Abstract: An array of axially spaced rotating airfoils having funnel strips on the blades to increase the lift to drag ratio and generate thrust are rotatably driven by small motors with rotating airfoils, also having funnel strips to enhance thrust. The small motors are mounted on the tips of one set of rotating airfoils, or on an auxiliary drive member, so as to provide rotational torque for the array, thereby amplifying thrust generated by the fluid motor.

Abstract: A communications switching module (CSM) serving as common switching equipment for work stations in a star-topology Ethernet local area network. Both voice and data are incorporated in master Ethernet packets which are transmitted at a constant rate. The CSM switches the voice signals synchronously over a time domain multiplexed highway and separately switches the data signals asynchronously over a high speed packet bus.

Abstract: A local area network of devices connected to a Communication Switching Module (CSM) carry both delay-sensitive information and non-delay sensitive user data in master Ethernet packets transmitted over the LAN at a constant rate. Signaling and control information from the devices initialize a permanent virtual connection (PVC) between devices and the CSM. The signaling and control information is contained in standard Ethernet packets which are encapsulated along with non-delay sensitive data in the master Ethernet packets and performs various control functions for the LAN devices and the CSM.

Abstract: Delay-sensitive information (e.g., voice, video) and non-delay-sensitive user data are combined and transmitted over a single UTP cable forming part of a star-connected Ethernet local area network. Master Ethernet packets of fixed length are formatted with fixed length portions assigned to the two types of information and transmitted at a constant fixed rate. The delay sensitive information is extracted, switched and transmitted at a constant bit rate. The non-delay sensitive information is segmented and transmitted asynchronously in a user data portion of the Master Ethernet Packet.

Abstract: A bar clamp of the type operated with one hand to advance a movable jaw toward a fixed jaw to clamp workpieces and having a holding brake with release mechanism is modified according to the invention to provide a quick set up apparatus. The modified bar clamp adds a spring and adjustable stop to allow opening the clamp to a wide position. The release mechanism then is triggered to close the jaws on the work before operating the advancing mechanism in the usual manner.

Abstract: For implanting a therapeutic element, this needle assembly includes a cannula having a sharpened distal end, a line of elements in the cannula extending rearward from the distal end. A yieldable positioner including an absorbable plug positions the element more proximate the distal end a predetermined distance from the distal end. The positioner may be in various forms including an end plug, a tab in the cannula. The needle assembly may also be pre-loaded with the line of elements and be sterile and a distortion of the wall of the cannula. A stylet is reciprocable in the cannula and engages the end of the line of elements more remote from the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A permanent virtual connection (PVC) is automatically set up over an Ethernet local area network (LAN) link between a work station device having a digital telephone and a Communications Switching Module (CSM) when the device is first connected to the LAN. The PVC is established by exchange of information in standard Ethernet packets between the device and the CSM. Automatic reservation of a full duplex PVC for digital telephone signaling and control information enables set up and break down of voice channels within the same PVC by exchange of signaling information in standard Ethernet packets.

Abstract: Information items from publishers are furnished to authorized subscribers by processing and storing the information in a central database and logging in each information item. Entitlement tables also are kept which indicate which subscribers are entitled to view the information. Information items which are new or which have not yet been distributed are published on a network distribution server at a central location. The network subscribers have local file servers which contain previously received information items stored in a relational database. Network subscribers who are authorized update their local file servers over the Internet with the undistributed or new information items.

Abstract: System and method for mounting front-loaded photographs, which are held in place in a recess with a smooth curvilinear sidewall by a flexible plastic retaining ring, which is precisely formed to frictionally engage the smooth sidewall. A variety of recess shapes and decorative retaining rings are useable to provide a variety of displays, either single or in an array. The preferred method of forming the recess is by routing, using a template set or computer-controlled router bit.

Abstract: A security system having a series of adjacent bullet-proof transparent chambers for successive passage of persons in a queue. A door interlock system controls passage of individuals along with intermittent movement of a conveyor for inspecting hand-carried articles. The system includes manual and automatic controls for detaining a suspected individual and unlocking doors to allow release of other individuals in the chambers. A matrix of such chambers is shown, which handles security check-in for several queues of airline passengers.

Abstract: An aircraft security system comprises a transparent bullet-proof security chamber interposed between the pilot area and the passenger area, and providing the only means of passage to the pilot area. The security chamber has a cockpit door to the cockpit area and passenger door to the passenger area. The passenger door must be closed when the cockpit door is open and vice versa. A third, or entry door, may be used to facilitate boarding the aircraft. All doors are closed and locked when sensors indicate unauthorized entry of a passenger into the security chamber.

Abstract: A special fitting for installing a flanged nipple from the exterior of a duct. The threaded nipple has a handling stem formed integrally therewith, which is used to hold the nipple and flange inside the duct while a flexible cup seal washer is deformed and passed through the space between the handling stem and the duct. Thereafter, the fitting is drawn up with a nut and the handling stem cut off to provide a nipple.

Abstract: A funnel strip is added to a rotary airfoil, which utilizes the Bernoulli principle to increase the velocity of air over the suction side of the rotating airfoil to increase the lift. The device is applicable to thrust-producing devices, such as propellers, as well as to wind-powered devices.

Abstract: A greenhouse is combined with a gas turbine generator set, wherein power, heat and fertilization products are all supplied to the greenhouse by the gas turbine and its exhaust gas in a balanced system for year-round continuous plant production. The system is preferably located at a landfill along with other similar units and is fueled by landfill gas. Excess power from the gas turbine generator in summer months is sold to the electric utility grid as “green power”.

Abstract: A firearm using a laser in place of a firing pin mechanism. Special cartridges have a lasing chip, which lases to ignite the propellant when a beam from the laser impinges on the lasing chip through a port in the breechblock. An electronic control system prevents the unauthorized use of the firearm by preventing connection of the laser power supply to the laser unless the user of the firearm is in close proximity and is authorized by an ID card.

Abstract: A light weight golf bag with waist straps and an angle adjustment cord which is carried on the waist at an angle behind the players' back, so as not to impede the players' stroke. The bag is not intended to be removed between shots.

Abstract: High yields of vanadium containing virtually no nickel or magnesium are obtained from natural bitumen ash consisting of up to 5% carbon, more than 95% of water-soluble compounds of vanadium, nickel and magnesium by mixing the ash with water to produce a 20% solids slurry of pH below 6.5 and temperature of 80-85° C. oxidizing any reduced vanadium in the slurry and then separating and removing the resulting polyvanadate precipitate from the liquid phase containing substantially all the nickel and magnesium values of the ash.

Abstract: An improved vertical pin probing device is constructed using Invar, which substantially matches the coefficient of thermal expansion of the silicon wafer being probed. Spaced dies with Invar foils supporting the probe pins are coated with wear-resistant dielectric materials having lubricity to permit the probe pins to slide in the holes during probing.

Abstract: An attachment for a firearm with a removable barrel screws onto the firearm in place of the barrel and enables firing a flare. The attachment includes a firing pin housing with a sliding firing pin extension, and a flare cartridge barrel, which may be temporarily removed to receive a flare cartridge and then replaced. The normal bolt action of the firearm actuates the firing pin extension to fire the flare cartridge.