Abstract: An automatic system uses sacrificial galvanic anodes to to provide a controlled and optimum amount of cathodic protection against galvanic corrosion on submerged metal parts. Intermittently pulsed control circuitry enables an electro-mechanical servo system to control a resistive element interposed between the sacrificial anodes and the electrically bonded underwater parts. In an active mode of operation a current is applied directly to the anodes to quickly establish the proper level of correction which is maintained during the passive mode. Incremental corrections are made over a period of time to provide stabilization of the protection and to conserve power. A visual indication of the amount of protection is available at all times. Circuitry and indicating devices are included which facilitate location and correction of potentially harmful stray currents and to prevent loss of sacrificial anodes to nearby marine structures.
Abstract: The invention provides a pattern recognition processing apparatus and a technique for realizing a neural network of a complex structure within the processing apparatus. The apparatus includes a neural network having two-dimensional layers connected to form a feed-forward systolic array. Each two dimensional layer includes a feature extraction layer connected with a positional error absorbing layer. A host system provides inputs to the network. Each layer within the network includes processing elements such as a MOS analog circuit that receives input voltage signals and provides output voltage signals.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 13, 1995
Date of Patent:
May 6, 1997
Assignees:
Kawasaki Steel Corporation, The Texas A&M University System
Abstract: A modular telecommunications system configured for wireless telecommunication in accordance with a pre-selected standard. Modular units are adapted to be secured within other items of electronic equipment for establishing a telecommunications link with a wireless network. The modular telecommunications unit comprises a housing for mounting a radio transceiver therein. The housing includes a plurality of contacts arranged along a first end, the contacts being adapted for engagement with contacts in the electronic equipment, and at least one radio connector disposed along the second, opposite end of the housing and connected to the radio transceiver within the housing whereby the radio transceiver can be coupled to an antenna to enable communication therefrom.
Abstract: A temperature control device includes; a spring-biased stem guided in a p and having a temperature expansion coefficient which is different from the temperature expansion coefficient of the pipe, with the stem acting via a plunger and a switch assembly upon a switching contact. The switch assembly includes a switch spring of bridge-like configuration which is secured to a backing spring mounted to a base plate of the housing and preferably includes a raised central part for support of the plunger.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 5, 1994
Date of Patent:
May 6, 1997
Assignee:
Electrovac, Fabrikation elektronischer Spezialartikel Gesellschaft m.b.H.
Abstract: A system and method for data transfer. The system determines the baud rate of a plurality channels carrying of asynchronous data streams by measuring a time period T between the beginning of a start bit and the transition to a logic high at the beginning of each odd-ASCII character. The system assesses baud rates over a continuous variable range. The system loops back data to its source to provide an echo while determining the baud rate.
Abstract: The mechanism (27, 28) which regulates the volume of the distributors (16, 116) is connected to a shaft (41) coaxial to the shaft of the distributor carrousel. When the motor (63) is at standstill, the two coaxial shafts (2,41) rotate in the same direction and at the same speed. Whenever the motor (63) is activated in one direction or the other with the carrousel at the standstill or rotating, the inner shaft (41) rotates relative to the outer shaft (2), in the direction and to the extent necessary for the required regulation of volume of the distributors. The volume of the distributors is controlled remotely by a programmable processor (77).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 19, 1995
Date of Patent:
May 6, 1997
Assignee:
I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling and/or regulating a solids-liquid separation process, such as in a dewatering or drying device includes at least two photodetectors, each associated with a light source, a detector to detect light of the associated light source reflected from the surface of the solids-liquid mass, a controller generating an output signal as a function of the detected light and converting and processing the output signals of the photodetectors into correcting variables for controlling and/or regulating at least one process parameter of the separation process. At least one of the photodetectors is associated with at least one second photodetector for detecting light reflected into the photodetector at an angle, preferably an angle of 30.degree. to the main direction of reflection. The output signals of the photodetectors are advantageously processed into correcting variables for the step-wise adjustment of the at least one process parameter to optimize the separation process.
Abstract: An apparatus for securing a computer diskette to an object. The diskette securing apparatus comprises a diskette holder and a retaining member extending from the diskette holder. The retaining member is adapted to engage the object to secure the diskette holder to the object.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 10, 1995
Date of Patent:
April 29, 1997
Assignees:
Joseph M. Torsella, D. Leann Ayers
Inventors:
D. Leann Ayers, Matthew D. Marhefka, Joseph M. Torsella
Abstract: A system (10) allows the storing of construction drawings or blueprints in a plurality of computer files (32). The system (10) allows automatic determinations of lengths, areas and count of dimensions displayed in drawings. The measured dimensions are provided in terms of real world or full scale quantities. A scale between the full scale quantities and computer displayed dimensions is determined for each file (32) to allow subsequent measurements scaled in terms of the original blueprint designated dimensions. The dimensions are identified with particular product items so that a quantity of items and costs thereof may be automatically determined and reported.
