Abstract: The invention includes methods and products which use contact adhesives to secure separate sheets of multiple ply documents to form finished documents, such as integrated letters and envelopes, billing statements, invoices, etc. Sheet material for production of completed documents having plural plies is disclosed, the production of which includes the steps of providing a continuous web of material having sequential parts therealong, the sequential parts including a first part having a first and a second surface and a second part adjacent to the first part having a third and a fourth surface. Contact adhesive is applied to at least the first and second parts in patterns which preclude adhesive contact and bonding of adjacent facing surfaces of the first and second parts when the web is interfolded and the first and second parts are in registry but which permit adhesive contact and bonding of the first and second parts when separated and sequentially stacked.

Abstract: A method for calculating a distance from a fiber optic tip of a sensor to a reflective surface by high pass filtering a fringe signal gathered by a spectrometer, calculating a power spectral density of the filtered signal, and using a calibrated distance vs. peak spectral density wavelength curve to determine the measured distance. This fiber optic distance measurement technique can be applied to a variety of sensor types, including, but not limited to, pressure, displacement, temperature, acoustic, pressure, load, and magnetic field sensors.

Abstract: A semantic attractor memory uses an evolving neural network architecture and learning rules derived from the study of human language acquisition and change to store, process and retrieve information. The architecture is based on multiple layer channels, with random connections from one layer to the next. One or more layers are devoted to processing input information. At least one processing layer is provided. One or more layers are devoted to processing outputs and feedback is provided from the outputs back to the processing layer or layers. Inputs from parallel channels are also provided to the one or more processing layers. With the exception of the feedback loop and central processing layers, the network is feedforward unless it is employed in a hybrid back-propagation configuration. The learning rules are based on non-stationary statistical processes, such as the Polya process or the processes leading to Bose-Einstein statistics, again derived from considerations of human language acquisition.

Abstract: Described are the design of a rare earth iron garnet sensor element, optical methods of interrogating the sensor element, methods of coupling the optical sensor element to a waveguide, and an optical and electrical processing system for monitoring the polarization rotation of a linearly polarized wavefront undergoing external modulation due to magnetic field or electrical current fluctuation. The sensor element uses the Faraday effect, an intrinsic property of certain rare-earth iron garnet materials, to rotate the polarization state of light in the presence of a magnetic field. The sensor element may be coated with a thin-film mirror to effectively double the optical path length, providing twice the sensitivity for a given field strength or temperature change. A semiconductor sensor system using a rare earth iron garnet sensor element is described.

Abstract: A total shoulder replacement arthroplasty system which encompasses replacement of the humeral head with a modular artificial humeral head. The artificial humeral head is attached to an implant, which is designed to fit in the metaphysis without protruding into the diaphysis, thus obviating the need to ream the diaphysis. In addition, the implant is designed to allow bone in-growth into the implant, thus avoiding the use of cement to affix the implant. A device for resecting the humeral head to facilitate easy implantation of the prosthetic is also disclosed, as is an operative technique used to implant the prosthetic.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intercooler system which uses an air conditioner evaporator coil or other mechanical refrigeration device to cool air flowing therethrough prior to intake of the air by an internal combustion engine. The invention thereby reduces the temperature of the air entering the engine well beyond the temperature reduction provided by a conventional intercooler. The invention may be used to chill the air to a point cooler than ambient temperature or even down to below freezing. In some embodiments, a conventional intercooler may be used to partially cool the air before it enters the intercooler of the invention. In other embodiments, the intercooler may be used in combination with a novel engine-driven supercharger having a variable-speed drive. The engine-driven supercharger of the invention may alternatively be used independently of the disclosed intercooler.

Abstract: A high-speed air-supported vehicle capable of multiple mode operations as both a water-contacting vehicle and an aircraft includes an aero roll-stabilizing plan form, a stabilizing ski/hydrofoil below a planing surface of a hull portion of the aero roll-stabilizing plan form for providing stabilization and lift to the plan form in at least one mode of operation, the ski/hydrofoil being mounted to a front underside of a hull portion of the aero roll-stabilizing plan form and being mounted forward of a center of gravity of the plan form, whereby a leading edge of said plan form is kept at a substantially constant level with respect to a surface of water during at least one mode of operation. A stabilizing ski provides stabilization and lift in at least one mode of operation. A flexible ski mount is provided for mounting the stabilizing ski to the aero roll stabilizing plan form.

