Abstract: A power bus terminator circuit for use with personal computers and the like is designed to hold the circuit termination pins at a pre-established voltage while dissipating a relatively small amount of power (approximately 20 mW) during steady state operation. This is accomplished by connecting sets of first and second high impedance resistors together at a terminal, and in series between the bus terminator pins. Each of the terminals is connected through a relatively low value resistor to each one of the circuit termination pins, and through a capacitor, to one of the bus terminals to permit high-speed operation of the AC switching transitions of the circuits coupled to the termination pins. A relatively low amount of power (approximately another 30 mW or so) is consumed during the transitions of the signals appearing on the termination pins. The circuit results in a power dissipation reduction of between 90% to 75% over standard bus terminator circuits.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is used to turn the rear wheels of a trailer towed by a tractor with a fifth wheel hitch between the tractor and the trailer. The trailer has a steering control mechanism mounted at its forward end. This mechanism is coupled with the fifth wheel of the tractor to translate rotational motion between the front end of the trailer and the tractor fifth wheel to rotate a frame. The rear wheels of the trailer are mounted on the frame, which imparts steering of the rear of the trailer complementary to the direction in which the tractor trailer rig is turned. A provision is made to limit the number of degrees of pivot, which is imparted to the rear wheels of the trailer, to a maximum amount when the rotation between the tractor fifth wheel and the front of the trailer exceeds a pre-established angular amount. This limitation is effected mechanically through a Geneva gear assembly, which forms part of the steering control mechanism.

Abstract: A conversion replacement apparatus for HID screw-in mercury vapor, metal halide or high or low pressure sodium lamps utilizes the reflector typically employed with such lamps. The HID lamp is removed from the reflector. A fluorescent lamp support frame then is attached to the base end of the inside of the reflector to extend to a point substantially one-fourth to one-half of the distance between the base end and the light-emitting end of the reflector. The support includes a plurality of extensions for holding the bases of compact fluorescent lamps arranged in a general star configuration around the center line of the reflector. The extensions are bent at an angle to cause the compact fluorescent lamps to follow the outwardly-flared inside surface of the reflector. Ballasts for the lamps are located in a housing attached to the base end of the reflector.

Abstract: A tamper-evident multiple layer induction foil liner for sealing the opening of a container comprises a "sandwich" having a first layer in the form of a fusion-bond heat seal polymer. This heat seal polymer is fusion bonded to the lip of the container opening to secure the liner to the opening. The next layer is a low-cohesive strength layer which, in turn, is bonded to an aluminum foil layer strengthed with tear-resistant backing. A pull-tab is provided to facilitate removal of the liner after the cap is removed from the container. When the pull-tab is lifted, the low-cohesive strength layer splits or shears through the application of a relatively small amount of force. Thus, the aluminum foil and tear-resistant backing readily may be removed from the container opening. It is then a simple matter to puncture the thin and mechanically weak polymer layer to uncover the container opening.

Abstract: A keycode translation system is disclosed in the form of a hardware system for providing translation between the keycode sent to the keyboard controller of a computer, such as a personal computer, and the code sent from the keyboard controller to the CPU of the computer for processing. A control ROM is used to select translated keycode signals from a keycode look-up table under the control of a program counter and keycode signals from the keyboard. These translated signals then are supplied through an accumulator to the CPU of the computer.

Abstract: A telephone operator simulator system comprises a desk top device connected to a telephone line and which is enabled for operation by the detection of a ringing signal on the line. The system includes a keypad which is selectively operated by the user to cause the system to "answer" the phone by supplying a pre-recorded synthesized voice message over the line. This message is followed by the production of a suitable synthesized background sound during the time the calling party states his or her request. The user then operates another key on the keypad, and the same synthesized voice provides a second message, and places the calling party on hold. The user then uses any conventional phone connected to the same line to communicate with the calling party. When this second phone is placed "off-hook", the operator simulator system is turned off or disabled, and a normal telephone conversation takes place between the user and the calling party.

