Abstract: A high voltage cable/connector assembly of an improved design for substantially minimizing or eliminating damaging corona and voltage arc-over effects. The assembly in accordance with the invention includes a high voltage cable having a cable shield (e.g., a braided shield), a high voltage metal connector secured to and surrounding a portion of the cable and in physical and electrical contact with the cable shield, and a metal horn-shaped corona shield connected in series with the metal connector and defining a cavity through which a portion of the cable, including a center conductor and a surrounding bare plastic dielectric, passes longitudinally. The corona shield serves to eliminate sharp edges or abrupt terminations in the vicinity of the cable shield, metal connector and corona shield so that corona discharge is effectively prevented.

Abstract: A button-type primary electrochemical cell operative to provide a warning indication toward the end of discharge of the cell signalling an approaching end-of-life of the cell. The cell includes a pair of spaced-apart, flat, porous carbon cathode elements, each in the form of a disc, disposed within a small, generally-flat metal housing of the cell, and a generally-flat anode structure disposed between the pair of carbon cathode elements.The anode structure includes first and second electrochemically active elements, for example, lithium and calcium, having different oxidation potentials within the cell and consumable by electrochemical action within the cell during discharge of the cell. The consumption of the active elements during discharge of the cell results in the establishment of different and distinguishable operating voltages for the cell. The active elements are arranged with respect to each other such that the active element of higher oxidation potential (i.e.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell operative to provide a warning indication toward the end of discharge of the cell signalling an approaching end-of-life of the cell. The cell includes a tubular porous carbon cathode structure disposed within a metal housing of the cell together with an anode structure and an electrolytic solution.The anode structure includes first and second electrochemically active elements, for example, lithium and calcium, having different oxidation potentials within the cell and consumable by electrochemical action within the cell during discharge of the cell. The consumption of the active elements during discharge of the cell results in the establishment of different and distinguishable operating voltages for the cell. The active elements are arranged with respect to each other such that the active element of higher oxidation potential (i.e., the lithium) is consumed prior to the other active element (i.e., the calcium).

Abstract: A forward error correcting apparatus employing the Kasami algorithm for trapping errors in a half-rate Golay codeword. The Golay code is defined as an (n, k, t) or (23, 12, 3) polynomial code in which each codeword is n=23 bits long, contains k=12 data bits and (n-k)=11 redundant check bits, and corrects up to a maximum of t=3 errors.The forward error correcting apparatus includes an input data register circuit arranged to receive, store and shift therealong the data bits of the Golay codeword, and a Golay shift register circuit arranged to receive, store, shift and recirculate therein the data and check bits of the Golay codeword. The codeword shifted and recirculated within the Golay shift register circuit is divided by a generator polynomial g(x) expressed by x.sup.11 +x.sup.10 +x.sup.6 +x.sup.5 +x.sup.4 +x.sup.2 +1 to derive a syndrome word which is examined in a Kasami error trap circuit in accordance with the Kasami algorithm to detect one of three possible error situations.

Abstract: A digital data correlator is provided which detects the presence of a particular sequence, or correlating pattern, of binary data bits in a serial binary data stream, is tolerant of data errors, and is adjustable to accept different numbers of data errors. The correlator includes a shift register of the CMOS type, a plurality of inverters of the CMOS type connected to selected outputs of the register at which bits of a particular logic value are expected for a properly positioned correlating pattern in the register, and a plurality of like-valued resistances coupled to the outputs of the register and to the inverters. Erroneous bits in the register cause an error voltage to be produced at a common node point coupled to the resistances. The value of the error voltage is compared in a comparator against a threshold reference voltage of a value related to an acceptable number of erroneous bits.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating anode structures for electrochemical cells. An anode structure is fabricated in accordance with a first method of the invention by positioning a first plurality of lithium anode pellets, in the form of round balls, in a spaced-apart pattern adjacent to a first side of an expanded metal screen, pressing the lithium anode pellets into the screen so as to be embedded within the screen, and then repeating the above steps with a second plurality of lithium anode pellets relative to the other side of the screen.An anode structure is fabricated in accordance with a second method of the invention by executing the steps as described hereinabove and, in addition, embedding into the screen a heat absorbing porous insulative separator material between the lithium anode pellets.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell of a design for reducing or minimizing parasitic self-discharge of the cell during storage and subsequent discharge of the cell. The cell includes a tubular porous carbon cathode structure disposed within a metal housing of the cell and spaced from an anode structure by an insulative separator material. The carbon cathode structure and the anode structure are exposed to an electrolytic solution including a reducible soluble cathode (e.g., thionyl chloride) which is catalytically reduced during discharge of the cell at the surface of the carbon cathode structure.The anode structure includes an elongated, cylindrical lithium electrode located centrally within, and spaced from, the housing, and a thin, bare, flexible metal element at the potential of the lithium electrode and coupled between the lithium electrode and a feedthrough member provided in a top cover of the housing.

