Abstract: A keyboard controller which scans entered input sequences for an input sequence to activate a display blanking feature. A password and particular hot key are loaded by the system microprocessor. The keyboard controller then scans until the designated sequence is activated. The display on the monitor is blanked until a password sequence is entered. The password mode may be directly activated from the system microprocessor. The display blanking feature is especially useful in conjunction with a keyboard password lock.

Abstract: A tubewave damper probe for the suppression of borehole tubewaves in seismic applications is disclosed. The damper probe is suspended into a borehole by means of a cable and is comprised of a housing, a gas-filled bladder within the housing, and a plurality of valves located on the housing. The damper probe operation is based on a modified Helmholtz resonator effect. The bladder is precharged before insertion into the borehole, and pressure variations within the borehole cause the bladder to expand or contract. The valves are designed such that expansion of the bladder causes the valves to close, and contraction of the bladder causes the valves to open. The valves also prevent over-expansion of the bladder.

Abstract: An automatic insulation tester tests the insulation resistance of electrical equipment when the electrical equipment is inoperative. The automatic insulation tester is automatically rendered operative when the electrical equipment is inoperative, and is automatically rendered inoperative when the electrical equipment is operative. The automatic insulation tester applies a voltage on the order of the rated voltage of the electrical equipment to the electrical equipment and measures and displays the insulation resistance of the electrical equipment. When the insulation resistance falls below a predetermined value, an indicator is activated, and remains in an activated state until the insulation resistance of the electrical equipment rises above the predetermined value and the automatic insulation tester is manually reset.

Abstract: A valve sealing apparatus including a valving member (500), a valve bonnet (520) having a continuous bore (540) that communicates with the valving member (500), a valve shaft (542) housed within the bore (540) of the bonnet (520), a primary sealing member (576) positioned in the bore (540) of the valve bonnet (520) which surrounds the valve shaft (542), and an annular ring (580) positioned between the wall of the valve shaft (542) and the wall of the bonnet (520) for pressing into the face of the primary sealing member (576), for imparting a downward force on the primary sealing member (576), in order to prevent horizontal fluid flow between the valve body and the wall of the valve shaft (542) on both the upper and lower faces of the primary sealing member (576), and a spring (564) associated with the valve bore (540) for maintaining force on the primary sealing member (576) in order to maintain the primary seal.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting corrosive conditions in pipelines comprises a wire having an electric potential different from the electric potential of the pipeline. The wire is disposed in the pipeline in a housing which prevents it from coming into contact with a pig used to clean the interior of the pipeline. The wire is spaced from the interior of the pipeline so that it normally is not in direct electrical contact with the pipeline. The wire extends out of the pipeline and is electrically connected to an indicator. The indicator is also electrically connected to the pipeline. When corrosive fluid, such as briny water, is present in the pipeline and comes into contact with the wire and the interior of the pipeline, an electric current is electrochemically produced due to the difference in electric potential between the pipeline and the wire. The indicator detects this current and indicates that corrosive conditions are present in the pipeline.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube bundle extractor capable of being used either suspended from a crane or while mounted onto a rigid extendible boom. The extractor features brackets for attaching the extractor to cables suspended from a crane. The extractor can also be mounted onto an extendible boom having an articulated head. When desired, the bundle extractor can be used while mounted onto the boom. If crane operations are preferred, the extractor can be readily detached from the boom and suspended from a crane at much higher elevations.

Abstract: A biocompatible titanium alloy with low elastic modulus containing titanium, about 10-20 wt. % or 35 to about 50 wt. % niobium and up to 20 wt. % zirconium useful for fabricating of orthopedic implants. This invention relates generally to high strength, biocompatible alloys suitable for use as a material for a medical prosthetic implant and, in particular, a titanium alloy which has a relatively low modulus of elasticity (e.g. closer to that of bone than other typically-used metal alloys) and does not include any elements which have been shown or suggested as having short term or long term potential adverse effect from a standpoint or biocompatibility.

Abstract: An automated digital broadcast system which is capable of reliable operation for long periods of time without human assistance. The system comprises a plurality of compact disc players or other audio devices which are controlled by computer to sequentially play a predetermined list of musical selections and commercial or informational messages.

