Abstract: A sequential logic circuit includes means for checking, while the circuit is in operation, that it is stepping correctly from one state to the next. The current state of the circuit is encoded as X0-X3. That encoded value is compared with a predicted value Y0-Y3 derived in response to the previous state of the circuit itself and those signals that cause the transition from the previous to the current state. If the two do not match the circuit has not stepped to the correct state. Reduction in hardware is achieved by allowing certain states to share the same encoded value.

Abstract: A data transmission system is formed from a series of data transmission loops (2). Each loop includes an interface unit (3) for an attached device and is connected at either end to a synchronizing and switching module (5) in a central unit. The loops (2) are connected by the modules (5) into a continuous data-transmission path connecting the interface units in sequence.The interface units 3 each acts as a synchronous repeater and/or a source of fresh data. To prevent the accumulation of jitter in the clock signals derived in the interface units each module (5) contains a first-in first-out buffer (25) in which the data is resynchronized to a common clock source (7) used by all the modules. The modules (5) also bypass any loop which contains an inoperable unit over a link (35).

Abstract: A run-length decoder arranged to produce output signals in groups, each group being output in parallel. The decoder includes a position register which indicates the position, within a group, of the latest transition between signal values. The contents of this register are added to the incoming run-length code so as to calculate the number of groups to be output before the next transition and the position within the group of that next transition. The calculated number of groups is then output and a transition is introduced into the calculated position in the next group to be output.

Abstract: A tray-like container is disclosed having an open compartment for containing articles therein when shipped. The container includes a top surface with a first downwardly depending well defining a female element, and a second downwardly depending well within the compartment bottom, laterally offset with respect to said first well defining a male element. When formed into a display structure a base having an inclined top surface is employed. Within the inclined surface is disposed a well defining a female element engageable with the male element of a container stacked thereon. The nestable engagement of the male and female elements of stackably tiered containers engaged with the inclined base form a unitary display structure wherein the articles contained within each container are accessible.

Abstract: A resilient spring insert insertable into the separated ends of a chair backrest tubular frame to provide flexible movement of the backrest with respect to the seat. The spring insert is comprised of two carbon steel straps overlying each other and integrally joined together at the ends. Near the ends thereof each strap is bent outwardly in an arch-like manner such that when joined a hollow enclosure is formed. A nylon fastening block with a central hole is placed into the hollow enclosure. The hollow enclosure at each end of the spring insert fits snugly into a severed end of the tubular frame. A fastening screw is passed through a hole in the chair frame and self-threads into the block thereby securing that end of the spring insert to the associated separated frame end.

Abstract: A two-piece snap-lockable facia border for use around the peripheral edge of a flat-roofed building structure. A base member of the border includes a raised box-like enclosure defining a compressive engagement structure, and a fastening strip for fastening the base member to the respective top and side corner surfaces of the roof is provided on each elongate side thereof. One fastening strip depends from the box-like enclosure so as to be fastenable to the side surface of the structure, includes an engagement skirt angled slightly outwardly from the bottom thereof. A cap member of the facia border is complementarily shaped as the base member so that when snap-locked thereover layered roofing material can be compressively anchored therebetween. The cap member includes a rounded edge engageable with a side wall of the box-like enclosure, and along the opposing edge of the cap member a hooked edge is engageable with the base member engagement skirt.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for testing the degree of vacuum in an evacuated vial. For testing the vacuum, a vial is located at a source of high voltage radio frequency power and the power is applied to the vial. A momentary intense flash of light is applied to the vial to cause ionization of the gas within the vial and the ionization current of the ionized gas within the vial is then sensed and a representation of the value of the ionization current is generated. The representation of the ionized current is compared with a minimum acceptable current value which is indicative of a predetermined minimum allowable vacuum within the vial. The vial is rejected if the measured ionization current is less than the minimum acceptable current value. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a single station for testing evacuated vials, one at a time. In another embodiment of the apparatus, a plurality of vials are conveyed in a carousel through a series of testing stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for accommodating and avoiding the interference of a column in line with an end of a spreader which applies particulate material to the surface of freshly-poured concrete. The apparatus includes an assembly for attachment to the column for supporting an end of the surface spreader. The column assembly has a horizontal shelf and a device to affix the shelf to the column at a predetermined elevation in registration with the end of the surface spreader. A ski is mounted at the end of the surface spreader and is shaped to engage the shelf and support the end of the surface spreader on the shelf. The ski is maintained at approximately the same elevation as the shelf to readily permit the ski to be moved onto the shelf for support of the end of the surface spreader.

Abstract: An electrical connector for a multi-pin circuit module in which the circuit module (6) is supported on a carrier (7) slidably mounted on a base unit (2) with its connection pins (10) extending through holes (9) in the carrier (7). Sliding the carrier (7) causes the pins (10) to engage contact elements (4) on the base unit (2) and the arrangement is such that each pin (10) is supported by the carrier (7) in the region of engagement.

