Abstract: A digital loop filter translates a multi-bit phase error input into a high resolution control signal utilizable as an advance-retard control for a multi-phase clock generator. The digital filter couples the multi-bit phase error input to the clock generator via a pulse density modulation (PDM) accumulator, providing multi-phase adjustment in a single sample clock cycle based on the overflow or underflow of the PDM accumulator. Variable PDM cycles are used to control loop filter bandwidth, permitting adjustable capture sequences. Thus, real proportional control of the multi-phase clock generator is limited only by the word size of the phase error input.

Abstract: A device for the releasing of tabs found on the diagonally facing corners of tab-locked corrugated cardboard boxes. The boxes are moved along a track whereupon they are deformed to enable a release means positioned along the track to slip between major flap and the sidewall of the corrugated box to release a first tab. The box is then turned at least 90.degree. and the process repeated.

Abstract: An optical code track supporting structure for providing position data about a moveable object. The encoder has an outside portion and an inside portion connected by a series of evenly spaced spokes which form a clear index track which allows substantially all of a light beam to be transmitted therethrough. The index track also has a single index element located therein which fully blocks the light beam for one brief pulse during one cycle of the moveable object.

Abstract: A ring laser is provided with only two reflecting surfaces to define the cavity. A gain medium is located between the reflecting surfaces. At least one optical interface is located within the cavity and is oriented such that the beam will be deflected by refraction to create a ring path. The angle of incidence of the beam with the interface should be less than Brewster's angle and the surface should have an antireflective coating. The interface can be located on the lasant material, on a non-linear optical material or on a passive optical element. Preferably, the device is arranged to achieve unidirectional and single frequency operation. When the ring is used for intracavity second harmonic generation, the resultant output is amplitude stable because of the avoidance of mode beating. The second harmonic radiation is generated unidirectionally increasing useable output.

Abstract: For use with a printing apparatus that has a plurality of printing rollers, at least one ink fountain, and at least one inking blade that is positioned adjacent one of the inking rollers, the inking blade having a plurality of adjusting keys thereon, an ink control system connected to the inking blade for controlling the adjustment the adjusting keys. The ink control system comprises a system unit for controlling the overall operation of the ink control system, an operator console for inputting commands which control the adjustment of the adjusting keys, a servo powder unit for controlling the adjustment of the adjusting keys, and a plurality of servo modules each of which performs the adjustment of one of the adjusting keys by actuating the one adjusting key.

Abstract: A flexible inramedullary fixation rod for fractured bones is provided having a length sufficient to extend a substantial distance on either side of a diaphyseal fracture site and a substantially circular core with radially disposed fins extending substantially along the full length thereof. The radii of the core and fins are such that the rod can pass through the bone's medullary canal and engage the inner, or endosteal, surface of the bone along line contacts, thereby allowing normal endosteal healing and intramedullary revascularization. The rod is constructed of a flexible, bio-compatible material, such as titanium, stainless steel, resorbable polymers (e.g., polylactic acid) or carbon fiber-polysulfone. The radii of the fins are selected to be substantially equal to the minimum radius of the medullary canal.

Abstract: A striping system for a roadway having a reference element. The striping system has means for traveling along the roadway, means mounted on the traveling means for applying a stripe to the roadway, and means adjustably mounted on the traveling means for shining a light beam against the reference element. The traveling means are steered along the roadway to maintain the light beam shining means on the reference element during travel along said roadway. The stripe applying means are positioned on the roadway to apply a stripe where desired in parallel to the reference element.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for binding a book utilizing a binding tap having a flexible substrate and a heat activated adhesive. The binding tape is forced against the front cover of the book utilizing a heated platen, so as to form a front cover seal simultaneously along the length of the front cover. The platen then folds the tape around the edge of the book so as to form the spine of the book. The platen then forces the remaining portion of the tape against the back cover so as to form a back cover seal simultaneously along the length of the back cover.

Abstract: A fluid heating system, which includes a set of lamps emitting infrared or longer wavelength radiation. The fluid to be heated flows through chemically inert tubing while absorbing radiation from the lamps. The lamps are separated from the tubing, so that there is no significant risk that contaminants will enter the tubing during operation. In one class of preferred embodiments particularly well suited for heating ultrapure water, the inert tubing is a quartz coil. Lamps are mounted inside the coil generally parallel to the coil axis. Reflective material is wrapped around the outer surface of the coil to reflect radiation that has passed through the coil back toward the coil axis. The quartz comprising the coil is selected to transmit the lamp radiation efficiently to the fluid within the coil. In one embodiment, the lamps are mounted between a pair of end plate assemblies.

