Abstract: A storage tank is provided for storing liquefied natural gas on, for example, a motor vehicle such as a bus or truck. The storage tank includes a metal liner vessel encapsulated by a resin-fiber composite layer. A foam insulating layer, including an outer protective layer of epoxy or of a truck liner material, covers the composite layer. A non-conducting protective coating may be painted on the vessel between the composite layer and the vessel so as to inhibit galvanic corrosion.

Abstract: A high power, high frequency, solid state power amplifier system includes a plurality of input multiple port splitters for receiving a high-frequency input and for dividing the input into a plurality of outputs and a plurality of solid state amplifier units. Each amplifier unit includes a plurality of amplifiers, and each amplifier is individually connected to one of the outputs of multiport splitters and produces a corresponding amplified output. A plurality of multiport combiners combine the amplified outputs of the amplifiers of each of the amplifier units to a combined output. Automatic level control protection circuitry protects the amplifiers and maintains a substantial constant amplifier power output.

Abstract: A welding method and apparatus are provided for forming a weld joint between first and second elements of a workpiece. The method includes heating the first and second elements to form an interface of material in a plasticized or melted state interface between the elements. The interface material is then allowed to cool to a plasticized state if previously in a melted state. The interface material, while in the plasticized state, is then mixed, for example, using a grinding/extruding process, to remove any dendritic-type weld microstructures introduced into the interface material during the heating process.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-pressure cryogenic tank construction includes an inner layer comprising a matrix of fiber and resin suitable for cryogenic use. An outer layer in intimate contact with the inner layer provides support of the inner layer, and is made of resin composite. The tank is made by placing a fiber preform on a mandrel and infusing the preform with the resin. The infused preform is then encapsulated within the outer layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for joining a metallic member to a structure made of a composite matrix material. One or more surfaces of a portion of the metallic member that is to be joined to the composite matrix structure is provided with a plurality of outwardly projecting studs. The surface including the studs is brought into engagement with a portion of an uncured composite matrix material so that fibers of the composite matrix material intertwine with the studs, and the metallic member and composite structure form an assembly. The assembly is then companion cured so as to join the metallic member to the composite matrix material structure.

Abstract: A bio-hydraulic testing system is provided for simulating the effect on fish of at least one hydraulic system component. A water flow introduction device introduces a flow of water into the testing system, and a fish introduction means introduces a plurality of fish into the testing system. A flow introduction conduit receives a flow containing water from the flow introduction device and fish from the fish introduction device. A testing module receives the flow from the flow introduction conduit. Monitoring device monitor and record fish activity in the water flow in the testing module. Fish exit the testing module into a flow exit conduit, and are collected by fish collection device located downstream of the exit conduit. Finally, discharge device discharge the water from the testing system.

Abstract: Convergence systems, or PC-TV systems, provide the combined benefits of a computer system and a television. These systems typically include audio/video recorders, such as VCRs, for recording programs, as well as an electronic program guide (EPG) for presenting program information. The present invention provides methods and devices for detecting specific signals or markers associated with a program or channel signal, and then enabling a recording device or an EPG to perform an act, such as recording a program, based upon the detected signals or markers. In a preferred embodiment, the system receives a channel signal, detects a program start or stop marker within the signal, and controls the EPG or the recording device to perform acts corresponding to the detection of a start or stop instruction.

Abstract: A method for verification of the identity of a patient to which a medical treatment is to be delivered. The identity of the patient is verified and the treatment to be delivered is checked. In some embodiments, an identifying element such as patient chart or patient photograph is provided for the patient which includes a patient identifier, e.g., a barcode, capable of being read by a reader device located within the treatment room. In these embodiments, the patient identifier is read by the reader device in the treatment room and a characteristic audio signal, previously assigned to the patient and known to the patient, is generated in response to the reading of the identifying element when there is a match between the patient identifier and a stored identifier for the patient. Treatment of the patient is at least temporarily withheld if any audio signal generated in response to reading of the patient identifier by the reader device is not the characteristic audio signal assigned to the patient.

