Abstract: In an improved sail for a sailboat, the trailing edges of a pair of flaps of a conventional sail material are attached to the trailing edge of the sail, one on each side; the leading edges of the flaps are not fixed to the sail, but are connected to one another by short sections of line extending through holes in the sail. When the boat is tacked from one tack to the other, the leading edge of the flap on the new windward side is pulled away from the surface of the sail by the wind, so that a flow-impeding lip is provided on the windward side of the leech. At the same time, the lines pull the leeward flap against the main body of the sail, so that drag is not increased substantially. Substantial improvements in sailing performance are realized, while no control action is required to cause the flaps thus to be reconfigured upon tacking, and so that ordinary sailing manuevers and all normal sail handling operations may be carried out without complication.

Abstract: A modular test instrument comprises a base unit and one of a selection of application modules, neither being capable of performing end-user functions without the other. When physically assembled to one another, the base unit and application module comprise a structurally unitary device specialized for performance of application-specific end-user functions.The base unit is generic to all types of test to be provided, and comprises a display, a power supply, a user interface, and generic software to operate the display and user interface. Each application module is connected to the base unit in the same manner, so that the same base unit can be employed with a wide variety of application modules. The application modules can be readily and conveniently removed from and assembled to the base unit.

Abstract: A system and method for encoding and transmitting data with a spread-spectrum packet-switched system. Data to be transmitted by a packet transmitter are encoded for privacy and to restrict intelligent receipt of the data to the intended recipient. The encoded data is demultiplexed into sub-data-sequence signals which are spread-spectrum processed and then combined as a multichannel spread-spectrum signal. The multichannel spread-spectrum signal is concatenated with a header to output a packet-spread-spectrum signal which is transmitted over radio waves to a packet receiver. The packet receiver obtains timing for the multichannel spread-spectrum signal from the header. The multichannel spread-spectrum signal is then despread and multiplexed as received-encoded data. The received-encoded data is decoded by the intended recipient and is stored in a receiver memory for output.

Abstract: A microroughness-blind optical scanner focuses p-polarized light onto the rface of a sample. Scattered light is collected through independently rotatable polarizers by one or more collection systems uniformly distributed over a hemispherical shell centered over the sample. The polarizer associated with each collection system is rotated to cancel the corresponding Jones vector thereby preventing detection of microroughness-scattered light, yielding higher sensitivity to particulate defects. The sample is supported on a positioning system permitting the beam to be scanned over the sample surface of interest.

Abstract: Role-based access control (RBAC) is implemented on an multi-level secure (MLS) system by establishing a relationship between privileges within the RBAC system and pairs of levels and compartments within the MLS system. The advantages provided by RBAC, that is, reducing the overall number of connections that must be maintained, and, for example, greatly simplifying the process required in response to a change of job status of individuals within an organization, are then realized without loss of the security provided by MLS.A trusted interface function is developed to ensure that the RBAC rules permitting individuals access to objects are followed rigorously, and provides a proper mapping of the roles to corresponding pairs of levels and compartments. No other modifications are necessary. Access requests from subjects are mapped by the interface function to pairs of levels and compartments, after which access is controlled entirely by the rules of the MLS system.

Abstract: A time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer instrument comprises a pulsed source of a beam of ions, directed through a focusing device onto a sample to be analyzed. Ions emitted from the sample are collected, and mass spectrometry performed thereon to analyze the sample. Both the source and emitted beams may be focused by the same focusing device. This allows the instrument to be mounted to a single port in a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A device for recycling automotive windshields. An automotive windshield is comprised of two layers of glass and a plastic liner sandwiched in between The present invention strips the glass from both surfaces of the inner plastic liner, comminutes the glass and separates the two substances for recovery. A windshield is fed into the unit by means of dual horizontal feed rollers. The windshield then passes over a stationery breaker bar and into the path of a plurality of rotating flexible impactors. The force of the rotating impactors on the top surface and the stationery breaker bar on the under surface act together to strip the glass from both sides of the inner plastic liner material. The glass is hammered into small particles the size of gravel and sand while the plastic breaks into much larger fragments. A shaker screen located below the rotating impactors serves to separate the two substances for individual recovery.

Abstract: An improved endoscope comprises an objective including a diffractive optical element juxtaposed to a solid-state imaging element at the distal tip of the endoscope. An inexpensive halogen lamp at the proximal end of the endoscope is employed as the illumination source. A fiber-optic bundle carries light to the distal tip of the endoscope, where diffractive optical elements are provided to disperse light, illuminating the field of view.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass pulverizer 6 in which two rotatable flail assemblies 39 and 46 are housed within two contiguous drum-like housings 8 and 16 respectively. One housing 8 has an inlet 10 on one end and the other housing 16 has an outlet 20 located on an end furthest from the end adjacent the inlet. The housing 8 having an outlet 20 is longer than the other housing 16 thereby allowing the pulverized glass to exit the device in a relatively low speed and controlled manner. The flails may be of chain or single-link type, and are designed for ready replacement in the event of wear or damage. Replaceable liners are provided within the cylindrical housings.

Abstract: A sheath for receiving an ultrasonic probe and for defining the relative position of the probe with respect to a biopsy gun or a rigid needle is used for precise placement of the biopsy gun or needle tip in a structure. The sheath may comprise a keyhole-shaped slot for placement of a rigid needle through a puncture separate from a surgical port through which the sheath itself and the probe are introduced. A flexible catheter can thus be placed in a structure, using the ultrasonic probe to monitor its placement, followed by removal of the probe sheath and surgical port, leaving the catheter in place.

