Abstract: An audio-type signal is encoded. The signal is first divided into bands. For each band, a yardstick signal element is selected. Its magnitude is quantized using a first level of accuracy. This magnitude is used for various purposes, including assigning bits to the different bands, and for establishing reconstruction levels within a band. The magnitude of non-yardstick signal elements is quantized with less accuracy than are the yardstick signal elements. The encoded signal is also decoded. Apparatus for both encoding and decoding are also disclosed. The location of the yardstick element within its band may also be recorded and encoded, and used for efficiently allocating bits to non-yardstick signal elements.

Abstract: A connection element such as a thimble connects to a user's body member and, through a linkage, to a ground reference. The apparatus physically exchanges a force with a user in an environment local to the user. The linkage powers at least three independent freedoms of the connection element relative to the reference. It also maintains at least one independent freedom of the connection element relative to the reference free of power. Up to three independent freedoms of the connection element may be maintained free of power, and up to five independent freedoms may be powered. A gimbal connects the gimbal to the linkage. Zero, one or two of the gimbal axes may be powered. A five bar linkage connects the connection element to a counter-balance that also includes two actuators. A third actuator connects the five bar linkage to the reference. The two actuators of the counterbalance may be connected to the next link in the chain to the reference through a single cable.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus is for use with a visual sensory apparatus, for projecting a light pattern onto a surface to be viewed by the sensory apparatus. The illuminating apparatus comprises: a light source; a patterniser for constraining light emitted from the source to produce on the surface, a light pattern having a light interface, the interface having an extended dimension. The light pattern is caused to move relative to the surface, parallel to the extended dimension of the light interface. The pattern may comprise a plurality of extended straight line interfaces, each interface being parallel to the other interfaces of the plurality. Rather than straight, the plurality may be circular and concentric. Rather than a plurality, the pattern may comprise a single straight line or circular light interface.

Abstract: A feedback apparatus for an operator to control an effector that is remote from the operator to interact with a remote environment has a local input device to be manipulated by the operator. Sensors in the effector's environment are capable of sensing the amplitude of forces arising between the effector and its environment, the direction of application of such forces, or both amplitude and direction. A feedback signal corresponding to such a component of the force, is generated and transmitted to the environment of the operator. The signal is transduced into a vibrotactile sensory substitution signal to which the operator is sensitive. Vibration producing apparatus present the vibrotactile signal to the operator. The full range of the force amplitude may be represented by a single, mechanical vibrator. Vibrotactile display elements can be located on the operator's limbs, such as on the hand, fingers, arms, legs, feet, etc.

Abstract: A separable fastener component for use with a complementary separable fastener component has a base member, having a nominal fastening face and a non-fastening face. Carried on the fastening face is a pattern of fastening elements, comprising a main region carrying fastening elements. Substantially surrounding the main region is a bald region that is substantially free of fastening elements; and substantially surrounding the bald region, is a perimeter region that carries fastening elements. The bald region may be a rectangular annulus, as may be the perimeter region of fastening elements. The bald and perimeter regions may also be non-rectangular. The sacrificial perimeter fastening elements may be hooks or loops. Anchoring elements may be provided on the non-fastening face of the base. Rather than the bald region being one that surrounds the main region, it may bound a portion of the main region and may be a pair of bald regions that are substantially free of fastening elements.

Abstract: An electrical outlet adapter has a base that has a support face and a room face. The support face has a cord end, an oppositely disposed nose end and two sides. The room face is spaced from the support face and comprises a cord end socket surface and a nose end socket surface, spaced from each other and substantially parallel, each socket surface forms an angle with the support face of between 90.degree. and 135.degree.. A medial surface connects the cord end socket surface with an adjacent socket surface relatively noseward. Piercing each socket surface is at least one set of socket holes adapted to receive a multi-prong electrical power plug. Adjacent each set of socket holes is an electrical conductor configured to mate with the multi-prong electrical power plug when inserted into the set of holes. Connected to each of the electrical conductors, is an electrical network that is configured as a multi-prong electrical power plug. The adapter may also have a cover.