Abstract: A module adapted to be used as and an end or intermediate plate for a canister-type vacuum cleaner. The module comprises a disk-shaped body having a plurality of closed peripheral recesses which may be used to mount components to the body, or opened to form passages through the body. A groove is formed in the body to the interior to the peripheral recesses to receive and provide for the positioning of a baffle relative to the plate. In the preferred embodiment the groove is circular and the plate has a closed central recess formed centrally of the recess, which central recess may be opened to form a passage through the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides asynchronous priority select logic for allowinig an individual station on a token ring network to hold a token for asynchronous transmission only for a specified maximum time period. The asynchronous priority select logic comprises a token rotation timer for timing token rotations on the ring from arrival to arrival. A token holding timer limits the amount of ring bandwidth used by the station for asynchronous transmission after the token is captured by the station. Select circuitry responsive to the value of the token rotation timer determines if the captured token is still usable for transmission by determining if the token rotation timer value is less than a preselected asynchronous threshold value. The select logic includes means for generating a selected asynchronous threshold value having a first bit length. The selected asynchronous threshold value is then expanded to a second bit length corresponding to the bit length of the token holding timer value.

Abstract: A laser system employing one or more mirror sets having substantially astigmatism-free focusing power sufficient to maintain a desired laser beam diameter, for example, to compensate for thermally-induced distributed lensing. In one class of preferred embodiments, the invention is a high power gas laser system having a folded optical cavity with a periodic intracavity refocusing means to compensate for distributed negative thermal lensing in the hot plasma that comprises the active medium, and thus maintain a substantially constant beam diameter throughout the optical cavity. The periodic intracavity refocusing means preferably includes a corner mirror set (including at least one curved mirror and at least one other mirror) at each corner of the folded optical cavity. In one preferred embodiment, each corner mirror set is a mirror pair including a spherical mirror and cylindrical mirror.

Abstract: A full wave rectification circuit for use with a three-phase input signal connected in a wye configuration for rectifying a line to neutral high input voltage is disclosed. The rectification circuit has two portions. A first portion generates a control signal which oscillates every 60.degree. and is switched in phase with one of the input signals. A second control signal, also oscillating in 60.degree., but completely out of phase with respect to the first oscillating signal is also generated. The two oscillating signals are used in a SCR switch configuration to switch the rectification circuit every 60.degree. thereby rectifying the peak voltage portion of each phase.

Abstract: A closed-loop user interactive ski simulation system with a foot controlled ski input device is disclosed. The system includes a pair of skis and pressure sensors in association with the skis. The sensors generate an output voltage in response to force applied by a user to the skis. The output voltage is converted to digital format and fed into a computer that processes the information and provides a drive signal. The drive signal may be used to control a display system, a motion simulation system or both. The simulation system can be used for instructional purposes as well as for training, entertainment and exercise.

Abstract: A building panel assembly comprising two or more individual panel members. The panel members in turn are comprised of an outer metal facing sheet forming an exterior panel surface, an inner metal facing sheet forming an interior panel surface and a structural foam core. Once the individual panel members are secured to a structural support, a foam plug is inserted between the panel members to enhance the insulated properties of the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for facilitating the removal of the lantern ring and packing in pump assemblies. Previously a steel hook was used to scrape away the worn packing. The present invention provides a series of cables extending through the lantern ring which permit the lantern ring and packing to be easily pulled out when replacement is required.

Abstract: A method for increasing the reliability and remaining useful life of a system of boiler tubes. The present condition of boiler tubes is ascertained and a temperature profile is developed. Additional operating parameters are obtained and used to model the tube system. The model is manipulated to predict a modification which will cause increased tube system life and reliability. The tubes are modified according to the model.

Abstract: In a method for treatment of surfaces of metals or ceramics of machine components by ion irradiation, ions from an ion source (24) are forced to run in an essentially plane helical path inwardly to an inner region. From there the ions are deflected by betatron oscillations and/or by static magnetic and/or electric fields towards a treatment place (34) which is situated in the center inside said inner area, where the surface to be treated is situated. An apparatus for treatment of such surfaces by ion irradiation comprises two annular coaxially disposed magnets (12,20) which are arranged to produce a magnetic field in a vacuum tank. The inner magnet (20) produces a homogeneous field, transversely to the plane in which ions are intended to substantially move and the outer magnet (12) produces an inhomogeneous field which is decreasing outwardly in the radial direction and is also directed substantially transversely to said plane.

Abstract: An actively stabilized laser is disclosed which includes a temperature tunable etalon in the laser cavity for single frequency operation. The operation of the laser is actively monitored to detect variations induced by changes in the length of the resonator. These changes tend to cause the frequency of the selected longitudinal mode to shift so that it is no longer aligned with the peak of the transmission curve of the etalon. When this misalignment occurs, operation deteriorates. By monitoring laser performance, the misalignment can be detected and the temperature of the etalon can be changed to realign its transmission peak to the selected mode. In the preferred embodiments, either the laser output power or the current supplied to the laser is monitored. This approach substantially reduces mode hopping.