Abstract: A computer program is disclosed providing a sequence of automated logic synthesis routines having three phases. Phase I identifies an estimated critical path by assuming optimum allocation within a "best-fit" preliminary assignment of the technology to a technology-independent model, and optimizes the estimated model for speed. Phase II provides a technology-legal model, and ends by calculating the actual timing provided by the technology-legal model. Phase III uses self-limiting routines, and routines that are unlikely to produce technology violations, to fine tune the production and performance characteristics of the legal model.

Abstract: A crash sensor, designed for arrangement in the crush zone of a motor vehicle, is operative to determine when and if a crash is severe enough to deploy the passive restraint system (e.g. airbag or seat belt tensioner) of the vehicle. The sensor is responsive to trigger the passive restraint system when the vehicle impact with a barrier causes vehicle elements in the crush zone to deform as far back as the sensor position.

Abstract: An end stop is disclosed for limiting the maximum displacement of a flexible member so as to minimize stress on this member and thus provide an extended surface life. The flexible member is rigidly supported at at least two spaced-apart points such that the flexible member can flex in the region between these points. The end stop includes a support member for clamping the flexible member at the two supporting points and a wall surface arranged in opposed, facing relationship to the flexible member in the region between the two points. The curvature of the wall surface is defined by first and second curves that form a continuous curvature and have first and second derivatives of the local angle .phi. of the tangent to the curve with respect to the distances along the curve which are zero.

Abstract: A system for exchanging and storing window-display posters (1-6) has two storage areas (11,12) in which the posters are movably stored perpendicularly to their surfaces. Transport of the window-display posters between the storage zones is effected through two planes that border on the storage zones. At least one of the planes is arranged for displaying several posters. A conveyor is provided for carrying the posters into and out of the planes, as well as for guiding the posters within the planes.

Abstract: In an image intensifier comprising an evacuated vessel with a first disk which forms an input window and on whose inner surface a photocathode is disposed, and with a second disk which forms an output window and on whose inner surface a fluorescent screen is disposed. The spacing between the first and second disks is small in relation to the diameter of the image intensifier. The input and output windows are plane-parallel, and a spacer ring is disposed between the first and second disks whose inside diameter increases from the area of the first disk in the direction of the second disk. The spacer ring is spaced at its inside diameter as close as possible to the first disk.

Abstract: An automatic arc welding machine of the type which operates with rod electrodes. The electrodes (46), which are held in a welding head (28), are moved automatically with respect to the workpiece. The electrodes are moved longitudinally away from the workpiece in accordance with the arc voltage such that a certain arc length is sustained. After use they are automatically replaced with new electrodes. For this purpose there is provided an arc striking control by means of which the particular electrode (46) is placed on the workpiece with the current limited to a value below the selected welding current; the electrode is then raised from the workpiece by an amount corresponding to the predetermined arc length while the welding current is released, before the longitudinal movement of the electrode in accordance with the arc voltage begins. A precisely timed and accurately placed ignition is achieved in this manner, even if the location of the weld is covered with scale or slag.

Abstract: A transponder for use in an interrogator/transponder system includes a piezoelectric substrate for coupling electrical energy into and/or out of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device; a first inductive loop inductively coupled to a conductive loop on the substrate, a second inductive loop inductively coupled to the first inductive loop for transmitting and/or receiving electrical signals to and/or from the SAW device. The first inductive loop forms an intermediate inductive coupling path between the second inductive loop of the transmitter/receiver and the conductive loop on the substrate.

Abstract: A seal for the gap between two relatively rotatable machine parts, in which at least one of the two confronting surfaces is provided with at least one helical groove which has a pumping action toward the sealed space, and in which a preliminary seal is situated ahead of the helical groove on the side facing away from the sealed space. The preliminary seal includes a ring magnet which reaches close to the opposite surface except for a narrow gap. This gap is filled with a ferrofluid, and the radial width of the gap is substantially the same as the distance separating the helical ridges between the helical grooves from the surfaces opposite them.

Abstract: A seal for a magnetizable shaft includes a sealing lip of polymeric material and a preliminary seal on the side facing away from the sealed space. The preliminary seal consists of a ring magnet which surrounds the shaft leaving a gap. A ferrofluid is disposed in this gap.

Abstract: A hydraulically damped rubber cartridge spring in which a rubber spring body is surrounded at each lateral end by a permanently vulcanized supporting ring and, in the region between them, by a ring body which consists of two half shells. The ring body and the supporting rings have the same outside diameter and are in contact with the cylindrical inner surface of an outer tube of the device.

Abstract: A moisture sensor for sensing ambient moisture in the vicinity of a window having a window wiper. The sensor comprises a plurality of spaced apart conductive strips having an exposed surface. The electrical resistance between adjacent strips is dependent on the ambient moisture. The sensor also includes means for repetitively removing the moisture from the exposed surface and in the region between the strips. The conductive strips are located at a position other than in the area of sweep of the window wiper on the window and at least one of the removing means and the plurality of conductive strips is coupled to the window wiper, whereby the at least one of the removing means and the plurality of conductive strips is actuated by the window wiper and operates in synchronism therewith.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an automatic wiper control circuit for operating window wipers automatically when moisture is sensed. The control circuit additionally provides for increasing the speed of a dual speed wiper motor when a high level of moisture is detected. The system comprises a moisture sensor which senses moisture thereon. A circuit associated with the moisture sensor converts the moisture level to DC voltage. At a preselected level of this DC voltage the wiper motor operates in one of its two different speeds. A lack of a predetermined amount of moisture terminates the wiper motor operation. If the control circuit terminates the wiper motor action during wiper sweep, the normal homing circuit of the wiper motor continues to operate the motor until the wiper blade or blades reach the wiper blade home position. Sequential illumination of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS) occur during a wiping cycle when the circuit is operating normally.