Abstract: A method and an apparatus for searching code division multiple access pilot signal energies includes limiting a pilot signal window size above a lower limit and only analyzing search result data corresponding to an instructed pilot signal window size. A central processing unit instructs a searcher receiver within a mobile station modem application specific integrated circuit to search for pilot signal energies within an instructed pilot signal search window unless the instructed pilot signal window size is smaller than a pilot signal window size lower limit. In such a case, the pilot signal search window size is artificially designated as the pilot signal window size lower limit to prevent excessive search completion interrupts from over utilizing central processing unit resources.

Abstract: A closed loop AGC circuit for a digital side of a dual mode cellular telephone wherein receiver and transmitter adjustable amplifiers are controlled by a linear feedback control system including a linear signal level detector which determines signal levels after a receiver baseband demodulator stage. The linear signal level detector receives a signal at an AC signal level and produces, through an averaging process, a DC received signal strength indication at a DC signal level which is linearly proportional to the AC signal level. The received signal strength indication is compared to a reference signal to produce a gain control signal which is linearly inverted and supplied as a receive gain control signal to the receiver adjustable amplifiers. The gain control signal is also combined with a transmit adjust signal received from the base station and supplied as a transmit gain control signal to the transmitter adjustable amplifiers.

Abstract: A product display and delivery system comprising modular, disposable, product-filled cartridges fitted with a plurality of external fastener devices, positioned in a unique arrangement, which enables the cartridges to be releasably joined in a plurality of different orientations relative to one another, including orientations in which a cartridge is rotated 180 degrees relative to the other cartridges of the product display. The positioning of the fastener devices also enables the releasable joining of cartridges having different depths and the releasable joining of cartridges to a stabilizing system which extends beneath a first row of cartridges to reduce movement of the cartridges relative to a surface on which the cartridges rest. In accordance with a preferred apparatus, each cartridge is created from two elongated, rectangular, interlocking sleeves positioned with the first sleeve residing inside the second sleeve.

Abstract: A variable-offset, poultry deboning system having a conveyor fitted with variable-offset, poultry support arms that bend toward the sides of the conveyor and create a two-sided, poultry deboning-conveyor. The support arms are installed so that successive arms turn toward opposite sides of the conveyor. Poultry support fittings, including, but certainly not limited to, deboning cones and half-pads are mounted on the top of each support arm. Support arms that bend toward the same side of the conveyor are fitted alternately with deboning cones and half-pads. However, in one alternative configuration, all support arms are fitted with deboning cones, while in another alternative configuration, all support arms are fitted with deboning half-pads. Additionally, in still other alternative configurations, products-conveyors may be mounted above the conveyor bed or on each side of the conveyor bed.

Abstract: A method and handheld apparatus for the measurement of liquid density comprising a handheld enclosure which encases a differential pressure transducer having each pressure orifice connected by separate tees to separate hollow bubble tubes. Each bubble tube is connected on one end to a common micro-pump providing a balanced and relatively constant gas flow in each hollow bubble tube. The other ends of the bubble robes are terminated outside of the enclosure at relatively fixed and different distances from the enclosure in an arrangement that provides for the bubble tubes to be encased in a free hanging probe that will hang substantially vertical and will access liquid chamber diameters down to 1/4 inch. The apparatus measures density by vertically orienting the open ends of each hollow bubble tube in a liquid and measuring the differential pressure at the open ends of the bubble tubes created by the weight of the liquid at their respective depths.

Abstract: The present invention includes a covering anchor device capable of anchoring various types of coverings, including beach towels and picnic blankets, to the ground. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the covering anchor device includes a restraining portion which defines a V-shaped passageway extending through the restraining portion. The restraining portion includes a plurality of opposite protrusions which extend into the passageway to engage and exert restraining forces on a portion of a covering residing within the passageway. The opposite protrusions divide the passageway into a plurality of subpassages and form gaps between each pair of opposing protrusions. The width of subpassages and gaps decreases for each subpassage and gap located progressively nearer an end of the passageway, thereby increasing the restraining force exerted on a portion of the covering passing through such subpassages and gaps.

