Abstract: An environmental metrology device (10) containing sensor (12) elements which include a pressure sensor (20), a temperature sensor (22), and a humidity sensor (24) all located in close proximity within a housing (18). Control circuitry (16) is further provided to direct operation of the sensors (12) and to communicate with an interferometer controller (42) via a signal port (14) and a cable (92). Additional instances of the device (10) may be connected in a daisy-chain network configuration via additional signal ports (14) and cables (90). One or more instances of the device (10) permit highly localized characterization of atmospheric index of refraction in the measurement region (60) of a laser interferometer (30). The interferometer controller (42) is thereby able to compensate measurements performed by the laser interferometer (30) before they are passed onto manufacturing process controls (48).

Abstract: A multi-well container (10) is provided in which a greater number of wells may exist than heretofore possible while still maintaining a standard multi-well plate tube array format and footprint. The multi-well container (10) is comprised of a rectangular array of tubes (12) in standard tube format held together by an integrally fashioned plate portion (16). The tubes (12) are subdivided by partitions or septa (14) which extend the height of the tubes (12). Each septum (14) may constitute a single wall or may be comprised of any number of fins (32) which are integral with internal tube surfaces (28). In a symmetrical design with four such fins (32), the fins (32) radiate at angular intervals of 90 degrees from a common central axis (34) with which all four fins (32) are integral. Thus, the septa (14) serve to compartmentalize each tube (12) into symmetrical quadrants of four smaller wells or sub-tubes (30).

Abstract: Adjustable balance weighting systems (10 and 110) are provided for adjusting the weighting and balance of golf clubs of either the "iron" or the "wood" types. An eccentric weighting means is mounted on or in the club head (14 or 74) so as to be rotatable and provide a mechanism by which the center of mass, and therefore the sweet spot, of the club head (14 or 74) may be varied. In the case of an iron-type club head (14), an eccentrically weighted disk (32) is mounted in a substantially vertical orientation on the rear face (24) of the club head (14). In the case of a wood-type club head (74), a similar disk (82) is mounted in a horizontal orientation in a recess (80 or 89) in a top or bottom surface (78 or 87) of the club head (74).

Abstract: A system and method for computer modeling (10) and for creating hyperstructures (51) which are to be contained in a computer memory, which obtains measurements of physical objects and activities which are related to the entity to be modeled in the computer hyperstructure (51). The measurements are transformed into computer data which corresponds to the physical objects and activities external to the computer system (10). A plurality of independent dimensions (54) are created, where each dimension (54) includes at least one element (58). A plurality of cells (56) are created, each of which is associated with the intersection of two or more elements (58), each cell (56) being capable of storing at least one value. At least one rule domain (60) is associated with at least one cell (56), the rule domain (60) including at least one rule for assigning values to the associated cells (56).

Abstract: A screw extruder (10), including a barrel assembly (12) having a central bore (36) which defines an inner surface (37). An extruder screw (38) is positioned within the barrel assembly's (12) central bore (36). The barrel assembly (12) has an input end (20) which includes a feed housing portion (25), the feed housing portion (25) having an opening for introduction of material into the central bore (36). There is a shaping die (18) situated at the output end (16) of the barrel assembly (12) to shape the extruded material. The feed housing portion (25) also has one or more groove channels (44) opening into the inner surface (37) of the feed housing portion (25) with a key (48) disposed in each of these groove channels (44). Contacting each key (48) are one or more independently activated actuators (28) which can be used to adjust the radial depths of the keys (48) in the groove channels (44) thus controlling the depth of grooves (46) formed between the keys (48) and the central bore (36) of the barrel (12).

Abstract: A powered golf bag cart (10) including a frame assembly (20), a free wheel assembly (22), a drive wheel assembly (24), a power delivery assembly (26), a steering assembly (28), and a control assembly (30). For compact storage, the frame assembly (20) of the cart (10) has nestably collapsible base portion (32), central portion (34), and handle portion (36). The power delivery assembly (26) includes a drive motor (128) and a power train assembly (138) for rotatably motivating the drive wheel assembly (24). In this manner all control and motive force is applied via a single ground contacting surface in the drive wheel assembly (24).

