Abstract: A cutting compact has a superhard abrasive layer bonded to a substrate layer, wherein the configuration of the interface between abrasive and substrate layers is a non-planar, or three dimensional, interface which increases the surface area between the layers available for bonding and optimizes the structural integrity of the compact according to its desired application. In one embodiment, the topography between the substrate and abrasive layers of the compact is characterized by interlocking concentric circular grooves and channels of varying width, depth and shape. In another embodiment, the interface between the grooves and channels is rounded and smooth. In additional embodiments, the grooves and channels are positioned on substantially angled interfaces or substantially curved interfaces. Additional configurations of the present invention provide that the grooves alternatingly start and stop along the path in interfacing with their respective channels.

Abstract: A rotary disk calculator and educational aid is provided to assist in learning and understanding the relation between various musical keys on an instrument according to the circle of fifths system. A base plate member or disk is divided into twelve root key positions. An intermediate or second disk or template is concentrically mounted on the base disk. The structure of the second disk is alignable at various positions with each of the root key positions on the base plate. Indicators are formed on the second disk for ease of alignment. When aligned with a particular root key position, the second disk indicates the key signature (specific sharps or flats) that a piece of music has in that key; the number of whole or half steps between notes; notes for chords used in that key; and any special relationship linking certain of the notes.

Abstract: A drum outlet and closure apparatus for use with cylindrical steel drums provides an outlet fitting with a peripheral shoulder that is generally S-shaped to accept a cap seal (such as a commercially available metallic cap seal). The shoulder thus protects an inwardly spaced threaded section. In another embodiment, the drum outlet is formed of parent metal of the drum end, formed into an annular shoulder and then partially threaded. An upper unthreaded section is folded to define a closure sealing surface. The threaded section accepts a threaded closure fitting. An unthreaded lower interior section provides enhanced strength and protects the threading.

Abstract: A heavy lifting tool connector device is provided for lifting objects containing an outer peripheral surface and a plurality of holes. The connector device includes one or more connector rods having a fixed end and a free end and a lifting bolt having a hoist end and a contact end.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an improved thermoplastic composition for use in wire and cable manufacturing processes, which features the use of from about 15 to 45 percentage by weight of a modified furnace carbon black having a specific surface area of from about 35 to 250 m.sup.2 /g, preferably 35 to 60 m.sup.2 /g, as measured by the nitrogen adsorption surface area method. The modified carbon black is prepared by combining the carbon black with a specified amount of amine, under certain conditions, and heating the reactive mixture for an extended period.

Abstract: A pen-enabled computer system in which the digitizer sensor loop array is employed as a radio frequency antenna for receiving signals from an external signal source such as a wireless keyboard or wireless local area network interface. This radio frequency datalink arrangement allows for greatly enhanced freedom of movement when using external system components, as well as reduced component count and weight.

Abstract: A method of preparing fretting wear resistant titaniumbase alloy orthopaedic implants includes the steps of shot peening the surface of the implant with spherical ceramic beads of a selected size and density, and with selected intensity such that the fretting wear resistance of the implant is increased and wherein the implant surface is uniformly peened to create a compressively-stressed region within the surface of approximately 100-300 microns depth.

Abstract: A technique for handling processor mode mismatched instructions or commands encountered by a CPU within a multiprocessor computer system. During thread execution, if a multimode processor encounters a command or instruction that it cannot execute without shifting modes or mode emulation, it will look for an alternate processor present in the computer system to instead handle the mode mismatched command. If a suitable alternate is found, necessary input parameters including mode reconfiguration information are downloaded to a common memory area accessible to all processors in the system, and the alternate processor is loaded with the starting address of the code that will handle the mismatched command/instruction. The originating processor may suspend thread execution until the alternate processor completes execution. When complete, the alternate processor downloads the results to common memory, and signals its status to the originating processor.

Abstract: A tibial prosthesis apparatus and its insertion/removal tool includes a tibial tray that receives a polymeric tray liner with an articulating surface. Dovetail connections are provided for interconnecting the liner and the tibial tray. An instrument is provided that can either insert or remove the liner relative to the tray. The surgeon is provided with cam and hook portions that are at the hooking end of the instrument opposite the lever end. The cam engages the anterior surface of the liner while the hook attaches to the tibial tray and the lever end is rotated to cam the insert into a locked position during insertion. The hook engages the distal side of the liner so that the surgeon can rotate the instrument to disengage or remove the liner from the tray.

