Abstract: An improved apparatus for holding a compact disk such that an electronic anti-theft tag may be affixed thereon flush with the base of the apparatus such that labeling or shrink wrap may be placed flush on the base, concealing the anti-theft tag without having any unsightly protrusions.

Abstract: The technique is described whereby an external application computer can exercise call monitoring and control over calls in a packet network telephony environment, wherein a separate application computer is utilized to communicate with the gatekeeper computer already known in the art of packet network telephone communications, and wherein that gatekeeper computer is enhanced beyond the current art to implement the required communication protocol with the external application computer.

Abstract: A retention ring (1) is applied to a disc rotor assembly (3) which comprises a plurality of substantially equiangularly spaced magnets (7). The ring is expanded by driving it over a tapered mandrel (13) onto a rim (5) of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an improved optical assembly having a monolithic structure is provided. The monolithic optical assembly is useful in interferometers to achieve a fringe effect in a Fourier transform spectrometer, and comprises top and bottom members which are joined into a monolithic structure by first and second support members and a beamsplitter. The assembly also comprising a first reflecting assembly in reflecting relation with the beamsplitter. An alternate embodiment of the invention has an added reflecting assembly in reflecting relation with the first reflecting assembly and the beamsplitter assembly, which allows for the use of multiple wavelength light sources to achieve a fringe effect in a Fourier transform spectrometer.

Abstract: A rotary electrical machine (1) has a least one stator (23). The stator is provided with at least one radial channel (107) for ducting cooling air. The channel (107) extends between a first position (113) at or substantially near the rim (109) of a winding region of the stator (23) and a second position (119) at or substantially near the center (51) of the winding region. The machine (1) has cooling means (91-97) for causing cooling air to enter the radial channel (107) via the second position (119) and exit via the first position (113). The stator may have electrical windings arranged as coil sectors (183-197) disposed substantially equi-angularly in a generally circular pattern. At least some of the coil sectors are wound in a generally spiral fashion when viewed axially. A rotor (13), for the machine may have a plurality of equi-angularly spaced magnets (127), which are generally circular but with a cut-away portion, when viewed axially.

Abstract: An improved staple for use in internal surgery is disclosed. This improved staple has a deformation zone in each leg that varies in cross section along the length of the deformation zone. These cross sections are shaped so as to control staple leg deformation during staple installation into tissue in order to more effectively produce hemostasis and unite tissues and minimize tissue damage.

Abstract: An improved routing technique is disclosed whereby when a node becomes congested with data traffic, alternative nodes are utilized in order to maintain delays through the network to within acceptable limits. An originating node repetitively measures delays through numerous paths and causes packets to be routed through alternative paths as congestion occurs.

Abstract: A technique of transmitting documents relating to, for example, financial transactions wherein information to be filled in using fill-ins or resolvers are transmitted separately so that it may be checked and processed independently of the remainder of the document.

Abstract: An improved bulk vending machine coin mechanism and counter combination is provided.

Abstract: A pillow (10) for pregnant, over weight, back-pain suffering, sleep apnea suffering, and sciatica suffering persons lying in a prone position, is provided. The pillow has an aperture (90) extending through it, and is sized for receipt of a portion of the abdomen of the user. The aperture is defined by at least first (20), second (30) and third (40) support structures, and is of a substantially uniform thickness (T). The first support structure extends substantially traversely across the lower-chest and upper-abdominal regions of the user, the second support structure extends along a first side-abdominal region of the user to end proximate to the person's pelvic region, and the third support structure extends along a second side-abdominal region of the user to also end proximate to the pelvic region of the user.

Abstract: A method of reinstating a start winding is disclosed wherein the start winding is disconnected when the main winding motor current reaches a predetermined value, but is only reinstated when the start winding voltage has a predetermined relationship to the main winding motor current. The method uses a solid state induction motor starter circuit which requires little or no adjustment during the life of the motor.

Abstract: A videocassette package is disclosed which may be injection molded from plastic. The package includes sloped and vertical walls to assist in guiding the videocassette to be inserted into the proper position.

Abstract: A rotary electrical machine comprising a rotor having a plurality of equi-angularly spaced magnets is disclosed. The rotor further comprises fan blades, which are advantageously arranged in pairs between adjacent magnets. Air that enters the rotor through the center thereof is impelled radially outwards by the fan blades cooling the magnets. In a further embodiment, a rotary electrical machine in accordance with the present teachings includes at least one concentrically mounted diffuser disc having a plurality of circumferentially disposed equi-angularly spaced diffuser fins. The diffuser fins convert velocity energy into pressure, improving pumping efficiency.

Abstract: A filter for fuel and the like comprising an inner filter element and an outer metal filter can which allows the element and can to work together so that when the filter can is removed from the dispensing apparatus, the filter element springs closed and locks against the filter can so that no fuel is spilled. Additionally, the filter can grasps the filter element and pulls it from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A multiple hearth furnace having a drying zone, a combustion zone and a cooling zone includes a recirculation loop that recycles exhaust gas from the drying zone to the cooling zone. In some embodiments, a first control loop including a temperature measurement device that measures temperature in the combustion zone controls fan speed of a recirculation fan that drives the recirculation loop. A second control loop monitors recirculation fan temperature and overrides the first control loop if the recirculation fan temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum. A third control loop controls air flow into the furnace.

Abstract: An improved bulk vending machine coin mechanism and counter combination is provided. The combination coin mechanism and coin counter comprises a coin mechanism designed to be partially received into an opening in a bulk vending machine, having a selectively rotatable cam. The coin counter is attached to a portion of the coin mechanism inside of the bulk vending machine, and has a numeric display and a pivotally mounted switch connected to the display by at least one lead. A portion of the switch is in contact with the cam, which, due to its eccentric shape, causes the switch to pivot upon the rotation of the cam, causing the numeric display to advance one number for each full rotation of the cam.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an improved optical assembly having a monolithic structure, and an improved optical assembly having a monolithic structure and a retroreflector/beamsplitter combination is provided. The monolithic optical assembly comprises top and bottom plates which are joined into a monolithic structure by first and second mounting members and a beamsplitter. The assembly also comprising a first reflecting assembly in reflecting relation with the beamsplitter. An alternate embodiment of the invention substitutes the monolithic structure having the above six components, with a monolithically constructed hollow corner-cube retroreflector, wherein one of the retroreflector panels is a reflecting surface, another panel (situated at a 45 degree angle to the reflecting surface of the first panel) is a beamsplitter, and the third panel is a support panel used to complete the construction of the hollow corner-cube retroreflector.

Abstract: An improved olive knuckle hinge is described wherein, shaft and thrust bearings in addition to a compression trapped pivot shaft are utilized to: reduce wear and friction, increase load handling capabilities and to provide for a space between the two hinge knuckles. In this space previously occupied by a thrust bearing, may now be placed a decorative ring, or it may be omitted all together as the weight of the door is no longer transmitted through this space.

Abstract: An improved porcelain ornament imprinted through the method of lithophanie is provided. The ornament comprises a lower body element having a design imprinted thereon through the method of lithophanie, and an upper body element having a second design printed thereon, also through the method of lithophanie. The upper body element is selectively removable from the lower body element for insertion of a light producing element. When the upper and lower body elements are combined, the upper and lower designs interactively form one overall picture.