Abstract: An apparatus compares the torque from an MOV motor with the valve displacement, and from the comparison assesses MOV operating condition. A transducer measures the vibration of the housing of an MOV. The vibrations are due to the motions of the rotating elements within the housing, which motions are directly related to the motion of the valve relative to its seat. Signal processing apparatus analyzes the vibrations to recover the rotations of the rotating elements and thus the motion of the valve plug. Lost motion can also be determined (if a lost motion connection exists) by demodulating the vibration signal and thus taking into account also the lost motion. Simultaneously, the forces applied to the valve are estimated by estimating the torque between the stator and the rotor of the motor. Such torque can be estimated from measuring the input current and voltage alone, using a forgetting factor and a correction for the forgetting factor.

Abstract: A connection element such as a thimble connects to a user's body member, through a linkage, to a ground reference. The apparatus physically exchanges a force with a user in an environment local to the user. The linkage powers at least three independent freedoms of the connection element relative to the reference. It also maintains at least one independent freedom of the connection element relative to the reference free of power. Up to three independent freedoms of the connection element may be maintained free of power, and up to five independent freedoms may be powered. A gimbal connects the gimbal to the linkage. Zero, one or two of the gimbal axes may be powered. A five bar linkage connects the connection element to a counter-balance that also includes two actuators. A third actuator connects the five bar linkage to the reference. The two actuators of the counterbalance may be connected to the next link in the chain to the reference through a single cable.

Abstract: A fastener of the hook and loop type intended to be incorporated into plastic articles by plastic molding processes is formed of a known separable fastener member having a base member and a plurality of engaging elements upstanding from one surface thereof. A vinyl plastisol, thermoplastic, or rubber encasement which intimately surrounds the individual engaging elements protects the elements when they are exposed to the harsh environment of a molding process. The fastener is placed in a mold and molded into, as an integral part thereof, a plastic part. The encasement is removable from the engaging elements after the molding process, to expose the engaging elements, without permanently deforming or substantially destroying the fastening performance thereof.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for connecting a slender structure to a reference body. The apparatus comprises a link, that is connected to one end of the slender structure. The link is connected with a hinge at a second point of the link to the reference body with at least one degree of rotational freedom. A damper for damping motion of the link through at least one of the link's degrees of rotational freedom is connected between the link at a third point and the reference body. The device suppresses vibration waves travelling in the slender structure. A spring for resisting motion through the degree of rotational freedom may also be beneficially provided. The link, spring and damper may all act through one or two degrees of rotational freedom. The hinge can be either a pivot or a flex joint. The invention includes a method of selecting the parameters of the link, damper and spring assembly to optimize the suppression of vibration.

Abstract: Improved printed wiring boards are disclosed, in which indications showing the types of electronic devices to be mounted on the printed wiring boards and other information are provided within the insulation cover coating and are protected from getting accidentally scraped off. Alignment marks are also well protected so that users can always rely on the alignment marks. The surfaces of the printed wiring boards are smooth and flat, which prevents stagnation trouble in a feeding operation of the printed wiring boards as well as helps provide a securer mounting of electronic devices. An improved wiring freedom is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is a method for making a metal containing article, comprising the steps of: providing a layer of a porous ground in a selected area; exposing selected regions of the layer of porous ground to light, thereby metallizing the selected regions; repeating the foregoing steps a selected number of times to produce a selected number of layers; and selectively modifying the metallized regions of the layers. The initial metallization can be by electroless or semiconductor photo deposition plating. The subsequent modification of the metallized regions can be by electroless plating, electroplating or sintering. It is also possible, in some instances, to forego the second phase modification, the initial phase having provided the desired parameters. In a third preferred embodiment, the invention is a method using an initial metallization phase effected by exposure of a metal salt, such as a metal halide, to light, thereby inducing activation of the halide.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing dry ingredient has a plurality of containers, each for a different ingredient. Each has a body having an internal chamber, and a port for dispensing the ingredient, which is arranged gravitationally below the chamber when in use. Each container has at least two baffles adjacent the port. The baffles are inclined and define a passageway through which the ingredient may pass. The passageway is sized and the baffles are inclined such that the ingredient rests upon the baffles. The apparatus also includes a collection stage that is arranged relative to each of the plurality of container ports so that ingredient dispensed from each port is deposited upon the collection stage. The apparatus also includes a vibrator for exciting at least one of the baffles of each container such that the ingredient is urged to pass through the respective passageway and out of the chamber.The apparatus typically further includes a controller for activating and deactivating the vibrators.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for providing liquid to a patient, preventing reflux and permitting venting. Tubes or other suitable apparatus are provided for connecting to the liquid source and the patient. An anti-reflux valve is provided in the hydraulic channel between the source and the patient. A vent is provided in the channel between the anti-reflux valve and the patient. Thus, gas urged from the patient under pressure is urged out of the vent. However, liquid similarly urged from the patient is prevented from overflowing by the anti-reflux valve. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-reflux valve is a flapper valve or a ball valve. In another preferred embodiment, the vent is a gas permeable, liquid impervious fabric. Alternatively, the vent may be a float valve. The invention is useful for gastroenterological feeding, nasogastric feeding and the like.