Abstract: A method for completing the discharge of a primary electrochemical cell in which the discharge has prematurely ceased or has significantly diminished. A primary electrochemical cell to which the method of the invention is applicable includes a plurality of anode and cathode structures arranged in alternation, and an electrolytic solution. Each of the anode structures and the electrolytic solution includes a component subject to consumption by chemical action within the cell during discharge. The anode and cathode structures are connected to external electrical terminals of the cell by way of metal tabs and metal bus bar assemblies.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell of a design for reducing parasitic self-discharge of the cell during storage and subsequent discharge of the cell. The cell includes a tubular porous carbon cathode structure within a metal housing of the cell and spaced from an anode structure by an insulative separator material. The carbon cathode structure and the anode structure are exposed to an electrolytic solution including a reducible soluble cathode (e.g., thionyl chloride) which is catalytically reduced during discharge of the cell at the surface of the carbon cathode structure. The anode structure includes an elongated, cylindrical, lithium member located centrally within, and spaced from, the housing, and an electrically-conductive metal assembly at the potential of the lithium electrode and connected between the lithium electrode and a feedthrough member provided in a top cover for the housing.

Abstract: A terminal assembly is provided for use with an electric storage battery for making electrical output connections from the battery. The terminal assembly includes a pair of end sections to which electrical cables are connected by passing bolts through openings in lugs of the cables and advancing the bolts into corresponding threaded openings provided in metal insert terminals disposed within insulative body portions of the end sections. The end sections are constructed so that the bolts can be advanced and tightened within their associated openings only by a socket wrench, and the bolt sizes, lug sizes and openings in the lugs are selected to prevent and minimize misconnection of the cables. A separator member interposed between the end sections minimizes the possibility of the bolts being shorted together by a metal tool.

Abstract: Fast-response electronic surge arrestors for protecting electrical equipment from the damaging effects of large amplitude, fast rise-time voltage transients. An electronic surge arrestor in accordance with the invention includes first and second transient suppression circuits arranged in parallel and coupled between a flat elongated microwave strip transmission line conductor and ground potential for dissipating transients of first and second polarities appearing on the conductor. Each of the first and second transient suppression circuits includes a fast-response Zener diode and a switching diode arranged in a serial, oppositely-poled fashion and having biased junctions for dissipating transients of the first and second polarity, respectively, while minimizing dissipation of signals in the UHF band which may be received or generated by the electrical equipment and also appear on the microwave strip conductor.

Abstract: A thin, integrated carbon/insulator structure, and a method for fabricating same, for use in a primary electrochemical cell. A quantity of a wet carbon slurry material including a mixture of carbon black, water and/or isopropyl alcohol, and a binder such as finely-divided "Teflon" in suspension, is deposited onto a porous fiberglass substrate and rolled to a prescribed thickness. The rolling operation causes a portion of the slurry material to diffuse into the surface of the porous fiberglass substrate and permanently adhere to and unite with a surface portion of the fiberglass substrate in an integrated, interlocking fashion. The fiberglass substrate having the layer of carbon slurry material integrated therewith is then dried to cause the layer of carbon slurry material to dry and shrink to the form of a layer of carbon plaque having a network of cracks produced therethrough in a random pattern as a result of the shrinkage during drying.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell of a design for reducing parasitic self-discharge of the cell during storage and subsequent discharge of the cell. The cell includes a tubular porous carbon cathode structure disposed within a metal housing of the cell and spaced from an anode structure by an insulative separator material. The carbon cathode structure and the anode structure are exposed to an electrolytic solution including a reducible soluble cathode (e.g., thionyl chloride) which is catalytically reduced at the surface of the carbon cathode structure during discharge of the cell.

