Abstract: A loop antenna which is electrically small relative to a wavelength of a signal which it is designed to receive. The antenna is an electrically small, low profile, band switchable antenna which can be mounted on a metallic surface such as a truck or railway car rooftop and can be used to communicate with earth satellites. The antenna is polarized such that the plane containing the electric field is horizontal. Alternatively, the antenna can receive circularly polarized signals.

Abstract: A method of phase detecting a data input NRZ signal comprises applying the input data signal to a pair of parallel channels each comprising the same phase delay, and each clocked using the same clock signal. The phase delayed input data signal is coupled to respective inputs of a pair of phase comparators. The input data signal is coupled to a further channel comprising the same phase delay, and the further channel is clocked using the same clock signal. The phase delayed input signal is passed from the further channel through a further delay which is a fraction of that same phase delay, and the further delay is clocked using the clock signal. The further delayed input data signal is applied to another input of one of the phase comparators. The input data signal is applied through another phase delay which has the fraction of the aforenoted same phase delay (but is unclocked), to another input of the other of the phase comparators. Output signals are obtained from each of the phase comparators.

Abstract: In a PABX switching system: (a) apparatus for receiving dialed digits relating to a call, (b) apparatus for storing a table of groups of predetermined numbers of initial digits and for each group of initial digits storing a subtable, each subtable being comprised of a list of quantities of digits expected to follow a corresponding group of initial digits, each quantity being correlated with a central office or an alternate communication route, each list of quantities of digits being sorted in ascending order, (c) apparatus for selecting a group of initial digits in the table corresponding to first digits of the received dialed digits, and for pointing to a central office or alternate communication route corresponding to a lowest quantity of digits in a subtable of the selected group of initial digits, (d) apparatus for using the central office or alternate communication route for completion of the call in the event the dialed digits contain a quantity of digits corresponding to the lowest quantity of digits,

Abstract: A digital computer performs read-modify-write (RMW) processing on each bit of a row of memory in parallel, in one operation cycle, comprising: (a) addressing a memory, (b) reading each bit of a row of data from the memory in parallel, (c) performing the same computational operation on each bit of the data in parallel, using an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) in a dedicated processing element, and (d) writing the result of the operation back into the original memory location for each bit in the row.

Abstract: A process for hydrating CaO residues in fluidized bed combustor ashes that achieves a better level of hydration, which does not add significantly to the cost of the hydration process, which reduces the consumption of water in the hydration process, and which if desired can trap at least some of the CO2 in the furnace gasses, by using some of it to convert the hydrated CaO to CaCO3. This both reduces the amount of CO2 released to the atmosphere, and converts the potentially dangerous CaO in the ashes into an effectively inert and benign material. By exposing the ash/water mixture to sound under the correct conditions of frequency, and power input, it is possible to improve both the rate of hydration, and the level of hydration, of FBC ashes. The process can be carried out either batchwise or continuously, and does not require an extended time period.

Abstract: A method of detecting absence of connection of an external ground to a ground connection point associated with an AC supply circuit of a power supply. The AC supply circuit has hot and neutral conductors, with the neutral conductor externally connected to ground. The math involves (a) passing a current from the hot conductor to the neutral conductor via the ground connection point, (b) detecting passage of the current, (c) shutting down operation of the power supply upon detection of the current, and (d) bypassing at least an effective portion of the current from the ground connection point to external ground on connection of the ground connection point to external ground, thereby disabling the detection of passage of the current.

Abstract: An adjustable multi-purpose wagon canopy used to shade wagon occupants from the sun. The wagon canopy comprises: support members which are releasably connected to a wagon using mounting bracket assemblies rigidly fixed to the wagon; and a cover which is attached to the support members using a variety of attachment methods. The cover is adjustable both in length and in width while the support members are adjustable in height. The wagon canopy can be attached to wagons of differing sizes and can also be transplanted from a wagon to locations that have a sandy or soft ground.

