Abstract: In a cellular radio communications network a plurality of mobile switching centers have data access to a subscriber interrogation point which maintains a database identifying the home exchange of a plurality of mobile stations, the home exchanges of which are within a given region. When a roaming mobile subscriber seeks to register with a visited exchange, that exchange contacts a subscriber interrogation point identified in its own database as being associated with the roaming mobile in order to locate within the database of the subscriber interrogation point the home exchange of the mobile seeking to register. Maintenance of the home exchange identification information in the database of a subscriber interrogation point, rather than in the database of each potentially visited exchange, greatly simplifies database maintenance when the home exchange of a mobile station is changed.

Abstract: A special carry save adder includes structure for performing multiple addition operations, common input structure to the structure for performing multiple addition operations, and mixing structure for selecting the desired result of the multiple addition operations.

Abstract: A high-speed fluid/mechanical jet erosion system utilizing a high-velocity, spinning jet stream discharged contiguous the surface to be cut. The spinning jet stream is developed from a tangentially driven vortex flow system adapted to merge and enhance the erosive high-speed fluid jet characteristics of fluid and abrasive particle impingement erosion with cavitational collapse erosion in both axial and tangential directions. The system further includes an apertured mechanical cutting element which places the exiting spinning jet immediately against the target formation, providing maximum mechanical and fluid energy transfer to the formation. In this manner, the system induces formation fracturing by assisting mechanically induced fracture propagation with the high-speed jet action while simultaneously exploiting high-speed jet erosion-induced kerfs with the mechanical action of the tool.

Abstract: A liquid activated control switch for detecting the presence of an excessive accumulation of low ionic strength liquids in an air refrigeration system and for controlling the operation of the air refrigeration system based upon the detection of the accumulated liquid which includes first and second liquid detection probes. When the liquid detection probes detect an excessive accumulation of liquid, the air refrigeration system is disconnected. After the excessive accumulation of liquid has been removed, the air refrigeration system remains disconnected until the switch is reset. Alternative embodiments of the liquid activated control switch prevent sloshing liquid in the vicinity of the probes from rapidly turning the switch on and off, by providing varying degrees of sensitivity to accumulated liquid. Time delays are provided in turning off the air refrigeration system when liquid is detected by the probes, and in turning on the system when liquid is no longer detected.

Abstract: A distributor assembly comprising a distributor plate adapted for horizontal positioning and securement to a process column liquid distributor for the symmetrical discharge of liquid therefrom. The distributor plate comprises a member having side walls formed therearound and a plurality of apertures formed therein. The distributor plate is constructed for collecting liquid discharged from the liquid distributor, spreading the liquid thereacross and affording low velocity equal discharge of liquid therefrom into a packing bed therebeneath.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for imparting directional liquid flow on a chemical process tower tray. A series of raised tray areas are disposed about the tray surface for affecting preferential vapor flow therethrough. The raised tray regions are constructed with directional flow louvers for creating a directional vapor flow, which vapor flow imparts a directional flow vector to the liquid flowing thereacross. In this manner, regions of the tray which may be subject to stagnation from retrograde flow manifest directionalized flow for maximizing tray efficiency and vapor liquid interaction.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for multi-phase contact utilizing louvered structured packing. The packing is provided in corrugated sheets and between the fold lines of the corrugations; a plurality of large louvered openings are disposed in generally parallel spaced relationship. An array of small louvers is disposed between the large louvers. Each of the louvers is oriented for selectively vectoring a liquid-liquid or liquid-vapor around and through the corrugated sheets when disposed within a process tower.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for multi-phase contact utilizing louvered structured packing. the packing is provided in corrugated sheets and between the fold lines of the corrugations, and a plurality of large louvered openings are disposed in generally parallel spaced relationship. An array of small louvers is disposed across the sheets, and each of the louvers is oriented for selectively vectoring the flow of liquid-vapor or liquid-liquid around and through the corrugated sheets when disposed within a chemical process tower.

Abstract: A clip for removably securing a semi-conductor wafer to the treatment surface of a semi-conductor wafer processing pedestal. The clip is constructed with a pair of spaced apart, forwardly extending tines adapted to engage outer edges of a semi-conductor wafer supported upon the treatment surface. A clip tail is oppositely disposed from the tines and affords resilient movement of the tines toward and away from the edges of the pedestal treatment surface to enable the installation and removal of the wafer therefrom.