Abstract: The device incorporates a support member (1) for the circuit package (13); a plurality of contact elements (4) for connection with the conductive terminations mounted on the support member each of the contact elements being resiliently biassed away from its associated conductive terminations (16) and means (12) for selectively exerting pressure upon the contact elements so as to urge them into contact with their associated conductive terminations to facilitate soldering and after such soldering to facilitate the removal of the circuit package (13) if and when desired, by allowing the pressure to be removed so that on de-soldering the resilient loading on a contact (4) will cause it automatically to spring away from the associated conductive terminations.

Abstract: An induction type air outlet device comprises a ring of air outlet nozzles and a central passage in a partition of a housing. The air outlet nozzles are directed to the peripheral portions of an air guide blade assembly and entrains room air which enters through the central portion of this assembly. A pair of spring loaded flaps close the central passage. When the supply of fresh air to the device is increased beyond a certain level, the flaps are deflected and form a roof-shaped structure. Thus fresh air flowing through the passage blows against an increased area of the air guide blade assembly, whereby the ratio of fresh air and entrained room air is increased. The flaps are coupled through elongated toothed bodies.

Abstract: A garden row marker comprised of a clear plastic hollow body defining an interior display chamber, and a stake means depending from said hollow body and being integrally formed therewith. The hollow body has an upper open end with a peripheral lip adapted to be snap-engaged by a sealing cap formed, preferably, of a brightly colored opaque plastic. The marker allows for the visibility of a seed package stored within the display chamber from all sides therearound.

Abstract: In the extraction of bitumen oils from oil sands, the raw material is first slurried with a stream of hot water under conditions promoting the release of the bitumen oils without disintegration of clay in the raw material; the water to raw material is at least 1:1 by weight. The slurry is separated into an oil-rich component, a solids component, and a middlings component containing essentially water and fines with only minor proportions of oil and solids. The middlings component, after removal of the contained fines and the solids is recycled as a part of the slurrying water.

Abstract: An improved doorstop is disclosed which has a resilient bumper that is independently engageable with a wall mounting bracket, and a cover shield for concealing the bracket from view. The bracket includes independent wall mounting means for affixation to a wall. The resilient bumper has bracket engageable portions that are engageable with the bracket without any additional or separate mechanical fastening elements therebetween. The cover shield is independently engageable with the bumper either before or after the affixation of the bumper to the bracket.

Abstract: A package suitable for either hanging or standing on end. The package includes a blister portion having a receptacle with a substantially flat, open back which is usually closed by a thin strip in the final assembly, a top flange extending upwardly from the receptacle at the open back and a bottom flange extending downwardly from the receptacle at the open back. A carrier portion is joined to the blister portion and includes a flat rear panel abutting the open back. The blister portion is attached to the carrier portion by means of a flap in the rear panel securing the top flange to the rear panel and a band formed in the bottom of the carrier portion extending outwardly from the rear panel about a retention element protruding downwardly from the bottom of the receptacle. The band and the bottom flange in combination comprise a rest for supporting the package on end on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A system for controlling the timing of poppet-type intake and/or exhaust valves in internal combustion engines of the four-cycle spark or compression ignition and two-cycle compression ignition type that may be normally aspirated, supercharged or turbocharged, wherein the timing is adjusted automatically or manually in relation to the speed of the engine to obtain optimum efficiency at any given speed. Dual camshafts are utilized, one for opening the valves, and one for closing the valves. An adjustable timing mechanism between the crankshaft and the camshafts simultaneously adjusts the opening and closing cycles of the valves.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a portable instrument for inducing heat into an object. The instrument includes an enclosure that fastens to and at least partially encloses the object, an electrical power source fastened to the enclosure and including a variable power supply for passing heating current through the enclosure and thereby heating the object, and a thermocouple for sensing the temperature of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal camouflage material comprising a supporting layer (4), e.g. a woven material, on which a polyethylene film layer (1), metallized on one side, has been laminated with the aid of fusion adhesive (3). The exposed surface of the plastic film is embossed to make it matte. Polyethylene is highly transparent to infrared radiation and has low emissivity, self radiation. By means of the metal layer (2) there is also obtained radiation insulation so that the outer layer (1) is in a thermal equilibrium which is hardly affected, e.g. by a warm object which is covered with the material, and the outer layer has a low emission ability of about 0.4-0.95, depending on thickness and pigmentation. By applying further patchy layers (5) patchy images will be obtained in image-forming by infrared sensitive instruments in the wavelength ranges 3-5 .mu.m and 8-14 .mu.m. The camouflage material may also include a layer of plastic foam insulating material arranged inwardly of the supporting layer.

Abstract: A multiple unit tape dispenser having a plurality of juxtaposed, generally hollow plastic housings, each of which contains a roll of tape. Each housing has a front dispenser wall which has a slot across the width of the housing which is dimensioned to permit withdrawal of tape longitudinally from the roll of tape within the housing. A tape support shelf extending outwardly from the front dispenser wall of each housing is situated adjacent the slot and is positioned to underly a length of tape when withdrawn from the housing. To aid removal of the tape, the under side of the shelf is provided with a series of spaced, lateral ribs. A spindle is situated within each housing for mounting of the roll of tape. Adjacent housings are attached to one another via a pin-and-aperture arrangement and an extension of each spindle which engages a socket in an adjacent housing. An end plate is shaped to cover the otherwise open side of a housing of the dispenser.