Abstract: A feedback apparatus for an operator to control an effector that is remote from the operator to interact with a remote environment has a local input device to be manipulated by the operator. Sensors in the effector's environment are capable of sensing the amplitude of forces arising between the effector and its environment, the direction of application of such forces, or both amplitude and direction. A feedback signal corresponding to such a component of the force, is generated and transmitted to the environment of the operator. The signal is transduced into an auditory sensory substitution signal to which the operator is sensitive. Sound production apparatus present the auditory signal to the operator. The full range of the force amplitude may be represented by a single, audio speaker. Auditory display elements may be stereo headphones or free standing audio speakers, numbering from one to many more than two.

Abstract: A new technique has been developed to measure etching or deposition rate uniformity in situ using a CCD camera which views the wafer during plasma processing. The technique records the temporal modulation of plasma emission or laser illumination reflected from the wafer; this modulation is caused by interferometry as thin films are etched or deposited. The measured etching rates compare very well with those determined by Helium-Neon laser interference. This technique is capable of measuring etching rates across 100-mm or larger wafers. It can resolve etch rate variations across a wafer or within a die. The invention can also be used to make endpoint determinations in etching operations as well as measuring the absolute thickness of thin films.

Abstract: The invention is a turbo machine comprising a rotatably mounted blade row, such as a compressing or pumping rotor and apparatus for providing aerodynamic feedback to the blade row which feedback apparatus has substantially zero pressure difference across it. The feedback may be provided by various apparatus, including at least one free-rotor that is mounted in aerodynamic feedback with the blade row, for instance coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation of the blade row and freely rotatably with respect to the blade row. The free-rotor may also be located in ductwork in communication with the blade row. The feedback may also be provided by a blade row having a variable stagger angle and apparatus to adjust the stagger angle so that the mean pressure rise across the variable stagger angle blade row is zero. The invention also includes a method for controlling operating anomalies such as rotating stall and surge of a turbo machine such as a compressor using the above described apparatus.

Abstract: A fastener of the hook and loop type intended to be incorporated into plastic articles by plastic molding processes is formed of a known separable fastener member having a base member and a plurality of engaging elements upstanding from one surface thereof. A vinyl plastisol, thermoplastic, or rubber encasement which intimately surrounds the individual engaging elements protects the elements when they are exposed to the harsh environment of a molding process. The fastener is placed in a mold and molded into, as an integral part thereof, a plastic part. The encasement is removable from the engaging elements after the molding process, to expose the engaging elements, without permanently deforming or substantially destroying the fastening performance thereof.

Abstract: An audio type signal is encoded. The signal is first divided into bands. For each band, a yardstick signal element is selected. Its magnitude is quantized using a first level of accuracy. This magnitude is used for various purposes, including assigning bits to the different bands, and for establishing reconstruction levels within a band. The magnitude of non yardstick signal elements is quantized with less accuracy than are the yardstick signal elements. The encoded signal is also decoded. Apparatus for both encoding and decoding are also disclosed. The location of the yardstick element within its band may also be recorded and encoded, and used for efficiently allocating bits to non-yardstick signal elements.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for a maglev vehicle includes multiple vehicle magnets. The magnets are paired For a suspension configuration, the magnets are one above the other, with a plurality of pairs arranged along the length of the vehicle. The poles are of adjacent magnets are opposite each other, transverse of the guideway. The guideway carries a conductor that is located symmetrically with respect to the two vehicle magnets. Among other things, the conductor may be a ladder, discrete coils or a helical winding. As the vehicle moves along the guideway, the voltages are induced in the circuits of the guideway conductor by the moving vehicle magnetic fields. If the vehicle is at a symmetry position with respect to the guideway, no current is induced in the guideway conductors because the magnetic fields from the pair of magnets cancel each other.