Abstract: An optical interconnection for connecting a first integrated circuit to a second integrated circuit includes a plurality of light sources, a plurality of light detectors, a symmetric imaging system, and a plurality of beam steering elements, one for each of the plurality of light sources. Each of the beam steering elements is configured to steer light from its corresponding light source to a new angle which causes the symmetric imaging system to have an effective aperture closer to its plane of symmetry. A mirror may be inserted in the plane of symmetry of the imaging system that folds the system back upon itself, making the object plane and image plane co-incident.

Abstract: A method of operating a telecommunications device wherein the telecommunications device is used to detect an outgoing call from a calling party to a called number. The calling number is used to determine whether or not the calling party is a universal service user. If it is determined that the called number is among a class of numbers exempt from charges, the call is connected. A determination on the sufficiency of funds in a pre-paid account is made. If it is determined that there are insufficient funds in a pre-paid account to cover charges associated with the outgoing call, a message is generated and sent to the calling party or a third party requesting authorization to charge an additional fee for connecting the calling party with the called party. User input is received from the calling party, indicating the calling party's authorization of such charge. The connection between the calling party and the called party is made.

Abstract: A nondestructive bond testing system is implemented using a pulse laser that sends a single or multiple pulse(s) of controlled magnitude and bombards an object of interest causing a thermoelastic excitation response. This excitation in turn induces an ultrasonic propagation along or through the surface material. By detecting, capturing and interpreting these thermoelastic propagation signatures, the attachment condition of the joining materials is determined. The technique is a significant improvement over traditional mechanical pull, shear or contact type techniques. The techniques are implemented in automated high speed inspection systems suitable for real time manufacturing application. Particular applications include evaluating material joining in microelectronics manufacture (such as ball bonds) and thin coating processes.

Abstract: A blast protecting panel for interior portions of building windows includes a blast-shielding panel of a high tensile fiber woven in an open weave fabric in such a manner whereby a high degree of light is transmitted through the fabric while still allowing see-through visibility. The fabric is mounted using a retention system, which can be either fixed or dynamic, allowing the fabric to unwind and billow out into the building, retaining flying glass and debris. The retention system preferably includes fixed upper and dynamic lower tension retainers around which a length of fabric is wound and which allows the fabric to unwind therefrom without becoming detached from the retainer case or from the surface to which the retainers are mounted.

Abstract: A semantic attractor memory uses an evolving neural network architecture and learning rules derived from the study of human language acquisition and change to store, process and retrieve information. The architecture is based on multiple layer channels, with random connections from one layer to the next. One or more layers are devoted to processing input information. At least one processing layer is provided. One or more layers are devoted to processing outputs and feedback is provided from the outputs back to the processing layer or layers. Inputs from parallel channels are also provided to the one or more processing layers. With the exception of the feedback loop and central processing layers, the network is feedforward unless it is employed in a hybrid back-propagation configuration. The learning rules are based on non-stationary statistical processes, such as the Polya process or the processes leading to Bose-Einstein statistics, again derived from considerations of human language acquisition.

Abstract: A high-speed air-supported vehicle capable of multiple mode operations as both a water-contacting vehicle and an aircraft includes an aero roll-stabilizing plan form, a stabilizing ski/hydrofoil below a planing surface of a hull portion of the aero roll-stabilizing plan form for providing stabilization and lift to the plan form in at least one mode of operation, the ski/hydrofoil being mounted to a front underside of a hull portion of the aero roll-stabilizing plan form and being mounted forward of a center of gravity of the plan form, whereby a leading edge of said plan form is kept at a substantially constant level with respect to a surface of water during at least one mode of operation. A stabilizing ski provides stabilization and lift in at least one mode of operation. A flexible ski mount is provided for mounting the stabilizing ski to the aero roll stabilizing plan form.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of contact adhesives to secure separate sheets of multiple ply documents together during the printing and collating process to form finished documents, such as integrated letters and envelopes, billing statements, invoices, etc. The contact adhesive patterns are alternatingly offset or staggered on facing surfaces of adjacent sheets, either in a continuous feed interfolded stack or in a stack of separate sheets. In this manner, the adjacent sheets remain free of one another, as the contact adhesive disposed on each facing surface does not come in contact. Yet, the adhesive pattern on every other sheet is identical, to allow corresponding sheets from another like stack to be glued to those of the first stack. Different staggered adhesive arrays may be provided, to allow the assembly of documents having various numbers of plies therein, and for the forming and assembly of address labels to properly configured envelopes, etc.