Abstract: An error flag setting arrangement for a multitasking environment requires all of a multiplicity of processes to use the same funtion to set an error flag indicator. Inside of this function, the flag indication is tested prior to setting to a new value. If the flag indication is already set, the function waits a predetermined period of time. In the event that the error indication is not reset within the predetermined period a message describing the current value of error indication is displayed on the screen and the error indication is set to the new value.

Abstract: A system for depositing a film on a substrate includes a sputtering system and means for causing the substrate to move through the sputtering system. Embodiments of the present invention employ a cylindrical hollow cathode magnetron sputtering system, which causes the overall film deposition system to be ideally suited for coating elongate cylindrical substrates such as wires and fibers and the like.

Abstract: A flow control valve system for production of wells such as by gas lift including a downhole valve electrically or pressure pulse controlled from the surface including a valve having apparatus for controlling the flow rate through the valve by varying the valve orifice size over a continuous range and maintaining the orifice size constant when desired. Both rotary and poppet type valves are disclosed. Valve orifice size and well conditions are monitored downhole and transmitted to the surface for control of the valve.

Abstract: An electrically actuated downhole system for controlling and monitoring the flow of gas from a gas lift petroleum well in which a borehole penetrates at least two spacially separated geological production zones, and at least two strings of parallel tubing extend along the interior of a well casing, each string being associated with a separate production zone. Connected to each string is a gas lift valve associated with the string's respective spacially separated production zone. A single source of pressurized gas is connected to the casing at the wellhead to provide a source of lift gas. A control unit located at the surface independently controls and monitors the size of the flow control aperture of each gas lift valve to control the production of fluids from each separate production zone. Control cables carry readings from downhole pressure and flow-rate sensors to the control unit, and in response, carry control signals back to each gas lift valve to control its aperture size.

Abstract: A method for reflowing solder without flux includes the steps of placing a first metallic element in contact with a second, solder-plated element, thereby defining a bond site; and causing a laser beam to impinge on the bond site. An apparatus for performing the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A downcomer tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers. The region of the tray beneath an upper downcomer is constructed with a raised, perforated region for facilitating vapor passage therethrough and improving mass transfer efficiency. The downcomer includes a series of grouped discharge orifices disposed above either the perforated inlet or, in some cases, covered inlet areas which comprise momentum barriers. The covered areas in conjunction with the grouped orifices break the momentum of the liquid impacting upon the inlet area to reduce weeping. The vapor rising through the open inlet area sections is also selectively directed into the liquid discharged from the grouped downcomer orifices to promote uniform aeration of the liquid. A splash deflectror is disposed outwardly of the raised inlet area to reduce any liquid maldistribution flowing from the inlet area and to deflect liquid splashed outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: The vehicle springs, here leaf spring (7) are the primary spring (and) measuring springs (11) engaged parallel thereto are the secondary springs of elastic force dividers. The part of the weight force of a vehicle (6) flowing over the measuring springs is led over a force sensor (5). A clinometer (12) measures both longitudinal and also transverse inclination of the vehicle (6). The signals of the force sensors (5) and of the clinometer (12) are fed to a computer, which forces the sum of the weight forces that act upon the (here) four force sensors (5). Besides the inclination correction mentioned, the computer performs all the weighing arithmetic operations, such as tare weight formation, weight difference determination, and also calculates transport performance magnitudes.

Abstract: A system for the communication of data between digital devices uses a unique fault tolerant protocol wherein messages are exchanged in a format which allows for error detection and recovery, flow control and retransmissions. In the particular embodiment described, processors in a system for the recording and display of telephone traffic communicate using the aforementioned fault tolerant protocol.

Abstract: A molded heat sink for plastic packages constructed for housing semi-conductor devices. Heat is removed from the semiconductor device by direct heat transfer from the device through upstanding members integrally molded in the top of the plastic housing. The integrally molded heat dissipation members facilitate cooling of the semi-conductor die which is not available by normal dissipation by convection and radiation through a generally planar external surface of the package. The molded members permit effective heat dissipation without the thermal coefficient of expansion mismatch which may occur between conventional molded packages and heat sinks secured thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting select semi-conductor wafers from a quartz wafer boat. A removable transfer platform is provided for receiving a quartz wafer boat and positioning the wafer boat above upwardly extending fingers adapted for engaging wafers disposed therein. The upwardly extending wafer engagement fingers are mounted on a wand that is programmed for select vertical and horizontal movement relative to the wafer boat. The fingers of the wand also include ends adapted for engaging the peripheral edges of the wafer supported within the wafer boat for being lifted therefrom.