Abstract: A class of modular, double-sided, edge-mounted printed circuit (PC) board modules and an associated modular network architecture for constructing stripline signal processing networks including high-power analog amplifiers and beam forming networks for driving multi-beam antenna systems. The stripline signal processing networks are characterized by network elements constructed from defined-length segments of transmission media configured to exhibit precisely determined phase and impedance characteristics. These circuits may also include conventional passive “lumped” electrical elements, such as resistors, capacitors and inductors; non-linear circuit elements such as diodes; and active electrical elements, such as amplifiers and transistors.

Abstract: A phased array antenna system operative to broadcast multiple beams that each include coded data for specific users located within the coverage area of the corresponding beam. An appropriate receiver then receives and decodes a particular beam to extract the specific data for a corresponding user. Multiple users may be assigned to each beam using frequency division or orthogonal code multiplexing, and the user data may be encoded into the beams using frequency shift key or phase shift key encoding. For each coding technique, the encoded antenna control signals are combined into a total gain and total phase shift control signal, which drives a single phase and gain control device for each antenna element. In addition, a single data modulator generates the coding parameters for the entire communication system.

Abstract: A phased array antenna system that is operative to simultaneously form multiple beams without requiring an undue amount of hardware. The system collects propagating energy with a number of antenna elements to form multiple beams, encodes the beams as the energy is collected, combines the encoded beams, and then decodes the combined signal to separate the beams. In this way, the beams can be formed with a single set of antenna hardware instead of requiring a multiplicity of antenna hardware, one for each beam. Frequency coding may be implemented by repeatedly applying a Doppler phase shift to each beam, and then using a Doppler filter to separate the beams. Alternatively, a code division multiplexing technique may be implemented by using a CDMA code generator to apply a code to each beam, and then using a CDMA filter to separate the beams.

Abstract: A double box glue and tape machine that includes upper and lower seam conveyors with separately positionable gluing conveyors and idler rollers, which allows the idler rollers to be moved out of the way so that the upper and lower seam gluing conveyors may be positioned opposite each other for simultaneous gluing of overlapping seams. The machine also includes a semi-automatic alignment and feed system that includes one or more remotely operable gates for blocking the entrance of a pair of box blanks into the machine to facilitate alignment of the box blanks prior to feeding them into the machine. The alignment and feed system may also include outboard rollers to provide lateral support to the box blanks, input guide rollers to direct the box blanks into the seam conveyors, a seam separator to facilitate separation of the seam around the glue head, and a cold glue flushing system.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing corrugated board that includes a row of pressure applicators aligned substantially transverse to the direction of machine flow and configured to press a web of corrugated board against a heated platform. To prevent the pressure applicators from tilting when incompletely overlying the web of corrugated board, the machine includes a stabilizer configured to prevent one or more of the pressure applicators from tilting. The stabilizer may include support plates connected to the pressure applicators and a stabilizer strap connecting two of the support plates to prevent the pressure applicator from tilting. Alternatively, the stabilizer may include support plates connected to the pressure applicators and one or more alignment members to prevent the pressure applicator from tilting. The alignment members may be alignment blocks or rollers.

Abstract: A voltage sag and over-voltage compensation device for an AC electric power distribution system employing cascaded switching devices and a pulse-width modulated transformer. Each stage of the cascaded switching device includes a switching element located within a full-bridge rectifier circuit to allow bi-directional switching through each switching element (i.e., switching through the same switching element during the positive and negative portions of the AC voltage cycle). Each full-bridge rectifier also includes a snubber circuit connected in parallel with a corresponding switching element to absorb the current discharge caused by switching the input power supply to the transformer through the corresponding switching device under non-zero current conditions.

Abstract: A winch 10 has a drum 26 that winds and unwinds a cable 28 in response to winding and unwinding of tethers 30 about an axle 24. The tethers 30 are connected to telescopic spring devices 46 with staged concentric springs 48 that store energy, and a brake 45 is releasable to permit the drum 26 to rotate under the force of the stored energy. The drum 26 has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the axle 24, thereby producing a mechanical advantage. The cable 28 is also connected to a passenger carriage 201 of an amusement ride 200 that travels under the force of the stored energy.

Abstract: Drums 56 wind and unwind cables 18 connected to a passenger carriage 14 of an amusement ride 12 in response to winding and unwinding of tethers 48 about an axle 46. The tethers 48 are connected to elastic members 44 that store energy, and a lock 32 is releasable to permit the carriage 14 to travel under the force of the stored energy. The drums 56 have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the axle, thereby providing a mechanical advantage to launch and accelerate the carriage 14 to a high velocity and/or to provide a dampening effect on the motion of the carriage. Alternative embodiments include ramps with loops, corkscrew sections, and/or inclined sections for carrying the carriage, safety cables strung through attachment members connected to the tethers, and telescopic spring devices with concentric coil springs.

Abstract: A scoring head configured for rotating about an axis of rotation and impressing score lines into corrugated board. The scoring head includes an inner wheel portion extending axially along an axis of rotation, extending radially about the axis of rotation, and defining first and second radial edges. The scoring head also includes a scoring edge portion located at an axially outer edge of the inner wheel portion and faired into the first and second radial edges of the inner wheel portion. The scoring edge portion, when viewed in cross-section, includes a substantially axial tier located between two substantially radial sides. The scoring edge portion also includes a curvilinear nipple shaped nib faired into the radial sides of the axial tier and faired into the first and second radial edges of the inner wheel portion. The nib may also include a base portion faired into the first and second radial edges and a bottle nose-shaped portion faired into the base.

