Abstract: A regulated power supply in which square wave output of a switching rectifier is applied to a filter comprises a series inductor and a parallel capacitor. This filter lacks a series resistor. The ramp signal is developed across a second capacitor in series with a first resistor, and in parallel with the rectifier output. An amplifier adds the ramp signal to a signal representing the error in the DC output voltage of the power supply, producing an output that is fed to a control circuit. The control circuit in response generates a voltage control signal that controls the switching of the rectifier.

Abstract: In a distributed shared memory system, clusters of symmetric multi-processors are connected to each other by a network. Each symmetric multi-processor includes a plurality of processors, a memory having addresses, and an input/output interface to interconnect the processors. A software implemented method enables data sharing between the clusters of symmetric multi-processors using variable sized quantities of data called blocks. A set of the addresses of the memories are designated as virtual shared addresses to store shared data, and a portion of the virtual shared addresses are allocated to store a shared data structure as one or more blocks. The size of a particular allocated block can vary for different shared data structures. Each block includes an integer number of lines, and each line includes a predetermined number of bytes of shared data. Directory information of a particular block is stored in the memory of a processor designed as the home of the block.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for dynamically setting hint fields of instructions. Machine executable code is modified during execution to locate and replace instructions having hint fields. The instructions are replaced with calls to intercept the execution flow and redirect to procedures of a monitor. During execution of the machine executable code, hint information is recorded in a memory. The recorded hint state information is analyzed to determine the most frequently occurring or best hint value. When a best hint value has been determined, the replaced instructions are restored with best hint values.

Abstract: A sighting device for use with firearms and the like under varied ambient light conditions comprises a base member for mounting relative to a firearm or the like and an upstanding sight member. The sight member includes an intermediate surface that has a reflective finish and that is inclined upwardly and rearwardly so as to reflect ambient light from above rearwardly toward a sighter's eye. The rear end of the sight member defines a through aperture and is dimensioned so that it masks the inclined reflective surface from view from the rear except for that portion thereof that is exposed through the aperture. The aperture and inclined reflective surface combine to present a bright bead contained in the relatively dark border of the rear face of the sight member which is useful in attaining an accurate sight under both bright and dim ambient light conditions. A front sight embodiment having a single aperture and a rear sight embodiment having two spaced apart apertures are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel electrodialysis apparatus in which the frames form fluid directing paths, thereby assuring a strictly parallel flow path of both diluted and concentrated process solutions.

Abstract: An improved structure for solar cells is disclosed. It incorporates a layer of titanium dioxide between previously used layers of tin oxide and silicon. The new cells shows increased efficiency and improved thermal stability.

Abstract: A novel silver powder composition characterized by a very low fusion, or film-forming temperature, probably assignable to the relatively small amount of oxides or other undesirable occlusions within coatings formed of the powder. The invention also relates to a new process for forming such a powder; the process is believed to involve the formation of a fatty-acid silver reaction product of the surface of the silver powder before it is subjected to fusion into a metallic coating. During fusion the decomposing reactant seems to act as a flux aiding the formation of a metal film of superior appearance and strength.

Abstract: An improved process for modifying the properties of membranes, particularly ion exchange membranes, and novel membranes characterized by a unique combination of low gas permeability and low electrical resistivity. The process comprises the steps of modifying the morphology of a pre-membrane by subjecting it to a chemical reaction, advantageously with a reactive macromolecular solute in an organic solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel duplex pouch structure which provides an improved means to package and process retortable foods and also provides a mechanically superior package which can be transported with only moderate protection, and yet will sustain minimal damage.

Abstract: An improved flexible package for use in packaging acids, oxidants and the like is constructed with a laminate comprising, at least, an amorphous polyester ply and a metal foil ply. The package is characterized by a superior combination of excellent stability in heatsealing operations over a wide range of conditions and extraordinary chemical resistance to oxidants and acids.

Abstract: Novel electrically-conductive compositions comprising an organic resin matrix and flakes of a novel conductive silver powder which is characterized by extreme thinness. The novel silver powder, and a novel process for preparing metal powders, are also described.

Abstract: A novel process for fastening ceramic material such as alumina or the like to metallic material such as an electrical conductor. The process is characterized by the fact that a solder wettable, oxidation-resistant barrier is used, on metal particles printed onto the ceramic. In some advantageous processes, the carbide layer allows metallizing processes to be carried out in non-hydrogen atmospheres. The process requires no expensive noble metal; and it utilizes a barrier material which is sufficiently stable to tolerate conductive film formation at high temperatures. Nickel-carbide coated nickel is a particularly favorable material for use in the invention because it is conductive, in the ohmic sense, and is readily wetted by common solders.Also disclosed are novel articles and compositions useful in practice of the process of the invention, and novel articles produced by the process of the invention.

Abstract: A high-precision, metal-faced, calender roll which can be readily reconditioned by thermal means. The calender roll has a surface which is advantageously formed of that class of nickel-titanium alloys having thermally-responsive shape memory properties. The calender roll is particularly useful in avoiding time consuming repair and undesirably prolonged runs in making high quality magnetic tape.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for use in high-speed packaging of liquid-bearing substances, particularly foods. The apparatus comprises means to shield a sealable, particularly a heatsealable, portion of each of a series of packages with a protective and disposable shield means.

Abstract: This disclosure describes transparent glass window structures of the type bearing a first coating of infra-red reflective material which is advantageously less than about 0.85 microns in thickness and wherein the observance of iridescence resulting from such a first coating is markedly reduced by provision of a second coating arranged in register with said first coating, the second coating providing at least two interfaces which, with the mass of the second coating, form means to reflect and refract light therefrom to interfere with the observation of iridescence. The invention also encompasses processes for providing such windows. A particular advantage of the invention is its efficacy with clear and lightly tinted glasses wherein the problem of iridescent color has had its greatest commercial impact.

Abstract: A novel package means especially useful in packaging a plurality of canned goods, e.g. soft drinks and the like. The package comprises two tensioned film wraps, arranged at right angles to one another about the package item, and wherein one wrap serves as a handle means.

Abstract: An improved process for modifying the properties of membranes, particularly ion exchange membranes, and novel membranes characterized by a unique combination of low gas permeability and low electrical resistivity. The process comprises the steps of modifying the morphology of a pre-membrane by subjecting it to a chemical reaction, advantageously with a reactive macromolecular solute in an organic solvent.

Abstract: An improved dielectric printing paper and process for making the same, characterized by excellent resolution, contrast, and feel. The paper incorporates an inorganic salt such as magnesium chloride as a conductivity-providing ingredient. The dielectric coating is formed with a high loading of inorganic fillers and is applied by a dry process to form a discontinuous dielectric coating on the conductive paper substrate.

Abstract: A novel process for molding articles from superplastic metals. The process is characterized by a fast-cycle utilizing a cooling and high-speed reject steps.

Abstract: A serum-less medium for use in the growth of cells. The medium is an improved aqueous culture media of the MEM type comprising thyroxin, insulin, and Vitamin A. Hydrocortisone and essential fatty acids may also be advantageously used, as may effective quantities of Vitamin E. Surfactants are used to make the vitamins and any fatty acids available for cell growth. This aqueous media may also comprise cell-growth-enhancing quantities of biotin and folic acids.