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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A video conferencing system which allows the various conferees to control the signals received by one or more particular other conferees in the conference. Voice activation or motion detection or other techniques may be utilized to implement such control.

Abstract: An improved telephone switching arrangement in which all of the telephones (i.e.; audio terminals) are in a normally off hook state. The user desiring to place a call need not take the telephone off hook or change the electrical state of the connection between the telephone switching equipment and the audio terminal. In a preferred embodiment, the called party's telephone number to be dialed is transmitted from a personal computer to the telephone switching equipment.

Abstract: An improved hair accessory and toy combination is provided. The combination hair accessory and toy comprises a hair accessory having a selectively stretchable member within a decorative fabric cover and an opening extending through the center of the stretchable member and decorative fabric cover. The combination hair accessory and toy further comprises a toy element attached, and/or selectively removably attached, to an outside surface of the fabric, wherein the toy is interactive with the wearer of the hair accessory or a non-wearer companion of the wearer.

Abstract: An improved bulk vending machine coin mechanism and counter combination is provided. In all of the embodiments, the combination coin mechanism and counter comprises a coin mechanism designed to be partially received into an opening in a bulk vending machine, having a selectively rotatable cam having an eccentrically shaped portion. All of the coin counters are attached to a portion of the coin mechanism inside of the bulk vending machine, and each has a numeric display. A first embodiment has a pivotally mounted switch connected to the numeric display. A second embodiment has a reed-switch connected to the display and a pivotally mounted magnet arm, in place of the pivotal switch. A third embodiment has a reed-switch, and a fourth embodiment has an inductive coil, mounted on the bracket so as to bring the rotation of the eccentric portion of the cam proximate to the reed-switch and/or inductive coil.

Abstract: An access and control system for use in a computer network provides for a rule making algorithm which models a database in advance and prevents queries which could result in exceptional processing requirements. As queries are entered during the life of the system, a learning algorithm updates the rules. The rules may be applied at the point of entry as well as the database.

Abstract: A computerized cooker is described which sequentially enters numerous food items into various cooking pots and introduces liquid ingredients as well. Food is cooked in accordance with a specified computer program.

Abstract: An improved expert system is disclosed wherein rules are organized into domains and subdomains, and objects are passed to rules to be operated upon. Prior to operating upon any object, the domain determines if the object is of the type which is to be operated upon by rules within the rule domain. If not, the rules are not applied to the object.

Abstract: A computerized system for forming a computer based communications network of network members inclusive of network buyers and or network vendors for processing requests for quotation for goods and services through at least one central processing unit including operating system software for controling the central processing unit, storage means containing the identification of network members, means for network buyers to generate request for quotation for goods and/or services, means for transmitting said request for quotation to said central processing unit, filter means for selecting appropriate network members to receive said request for quotation based on filter conditions defined by the buyer in said request for quotation and/or by the vendor and/or by the central processing unit, means for broadcasting said request for quotation to the network members selected by said filter means and means for responding to the generator of said request for quotation with either a response to said request for quotation or

Abstract: An improved earring assembly with removable ornaments is provided. The earring assembly comprises an earlobe securing assembly, a pin which hangs from the earlobe securing assembly and at least one selectively removable ornamental member secured to the earring assembly around the pin. The pin has a loop at its first end and a stop at its second end, the loop for receiving therearound the ornamental member(s) and for receiving therethrough a first part of the earlobe securing assembly, and the stop for retaining the ornamental member(s) on the pin. The method of selectively removing the pin from around the earlobe securing assembly for selective removal and replacement of the ornamental member(s) is further provided. Also provided is an earring assembly with a collection of selectively interchangeable ornaments.

Abstract: An Interline charge coupled device is utilized to capture events during a short duration of time. The Interline charge coupled device is connected to a controller which causes charge to begin being accumulating at the beginning of the time window of interest, and shifts the charge underneath the shielded portion of the Interline charge coupled device at the end of such time. Various applications including spectroscopy and imaging are disclosed as well.

Abstract: An improved system for minimizing toll charges is disclosed wherein line quality is measured and a call is terminated if the line quality is not at an acceptable level to allow for the highest possible bit rates during data transfer or to guarantee a certain minimum degree of quality.