Abstract: A process for preparing a preform for use in a metal matrix composite, particularly for a magnesium metal composite, and a metal matrix composite, typically made by squeeze casting, using the preform. In the preform the reinforcing material typically is silicon carbide, boron nitride, carbon or graphite. The binder used in the preform is magnesium fluoride, which avoids the known problems which result from the high reactivity of magnesium metal with other binders, such as silica and alumina, which results in the formation of magnesium oxide in the reinforced composite. The presence of magnesium oxide crystals in the metal matrix adversely affects the properties of the composite.

Abstract: A forming fabric having a paper side layer and a machine side layer comprises at least two systems of weft yarns and a single set of warp yarn triplets. In the fabric weave pattern, each member of each triplet set of warp yarns interweaves with the paper side weft yarns to occupy in sequence segments of an unbroken warp path in the paper side surface, and the members of each triplet interlace in pairs with single machine side layer weft yarns. Each segment in the unbroken warp path is separated by at least one paper side layer weft yarn. The machine side layer interlacing points can be regularly or irregularly spaced. After heat setting, the fabrics typically have a warp fill from about 105% to about 140%, an open area of at least 35% in the paper side surface, and an air permeability typically from about 3,500 to about 8,200 m3/m2/hr. Paper products made using these fabrics have enhanced printability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for managing battery packs by measuring and monitoring the operating capacity of individual battery modules in a battery pack. A programmable logic controller directs the selective closing of relays to allow individual battery modules to be load-tested using a variable discharge load unit, without compromising useful battery pack capacity. A battery module whose useful capacity falls below a predefined threshold may be connected to a battery charger for replenishment and then electrically realigned with the remaining modules in the pack for continued operation. Alternatively, an alarm may be triggered which alerts the user that the module is due for replacement. This sequence of events is performed on all cells in the pack at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: A composite forming fabric, comprising in combination a paper side layer having a paper side surface, a machine side layer and paper side layer intrinsic warp binder yarns. Each of the paper side layer and the machine side layer are woven together in a repeating pattern, and the two layers together are woven in at least 6 sheds, and up to at least 36 sheds can be used. All of the paper side layer warp yarns are provided by pairs of intrinsic warp binder yarns. The paper side layer weave pattern provides an unbroken warp path in the paper side surface including at least two segments, occupied in turn by each intrinsic binder yarn; the segments are separated by at least one paper side layer weft. Within each segment, each intrinsic binder yarn also interlaces once with a machine side layer weft, at the same point as a machine side layer warp interlaces with the same weft. The weave path occupied by each member of a pair of intrinsic warp binder yarns can be the same or different.

Abstract: A process for making a low volume fraction preform for a metal matrix composite including the steps of: mixing a reinforcement with a binder and sacrificial fillers to provide a castable slurry; placing the slurry in a mold to provide a green cast preform; drying the green casting to remove any water and/or solvent; firing the green preform at a relatively low temperature to burn off the sacrificial fillers; firing the green preform at an elevated temperature to sinter the binder to bond the reinforcement together. The firing steps include particular combinations of temperature and time to ensure decomposition of the sacrificial filler and sintering without destruction or cracking of the green preform.

Abstract: A basket gate (18) mechanism, typically for use in the cargo holds (12), of bulk carriers (10), includes two opposed gate segments (50, 51) which shut along a central line. Each gate segment (50, 51) is supported at its ends by pairs of different length arms (57, 58, 59, 60), so that when the gate (18) is opened, the segments (50, 51) slope downwardly. The pairs of arms (57, 58, 59, 60) are interconnected by a small and compact direction reversing lever mechanism (61, 62, 63, 64) that ensures coordination of the movement of the segments (50, 51). The arms (57, 58, 59, 60) and the supporting framework (52) are protected by a hog back (53). The gate (18) is opened and closed by an actuating means (65), typically a double acting hydraulic cylinder, located between the gate segments (50, 51) at their midpoints, and directly acting on said said gate segments.