Abstract: A device for reducing the possibility of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) comprises a position-indicating device effectively coupled to a signal-producing circuit and attached to the clothing of the infant. The position-indicating device provides signals varying in response to prone and other positions assumed by the infant during sleep, allowing an associated alarm device to be activated in response to the infant's assuming a SIDS-dangerous prone or side-lying position. In one embodiment, the position of the infant can be determined by an optical sensor interacting with a reflective or other marker adhered to the infant. Gravity or pressure switches may also be used to provide position-responsive signals. A signal generated upon assumption of the SIDS-dangerous prone or side-lying positions is transmitted to a remote receiver located proximate the infant's care-giver whereupon an alarm is generated to indicate the need to reposition the infant.

Abstract: An azeotropic refrigerant particularly useful as a working fluid in chilled water refrigerating systems to be used in possible juxtaposition to sea water comprises at least about 2 mol percent 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (R143) and the balance bis-(difluoromethyl) ether (E134).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for determining the amount of canting necessary to correct the ski boot-ski interface to compensate for inherent misalignment between a skier's lower leg and the bottom of the sole of his or her boots. The skier's foot is secured in the boot, and the boot is secured on a platform freely rotatable about a longitudinal centerline axis. A rod also freely rotatable about the same axis is centered with respect to the knee by a knee clamp attached to the rod. A pointer affixed to the rod is used to accurately determine the angle between the rod and platform on a scale extending from the boot platform. This angle is then used to guide the placement of shims or the employment of other means to effect the desired orientation of the knee, and consequently the lower leg, relative to the ski, for optimum control.

Abstract: Improved ligament anchor structures and methods for affixing graft ligaments to bone are provided. The ligament anchor assembly includes a sleeve having gripping means for being firmly secured within a bone tunnel and a bore extending therethrough. The graft ligament is secured to an insert sized to pass through the bore in the sleeve. The bore in the sleeve and the external surface of the insert have cooperating asymmetrical teeth formed thereon so that the insert can pass through the sleeve in only one direction. The sleeve is first placed in a bone tunnel and the opposite end of the ligament secured in the corresponding bone, followed by final adjustment of the ligament tension without disturbing the anchors of either end of the graft ligament.

Abstract: In a cellular spread-spectrum communications network, a system and method for handing off a remote unit from a first base station to a second base station without loss of data. The remote unit receives a first spread-spectrum signal having a first signal quality from the first base station and transmits data to the first base station at a first data rate and a first power level. Responsive to monitoring the first signal quality and comparing the first signal quality to a plurality of signal qualities of a respective plurality of received-spread-spectrum signals, the remote unit initiates handoff when any of a number of predetermined criteria are met. Upon initiating handoff to the second base station, the remote unit stores the data that would otherwise have been transmitted.

Abstract: A system and method for encoding and transmitting data with a spread-spectrum packet-switched system. Data to be transmitted by a packet transmitter are encoded for privacy and to restrict intelligent receipt of the data to the intended recipient. The encoded data is demultiplexed into sub-data-sequence signals which are spread-spectrum processed and then combined as a multichannel spread-spectrum signal. The multichannel spread-spectrum signal is concatenated with a header to output a packet-spread-spectrum signal which is transmitted over radio waves to a packet receiver. The packet receiver obtains timing for the multichannel spread-spectrum signal from the header. The multichannel spread-spectrum signal is then despread and multiplexed as received-encoded data. The received-encoded data is decoded by the intended recipient and stored in a receiver memory for output.

Abstract: An improved composite ultrasonic transducer, and elements therefor, which may be made autoclavable, and a method of making these elements. A number of planar precursors comprising strips of piezoelectric ceramic material separated from one another by a polymer material are stacked one above another with the ceramic strips aligned with one another, and with electrical conductors disposed between each of the planar precursors. These precursors are then bonded to one another, to form a bonded assembly. The bonded assembly is then slit along parallel lines perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the ceramic strips, subdividing the strips into individual ceramic members and also subdividing the planar conductors, forming ribbon-like conductors extending between opposite sides of the array. The saw kerfs are filled with a hardening polymer material. The ribbon-like conductors reaching the edges of the assembly are then connected electrically in parallel, reducing the capacitance of the individual emitters.

Abstract: An improved paintball gun having significantly improved range and accuracy. The barrel of the paintball gun is formed so that the compressed gas expelling the ball from the barrel exerts differential aerodynamic forces on upper and lower hemispheres of the ball, imparting significant backspin to the paintball. Accordingly, the paintball experiences lift in flight, substantially increasing its range and accuracy. The interaction of the ball with the barrel may be wholly aerodynamic. The interior of the paintball is preferably baffled so that paint therein rotates with the shell, preventing the backspin from being damped out rapidly. The surface of the paintball may be contoured to control its aerodynamic characteristics.

Abstract: Round trip travel time of cells in an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) communication network is measured by injecting a time stamp into test cells in a first test instrument, transmitting these test cells to a remote node in the network, looping the test cells back from the remote node to an originating node, and detecting their arrival. Preferably the time stamps are injected into test cells configured as OAM-PM (operation, administration, and maintenance performance management) cells. A time-of-departure stamp is injected into the payload of the test cell on transmission, and a time-of-arrival time stamp is appended upon its receipt. The time-of-arrival and time of departure time stamps are compared to determine the actual round trip travel time of the cell within the network. This information can then be used to optimize network traffic flow, especially for available bit rate virtual connections.