Abstract: The present invention relates to dielectric materials which may be used in the manufacture of, e.g., low profile heaters. Such dielectric materials comprise at least about 50% of a glass composition having about 35-50% SiO.sub.2, about 30-40% of an alkaline earth metal oxide selected from the group consisting of CaO, MgO, and SrO, about 13--22% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and about 0-10% B.sub.2 O.sub.3, the percentages being weight percentages based on the weight of the total glass composition. Certain dielectric compositions of the disclosure have a linear thermal expansion coefficient in the range of about 6.0 to 9.0 ppm/.degree. C.

Abstract: An interposition layer (12) is formed on the outside surface of a part (10) made of thermostructural composite material containing carbon, and a metal case is formed by casting molten metal (22) around the part provided with its interposition layer. The interposition layer has closed porosity and it is proof against the metal of the case, such that shrinkage of the metal during cooling is absorbed by compacting or collapsing the porosity of the interposition layer, thereby preserving the integrity of the metal case, and the interposition layer constitutes a diffusion barrier preventing eutetics forming by contact between the metal of the case and the composite material.

Abstract: A broadband amplifier has a microcontroller having tables the entries of which correspond to desired variable slope and gain characteristics of the amplifier. The entries in the tables are derived from known temperature characteristics of a specific amplifier/cable combination; multiple tables are used to support multiple different configurations. The microcontroller retrieves values from the tables based on temperature data supplied thereto via a serial bus; these values are output to digital-to-analog converters which generate slope and gain control signals to control slope and gain compensation circuits in a PIN diode attenuator in the amplifier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring instantaneous power using a magneto-optic Kerr effect sensor are disclosed. The apparatus comprises and the method requires a magneto-optic Kerr effect magnetic field sensing element and an optical system including a light source, first and second polarizers, and a photoconductive detector. In a preferred embodiment, the sensing element and the optical system are arranged to sense the intensity of a magnetic field generated by current passing through a high voltage power line so as to provide an optical signal that is representative of the current to the photoconductive detector. A voltage signal is tapped off of the high voltage power line to provide a bias signal to the photoconductive detector. The photoconductive detector thereby effectively multiplies the optical current signal with the voltage signal so as to provide a photoconductive detector current signal that is proportional to instantaneous power passing through the high voltage power line.

Abstract: Preforms for producing annular parts of composite material are produced by inding a strip (1) of fibrous material around an elliptical mandrel (10) to produce an elliptical sleeve which can be cut obliquely, cutting taking place either before or after one or more densification steps. The cutting plane is inclined relative to the right cross section of the elliptical sleeve, and the inner and outer portions of the cut rings are machined to obtain circular elements. Such elements can produce annular parts of composite material having a reduced tendency to delanination under circumferential stress. The superposed layers are needling together during winding. A uniform needling density per unit area can be obtained by controlled displacement of the needle board (5) and of the elliptical mandrel (10) relative to each other as the mandrel turns, to compensate for the eccentricity of the cross section of the mandrel. These methods are particularly suitable for producing brake disk preforms.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for scheduling cell transmission over a network link by a switch. The switch includes a plurality of queues associated with each link. Lists of queues are maintained for each link. In one embodiment, each link is associated with more than one type of list (with the list type corresponding to a scheduling category) and more than one prioritized list of each type (with the priority of the list corresponding to a quality of service). The scheduling lists are accessed to permit cell transmission from a queue contained therein in a predetermined sequence as a function of scheduling category, priority within a particular scheduling category and whether the bandwidth requirement for the particular scheduling category has been met. With this arrangement, maximum permissible delay requirements for each scheduling category are met.

