from said chart recorder, such that said input/output points are displayable at different times from the times when they are being printed on the chart recorder.

Abstract: Process for the remanufacture of transformers of the type having a coil/core assembly immersed in a tank of mineral oil. Contaminants such as water, air and dirt are removed from the coil/core assembly by means of a hot mineral oil bath which is maintained in a temperature range between the boiling point of water and the boiling point of the mineral oil, typically 212.degree. F. to 295.degree. F.

Abstract: A ticket processing device for use on a mass transportation vehicle. A housing, has a substantially horizontal top, provided with an opening therein for receiving a stack of flat cards, and a slot, for accommodating tickets, at said top of said housing spaced from said openings. Within the housing is a U-shaped pathway having a central axis, the central axis of the pathway being linear through a first, vertical portion thereof adjacent to the opening, an elongated cartridge, for accommodating said stack of flat cards, disposed within the first, vertical portion of the pathway. The cartridge has a slot on one sidewall, adjacent the bottom of said cartridge, for permitting the lowest card in the stack at a given time to be expelled.

Abstract: A process and system which provides for the heatless or pressure swing fractionation of a gaseous mixture which comprises first and second fractionation columns containing appropriate adsorption materials, together with heat exchangers, and especially featuring a compressed gas pressure powered motor driving a compressor so as to recover energy released due to the pressure reduction in one of the process flow streams.

Abstract: A communication system in which a controller is coupled over a communication path with two or more transponders, at least two of which transponders have different addresses, which controller and transponders communicate by periodically transmitting a broadcast message simultaneously to all transponders, transmitting an acknowledge message indicative of a new input received by at least one of the transponders, and individually polling all of the transponders using a polling technique which incorporates time periods to allow communication between the controller and a selected transponder, wherein the polling is only activated subsequent to the transmission of the acknowledge message. Periodic polls of all transponders in sequence provide supervision of the integrity of the system.

Abstract: A radio frequency crosspoint switch module for use in a matrix comprising: a housing adapted to provide grounding; a pair of orthogonally related crosspoint switches disposed within the housing at either end thereof, each crosspoint switch including three movable blade contacts and three sets of fixed contacts, one set of fixed contacts being disposed on, and in contact with, the housing; a pair of coaxial connectors coupled to each of the ends of the housing, each connector having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each pair of coaxial connectors being disposed on a common axis to be connected in a through connection mode when a respective switch is in a first position, such that two of the movable blade contacts are in contact with the second and third sets of fixed contacts attached to, or forming part of, the inner conductors of the first and second connectors respectively; a third coaxial connector being rotatable, extending between the ends of the housing, and orthogonally related to the two pai

Abstract: A photolithographic projection optical system comprising: a source of exposure energy for generating a beam of energy; an optical element located in the path of the beam for receiving the beam of energy and passing the beam therethrough; a refractive lens assembly located in the path of the portion of the beam for receiving and transmitting the beam of energy, the refractive lens assembly comprising at least one meniscus lens, a plano-convex lens, and an air gap disposed between the meniscus lens and the plano-convex lens; a reticle element located in the path of the portion of the beam, the reticle element having a uniform thickness and being positioned for permitting the beam to pass through the thickness and through the lens assembly to the optical element. Alternatively, the air gap of the refractive lens assembly can be replaced with a glass layer having an index of refraction that is lower than both the meniscus lens and the plano-convex lens.

Abstract: A gun pellet comprising a projectile removably retained on a skirt assembly, wherein the skirt assembly provides an arrangement for separating the projectile from the skirt assembly after the initial firing of the gun but before the projectile exits the barrel of the gun. In one version, the skirt assembly has a skirt body, with a shaft affixed to the skirt body; a projectile clutch assembly includes a clutch body, at least two clutch jaws disposed about the projectile; a retainer device is disposed within the clutch body such that the projectile is retained within the clutch jaws; and a conduit is disposed in the clutch body such that the shaft is capable of traversing through the conduit and propelling the projectile from the clutch jaws.

Abstract: A self-contained loop puzzle has a plurality of closely spaced casements, selected casements being rotatable around their longitudinal axes of symmetry. Selected casements contain an indicia bearing tile and a second indicia bearing tile in spaced relationship such that the plurality of casements presents a series of tiles in a given order, and at least two spaced tracks are defined by the closely spaced casements in the loop. The tiles are slidably in the respective tracks, whereby selective, partial rotation of casements and the sliding movement of tiles along the loop produces a reverse order for the series of tiles.

