Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing address translation in an ATM network element, such as a switch, resulting in minimized circuit complexity and resultant cost savings. The present invention includes the generation of a simplified local address from elements of internetwork communications, the local address being suitable for addressing a routing table in the network element. Components of the local address are also individually employed as masks for out-of-range checking.

Abstract: A circuit for switching a computer between a stand alone mode and a data acquisition mode for a host computer. The switching circuit automatically switches to the data acquisition mode when the device is electrically coupled to a host computer. The switching circuit is further adapted to prevent disallowed stand alone functions while the computer is in the data acquisition mode.

Abstract: A valve for a flexible liquid-container has a hollow cylindrical body including a bowl-shaped or trough-shaped diaphragm, circumferentially sealed to an inside wall of the tubular body. A convex side of the diaphragm faces an inlet side of the valve and a concave surface of the diaphragm faces an outlet side of the valve. The diaphragm has at least one slit extending therethrough. A cylindrical tube-spring of elliptical cross-section inserted into the tubular body exerts tension on the slit for holding the slit closed when the valve is not in use.

Abstract: An improved two-tier, single-felted dryer section has an upper tier of spaced apart dryer drums and a lower tier of spaced apart dryer drums. The section includes at least one dryer drum group consisting of a first and second adjacent drum in one tier, a third drum in the other tier located between the adjacent first and second drums, and two reversing rolls positioned one on each of the opposite sides of the third drum. A felt-supported paper web follows a serpentine path about the dryer drums and reversing rolls. As a result, the felt-supported web passes through the dryer drum group with the web in direct contact with each of the three dryer drums in the dryer drum group.

Abstract: A low-current probe card for measuring currents down to the femtoamp region includes a dielectric board, such as of glass-epoxy material, forming an opening. A plurality of probing devices, such as ceramic blades, are edge-mounted about the opening so that the probing elements or needles included thereon terminate below the opening in a pattern suitable for probing a test device. A plurality of cables are attached to the card for respectively connecting each device to a corresponding channel of a test instrument. The on-board portion of each cable is of coaxial type and includes an inner layer between the inner dielectric and outer conductor for suppressing the triboelectric effect. An inner conductive area and a conductive backplane that are respectively located below and on one side of each device are set to guard potential via the outer conductor of the corresponding cable so as to guard the signal path on the other side of the device.

Abstract: A food container consisting of a top and a bottom having obliquely angled side elements is disclosed. The container may be cut from a single blank of container material and formed into a hingedly connected top and bottom. When the top and bottom are open and substantially coplanar the obliquely angled sides permit multiple boxes or containers to be nested within one another for efficient stacking. A preferred embodiment includes tops and bottoms with eight side elements comprising one piece side elements and side elements having overlapping panels. When closed, the top side elements overlap the bottom side elements. The container also includes a locking tongue and opening which receives the tongue. A tab may be provided to assist in moving the tongue to disengage it from the opening.

Abstract: A reusable, releasably lockable wheel assembly comprising a wheel having a centrally disposed hub defining an aperture in which is received an axle. A spring having diametrically opposed lugs is disposed on one side of the hub and the lugs extend into the aperture of the hub so that when the axle is inserted into the aperture, the lugs are biased into the groove on the end of the axle to lock the wheel to the axle. The lugs can be forced outwardly by a tool to withdraw the lugs from the groove so that the axle can be unlocked with respect to the wheel for removal of the wheel. In one embodiment, cooperation between a wheel cover and the spring limits slidable movement between the wheel and axle. In another embodiment, cooperation between an end cap on the wheel hub and the spring limits the slidable movement.

Abstract: A protection device for a spa pack has a sensor and associated controller responsive to failure of the electrical circuits in the spa pack and a warning device responsive to operation of the controller to provide a warning of failure of the power supply for the spa pack. An automatic dialling system responsive to the controller provides automatic placement of a warning signal on a telephone line connected alarm system. The controller is connected within a circuit protected by a ground fault interrupter.

Abstract: An expanded resilient product and methods for making the same are disclosed. The product is characterized as a geometric solid of resilient material that has a plurality of slits formed therein. Each slit is defined by a first surface having a protruding portion and second surface having a recess portion corresponding to the protruding portion of the first surface which together form an interlocking fit between the two. Forces are applied to the product sufficient to dislodge a protruding portion of the first surface from the complementary recess portion of the second surface, thereby forming a plurality of gaps. The product is then permitted to relax, whereupon the protruding portions compressively contact the complementary recess portions of the second surface. But because of the interlocking fit, the protruding portions are prevented from re-engaging the recess portions and thereby maintain the expanded nature of the product.

Abstract: A high-speed solid state buffer circuit and method for producing the same. A buffer circuit accepts logic input signals and transforms the signals to an output signal which can drive a heavy load. By using an output stage pull-up device that includes a parallel combination of an enhancement mode FET and a depletion mode FET, a solid-state buffer circuit with increased speed and output voltage swing is achieved. Most conveniently, the buffer takes the form of a logic inverter. However, the buffer can also be used to form a multiple input NOR gate. The circuit is most suitable for realization in GaAs technology.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for maintaining operational and statistical information in a high speed network switch for each of a plurality of supported connections. A high speed array is provided which includes a plurality of high speed registers for each of a plurality of connections supported by the switch. Upon receipt of a cell/frame, a connection identifier is generated to identify the connection within the network switch and the connection identifier is stored in an index register. The connection identifier stored within the index is used to select a plurality of registers within the high speed register array of registers pertaining to the specified connection. Information pertaining to each received cell/frame is generated upon receipt of the cell or retrieved from the respective cell header and is employed to generate an operand for each of the plurality of registers addressed by the connection identifier.

Abstract: A container for storage and transportation of foods which can accommodate various sizes of foods depending upon the orientation of the container is disclosed. The container includes flat surfaces separated by obliquely angled side walls thus presenting an appearance similar to an eight-sided frustrum of a cone. With the large flat portion oriented downward the container may be opened and a large food item may be stored and transported in the container. Conversely, with the smaller flat portion oriented downward a somewhat smaller food item may be stored and transported in the container. Additionally, the container is configured so that multiple containers can be nestingly stacked together for efficient shipping. Thus, the container may be configured at a manufacturing facility and shipped in a fully assembled condition thus simplifying the use of the container at a retail service facility.

Abstract: A wafer probe station adapted for low-current measurements provides electrically active upper and lower chuck assembly elements where air gaps are provided between a major portion of either a lower or nonlower surface on the upper chuck assembly element and a corresponding conductive surface on or connected to the lower chuck assembly element thereby minimizing leakage currents therebetween. The chuck assembly elements are preferably enclosed by an environment control enclosure having a sidewall portion relative to which the upper chuck assembly element can move laterally. During such movement, the upper chuck assembly remain in constant spacing with a conductive member that laterally surrounds it so as to stabilize electromagnetic conditions. Concurrently, the sidewall portion is kept motionless relative to the probe holder which keeps contaminants away from the region immediate to the upper chuck assembly element, including any moisture droplets that have condensed during low-temperature testing.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the signal conditions in a probe measurement network of the type having a plurality of separate measurement channels, where each channel communicates through a corresponding device-probing end. The method includes providing an assembly which includes a conductive planar probing area on the upper face of a base and a reference junction connected to the probing area by a high-frequency transmission structure. The method further includes placing the respective device-probing end of a first one of the measurement channels into contact with the planar probing area, transmitting a high-frequency signal through both the measurement channel and the reference junction and, thereafter, measuring the signal.