Abstract: A portable traffic signal photometer is capable of rapidly and effectively measuring the intensity of light emanating from a traffic signal light. The photometer includes a housing member with a circular front opening for engagement with the lens of a traffic signal light. The photometer is pressed against the lens, and the light emanating from the traffic signal light is directed through an optical filter located inside the housing, which permits light from the traffic signal light emanating at a predetermined downward angle to pass through it. The light from the filter is directed onto a light-sensitive device, which produces an output signal proportional to the intensity of the light emitted by the traffic signal lens.

Abstract: A mechanized harvesting machine, particularly suitable for picking or harvesting vegetables such a peppers or tomatoes employs a harvesting member having a rotating shaft aligned transversely to the direction of movement of the machine above the row of plants which are to be harvested. First and second picking members are mounted in spaced relationship on the shaft on opposite sides of a row of plants having a crop to be harvested. The picking members are simultaneously rotated, and each have a plurality of arcuate picking elements on them. The picking elements extend into the space between the two picking members, and operate to strip the crop from the plants while leaving the plants in a relatively undisturbed condition after they have been picked.

Abstract: An advanced composite or reinforcing substrate is produced with a decorative surface layer, made of a thin veneer of cloth, fabric, paper, wood, vinyl or other material, which is structurally, integrally bonded to the reinforcing substate by simultaneoulsy forming the decorative surface layer together with the substrate to partially or totally encapsulate the substrate and decorative surface layer together with substrate resins. When the resins are catalyzed and cured, a structurally strong and decorative unit as an integral element, results. The process for making the components is particularly suited to a pultrusion process.

Abstract: A mobile foxhole excavator (MFE) is mounted on a standard military vehicle for transport and positioning. The excavator is powered by a self-contained internal combustion engine, which powers a hydraulic system for positioning an auger mast in three mutually perpendicular planes (horizontal, vertical and lateral) to permit the auger to bore holes at any desired angle between vertical, downward, and horizontal, as well as boring at various overhead angles between horizontal and near vertical. A single hydraulic motor is used to operate the boring auger, as well as various hydraulic cylinders to effect the desired positioning of the auger mast.

Abstract: A replacement window frame assembly includes bottom, sectioned-top, and first and second side cap members for placement over an existing window frame in a building from which the windows and intermediate support members have been removed. The cap members are made from a uniform aluminum extrusion which has a front lip to extend over the outside of the existing frame, and a lower depending lip, designed to rest on the window sill, or abut against the side and top of the frame opening in which the original frame is placed. The cap members are placed over the existing window frame to form a flat mounting surface for the installation of a replacement window. The entire replacement may be effected from the outside of the building, and is accomplished without destroying or damaging any of the interior or exterior finishes of the building.

Abstract: A digital frequency detection circuit, or frequency discriminator, is implemented for use as a synchronization field detector for the synchronization field frequency in the data stream read from a computer floppy disk. No analog components are utilized; and the detector produces an output indicative of the presence of a valid synchronization field frequency whenever the incoming data pulses fall within a predetermined range of frequencies having a lowest frequency limit and an upper frequency limit. This is accomplished by employing a multi-stage binary counter for counting the reference clock pulses from a computer. The counter is reset each time an incoming data pulse is received; and the outputs of the counter are coupled to coincidence gates, which establish the lowest and highest frequency limits of the predetermined range of frequencies to be detected.

Abstract: A louver/lens assembly for placement in the light-emitting opening of a fluorescent light luminaire has a louver assembly mounted in the light-emitting opening of the luminaire. On top of the louver assembly, and between it and the fluorescent tubes, a prism lens, typically formed from a sheet of extruded transparent acrylic material, is placed. The lens sheet is flat on the surface facing the fluorescent tubes in the fixture, and has parallel longitudinal prisms formed in the surface overlying the louver assembly. The prisms are selected to direct light rays passing through the lens assembly downwardly through the openings between the longitudinal and transverse louvers of the louver assembly.

Abstract: A programmable clamping circuit is operated under the control of a tester comparator/driver circuit used to test the bi-directional input/output pins of an integrated circuit. The clamping circuit is operated during the floating or tri-state mode of operation of the pin undergoing test to clamp the potential on the input/output pin to a pre-determined voltage during any floating or tri-state mode in the test signal pattern. Control of the clamping circuit is effected in synchronism with the operation of the tester comparator/driver circuit.