Abstract: A composite frame member that includes a longitudinally extending external member that defines a longitudinally extending internal cavity within which a longitudinally extending internal member is disposed. The internal member and external member, while being distinct components, are constructed and arranged to cooperate in a substantially synergistic fashion that seeks to provide a frame member having superior strength characteristics. Further, the internal member and the external member cooperate to define an accessible stapling channel that is capable of being readily stapled into. The external member includes walls that at least partially bound the internal cavity. The internal member is disposed within the internal cavity and defines the stapling channel, wherein the stapling channel receives a cover sheet and staples through an opening defined by the external member.

Abstract: A computer power system comprises an AC-to-DC power supply for providing DC power to the computer during the presence of AC line power and a backup power supply for providing DC power from batteries directly to the DC operated components of the computer system, completely bypassing the AC to DC power supply, when AC line voltage is absent or low.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for reclaiming substantially pure sand from a heat treating furnace; wherein a casting with sand core and/or sand mold, comprising sand bound by a combustible binder, attached thereto is introduced into the heat treating furnace; or, wherein portions of sand core and/or sand mold that are not attached to a casting are introduced into the heat treating furnace. Wherein, the reclaiming within the furnace is carried out, in part, by a fluidizer that promotes binder combustion by one or more process of agitating, heating, and oxygenating. Wherein, the characteristics of the reclaimed sand are selectively controlled by controlling the dwell time of the sand within the heat treating furnace.

Abstract: An improved garbage disposal assembly with an apparatus and related method for selectively varying the sink-side appearance of the garbage disposal assembly. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a decorative flange mask for covering a sink flange of a garbage disposal. A sink flange includes an open cylindrical body portion for insertion through a drainage hole of a sink bottom and an annular lip portion extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical body portion for location above the sink bottom. The decorative flange mask, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, includes an open cylindrical mask body for insertion into the cylindrical body portion of the sink flange and an annular mask lip connected to and extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical mask body for covering the annular lip portion of the sink flange.

Abstract: A local router interface couples a conventional facsimile device to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to communicate with a remotely located facsimile store and forward facility (F-SAFF) to perform a host of improved facsimile service methods, including a never no answer or busy send (NNABS) method, a never no answer receive (NNAR) method, a private facsimile method, a will call facsimile method, a pager facsimile method, a facsimile mail method, a facsimile information retrieve method, a facsimile information send method, a facsimile cover method, a facsimile speed cover method, a facsimile broadcast method, a facsimile flexible broadcast method, a facsimile access restriction method, a facsimile conversion method, an urgent facsimile method, and a facsimile addition method. Innocuous call progress monitoring with fast busy detection, post-fax line holding, F-SAFF-to-remote and remote-to-F-SAFF bridging are provided.

Abstract: A striker-feeder includes a bucket having a bottom panel defining a hole therethrough, and a primary tube extends through the hole. A capped end of the primary tube is within the bucket and defines a pair of diametrically opposed apertures therethrough. A pivot tube extends through the diametrically opposed apertures and abuts the bottom panel of the bucket to pivotally connect the primary tube to the bucket. When an animal bumps the primary tube, feed within the bucket falls through the hole in the bottom of the bucket. The end of the primary tube that is extended from the bottom of the bucket is fitted with a threaded fitting. An extended striker configuration is achieved by threadedly connecting an extension tube to the end of the primary tube that is threaded.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for heat treating metal castings with sand cores provides for removal of the sand core and recovery of the sand core material for reuse. The method and apparatus eliminate the need for removing the sand core from the casting prior to heat treatment and thus eliminate the labor, expense, and possible damage to the casting incidental to conventional core removal techniques such as chiseling and shaking. The method involves heating the casting with sand core therein to a temperature sufficient to burn off the binder component of the sand core. The sand comprising the sand core is then blown out of the casting by directing a flow of air over the workpiece. The sand thus dislodged is then collected for reuse. According to the disclosed apparatus, the castings are heated in a furnace having fans for directing a flow of air over the workpieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the area and concentration of radioactive contamination on surfaces, objects and personnel is disclosed. The apparatus is capable of automatic adjustment without intervention by an operator, providing for self-calibration and avoiding the need for periodic calibration, source checking and maintenance by personnel. The apparatus is comprised of one or more position sensitive proportional counters coupled together to act as a single counter. A computer based acquisition system is used to collect the time, energy and position of an ionization event that is caused by the contamination. Collimated radiation sources are located inside of each position sensitive proportional counter. These sources act as stable artifacts in the position and energy spectra that the device acquires as a function of time.