Abstract: An orientationless squib connector assembly (10) for automotive air bag assemblies is disclosed. A single initiator pin (24, 326) is provided axially aligned within a squib socket (12, 324). An annular ground plate (28, 328) surrounds and shunts to ground the initiator pin near the base of the socket. An associated connector (16, 202, 312, 410) includes a first, axially located terminal (64, 280, 314, 416) for electrical contact with the initiator pin and a second terminal (66, 282, 316, 418) comprising a depending leg or beam (110, 320) radially aligned with the first terminal for electrically contacting the ground plate at any rotational orientation of the connector with respect to the socket and for moving a part of the ground plate (28) out of electrical engagement with pin (24). Eliminating a required rotational orientation of the connector simplifies its manufacture and assembly and its incorporation into a vehicle.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) housing having a screwless seizure mechanism for receiving the center conductor of a coaxial cable is disclosed. The mechanism is mounted on a printed circuit board adjacent an entry port of the CATV housing. One end of the seizure mechanism includes a female terminal for receiving the center conductor of a cooperating CATV coaxial cable when the cable is installed on the entry port. An entry guide is provided which insulates the female terminal as well as directs the center conductor of the CATV cable into the female terminal. A second end of the seizure mechanism is securely mounted to, and in electrical communication with, the printed circuit board. A CATV coaxial cable installed onto the entry port of the CATV housing is placed in electrical communication with internal electronics of the housing while still maintaining signal and power integrity without the need to disassemble the housing to secure the center conductor to the circuit board by a seizure screw.

Abstract: Acyclic, asymmetric methyl alkyl carbonates, particularly for use with a carbonaceous, e.g., graphite, anode, in electrolytes suitable for portable power sources, are disclosed. Asymmetric alkyl carbonate solvents, having the general structural formula MeO--CO.sub.2 R, where R is larger than methyl, can be used as the only solvent in the non-aqueous electrolyte of a portable power source; no other solvent is necessary for superior performance in, e.g., high energy density lithium ion batteries or high power electrochemical capacitors. Furthermore, an asymmetric alkyl methyl carbonate can serve as the primary solvent for a non-aqueous electrolyte, i.e., the solvent providing the requisite properties, with the appropriate volume balance being made up with a combination of cyclic and acyclic carbonates or esters chosen for a particular application.

Abstract: A tunneling sensor has a pair of force rebalance capacitors that are used in a push-pull relationship so as to provide a rebalance force that is a linear function of applied rebalance voltages, which leads to an output voltage that is linearly related to input acceleration. The tunneling sensor comprises a plate electrode that is formed from and attached to a silicon substrate by a pair of torsional flexures, which provide an axis of rotation for the plate electrode. A pendulous mass is formed on a first end of the plate electrode, and a tunnel-effect contact is formed on a second end of the plate electrode. A pair of torque rebalance bridge electrodes are formed on the substrate so as to span the plate electrode. A tunnel-effect tip is formed on the substrate so as to be proximate the tunnel-effect contact and in line with the rotational path that the tunnel-effect contact takes when the plate electrode is rotated.

Abstract: A system for modifying a cursor image, as displayed on a video monitor of a remote terminal, to a specific image having a desired shape and appearance. The system stores cursor image data corresponding to the specific image, and a cursor display code. The cursor display code contains information in response to which the cursor image is modified to the specific image. A server computer transmits specified information to the remote terminal. The information includes at least one cursor display instruction. The cursor display instruction is operable to modify, in conjunction with the cursor information and the cursor image data, a cursor image displayed by a display of the remote terminal in the shape and appearance of the specific image.

Abstract: A method and modem for communicating serial input data over a transmission link. Serial input data is partitioned into parallel data elements prior to rotation by an invertible linear mapping. Resulting frames of parallel signal elements sequentially modulate a carrier, which is then transmitted over the link. After receipt of the modulated carrier from the link, the signal is demodulated and assembled into frames of parallel signal elements which are derotated by an inverse linear mapping. Thresholding the result of the inverse mapping recovers the parallel data elements, which are then re-assembled into serial output data. The linear mapping employs: 1) commuting rotation matrices for convolutionally rotating data vectors into signal vectors and vice-versa; 2) filter bank polyphase rotation matrices; or 3) computationally efficient multi-rate wavelet filter banks. Transmitter pre-emphasis places most of the information in lower baseband frequencies; complimentary de-emphasis occurs in the receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electro surgical device for use by a surgeon to perform coagulation procedures to damaged tissue and evacuation procedures to related fluids. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first electrode having a first open end, a second open end, an outside surface, and a channel extending from the first open end to the second open end. The device further comprises a second electrode having a first end, a second end, an inside surface, and an outside surface. The inside surface of the second electrode is encased about the outside surface of the first electrode and electrically isolated by an insulator. The device further comprises first and second terminal pins each having a first end connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively, and a second end adapted to engage with the electrical generator. The device further comprises a housing having a suction port and a terminal pin portion.

