Abstract: A method of allocation transmission channels of a frequency band to has each of a plurality of remote stations monitor all channels of the frequency band in its area for the presence of transmissions from stations not part of the network. Each remote station transmits its clear channel list to a master station that aggregates the clear channel list into a reservation map, or map of channels that are clear to all stations in the network. The master station then transmits the reservation map to all stations of the network. The individual stations use the channels of the reservation map to transmit information to the master station. Preferably transmission is accomplished using frequency hopping using a set of channels selected from the reservation map.

Abstract: A bandwidth usage control methodology uses the clear channel detection and frequency agile functionality of a spectral reuse transceiver to effectively ‘aggregate’ disjoint user channels into an overall bandwidth, the spectral extent of which is at least sufficient to meet a high bandwidth requirement (such as, but not limited to the transmission of data/video), that cannot be realized by a conventional, single channel radio.

Abstract: A ‘smart’ sub-channel hopping control mechanism executes one or more sub-channel selection discriminators to enable the communications controller of a spectral reuse transceiver to delineate on which of a plurality sub-channels the spectral reuse transceiver may transmit, so as to substantially reduce the likelihood of triggering squelch circuits of silent radios of primary (licensed) channel users.

Abstract: A spectral reuse transceiver-based communication system conducts communications between a master site and a plurality of remote sites using a selected portion of a communication bandwidth containing a plurality of sub-bandwidth channels. Each remote site transceiver monitors the communication bandwidth for activity on the sub-bandwidth channels, and informs a master site transceiver which sub-bandwidth communication channels are absent communication activity and therefore constitute clear channels. The master site transceiver compiles an aggregate list of clear channels from all the remote sites and then broadcasts the aggregate list to the remote sites. The master site and a remote site then conduct communications therebetween by frequency-hopping and/or orthogonal frequency multiplexing among the clear channels using an a priori known PN sequence.

Abstract: A tuned exhaust system for a multi-cylinder, reciprocating, internal combustion engine is disclosed. Each exhaust tube has approximately the same overall length resulting in a predetermined resonant frequency. The overall length includes the sum of the header tube length and the internal length of the collector assembly portions of the exhaust channels in the heat exchanger box. Calculating the correct length and bending the pipes to fit in the space available resulted in increased horsepower, reduced fuel consumption, cooler cylinder head temperatures, reduced noise and vibration for four-cylinder and six-cylinder aircraft engines.

Abstract: A highly efficient in-line fluid heater is suitable for heating ultra-pure fluids. Preferably, the heater can be used for heating various fluids, including water, as part of a "wet bench" system used in a wafer processing fabrication facility for the semi-conductor industry. Many other uses for this in-line heater can be envisioned; e.g., water industry, gas processing, and any other use requiring an ultra-clean, highly efficient, non-contact method of raising the temperature of various liquids and gases. The preferred in-line heater utilizes one or more elongated lamps that generate IR radiation as the heating elements. A vessel is provided through which the fluid to be heated is passed. Typically, the vessel is a tube. The tube is preferably a straight single diameter tube, but can be formed in any convenient shape. For ultra-pure fluids, the vessel is formed of an inert or non-reactive material such as quartz. Preferably, the vessel is transparent to the IR radiation generated by the lamps.

Abstract: A filter housing assembly for the filtration of liquids at high temperature and high pressure and for reduction of particles having a housing for a filter cartridge, a flanged cap, that is slidingly inserted into the housing, and having a cap nut for fastening and tightly sealing the cap to a lip on the housing. The interface housing-cap having grooves, with centerlines offset in opposite directions, for receiving sealants and cone-shaped surfaces on the flange and the lip opposing flat surfaces on the cap nut and the flange, respectively, for achieving a tight seal. The housing having a bottom with a concentric cylindrical recess with a concave-convex edge for receiving the nose of the cartridge. The housing also having a spacer for holding the upper part of the cartridge concentric for efficient filtration.

Abstract: A liquid pump is disclosed having a center block containing inlets and outlets for liquid to be pumped and air to operate the pump with associated valves for liquid and air. A pair of opposed cylinders are provided on opposite sides of the center block and each containing a collapsible bellows connected to a sleeve forming a piston with the liquid being pumped in the chamber within the bellows. Push rodes extend from one piston to the other so that the piston pumping liquid out pushes the other piston to fill with liquid. The bellows have conbolutions of selectively varying wall thickness, and tapered single or dual compression seals are provided where the bellows are joined to the center block. An inflow conical valve and an outflow shuttle valve are provided for each cylinder, and vent tubes are provided to cool the bellows and to actuate the air valve at the end of the piston stroke. An encapsulated sheet member is provided in each cylinder.

Abstract: A high pressure hose assembly is manufactured wherein the nipple of the hose fitting includes an O-ring receiving groove formed about its periphery. The O-ring and groove are dimensioned so that the crimping of the fitting's outer sleeve causes the linear of the high pressure hose to flow into the groove, comprising the O-ring into the groove, and sealing against the O-ring within the groove.