Abstract: A system (10) for programming and performing applications programs in computer systems (70) using data in Structured Query Language ("SQL") data bases (32). Formulas (16) representing user defined tasks are constructed out of a formula sequence (18) of formula steps (20). Individual formula steps (20) are defined out of operand tokens (22 and 26), operation tokens (24), and result tokens (28). Operand tokens (22, 26) and result tokens (28) represent constants, variables, or SQL business objects, while operation tokens (24) represent precompiled members of a code modules library (36) that are capable of carrying out basic mathematical and data transfer operations on such operands (22, 26).

Abstract: A circuit (10) for determining periods of and the phase relationship between waveform signals (28 and 30). A delay line (12) having a sample port (14), a set port (16), a reference port (18), and an output port (20) and further internally including a chain of delay elements (32) associated with latch elements (34) and an encoder (36). The delay line (12) receive a first signal (28) into the sample port (14), and via a switch (22) also into the set port (16). The encoder (36) then provides the period of the first signal (28) at the output port (20) of the delay line (12) in units of delay created by each delay element (32).

Abstract: A gravity independent photosynthetic growing system (10) is provided for use in providing an environment conducive to growing plant materials under unusual conditions, such as are encountered in space or in locales isolated from sunlight. The growing system (10) includes a stationary core assembly (26), a rotating drum assembly (28) which is rotated by a motive assembly (30), an enclosing assembly (32), a growth requirements assembly (34) and a control assembly (35). Illumination lamps (42) situated in the central core (20) provide photosynthetic radiation which is transmitted through light transmissive sector walls (52) to be reflected inward from a surrounding cylindrical reflector (64) into growth sectors (50) within which the plants are grown. The growth sectors are adapted to receive seed mats (178), hard shell growth cases (204) and growth bags (188) which provide purchase for the plants.

Abstract: A storage container (10) for storing, transporting and displaying various information and entertainment storage media, the container (10) including a floor panel (12) having a front edge (16) and a rear edge (17), and right and left edges (18, 19), a back wall (13) which attaches to the rear edge of the floor panel (17), left and right side panels (14, 15), which are attached to the left and right edges (18, 19) respectively of the floor panel (12), each side panel (14, 15) having a lower portion which terminates in a front foot (32) and the back wall (13) including a vertebra (50) which has a lower portion which terminates in a rear foot (52).

Abstract: An illuminated tool caddy (10) is provided for the carrying of tools and parts, and for illumination of work detail related thereto. The primary components of the illuminated tool caddy (10) are a tool carrier (12) and a lamp (14). The lamp (14) is situated within the tool carrier (12) and is of a height such that a bulb housing (44) extends above the side walls (18) of the tool carrier (12). Within the bulb housing (44) are five individual lighting compartments (48), each of which contains a light bulb (54). Reflector facets (56) within each lighting compartment (48) assist in reflecting and directing the light from the light bulbs (54) to give the lamp (14) a hands-free, multidirectional lighting ability. The lamp (14) is capable of simultaneously casting light in any direction, including not only to any side and upwardly, but to the ground and into the interior of the tool carrier (12) as well. The lamp (14) is also removable from the tool carrier for hand-held applications where that is desired.

Abstract: A tire assembly (10) is provided for a pneumatic tire that gives a puncture resistant capability. The tire assembly (10) includes an inner tube (24) with an outer periphery (30) having a plurality of protruding deflectable structures (32) which are circumferentially continuous about the inner tube body (34). The deflectable structures (32) have a cross-sectional appearance that is somewhat similar to miniature, hollow fingers. The tire assembly (10) also includes a tire liner (26) that has separator structures (48) which are ridge-like in appearance and which are circumferentially continuous about the tire liner (26) as well. The separator structures (48) and deflectable structures (32) are arrayed so as to mate with one another whereby the structure of the separator structures (48) may assist the deflectable structures (32) in maintaining their finger-like shape when under load.

