Abstract: An equipment tracking system that provides for configuration management control over a plurality of pieces of equipment. The system includes a plurality of sets of sensors, a plurality of collectors, each individually coupled to a selected set of sensors, a concentrator coupled to the plurality of collectors, and a computer having a database for storing sensor data is coupled to the concentrator by way of a communication link. Each sensor is attached to a piece of equipment, and each sensor has a unique ID code. Each collector is coupled to a selected set of sensors, and is adapted to read out the ID code of each of the sensors at selected times, and store the changes for those sensors that have changed since the prior reading. The concentrator communicates with the plurality of collectors and causes the collectors to transmit the changed information.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch which permits partial actuation without a change of state, including a body, a cover and a contact cup having a plurality of tabs, the cup rotatably mounted on the cover. A plunger and ratchet mechanism mounted in the body incrementally rotate the contact cup and tabs upon successive actuations of the switch. A first terminal mounted on the cover is interruptibly in contact with one of the tabs as they are rotated by operation of the ratchet mechanism, while a second terminal mounted on the cover maintains electrical contact with the contact cup. A plurality of camming ramps formed in the cover are in intermittent communication with the tabs, first lifting them above a planar portion of the first terminal, then permitting one of them to come to rest on the planar portion of the terminal completing an electrical circuit between the first and second terminals. In another embodiment, a third terminal is mounted on the cover in a coplanar spaced apart relationship with the first terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting data stored on a disk of a computer. The invention provides data access protection using a security software program, a hardware key, and a user password to permit access to the hard or floppy disk used in the computer. The program stores the hardware key code and password on the disk and encrypts disk partition data, and without using the correct hardware key and password, the partition data is unreadable. An encryption algorithm operates at all times and prevents unauthorized entry once the computer is turned off. A microcircuit key provides a unique stored code when energized, and a key connector is provided to use the key. The computer connector may also be adapted to permit coupling of an output device to the computer. Versions are disclosed for use with ports having bidirectional and unidirectional input and output lines.

Abstract: A U-shaped clamp fastens to a boat windshield frame with set screws and incorporates a protruding member having a recess with a hemispherical radius at the inner end and a straight bore tapped with internal threads at the outer end. A ball having a matching radius is held captive in the recess by a nut that engages the internal threads. The nut has a partial radius that matches the radius of the ball. A slotted elongated arm fastens to a mirror at the slotted end, and has an elbow at the other end that passes through a large opening in the nut and fastens to the ball. Another embodiment has a ball mounted on the protruding member that mates with a cylindrical ball socket member having a ledge at one end adapted to engage the ball. The ball socket member has a split that is squeezed together to hold the ball. Another embodiment has a cylindrical pivot member rather than a ball-socket pivot. In one embodiment the protruding member is formed as an integral part of the boat windshield frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring body water compartmentalization, specifically intracellular and extracellular body water. The apparatus includes a signal generator for generating a sequence of constant current electrical signals at a predetermined number of frequencies ranging between 1 kHz and 2 MHz. Bioelectric contacts are applied to the subject at two sets of points. The resistance drop across the subject is measured by a resistance measuring circuit using one set of contacts. The phase shift between the signals sensed by the sets of contacts is measured by a phase detecting circuit. The current produced by the signal generator is monitored and regulated to maintain the signals at a constant current. The measured data are combined with anthropometric data entered by means of a keyboard, a scale, or other input device, and processed by means of a microprocessor. The micropressor computes a subject's extracellular, intracellular and total body water as a function of the bioelectric and anthropometric data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting flaws in continuous web material illuminated by a light source and optically scanned to produce a digitalized electronic image of said material. The digitized image data representative of the continuous web material is stored in memory. The image data is also applied to a digital signal processor which identifies areas of the image which represent potential flawed areas of the continuous web material. A variety of spatial matched filters are employed to detect the flaws. Information concerning the locations of the potential flaws is transferred to a computer which analyzes in detail portions of the stored image in the vicinity of the identified areas. The processing performed in the computer verifies the presence of flaws in the material.

Abstract: A solution useful in oxygenating and purifying water and other fluids is disclosed. The solution is comprised of water, sulfuric acid and sodium carbonate. The three components are mixed such that the pH of the solution is between 2 and 5. The active ingredients in the solution comprise approximately 6 percent of the solution. This solution is also sunlight activated, in that the solution acts to purify and oxygenate water to which it is added in an accelerated manner when exposed to sunlight. When added to water in which fish have been living, for example, which typically contains undesirable quantities of nitrates and nitrites which poison the fish, the present solution produces such substances as ammonium sulfide, ammonium carbonate and hydrogen sulfide, which are removed from the solution by precipitation and evaporation. The solution may be added to salt or fresh water in a ratio of from 16 ounces to 32 ounces per 100 gallons to oxygenate the water in which fish are living without killing the fish.