Abstract: An energy-dissipating receptacle for use with a fluid jet cutting system is disclosed. A plurality of circulating suspensoids within the cavity are impinged upon by the jet to dissipate the jet's kinetic energy. A filtered drain are included for permitting the egress of spent jet fluid while retaining the suspensoids.

Abstract: A platen assembly is described for supporting a master board of material to be cut by a fluid jet cutting device. The platen assembly comprises a layer of resiliently compressible material bonded to a lattice-like network of relatively uncuttable structural material. The resiliently compressible material is adapted to be compressed by the contacting topography of the supported master board to act as a cushion, as well as to anchor the master board against movement. The lattice-like network of relatively uncuttable structurable material prevents the compressible material on opposite sides of a cut from migrating towards the cut.

Abstract: A jet-dissipating container for use with a fluid jet cutting system is disclosed of the type which holds a plurality of jet-dissipating suspensoids. The container includes a suspensoid-enfolding mesh of material. At least most of the suspensoids have exterior dimensions greater than the dimension of the openings of the mesh. Collection means are positioned about said container to collect and evacuate substances exiting the container through the openings of the mesh.

Abstract: A high pressure hose fitting, and method for sealing the hose to a fitting, is disclosed for use with hoses of the type including a linear disposed about an axially extending passageway, and a reinforcement layer circumventing the liner. The liner is preferably pulled slightly beyond the edge of the reinforcement layer to form a protruding edge region. An end fitting, having a flange with a liner-receiving groove, is inserted into the passageway until the protruding edge of the liner contacts the end wall of the groove, and the flange abuts the reinforcement layer. A swagable collar circumventing the foregoing components is swaged radially inwardly to clamp the liner on its outside diameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stablizing flow to sharp edged orifices by placing a convergent section upstream of the orifice.

Abstract: An abrasive jet-forming nozzle assembly is disclosed for use in a waterjet cutting system. The nozzle assembly includes a jet-forming orifice for producing a high velocity jet from a highly pressurized water upstream of the orifice, and a discharge tube downstream of the orifice for permitting abrasive particles to become entrained in the jet, and for discharging the abrasive-laden jet against a workpiece. The discharge tube is pivotably movable into alignment with the orifice.

Abstract: A flow limit valve for limiting the flow rate of a pressurized fluid includes a valve body with an interconnecting cavity of circular cross section. Within the cavity is a piston that slides within the cavity under force generated by a pressure differential across the piston to a closed position in engagement with a seat at the end of the cavity. A first encapsulated magnet is carried within the valve body in a chamber located on the side of the seat opposite the cavity. The first encapsulated magnet can be moved in response to another magnet outside the valve body to move a pin which can extend through the seat when the piston is in a closed position to thereby move the piston to an open position. The magnetic forces applied through the valve body affect internal valve operation via the pin and thus avoids the dange of noxious fluids escaping through sliding seals or flexible membranes.

Abstract: A vacuum-type pickup and transfer apparatus for irregularly surfaced, shaped and sized objects such as populated printed wiring boards (PWBs) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of downwardly directed vacuum conduits that have enlarged lips at their lower end. It also includes a thin, flexible, non-porous membrane which extends transversely and loosely between the conduits and through which the conduits extend so that their lower ends communicate with the region below the membrane. The pick-up apparatus is moved down to the PWBs and vacuum applied, so that the flexible membrane seals against the PWBs, adapting and conforming to any irregular surfaces, sizes and shapes. The apparatus includes a control for selectively regulating the movement of the pick-up apparatus and the application of the vacuum. The PWBs are accordingly moved to the desired location and the vacuum released to release the PWBs.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use with fluid jet cutting systems is disclosed which yields a lower profile, lower mass nozzle assembly, and which permits "finger-tight" assembly of the nozzle.Briefly, the assembly includes a nozzle housing, a generally tubular closure member (20) having a fluid-accommodating passageway, a collar (36) for positioning a jet-forming orifice (42) with respect to the passageway, and a sealing ring (38) retained to the tubular member by the collar to provide a high pressure seal between the tubular member and the nozzle housing.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting system is described having a nozzle (12) through which a fluid jet is directed for cutting a workpiece (15). The workpiece (15) is supported using pins (17) each of which is provided with an alignment device in the form of a generally tubular body (104) provided with a through hole (106). The relative positions of the nozzle and workpiece (15) can be adjusted until the fluid jet passes through the through hole (106) with minimum disturbance.In alternative embodiments, the alignment device may be provided by a cap permanently affixed in an alignment plate, or it may be constituted by the pin (17) itself.The alignment system provides a simple method for visually verifying the jet alignment to a reference point before controlled cutting is carried out.

Abstract: A catcher for use in liquid and abrasive-laden liquid jet cutting apparatus that includes a separate fluid-filled chamber for reducing noise. The catcher also provides for increasing the speed of return flow to reduce the length of fluid required to absorb the kinetic energy of a jet.