Abstract: A trial femoral prosthesis for use in knee joint replacement surgery includes a trial prosthesis body that is generally J-shaped. The prosthesis body provides a distal articulating surface and a proximal non-articulating surface. The articulating surface includes medial and lateral condylar portions, a distal portion, and an anterior portion. An elongated stem extends from the distal non-articulating surface for anchoring the trial prosthesis to the intramedullary canal of the patient's femur. Wedge trial insert members are connectable to the trial prosthesis body at the non-articulating surface. The inserts can be of different shape and different thicknesses and can be independently placed on opposite sides of the stem. However, the prosthesis body can be used independently without any inserts. The apparatus assists a surgeon who is going to revise a total knee that had been previously implanted. If a surgeon needs a wedge insert for the trial, a corresponding wedge is placed on the final knee implant.

Abstract: A roll-up cover for a swimming pool comprises a continuous sheet of flexible reinforced plastic firmly attached to an aluminum roller with a number of reinforced loops at the free end of the plastic. The roller can be turned by a crank or wheel to roll the cover up, and a pull with a hooked end is used to unroll the cover by inserting it into one of the reinforced loops and pulling the cover off of the roller. The loop straps on the free end of the cover can be hooked at the end of the pull to keep the cover tight. The entire cover assembly is mounted on wheels so that it is of a portable construction, and it includes a debris removal and collection apparatus. The cover can be made of a plurality of interleaved pivotally connected members which is movable along the edges of a swimming pool by a plurality of rollers, and the cover is strong enough to support an adult or child in the event that they accidentally fall into the pool.

Abstract: A modular tibial trial prosthesis for attachment to a patient's surgically cut proximal tibia includes a tibial tray having proximal and distal surfaces, the distal surface to be fitted against the patient's surgically prepared proximal tibia during knee joint replacement surgery. The proximal surface of the tray accepts any one of a plurality of plastic liner inserts that fits the tray at the proximal tray surface with an interlocking connection. The liner inserts each have a distal surface for attachment to the tray and a proximal articulating surface that is receptive of a distal femoral articulating surface. The proximal articulating surface has concavely-shaped portions. The concavely-shaped portions of the liner inserts provide different articular geometries for selection by the user. A plurality of spacers of different thicknesses can be positioned in between a selected one of the plastic liner inserts and the tibial tray. Each spacer has proximal and distal surfaces.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a biodegradable absorbent material for oil or other hydrocarbon liquid spills. The material consists of a mixture of granulated foam, microbial nutrient, de-dust agent and ground cellulosic material. This mixture is superior to other absorbent mixtures because it biodegrades faster than other mineral or organic adsorbents and is less expensive than synthetic adsorbents on the market today. The material is useful in field operations, plants and shop or even home use. Another embodiment of the present invention, provides for a system for absorbing hydrocarbon based liquids spilled on a surface using the absorbent material described.

Abstract: A scalpel blade removal apparatus for use with common surgical handle having a slotted tang and a disposable or changeable blade. The apparatus includes a receptacle for holding a multiple blades that have been disposed of. A cam arrangement is operated by the tang as the surgeon pushes the handle into the receptacle. The upper end of the cam rotates, disengaging the proximal end of the blade from the tang and simultaneously forming a connection between the proximal end of the blade and a shoulder that defines a catch. When the cam rotates fully to its lower most position, the blade is fully disengaged. The surgeon then removes the handle by pulling the handle along the same path used to insert the handle and blade. The catch then retains the blade so that only the handle and its tang are withdrawn.

Abstract: A memory controller which provides a series of queues between the processor and the PCI bus and the memory system. Memory coherency is maintained in two different ways. Before any read operations are accepted from the PCI bus, both of the posting queues must be empty. A content addressable memory (CAM) is utilized as the PCI to memory queue. When the processor performs a read request, the CAM is checked to determine if one of the pending write operations in the PCI to memory queue is to the same address as the read operation of the processor. If so, the read operation is not executed until the PCI memory queue is cleared of the write. To resolve the problem of aborting a Memory Read Multiple operation, an abort signal from the PCI bus interface is received and as soon thereafter as can be done the read ahead cycle is terminated, even though the read ahead cycle has not fully completed.