Abstract: A neural network solution for routing calls through a three stage interconnection network selects an open path through the interconnection network if one exists. The neural network solution uses a neural network with a binary threshold. The weights of the neural network are fixed for all time and therefore are independent of the current state of the interconnection network. Preferential call placement strategies are implemented by selecting appropriate external inputs to the neural network. An interconnection network controller stores information reflecting the current usage of the interconnection network and interfaces between the interconnection network and the neural network.

Abstract: In the on-line method of the invention, dialysis liquid which has been produced or prepared by a dialysis machine is taken from the dialyzer at the blood side and pumped, either by means of a blood pump of the machine or by the pump of the dialysis liquid circuit, through the blood tubes, optionally using the filling program specific to the machine. As a result, the extracorporeal blood circulation system need no longer be flushed and filled with a salt solution, which has so far entailed considerable costs.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method of stabilizing the motion of a levitated object. The method involves continuously determining the motion of a levitated object, relative to a given point, and deriving the velocity of the object from the determined motion. A continuous, non-contact, corrective force is applied to the object in the opposite direction and proportional to the derived velocity.

Abstract: A manually operated winch crank is characterized by a crank arm having a shaft extending at right angles to the arm, a tubular handle rotatably mounted on the shaft, and a reduced height knob rotatably mounted above the tubular handle. The tubular handle is manually operated with the palm parallel to the axis of rotation, and the knob is operated with the palm perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Not only the dialysis machine, but also its outer supply conduits and connection tubes together with the associated water distribution system can be flushed and disinfected in the present disinfection method by including these members in the cleaning circuit. Energy is saved and the amount of disinfectants is reduced during hot cleaning and chemical disinfection in a recirculatory process, and the duration of the disinfecting operations can moreover be decreased. Furthermore, a five-valve assembly is provided in or on the dialysis apparatus, in an additional apparatus with respect to the dialysis apparatus or in a water supply system integrated into the wall of a dialysis station for the dialysis apparatus so as to carry out the disinfection method, and a supply means is provided for introducing the disinfectant into the recirculatory circuit.

Abstract: A method for scoop stitching includes the steps of changing the angle of attack of a curved needle before and after penetration of the needle into a fabric. The needle moves along an arc around an axis. The axis is reduced prior to needle penetration and is increased after penetration to assure good penetration depth in thick fabrics.

Abstract: A snatch block which may be opened to receive a line has a sheave assembly and a pair of sideplates on the sides of the sheave assembly, as well as a head connecting the sideplates. One of the sideplates and sheave is hinged from the head and can pivot toward and away from the other sideplate. A spring loaded plunger is carried by the sheave and engages an aperture in the other sideplate to lock the assembly. The plunger is pushed by a lever in the other direction to open the block.

Abstract: A railway truck has frames on each side divided into separate components or lever arms extending from the axles. Opposed arms are secured together by a pair of parallel torque tubes. A bolster rides on the tubes and maintains the tubes in parallel and provides frictional damping. The torsion tubes each carry a pair of torsion bars secured at the inner end to the torque tube and to the outer end to the bolster. Unequal loads on opposite wheels are carried equally by the torsion tubes.

Abstract: A process for conducting therapeutic deep tissue physical massage on human patients, and an aid for use in practicing the process, are characterized by a solid, massage stick comprised of three polyethylene glycols, namely, a major proportion of a first polyethylene glycol having a relatively high viscosity and a melting temperature in excess of the temperature of the human body, a lower proportion of a second polyethylene glycol having a melting temperature less than the temperature of the human body, and a minor proportion of a third polyethylene glycol exhibiting lubricity or emolliency.

Abstract: A golf ball having a dimpled outer surface is formed between two hemispherical concave mold halves which meet at a sealed circular parting line, corresponding to an equator on the ball surface. The ball, upon removal from the mold is substantially devoid of any flashing or runners at the equator and is in essentially finished condition. In addition, dimples which intersect the equator may be molded on the ball.

Abstract: An improved belt structure, particularly suited to steel belted radial truck tires for highway use comprises providing at least one corrugated belt in combination with a flat belt and a hard rubber layer sandwiched therebetween. The corrugations comprise radially inward depending, circumferentially extending depressions in at least one belt. The depressions are radially aligned with the grooves in the tire tread, and thereby form arches to transfer stress away from the portion of the tread underlying the grooves to the solid portion of the tread between grooves. The improvement of the invention is believed to reduce or eliminate excessive wear and nipping of tread corner edges adjacent the tread grooves.

Abstract: A ski tying band for binding a pair of skis together in running base to running base relationship for ease in carrying and transporting the skis is comprised of a strap having a loop at one end to be slipped over one end of one ski and a tail to be wrapped around the remaining ski and brought back into engagement with the loop, and cooperative fasteners preferably of the hook and loop fabric type, on the engaging surfaces of the loop and tail for securing the strap about the two skis and binding the skis together with one ply of the loop disposed between and separating the running bases of the skis, thereby to protect the running bases one from the other. Two bands are preferably used, one adjacent each of the opposite ends of the skis to firmly bind them together.

Abstract: A boom for a sailing vessel has a forked forward portion hinged to the mast at spaced locations to permit rotation or swinging of the boom only in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A hydraulically assisted high volume low pressure air spray gun has an airless tip for hydraulically emitting a fan-shaped pattern of liquid coating material, an atomizing air orifice for emitting air to pneumatically break up the pattern of coating material into a fan-shaped atomized spray and opposed side port air orifices for emitting jets of air that impinge against opposite sides of the spray. The gun received coating material at pressures in the range of about 25 to 1000 psi and air at pressures up to about 60 psi. An air flow restrictor limits the pressure of air at a spray head of the gun and a valve for controlling the flow rate of air to the side port orifices also simultaneously controls the flow rate of air to the spray head to limit the pressure of air at the spray head to no more than a selected maximum pressure, despite changes in the flow rate of air to the side port orifices.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace for articulated joints of the human body and the members of the body joined by such joints is comprised of support members for securement to respective body members on opposite sides of the joint and a hinge assembly connecting the support members and providing an axis of oscillation aligned with the axis of articulation of the joint; the hinge assembly including retention surfaces on one hinge member and a locking device on another hinge member cooperative with the retention surfaces for supporting the joint and the associated body members in any one of a plurality of fixed angle positions during normal activity; for quick release from the fixed position to a free-floating condition to enable the wearer to periodically engage the therapeutic and/or rehabilitative exercise of the joint without having to remove the brace; and for quick and facile return to the selected fixed angle position without having to engage in tedious readjustment of the brace following execise.