Abstract: A system for transporting, storing and displaying consumer products (10) includes a shipping container (40) having a plurality of sides (42), of which at least one of the plurality of sides is a detachable display panel (32). The shipping container (40) is sized to hold one or more consumer items (44). A flexible display and carrying bag (12) has at least one transparent display pouch (30) which is configured to hold the display panel (32). The display bag (12) further includes a resealable opener (22), such as a zipper which can be opened to allow insertion of the shipping container (40) with the display panel (32) removed into the display bag (12) to provide internal structural support to the display bag (12). The display bag (12) can then be easily stacked for storage or displayed on a retail store's selling floor, thus providing easily visible display information (34) and providing protection for the display panel (32) from in-store handling, as well as consumer access to the product (44) for inspection.

Abstract: A system (10) for programming and performing applications programs in computer systems (70) using data in Structured Query Language ("SQL") data bases (32). Formulas (16) representing user defined tasks are constructed out of a formula sequence (18) of formula steps (20). Individual formula steps (20) are defined out of operand tokens (22 and 26), operation tokens (24), and result tokens (28). Operand tokens (22, 26) and result tokens (28) represent constants, variables, or SQL business objects, while operation tokens (24) represent precompiled members of a code modules library (36) that are capable of carrying out basic mathematical and data transfer operations on such operands (22, 26).

Abstract: A servotrack writing apparatus (10) having a reference section (30), a workpiece section (32), and a tracking section (34). With the reference section (30) a standard is established without a disk drive workpiece (12) mounted. A workpiece (12) is then mounted in the workpiece section (32) with a beamsplitter-reflector unit (52) attached to the actuator arm (20) bearing the read-write head (18) which is to be used for servotrack writing, and verification information is obtained for comparison with the standard. Based upon this comparison, correction of workpiece (12) mounting offset and eccentricity of beamsplitter-reflector unit (52) mounting may then be performed before servotracks are written, or compensation for such offset and eccentricity may be performed while servotracks are written.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for plasma treatment of workpieces in which the apparatus includes a reaction chamber having a door through which a magazine loaded with workpieces and an empty magazine can be manually or robotically placed on a shelf in the reaction chamber, and associated apparatus for striking and maintaining a plasma in the reaction chamber, the shelf being provided with stops for maintaining both magazines in alignment so that the workpieces can be pushed out of the loaded magazine, across a gap between the magazines, and into the empty magazine while plasma exists in the gap, and pushing apparatus for pushing workpieces from the loaded magazine, across the gap, and into the empty magazine, and the method of plasma treatment carried out by this apparatus. In one version the pushing apparatus pushes all of the workpieces from magazine to magazine at once. In another version, a subplurality of the workpieces in the loaded magazine is pushed across the gap and into the empty magazine at one time.

Abstract: A stand system (10) for golf bags provides an automatic leg deployment and retraction capability and offers an exceedingly smooth and efficient operation and design. The stand system (10) includes a golf bag (12) having a base member (16) whose bottom surface (92) includes an arcuate bottom area (100), and a stand assembly (14) which includes a pair of leg members (33), a top pivot subassembly (38), an actuator rod subassembly (40), and a foot pivot subassembly (42). The actuator rod subassembly (40) includes a pair of resilient wire arm members (80 and 82) connected via a "Y" connector (84) to a stiff rod member (78) whose length extends to the foot pivot subassembly (42). The "Y" design simultaneously provides for an instantaneous deployment of the leg members (33) upon tilting of the golf bag (12) forward while also eliminating the need for a supplemental spring or band for good retraction of the leg members (33) against the golf bag body (18).