Abstract: A seaming device for connecting building panels in a continuous seam along adjacent side edges of two building panels in the construction of a building or like structure which is particularly suited for seaming panels with both curved and straight portions. The seaming device includes an intermediate set of rollers capable of moving vertically and thereby allowing the seamer to seam panels having both straight portions and curved portions. By allowing the intermediate rollers to move vertically, the seaming apparatus of the present invention "walks" along the panel much more easily and avoids causing damage to the paint of the panel. The vertical movement of the intermediate rollers permits the seamer to adjust to changes in the panel from straight to curved and curved to straight.
Abstract: An air injector for the foaming of paper pulp, comprised of a hollow cylindrical tube inside which is arranged a cylindrical bore (3) leading into a convergent portion and a divergent portion (2a, 2b, 2c), said cylindrical bore being occluded by a stopper fitted with holes (8) providing a cylindrical air inlet chamber (3a).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 15, 1995
Date of Patent:
April 29, 1997
Assignee:
E & M Lamort
Inventors:
Alain Serres, Alain Meuret, Philippe Colin
Abstract: A fluid-holding container and a member for mounting the container to an object. The fluid-holding container is formed to have a concave bottom portion and sidewalls connected to the bottom portion. At the center of the bottom portion, a channel extends into the interior of the fluid-holding container. The channel is adapted to engage with a securing post of a mounting member. The mounting member includes a base portion that is attached to the object. The distance between the sidewalls and the center axis of the fluid-holding container is substantially equal to the distance between the center of the securing post and the base portion, thus assuring a secure attachment of the container to the mounting member. The present invention is suitable for use in mounting a water bottle to a bicycle.
Abstract: A hinge for mounting a door on a frame of an article of furniture includes a mounting plate mountable to the frame, a hinge arm mounted on the mounting plate, and a hinge case mountable to the door end connected to the hinge arm by at least one hinge axle. The mounting plate is fastenable to the frame by at least one fastening screw. The mounting plate is provided with a key hole or a T-shaped hole having a broad first part and a narrow second part. An adjustment screw is mounted in a female thread of the hinge arm and has a head part and a neck part, the neck part being of smaller diameter than a threaded part of the screw. The width of the broad first part of the hole is broader than the diameter of the head part of the adjustment screw and the width of the narrow second part of the hole is less than the diameter of the head part and of the threaded part. The neck part of the adjustment screw is held in the narrow second part of the hole, and the head part abuts a rear side of the mounting plate.
Abstract: Biomaterials are disclosed comprised of biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioabsorbable composite membranes for use in surgery for the guided regeneration of tissues. The composite membranes are comprised of threads embedded in a matrix, wherein both the matrix and the threads can be comprised of esters of hyaluronic acid, used singly or in combination, or esters of hyaluronic acid in combination with esters of alginic acid or other polymers.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 18, 1992
Date of Patent:
April 22, 1997
Assignee:
M.U.R.S.T. (Italian Ministry for Universities and Scientific and Technological Research)
Abstract: In a method for introducing fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine wherein compressed gas is drawn from the combustion chamber during the compression phase of a working cycle, mixed with fuel, and injected into the combustion chamber together with the fuel during the subsequent working cycle, an ignitible mixture must be provided at the point where ignition is initiated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 30, 1995
Date of Patent:
April 22, 1997
Assignee:
AVL Gesellschaft Fur Verbrennungskraftmaschinen Und Messtechnik M.B.H. Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans List
Inventors:
Gunter K. Fraidl, Walter Piock, Hendrik P. Hazeu
Abstract: The invention concerns a method of controlling the relative flow speed of the layers in a multi-layer headbox with laminae mounted torque-free between upper and lower lips which are stationary when in operation. The invention is characterized in that a difference in speed is produced between the individual layers by causing the static pressure to change differently in the different layers.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 27, 1995
Date of Patent:
April 22, 1997
Assignee:
J.M. Voith GmbH
Inventors:
Ulrich Begemann, Albrecht Meinecke, Dieter Egelhof, Wolfgang Ruf, Helmut Heinzmann, Hans-Peter Arledter
Abstract: This invention enables a bandwidth efficient computer simulation of sustained contact between objects. When an object comes into sustained contact with a second object, it will communicate to the second object a transfer function describing the contact, and vice-versa. The transfer function enables the objects to simulate the sustained contact for as long as the contact continues, eliminating any need for further network communication between the objects regarding the state of the contact until the contact terminates.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 6, 1994
Date of Patent:
April 22, 1997
Assignee:
M ak Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Warren J. Katz, Darrin Taylor, John Morrison
Abstract: A hydrostatic radial piston engine with two rotors that are supported on an axle so that they can rotate easily thereon. The rotors have a plurality of radial bores with displacement elements (pistons with slide ring) therein, sliding on the inside of a piston ring. The bores are connected via control slits with transport channels (high-pressure/low-pressure) that open on a side on the rotors for the purpose of controlling the transport of the pressure medium. The two rotors can be rotated easily on the axle which mounted on an intermediate bottom. The intermediate bottom is disposed between the rotors. Check plates are disposed on the ends of the axle which take up the axial forces produced by the pressure medium in the control slits of the rotors. The piston rings are supported in the intermediate bottom by a common connecting shaft.