Abstract: A miniature ratchet type push button activated electrical switch wherein a first electrical contact is caused to sweep across and briefly contact a second electrical contact upon depression of a push button to transmit an electrical pulse. The rotation is driven by the free expansion of a spring upon depression of the push button beyond a preselected depth, and therefore results in a pulse of uniform duration independent of how quickly the push button is depressed or how long it is held in its depressed state.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the relative distance or depth to an object. A light source projects light at an object whose distance is to be determined. A lenticular prismatic screen responds to light reflected from the object and generates two distinct images thereof. Imaging optics focuses the two images generated by the lenticular prismatic screen onto a sensor which detects and digitizes the images. A computer is coupled to the sensor that determines the separation between the two images, which separation is indicative of the distance to or depth of the object. The computer may also compute the centroid of each of the images to more accurately determine the separation between them, and hence the distance to the object. The lenticular screen may use prismatic surfaces that are essentially equilateral triangles, or constant angle prisms across the material.

Abstract: An electromechanical spring-loaded switch having a plunger employed for actuating a ratchet mechanism against a biasing spring for rotatively driving a contact cup, the combination utilized for providing electrical contact with a common terminal and a plurality of output load terminals, each component of the switch having a miniaturized low-profile construction for minimizing the size of the switch which includes a plurality of slots fashioned into a top body portion and a bottom cover portion for receiving a plurality of corresponding mounting clips permitting convenient mounting of the switch directly to a mounting enclosure significantly improving the utility of the switch in electrical circuits.

Abstract: Two different embodiments of a kit for structurally reinforcing the handle pole for a jet water ski to make it stronger than new are disclosed. The kit includes two internal reinforcing members and two external clamping members. The internal and external member are made of an impact-resistant material such as fracture-resistant plastic, high-density aluminum or stainless steel. The internal and external members are also corrosion resistant. An epoxy cement or glue provides a flat foundation, acts as a cushion against impact and tends to prevent cracking. The internal members have a bend that acts as a suspension system, and orients journal bearing holes transverse to a main mounting bolt. The internal and external members are attached where the handle pole wall is strongest.

Abstract: A miniature push-button switching apparatus having a housing for enclosing a plunger and a rotating ratchet mechanism for engaging and disengaging the switching contacts, the switching apparatus having a "momentary-on" position for temporarily engaging an electrical load in addition to a "stable-on" switch position with the ratchet mechanism employing a helical contact spring as a switching contact, the contact spring increasing the active length of the switching contact for significantly reducing possible spring yielding problems and further exhibiting improved resiliency properties which enhance the ratchet switching mechanism and reduce the possibility of spring distortion.

Abstract: The MOS switch described herein includes first and second MOS devices serially connected in a common substrate. Each device includes source, drain and channel regions which are biased to conduction in series between input and output terminals of the switch in its "on" or conductive state. The novel device connection prevents any pn junction in either MOS device from becoming forward biased. This action, in turn, prevents any parasitic bipolar transistor action in either device after the MOS switch turns off. This latter operational feature eliminates the need for a fourth terminal through which a DC bias potential is applied to either MOS device, and thus undesirable shifts in threshold voltage produced by such DC bias are eliminated.

Abstract: A process for forming a diffusion barrier on exposed silicon and polysilicon contacts of an integrated circuit including the step of chemically vapor depositing a layer of tungsten in a self-aligned manner on the exposed contact areas. The layer of tungsten is plasma nitridated to form a tungsten nitride layer and to partially form a tungsten silicide layer adjacent the contact areas. The formation of the tungsten silicide layer is completed by thermal annealing.

Abstract: An electronic counter such as for use in the odometer of a motor vehicle is provided comprising an array (10) of m rows and n columns of single flip-flop data latches and a central shifting unit (14). The central shifting unit (14) comprises a row of n data latches arranged to read data from and write data to each of the m rows of data latches of the array (10). In operation, the central shifting unit (14) reads data from a row of data latches of the array, performs a shift operation on the data and an invert operation on one of n data latches of the central shifting unit (14) and returns the data so operated on to the row of data latches in the array (10). By these steps, a counting operation in Johnson code is performed on the data. This invention uses less chip area than known counters.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for filling contact or via openings in an integrated circuit with electrically conductive plugs. The process includes the steps of (a) forming one or more openings in an planarized oxide layer, where the one or more openings is disposed over and exposes semi-insulating or conductive regions, and (b) filling the one or more openings with conductive material to substantially the same level as the adjacent surfaces of the oxide layer to form respective planarized conductive plugs.

Abstract: A signal source for generating a well-controlled, predictable oscillating output signal within a short, predetermined and constant start-up time is disclosed. The invention includes a switchable current source for selectively providing an electrical signal to a tank circuit which, in response, provides an oscillating output signal. A control circuit, comprising a comparator is connected to the tank circuit for providing a control signal to the switchable current source which causes the current source to switch in response to the output signal. Particular embodiments of the invention include means for controlling the amplitude of the oscillating output signal, means for controlling the transconductance of the current source, and means for starting the signal source.

Abstract: A power down logic control circuit employing a diode and a capacitor to develop a voltage from a main power supply which normally holds a transistor in an "off" state. Upon disconnection of the main supply, the transistor switches "on" and activates a second transistor. Upon activation, the second transistor produces an inhibit signal to tri-state memory control circuitry and thereby preserve the memory data during transition to standby memory power provided by a lithium battery.