Abstract: A testing device which measures minute changes in battery electrode thickness due to repeated charge/discharge cycles. The testing device uses a moving wall to detect changes in electrode dimensions, typically thickness. The moving wall is adjacent a surface of the electrode, and is connected a sensor that measures wall displacement induced by electrode dimensional changes. Also included in the testing device is a thermocouple that senses the temperature of the device, allowing the data sampling and processing means to correct for thermal expansion/contraction during operation. The testing device can be used during the battery cycling as it does not interfere with the charge/discharge/recharge process. The testing device can be used to measure either a single electrode, or a plurality of electrodes assembled into an electrode stack and incorporated either into a test cell or into a working battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating turbulence in stock to deflocculate the stock in an open surface forming section of a paper making machine comprises a dewatering box providing vacuum assisted drainage and which has a set of dewatering elements that impart turbulence into relatively thick stock layers carried at machine operating speeds of equal up to about 400 m/min, for the production of paper products having a basis weight generally in excess of about 160 gsm. Each set of elements includes a lead-in element, at least one intermediate element, and a trailing element. The path of the forming fabric is deflected downwardly as it passes over the intermediate elements, which are inclined at an angle of from about 0.25.degree. to about 10.degree. from a plane defined by forming fabric supporting surfaces on the lead-in and riser elements. This vertical movement initiates turbulence and agitation in the stock, which acts both to deflocculate the stock and to diminish the possibility of sheet sealing.

Abstract: A personal floatation device (PFD) comprising an inflatable bladder which is attached to the wearer by a waist belt and anchor straps joined to a second belt attached directly to the bladder. Both a gas cartridge device and a oral device are provided for inflating the bladder. The gas nozzle through which the gas enters the bladder from the gas cartridge includes a plurality of gas paths which permit gas flow substantially perpendicular to the gas inlet nozzle axis thus overcoming difficulties in inflating the PFD caused by the extremely cold gas vented from the cartridge freezing the bladder material of the PFD in the vicinity of the gas inlet nozzle. a similar gas inlet nozzle can also be used for the oral inflation device.

Abstract: A reliable gaseous hydrogen detection and measuring device which is simple, easy to use, does not require any reference gas supply, and which can be of reasonably rugged construction. The device utilizes a disc comprising a solid state ceramic hydronium conductor of the general formula Na(H.sub.3 O)Zr.sub.2 Si.sub.x P.sub.(3-x) O.sub.12 together with a silver based electrode system on one side, and a catalytic noble metal electrode, such as platinum, on the other. By measurement of the output voltage across the electrodes, both the presence, and the amount, of hydrogen in a gaseous system can be determined.

Abstract: A heart muscle irrigation device comprises a short rivet like member with one closed and one open end, and a barrel including a plurality of holes, slots, an area mesh, or a grid. The irrigation device is inserted into the heart muscle so as to provide a channel from, for example, the left ventricle, to provide ad adequate oxygenated blood supply to a starved muscle. The irrigation device is inserted from either outside or inside the rib cage by an insertion device. The insertion device comprises a plunger and barrel assembly adapted to contain the irrigation device. The tip of the insertion device includes members adapted to penetrate the heart muscle. If the irrigation device is inserted through an insertion into the rib cage, an applicator comprising a tubular member with a planar tip including a soft elastomeric seal can be used whereby a portion of the heart muscle is held more or less rigidly for the short period during which the irrigation device is inserted.

Abstract: A multilayer porous fabric which comprises a porous core fabric provided with hook means, and at least one layer of pre-needled nonwoven fibrous batt attached by entanglement onto the hook means by pressing the core fabric and batt together. The entanglement is sufficient to anchor the batt reliably to the core fabric, so that the multilayer fabric is ready for use without further processing. The porous core fabric may be formed by weaving or as an extruded sheet, with a plurality of suitably located hook means structures on at least one of its surfaces. The hook structures engage with and entangle sufficient fibers from the pre-needled nonwoven batt to provide adequate attachment preventing the batt from separating from the core fabric enabling the multilayer fabric to be handled before use, for example for installation in a papermaking machine press section. The batt is pre-needled to a desired density before attachment to the core fabric.