Abstract: A multi-kernel neural network computing architecture configured to learn correlations among feature values 34, 38 as the network monitors and imputes measured input values 30 and also predicts future output values 46. This computing architecture includes a multi-kernel neural network array 14 with the capability to learn and predict in real time. The CIP 10 also includes a manager 16 and an input-output transducer 12 that may be used for input-output refinement. These components allow the computing capacity of the multi-kernel array 14 to be reassigned in response to measured performance or other factors. The output feature values 46 computed by the multi-kernel array 14 and processed by an output processor 44 of the transducer 12 are supplied to a response unit 18 that may be configured to perform a variety of monitoring, forecasting, and control operations in response to the computed output values.

Abstract: A low friction machine for manufacturing corrugated board is described. The machine effectively extends the life expectancy of critical machine components such as the feet used in pressure applicators as well as a conveyor belt by reducing friction. The machine includes a foot operative for applying pressure to the substrate. The foot includes a conduit having a first end and a second end. An actuator attached to the foot and moves the foot between a raised position and a lowered position. The lowered position is proximate the substrate. An air supply connected to the first end of the conduit and supplies air to the foot. A check valve coupled to the second end of the conduit and regulates airflow in the foot. The check valve is opened when the foot is in the lowered position and closed when the foot is in the raised position.

Abstract: A lifting device that can effectively lift a variety of objects and enhance portability. The lifting device provides demountable portability that enables easy adaptation of the invention for objects of varying size. This adaptability provides a universality that minimizes the number of lifting devices need. The demountable nature of the invention also aids in efficient storage. Generally described, the lifting device includes a mast separable into a plurality of sections and a pulley supported by a first section of the mast. A dolly that supports the mast includes one or more transport structures for movably supporting the lifting device. An actuator is mounted on a second section of the mast. A carriage captured on the mast is configured to slide along the mast and directly or indirectly support an object to be lifted. The lifting device also includes a belt with a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A health monitoring and diagnostic device (LIFESTREAM cholesterol meter) configured as a self-contained testing and diagnostic unit in a clam-shell type case. One side of the case includes a spring-loaded finger stick and a compartment for carrying one or more packages of disposable items including a test strip, a needle for the finger stick, and an alcohol swipe. The other half of the case includes a test strip reader, a key pad, and a liquid crystal display. The meter reads a test strip carrying a droplet of blood and receives additional diagnostic information from the patient, such as age, gender, weight, and family history of heart disease. Within minutes, the meter displays test results, including total cholesterol levels. The meter also displays additional diagnostic results, such as the patient's “cardiac age,” recommended weight loss, and a cardiac risk assessment. The meter also works in connection with a network-based comprehensive health analysis and reporting system.

Abstract: An interrupter switch mechanism 18, an actuator mechanism 20 for operating the switch mechanism 18, an engagement arm 30 such as a whip, a first resistor 22, a second resistor 26, a drive mechanism 64 for pivoting the engagement arm 30 into contact with the resistors 22 and 26, and a drive shaft 62. The drive mechanism 64 has a first hub 82, a second hub 84 that is biased relative to the first hub 82, and a pivotal latch member 66 that is biased towards an engaged position with the second hub 94. The drive shaft 62 sequentially operates the drive mechanism 64 to introduce the first resistor 22 and then the second resistor 26, and then operates the actuator 20 to close the switch mechanism 18, for reducing electrical disturbances when switching a capacitor bank 12 into an electric power circuit 16.

Abstract: A “Rapid Learner Client Service” (RLCS) system that allows a large number of end-users to obtain the benefits of a sophisticated neural-network forecasting system. Rather than purchasing or developing a forecasting system of their own, RLCS clients subscribe to a forecasting service performed by forecasting equipment located at a remote site. This allows a single highly sophisticated forecasting system to meet the forecasting needs of a large number of subscribers. This forecasting service is performed by an RLCS server that periodically and automatically accesses the subscriber's computer to obtain a fresh set of input data. Alternatively, the subscriber's computer may contact the RLCS server to initiate the process. This input data is then downloaded to the RLCS server, where it is checked and corrected for errors by imputing values for missing or deviant input values.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism that decreases the time needed to move the contacts of a circuit interrupter between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position to reduce the probability of the occurrence of restrikes. The actuator mechanism uses a toggle spring arrangement that uses a single spring to move the interrupter through both an opening stroke and a closing stroke. The interrupter is designed to connect to the circuit in parallel, so that the interrupter is not normally in the circuit when the circuit is closed. Because the interrupter is not normally in the circuit, it can be manufactured to less stringent standards than those that apply to electrical components that normally remain in the circuit. The interrupter is well adapted for use as a puffer-type interrupter in which the contacts of the interrupter are contained in an arc-extinguishing gas, such as sulphur-hexaflouride (SF6) gas to further reduce the probability of restrikes and to minimize the effect of occurring restrikes.

Abstract: The system and method is disclosed for remotely controlling an application program over a network. The system includes an application interception module and remote display module. The remote display module is transported across the network and executed on the user system in response to a user's request to provide on-demand remote control of an application program. The application interception module captures an I/O stream generated by an application program, converts it to remote control protocol messages and transports them across a network to the remote display module executing in the user system. The remote display module converts the remote control protocol messages to system calls compatible with the operating system environment for the users computer. Likewise, the remote display module converts system calls to the local resource interface in the user's computer to remote control protocol messages which are transported across the network to the application interception module.