Abstract: A monolithic LC filter which provides increased magnetic field coupling as compared with a conventional monolithic LC filter, without an increase in component size of the filter. The monolithic LC filter includes first and second resonator inductors coupled together by magnetic field coupling. The inductors include parallel-extending straight coupling sections formed by conductive lines which extend in parallel generally along a diagonal of a supporting dielectric layer. This configuration enables the lengths of the coupling sections to be increased as compared with the lengths of the corresponding coupling sections of a conventional monolithic LC filter.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for, inter alia, verification of the identity of a patient undergoing healthcare administered by a healthcare practitioner. The methods include improved record and verify methods which provide for verification of healthcare data entered into a computer and for the use of a paper verification sheet or log into which selected data from the computer is entered. Methods are also provided which incorporate timing out of preselected periods to ensure that healthcare-related tasks or actions, including, e.g., those involving patient identification, are carried out promptly. In addition, improved check sheets or logs are provided which are specifically limited in the number of healthcare parameters to be monitored. Further, an improved document carrier is provided which helps ensure that the proper documents, arranged in a desired sequence, are brought to the treatment setting.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a non-return valve (10) comprising a valve body (12) and a valve membrane (14). The valve body (12) is generally tubular and includes an elongate passageway (16) having an inlet and an outlet defined at its opposing ends (18) and (20), respectively. The valve membrane (14) is in the form of a conical-shaped diaphragm formed integral with the tubular valve body (12). The diaphragm (14) is configured as a generally conical-shaped element having a collapsible opening or aperture (22) located at or adjacent its apex. The conical diaphragm (14) is oriented with its apex in a downstream flow direction. The resiliently flexible material from which the diaphragm (14) is constructed ensures that the diaphragm (14) in a collapsed condition obstructs or closes the aperture (22) to prevent fluid flowing in a reverse direction towards the inlet (18).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing non-contact inspection of large concrete structures such as dams. A phrased array acoustic source transmits an acoustic wave onto the concrete structure. A laser transmitter-receiver unit transmits a laser beam onto the surface of the structure such that the beam is modulated by the acoustic wave and reflected back to the receiver portion of the unit. The acoustic wave will be distorted by defects or anomalies in the concrete structure and this will affect the signal content of the received laser beam. The laser beam is ultimately converted into a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional tomographic image for further processing.

Abstract: An electronic part such as a dielectric duplexer or filter is provided which comprises a dielectric ceramic block having a pair of opposite first and second side surfaces and an end surface meeting the first and second side surfaces nearly at right angles, an extension-electrode forming notch formed in the end surface so as to have an open end at the first side surface, a dummy electrode-forming notch formed in the end surface so as to have an open end at the second surface, the extension electrode-forming notch and the dummy electrode-forming notch corresponding in shape and position when observed in the direction in which the first and second side surfaces are opposed, an extension electrode formed in the extension electrode-forming notch, and a dummy electrode formed in the dummy electrode-forming notch. A method of forming an electrode of such an electronic part is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a distributed wave winding. To accelerate the currently used method for producing a distributed wave winding the invention provides for a relative indexing to be carried out between the template and coil receiver after a concentric coil group has been ejected and for a further concentric coil group of the same phase with a connection to previous coil group to be wound on the template and ejected in the coil receiver.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank from two shells formed by molding, which are joined together, at least one shell being produced by compression-molding a portion of a plastic sheet between a mold and a punch and by the remaining portion of the sheet being blow-molded in the region not compression-molded.

Abstract: A dielectric chip antenna includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped dielectric substrate, a feeding electrode, a fixation electrode, and two radiation electrodes. The feeding electrode is provided on one longitudinal end surface of the substrate, and is used to receive high frequency energy to be transmitted. The fixation electrode is provided on the opposite longitudinal end surface of the substrate and is used for fixation of the antenna to a printed circuit board. The two radiation electrodes are formed on a peripheral surface of the substrate so as to extend longitudinally while spirally surrounding the substrate. The base ends of the radiation electrodes are connected to the feeding electrode. The two radiation electrodes are formed symmetrically with respect to a horizontal plane passing through a center axis of the substrate so that the two radiation electrodes are of identical patterns on the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate.

Abstract: A high voltage transformer for a microwave oven includes a core, and primary and secondary coils. An insulation molding part encloses at least a part of the secondary coil and has a sensor accommodation portion formed therein. A temperature sensor is accommodated in the sensor accommodating portion for detecting temperature of the secondary coil. The sensor accommodating portion can be formed inside of the insulation molding part together with the temperature sensor, or formed outside of the insulation molding part in a pocket shape. With either configuration, the temperature sensor can be positioned at the correct sensor position, thereby improving the detecting accuracy of the temperature sensor. In addition, it is easy to repair and/or replace the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A wiring substrate includes a solid layer formed on the core substrate to partially cover the same. At least one resin dielectric layer is formed on the solid layer and the core substrate while a plurality of pads are formed on the resin dielectric layer and are exposed at the main surface of the wiring substrate. First pads are located within a region above the solid layer and second pads located outside of that region. First top-flattened solder bumps are formed on the first pads and second top-flattened solder bumps are formed on the second pads. The bumps all include a top face of the same diameter.

Abstract: The extent of input/output coupling of a dielectric electronic component such as a dielectric filter or a dielectric duplexer can be adjusted by a novel method. The dielectric filter 1 comprises excitation holes whose short-circuiting ends are provided with respective coupling-adjusting countersinks.