Abstract: A method for assembling a primary electrochemical cell including a carbon cathode structure. An anode structure, a porous separator and an elongated porous carbon element are arranged concentrically with respect to each other and positioned within an elongated housing of an electrochemical cell. The porous carbon element has a guide opening extending therealong for a portion of its entire length. A generally V-shaped, tapered, resilient, unitary metal current collector element is secured to a feedthrough member/cover assembly of the cell and introduced into the guide opening of the porous carbon element. The current collector element is then pushed, using the cover for this purpose, along the guide opening of the carbon element and then beyond the termination of the guide opening whereby the current collector element penetrates the material of the carbon element and becomes embedded within the carbon element.

Abstract: Anode structures for primary electrochemical cells. An anode structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention includes a metal screen (e.g., of nickel) and a plurality of spaced-apart lithium anode elements arranged in a predetermined pattern (e.g., row and column) and embedded within the metal screen. A metal frame is connected with and surrounds the metal screen and has an electrical terminal extending therefrom.An anode structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention is similar to that of the first embodiment with the exception that the spaces between the lithium anode elements of the anode structure of the second embodiment are filled with a heat-absorbing porous insulative separator material.

Abstract: 1. In a communication system utilizing at least two independent binary coded pulse signal sequences, means for achieving and holding time synchronism between said two sequences which comprises the combination of pulse recurrence frequency searching means for controlling the pulse recurrence frequency of one of said signals relative to the other to bring said signal into synchronism with the other, and phase locking means including a periodic phase checking circuit and a phase variation correcting circuit responsive to the searching means bringing the signals into synchronism to operate on one of said signals for holding said signals in synchronism.

Abstract: Apparatus for a signalling system. The apparatus includes a plurality of remote control units each of which is arranged to store self-check timing data therein. This data has a value representing a predetermined period of time the expiration of which corresponds to a predetermined time of day differing from the times of day associated with at least some of the other remote control units. At or following this particular time of day, a self-check operation is initiated for communicating a self-check message, including identification number data identifying the remote control unit, to a centralized communications center. A computer at the communications center receives and processes self-check messages produced by the remote control units and operates in response to each message from a remote control unit to note the identification number data therein and, using this data, to derive self-check timing data for use by the remote control unit in the next self-check operation.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell having a carbon current collector cathode structure of improved design. The electrochemical cell includes an elongated housing containing an electrolytic solution and a battery stack in contact with the electrolytic solution. The battery stack includes a concentric arrangement of an anode, a porous separator, and a carbon current collector cathode structure. The carbon current collector cathode structure in accordance with the invention includes an elongated cylindrical porous carbon element having a guide opening therein, and a unitary, tapered, generally V-shaped metal current collector element embedded within the porous carbon element. The current collector element includes first and second spaced-apart, elongated, tapered, generally arcuate, resilient spring members joined together at first ends thereby to define a tapered, conical opening therebetween for the receipt therein of electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell having a carbon current collector cathode structure of improved design. The electrochemical cell includes an elongated housing containing an electrolytic solution and a battery stack in contact with the electrolytic solution. The battery stack includes a concentric arrangement of an anode, a porous separator, and a carbon current collector cathode structure. The carbon current collector cathode structure in accordance with the invention includes a vertical stacked array of annular-shaped porous carbon elements having coaxially aligned openings therein. An elongated, hollow, metal current collector tube having a large number of small openings formed therein for its entire length is disposed within and along the openings in the array of carbon elements and in direct physical contact with the carbon elements. The electrolytic solution in the cell is supplied directly to the array of carbon elements and also by way of the openings in the current collector tube.

Abstract: A data processing arrangement including a microprocessor and a plurality of input/output devices arranged in groups in accordance with a predetermined priority scheme. Each input/output device is capable of initiating a service request via an interrupt line to the microprocessor as a result of which a machine cycle is initiated by the microprocessor in which control signals are produced by the microprocessor and applied to logic circuitry coupled to the groups of input/output devices. The logic circuitry operates to propagate a low voltage level at the output of the input/output device initiating the service request down through the lower priority groups and to change inputs of the lower priority input/output devices from normal high voltage levels to low voltage levels. Data is then applied by the input/output device initiating the service request to the microprocessor, following which a microprocessor reset instruction resets the device.