Abstract: An optical surface on a glass preform for an optical lens is simultaneously ground and polished. A glass blank is rotated by a work spindle mounted in an air bearing. A resin bonded diamond cutting ring is rotated by a tool spindle mounted in an air bearing. The axis of the tool spindle is set at an angle with respect to the axis of the work spindle with the edge of the cutting ring being centered on the axis of rotation of the blank. One of the spindles is moved linearly with respect to the other to move the cutting ring into engagement with the blank for grinding a precisely shaped, polished optical surface thereon. The spindles are mounted on a table and a driving motor for the linear drive is remote from the table to isolate the spindles from the vibration of the motor.

Abstract: An improved H-bridge power amplifier for controllably driving a dc motor is presented. The motor is connected in the center of the H-bridge in conventional manner. The H-bridge includes a current sense resistor placed between the power supply and a common tie point of the upper transistors of the bridge. Free wheeling diodes are connected from the motor directly to the power supply. This arrangement allows current to flow through the current sense resistor only when one of the upper transistors is on. The power amplifier is operated by selecting an appropriate pair of upper and lower transistors on opposite sides of the bridge so as to cause the current to flow through the motor in a desired direction. Both the upper and lower transistors of the selected pair are held ON until the current as sensed in the current sense resistor equals or exceeds a specified value, typically a desired current level.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for a method for assuring the quality of the results obtained from a blood gas analyzer. The apparatus comprises a device for storing blood gas quality control reagent comprising a first variable volume, gas impermeable container for receiving the reagent. The reagent is stored exclusively in the liquid phase therein. A valved exit passageway emanates from the container which container is situated in a second container surrounding the first, a space being present therebetween and a compressed gas situated in the space. Upon opening the valve, the compressed gas decreases the volume of the first container and reagent is expelled through the exit passageway. The present device is uneffected by changes in ambient temperature since the reagent is stored exclusively in the liquid phase. The device is reusable since a portion of the reagent may be expelled without contamination of the remaining contents.

Abstract: A dielectric material which meets the temperature requirements for X7R grade capacitors consists of a fired ternary niobate composition. A dielectric constant of at least 2000 and a limited change in dielectric constant with temperature is present in compositions having the approximate formula:Pb.sub.x .multidot.Ba.sub.y .multidot.Sr.sub.z (Nb.sub.2 O.sub.6)where x, y and z represent the mole fractions of each of Pb, Ba and Sr which are in the ranges of X=0.1 to 0.4, y=0.1 to 0.4, z=0.4 to 0.5, the sum of x, y and z being 1. Modifications which increase these ranges include doping the ternary niobate composition with a rare earth and substitution of Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 for Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5. During preparation, the composition is heated in a cycle which produces a mixture of phases, primarily rhombohedral and tetragonal structures similar to those of PbNb.sub.2 O.sub.6.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for assuring the quality of the results obtained from a blood gas analyzer. The apparatus comprises a device for storing blood gas quality control reagent comprising a first variable volume, gas impermeable container for receiving the reagent. The reagent is stored exclusively in the liquid phase therein. A valved exit passageway emanates from the container which container is situated in a second container surrounding the first, a space being present therebetween and a compressed gas situated in the space. Upon opening the valve, the compressed gas decreases the volume of the first container and reagent is expelled through the exit passageway. The present device is uneffected by changes in ambient temperature since the reagent is stored exclusively in the liquid phase. The device is reusable since a portion of the reagent may be expelled without contamination of the remaining contents.

Abstract: In drawing an optical waveguide, the blank is heated by a beam of laser radiation which has substantially zero power from the axis of the blank to a prescribed radial position and substantially uniform power from that position to a greater radial position. A rotating spinner splits radiation from the laser into two rotating beams, the paths of which are made to be non-intersecting with the axis of the blank being drawn. A conical reflector forms the radiation into a circumferential beam through which the blank passes.