Abstract: Several different types of electrical switches are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, an electrical switch is disclosed comprising: a molded case having a pair of conductive terminal contacts; and a molded actuator for mating with the case. The actuator is movable between a conducting position and a non-conducting position within the case, and the actuator has at least one spring member and a conductive contact surface. The spring member forces the actuator into the non-conducting position, and the conductive contact surface provides an electrical connection between the pair of conductive terminal contacts when the actuator is in the conducting position. The actuator is retained within the case by a retaining member and/or a snap member. The case and the actuator are molded about the conductive terminal contacts and the spring members, respectively. Furthermore, the conductive contact surface is formed of a conductive elastomer that is grafted to the actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for selectively accessing and independently sizing connection identification tables within a network switch. Upon receipt of a data unit, such as an asynchronous transfer mode cell at an input port of an Input Output Module, a plurality of selection bits are inserted into the cell header which are used to select one of a plurality of connection identifiers. The VPI/VCI addresses are mapped into a connection identifier and the connection identifier is also inserted within the respective cell header. The connection identifier may comprise an unicast connection identifier, a multicast connection identifier, or a redundant unicast identifier. The unicast, multicast and redundant identifiers are either stored in separate tables at call setup and the tables are independently selectable via use of the selection bits stored within the cell header.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for translating data link layer and network layer frame headers at speeds approximating the reception rate of frames on respective communication links. High-speed header translation is achieved via the use of a dedicated microsequencer which identifies the receive frame encapsulation type and the transmit frame encapsulation type and based on such identification, selects a processing routine which is then executed to translate the frame header. The microsequencer is employed to control the movement of control information and frame header and payload information from an input FIFO, through the dedicated header processor, and to an output FIFO. The headers of the respective frames are translated within the dedicated header processor to facilitate header translation at high speeds. Via use of the presently disclosed header translation apparatus, layer 2 and layer 3 header translations, as well as other header translation functions may be rapidly performed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for facilitating multicast operation in a network in which a data unit is multicast from a root node to a plurality of leaves via a plurality of branching point nodes in response to feedback processed at each branching point node. At least one cell forwarding technique is selected from a plurality of cell forwarding techniques at the respective branching point nodes. The cell forwarding techniques facilitate multicast operation by controlling forwarding and discard of multicast cells. The forwarding techniques are realized via use of a buffer ring in which cells are stored prior to forwarding. Manipulating head and tail pointers associated with the buffer ring allows for a plurality of desirable forwarding techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heterogeneous vanadium-phosphorus oxide catalyst system for the selective oxidation of hydrocarbons, which may or may not be saturated, comprising a support based on one or more metal oxides, and vanadium-phosphorus oxide in an amount of from 0.01 to 45 wt. %, based on the weight of the catalyst and calculated as (VO).sub.2 P.sub.2 O.sub.7, to a process for the selective oxidation of an organic compound in the presence of a vanadium-phosphorus oxide catalyst, which process comprises an oxidation and a reduction phase, wherein a hydrocarbon is contacted with said catalyst in the reduction phase and in oxidized or non-oxidized form is adsorbed to the catalyst, whereafter the thus loaded catalyst is brought into the oxidation phase, the desired product is formed in the presence of gaseous oxygen and subsequently separated.

Abstract: An injection screw comprise a rear end to a front end of an effective length of the screw compartmented in the order of a feed zone, a compression zone and a metering zone, wherein the metering zone is constituted by the first metering zone, the second metering zone and the relaxation zone. A root diameter of the second metering zone is formed in a smaller diameter than a root diameter of the first metering zone and a screw channel depth is set deeper than a screw channel depth of the first metering zone. Variations in a resin temperature at injecting is solved and melting and kneading through a entire screw further are improved by only partial changing of the configuration of the metering zone.

Abstract: Acyclic, asymmetric ethyl alkyl carbonates, particularly for use with a carbonaceous, e.g., graphite, anode, in electrolytes suitable for portable power sources, are disclosed. Asymmetric alkyl carbonates having the general structural formula EtO--CO.sub.2 R, where R is larger than ethyl, and most preferably equal to butyl, iso-butyl or sec-butyl, are particularly useful in causing the freezing point of the electrolytes in which they are used to decrease dramatically, thus providing the key to low temperature, high cycle life and high capacity for portable power sources.