Abstract: A safety device is disclosed for converting the inside cylinder of a double cylinder deadbolt assembly to one which captivates a key inserted into the assembly to permit it to rotate to operate the deadbolt. The device prevents removal of the inside key under normal circumstances. This is accomplished by a base member, which is attached to the face of the inside cylinder or cylinder lock assembly. The base member has a circular opening in it, defined by an inwardly-turned shoulder. A key-holding member is rotatably captured between the shoulder of the base member and the face of the cylinder lock assembly, when it is secured to the face of the lock assembly, to permit insertion and rotation of a key in the lock assembly. The key-holding member includes a device for securing the key against removal from it when the assembly is in place. No modification of the cylinder lock assembly is necessary.

Abstract: A power pack unit is provided for utilization with battery-operated devices employing rechargeable batteries. The power pack unit specifically is designed for utilization with hand-held, portable cellular telephones having a removable, rechargeable battery pack. The power pack unit is physically configured to connect to the cellular telephone and provide electrical interconnections in place of the battery pack, which then is placed on the power pack unit on the opposite side, such that the power pack unit is "sandwiched" between the cellular telephone and the rechargeable battery. A supplemental power source may be connected to the power pack unit. When power is supplied from a supplemental source, the power pack unit supplies operating power to the cellular telephone and, simultaneously, supplies charging current to the battery. A cross-over switching circuit within the power unit isolates or disconnects the battery from the cellular telephone whenever external power is supplied to the power pack unit.

Abstract: A built-in, self-test structure for the circuit components of an integrated circuit chip is isolated from the chip circuitry and the operating power supply and power supply interconnections of the chip, so that it appears as an open circuit during normal operation of the chip. The self-test structure includes separate power supply leads for connection to a separate test power supply which is employed to both enable and operate the circuit in the test mode. The test input are multiplexed on the test power supply leads while test power is applied thereto. Whenever the test power is removed, the test circuit automatically powers down and disconnects, essentially becoming invisible to the normal operation of the circuit. If short circuits or circuit opens should occur in the test structures, the reliability of the operation of the integrated circuit device itself is unaffected, since the test circuit structures are isolated from the operating circuit components of the integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: An easily installed and readily changed decorative surface for commercial slat wall structures is accomplished by providing decorative, elongated wall panel cover strips, each having inturned flanges on the opposite edges thereof. These flanges snap-fit into place over the edges of adjacent ones of the spaced parallel grooves in the panels of the slat wall structure. The slat wall panels are attached to the underlying wall by means of fasteners located anywhere on the slat wall panels, including the major surfaces thereof between the grooves. The decorative cover strips then cover the fasteners, as well as the joints between adjacent panels of the underlying slat wall structure.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for cooling large sealed drums (typically fifty-five gallon drums) of cooked food products. The size of such large drums makes them difficult to handle, since they typically weigh in excess of five hundred pounds when full. The cooling apparatus comprises a main frame structure which has a support shaft rotatably attached to it and elevated above the base of the frame a distance sufficient to provide clearance for a vertically oriented drum to pass underneath it. The support shaft has a support frame on it with six, equally spaced, radially arranged, drum support platforms and clamp members attached to it. A drum is rolled onto one of these platforms from an adjacent fixed platform. Once it is in place, it is clamped onto the support frame, and the next support platform is rotated into place. Once drums are located in all six of the positions, the device is continuously rotated in a cooling water spray to rapidly cool the contents of the drums.

Abstract: An above-ground gravity return hose retractor, which is particularly useful in service stations for supplying air and water, encloses the hoses and the retraction mechanism within a cabinet. A block and tackle pulley arrangement, including a vertically movable pulley sheave supported by the hose, is located within the cabinet. The movable pulley sheave has a non-linear, variable weight attached to it in the form of an elongated chain having a first segment of small, relatively lightweight links attached through a limit spring to the sheave. These lightweight links then are attached to an additional segment of chain having intermediate weight links, with the lowermost portion of the chain comprising larger, heavier links. The final link in the chain is attached to the bottom of the cabinet. The full length of the chain is reached just prior to the final extension of the hose. The limit spring then provides a significant increase in resistance to further withdrawal of the hose when the chain is fully extended.