Abstract: A bus arbitration protocol and accompanying bus arbitration logic for multiple-processor computer systems in which each processing module has a local cache. Several bus arbitration policies are enforced on contending devices which effectively introduce delay states into the arbitration behavior exhibited by each device. The bus arbitration protocol employs a distributed method of arbitration control involving an essentially fixed prioritization of arbitrating devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fractures of the femur including a screw and an intramedullary rod. The screw has a threaded portion and a smooth portion. The rod has a head and a stem. There is at least one opening through the head of the rod in an angled direction toward the femoral head relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod. The opening is adapted to slidingly receive the screw to permit the threaded portion of the screw, in use, to engage the femoral head and to allow sliding compression of a femoral neck or intertrochanteric fracture. An optional second opening and second screw which will also allow sliding compression may be provided to prevent rotation and to adapt the fracture device to a variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nicotine-impermeable container and a method for fabricating same. Additionally, the invention relates to a nicotine inhaling device which allows a user to ingest nicotine vapors orally. The nicotine inhaling device of the present invention is primarily directed to a device which can be used as a smoking cessation aid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extinguishing fires by simultaneously applying a spray of dry powder and liquid/liquid-foam, including a nozzle for the simultaneous spray of powder and liquid.

Abstract: A circuit board is capable of indicating whether it is located in an 8 bit slot and is capable of operating on an 8 bit or 16 bit wide data path. The user can indicate the desired operating data width. Based on determinations of slot size, desired operating width and the presence of other 8 or 16 bit devices, the operating data path width is automatically set. Warnings are given for selected operating conditions.

Abstract: A lift chair or elevator chair apparatus for invalids provides a base portion having an inclined upper surface and a sub-frame pivotally attached thereto along a forward edge. A mechanical ram powered by an electric motor pivots the sub-frame with respect to the base and about the forward pivot. The inclined upper surface of the base receives the sub-frame thereon in a fully downward position which defines a reclined position for the user. Pivotal rotation of the sub-frame with respect to the base and upon the pivot to an uppermost position defines the forward most lifting position which aids the invalid in moving from a sitting to a standing position.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for subsea wellheads provides a water tight housing carrying therewithin an electric motor drive which operates a valve that is positioned adjacent but outside the water tight housing. A high ratio gear box within the water tight housing interfaces the motor drive and the valve while maintaining the flow control position of the valve such as open flow, closed flow, or incremental flow opening positions of the valving member. A dual tone multi-frequency controller activates the electric motor drive using a key pad at a remote location so that both operation of the valve and an indication of valve position can be achieved from the remote location.

Abstract: A treatment to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of Motility Disorders, including the Functional Bowel Diseases. Treatment of patients with analogs of GnRH signficantly reduces or elminates the symptoms of Motility Disorders, including Functional Bowel Disease.

Abstract: A method for automatically remapping a disk after receiving a bad sector indication without requiring system operator intervention, initiation of a diagnostic program or system down time. When the disk controller receives the error and mirroring or parity operation is activated, a remap routine is initiated. The routine finds the bad sector in the request, builds a good track of data and stores this good track of data in a reserved area on all the disk units on the controller. The data in the reserved area is then read, and if successful, the track having the bad sector is remapped to remove the bad sector from use. The saved data is then rewritten to the track, thus restoring the disk unit to full operation. A flag is set during the process so that should power fail the process can be restarted.

Abstract: A computer system which utilizes two different sets of address control and state information signals for transferring information of the same or different widths is disclosed. The use of two sets of signals allows master units to utilize only one set and a system board determines when the second set of signals must be used to complete the transfer and controls the second set of signals as necessary. The system board provides the necessary information routing and latching to properly transfer the information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circle thread form for threadably engaging the wellhead valve assembly and the riser tensioner to the riser top joint of a marine riser of a floating tension leg platform or similar drilling or production platform. The male thread form is located on the cylindrically shaped riser pipe, wherein the male thread form comprises a series of annular substantially circularly shaped convex protrusions that are substantially equally spaced from one another and extend outwardly from a predetermined pitch line, and between and abutting each of the protrusions a series of annular and substantially circularly shaped concave grooves that extend inwardly from said pitch line.