Abstract: A device for solvent recovery in an ultrasonic cleaning machine is based on utilization of the negative pressure originating from the liquification of the solvent vapor itself in a heat exchanger and the negative pressure from an ejector. Thus, the solvent vapor in a vapor zone is led out of a distillation vessel, cooled outside of the vessel, liquidfied, once again returned to a solvent vessel and, at the same time, the liquification of the solvent vapor which is incompletely liquified from this cooling and liquification process is accelerated even more in the negative pressure section of the ejector. Accordingly, the amount of water mixed into the recovered solvent is extremely reduced so that satisfactory cleaning in the ultrasonic cleaner can be ensured.

Abstract: A low-voltage electric heating device for application in a carburizing furnace is provided with an outer housing or sleeve for replaceable disposition within the furance, the outer housing radiating heat directly into said furnace; at least one current path conductor is positioned within the outer housing, the current path conductor being electrically connectable to a source of power and electrically insulated from a substantialy part of the outer housing. The heat radiated from the heating device is concentrated in the lower part because a current path has in series at least the current path conductor and at least a corresponding part of the outer housing, the resistance of the lower part of the outer housing being relatively large with respect to the remainder of the current path.

Abstract: A card reader system for reading a fare card containing data, the card being adapted for insertion into the reader; the operation is such that the card is held in a fixed position while it is being read and while other operations such as erase, write, and the like are being performed. The reader assembly is moved past the card to read the data and perform the other operations and the data representative of the amount of fare already paid is stored and a balance due or remaining is calculated and is written on the card. Preferably, the card has a magnetic stripe carrying the data, and the reader includes a magnetic head, as well as an optional thermal (marking) head. Solenoids are used to clamp in the fixed position and to eject the card after clamping is released.

Abstract: A submersible motor housing comprising: a base plate securely disposed between a motor device and a gear casing; a lower housing member disposed about the motor device and affixed to the base plate; a first gasket means disposed between the base plate and the lower housing member to ensure a water-tight seal therebetween; an upper housing member disposed about the top portion of the motor device and removably affixed to the lower housing member; and a second gasket means disposed between the lower housing member and the upper housing member to ensure a water-tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: A multiple bill escrow and storage apparatus provides in combination: a validator unit for validating paper money bills which has an outlet through which each accepted bill is ejected; a receiver of bills from the validator unit; a conveyor disposed near the receiver, the conveyor being capable of moving a bill from the validator unit to a handling station; an escrow box disposed adjacent the handling station, the escrow box having a retaining device for holding multiple bills therein; a transfer device mounted at the handling station for transferring a bill from the conveyor into the escrow box, the transfer device comprising a pusher reciprocally movably mounted opposite the escrow box; a vault mounted adjacent the escrow box; an actuating device coupled to the transfer device for selectively transferring a bill into the escrow box and from the escrow box into the vault, the actuating device being capable of driving the pusher through the conveyor to push the bill from the conveyor into the escrow box; a me

Abstract: A refractory fiber module retainer system and a method of forming such retainer system is disclosed; the system includes a unitary refractory fiber module possessing substantial rigidity; the module being formed, such as by molding to have a perforated support means embedded within the module, and with a suitable bore for enabling the required fastening of the module to a furnace shell or the like. The system further includes a stud as part of the fastening means, said stud being passed through the bore and through an opening in the support means such that the stud can be readily welded to the furnace shell after the module has been placed against the shell. A locking means is locked into place on the free end of the stud, which end is located deep within the bore. A plug is fitted into the bore at the inner or "hot" face of the module, thereby to prevent corrosion of the fastening means; likewise, to preclude heat transfer from the interior of the furnace to the furnace shell.

Abstract: A vital microcompressor-based rate decoder for use in a vital processing system in on-board main line railroad and rapid transit automatic train protection systems; the design is such that a method is incorporated for tolerating specific kinds of signal disruption and in such a way that the probability of a wrongside failure has a calculable upper bound. A pickup coil transmits external or wayside signals to an arrangement which involves two channels and which provides period and duty cycle measurement of the pulses resulting from demodulation of the external signals. A counter is employed in each of the channels and a tolerance accumulation rate decoding device is included, the maximum amount of tolerance accumulated, and the minimum time required to accumulate it, being functions of the rate code selected.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for loading and/or unloading wafers from a holding cassette to a quartz boat without scraping the wafer on the slots contained in the quartz boat; the apparatus comprising a robot and a paddle. The improvement resides in the main feature of wafer sensor means disposed on the surface of the paddle, the wafer sensor means being connected to a microprocessor which converts and digitizes an analog signal from the wafer sensor means, the analog signal indicating the position of a wafer disposed on the surface of the paddle. Further included is an arrangement for signaling the robot to compensate for the particular position of the wafer on the paddle by adjusting the position of the paddle with respect to the quartz boat.