Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of a time mean value-free binary signal (O) from an input signal (IN). The device (10) comprises a feed-back loop adjusting the pulse ratio of the output signal by comparing its mean value to the mean value of a time mean value-free reference signal (J) and feeding-back the difference between said two mean values. The mean values are approximated by low pass filtering the binary signal (O) and the reference signal (J) with two filters (8, 7). If the filters (8, 7) are non-linear, the mean values of the filtered signals (S, FJ) can deviate from the mean values of the reference signal (O) and the reference signal (J). By constructing the filters (8, 7) as regards non-linearities, to be equal, the aforementioned discrepancy will be compensated, since the signals will deviate to the same degree from their theoretical values, when time mean value free.

Abstract: An intelligent intersection control system features an internal controller that receives digital messages containing detailed information items concerning, for example, the direction, speed, length and identity of a train. The controller generates appropriate commands that coordinate the functions of crossing safety devices. A controller is capable of receiving and using much more detailed train information than is possible with conventional warning systems. Railroad crossing warning features are capable of responding more flexibly to this more detailed train information. The controller also continuously adjusts the activation state for safety devices associated with the crossing. In particular embodiments, the control system provides and displays crossing status information including the amount of time remaining until a crossing is cleared of train traffic, the approach of a second train during blocking of the crossing by a first train, or a suggested alternate route for waiting road vehicles.

Abstract: A vacuum tank apparatus for use with oil and gas well drilling operations facilitates the removal of well cuttings generated by drilling. The tank apparatus provides a frame having a plurality of corners reinforced by structural corner columns. The frame includes a base having a structural, generally horizontally extended base that includes a plurality of base perimeter beams. The columns are connected structurally to the base at the perimeter beams. The upper end portion of the frame includes a plurality of upper perimeter beams. The columns are structurally connected to the base and the perimeter beams. A shaped hopper is supported by the frame internally of the perimeter beams. The hopper includes an interior and a sidewall comprised of a plurality of inclined wall sections. Each wall section includes an upper end portion that connects to the frame at the perimeter beams, and a lower end portion that extends to another lower end portion of another inclined wall section.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for introducing a coolant fluid into a weapon barrel through a breech end thereof for cooling internal wall faces of a loading chamber of the barrel. The cooling apparatus includes a bellows having a circumference provided with a plurality of holes. The bellows has a retracted state and an elongated, tubular expanded state and is introducible into the weapon barrel in the retracted state. The cooling apparatus further has a coolant driving arrangement coupled to the bellows for introducing the coolant into the bellows to place the bellows into the expanded state and to force the coolant out of the bellows through the holes.

Abstract: A collapsible crash barrier for use as and end treatment for a commonly known “Jersey Barrier” provides a frame assembly having a tubular construction and circular guides to control axial collapse of the barrier. A saddle is provided to rest upon and end section of a “Jersey Barrier” and slides along the top of a barrier when axially impacted by a vehicle in order to further control the collapse of the barrier.

Abstract: A process for preparing potatoes improves the shelf life of cooked potatoes and improves the appearance, taste, and texture of the potatoes. The potatoes first are washed. They are next perforated and then coated with an edible oil. The potatoes are cooked by heating the core to between about 195 and 200° F. and holding for about 15 minutes. The cooked potatoes are soaked in a solution to rehydrate the potato cells. The rehydrated potato has an extended shelf life with improved appearance, taste, and texture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing drill cuttings from an oil and gas well drilling platform provides for the separation of drill cuttings from at least a volume of the well drilling fluid (i.e. drilling mud) on the drilling platform so that the drilling fluids can be recycled into the well bore. The cuttings are then transferred to a cuttings collection area on the platform. The separated drill cuttings are then suctioned with a first suction line having an intake portion. The suctioned drill cuttings are transmitted to a vacuum holding tank or multiple tanks on the platform, each having a tank interior. A vacuum is formed within the holding tank interior with a blower that is in fluid communication with the tank interior via a second vacuum line. The holding tank is then connected to a floating work boat with a discharge flow line. Cuttings are then transmitted from the tank on the platform to the work boat via the flow line.

Abstract: A hole forming apparatus comprises a workpiece transfer mechanism that transfers one unformed workpiece at a time into a workpiece gripper and drives completed workpieces out of the workpiece gripper and onto an exit path. A compound hydro-pneumatic cylinder moves the gripper and one workpiece at a time downward into contact with a rotating forming tool. The forming tool includes a tool adapter head that holds various forming implements such as cutting blades or drill bits. The head also accommodates broachers and reamers, in which case a precision logic control detects and rejects defective workpieces that have no holes to broach or ream. The apparatus may also include a positive stop that prevents workpieces from overshooting the end of a forming stroke.

Abstract: A mapping function and method for mapping a Signaling System 7 (SS7) telecommunication signaling message from a Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) protocol layer to an Internet Protocol (IP) protocol layer in order to transmit the SS7 signaling message over a data network from an origination node to a destination node. The mapping function receives the SS7 signaling message from the SCCP protocol layer by sending and receiving Message Transfer Protocol (MTP) primitives from the mapping function to the SCCP protocol layer. The mapping function then maps the received SS7 signaling message into an IP message by mapping MTP primitives into IP primitives, mapping the SS7 message address into an IP message address, and utilizing a user interface to set IP protocol parameters that cannot be transferred by the SCCP protocol layer. The mapping function then sends the mapped IP message to the IP protocol layer by sending and receiving IP primitives from the mapping function to the IP protocol layer.

Abstract: A motor truck has a frame supporting a fuel tank, an oil tank and a water tank along with a container for sand for servicing a rail locomotive located at a remote location or rail yard. Pumps mounted on the frame move the fuel, oil, and water from the tanks through hoses to tanks on the locomotive. A hoist on the truck moves the sand container from the truck to a location adjacent the locomotive to allow sand to flow into a sand hopper on the locomotive.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for baking letters of the alphabet and/or numerals. The apparatus includes a cake pan blank foldable into a cake pan, a grid insert template and one or more space-occupying insert blanks foldable into space-occupying inserts. The grid template insert contains removable grid-defined sections which sections are selectively removable so as to leave openings in the grid template insert. The space-occupying inserts are interfitted with the openings and the grid template insert and space-occupying inserts are then placed into the cake pan so that the volume of the cake pan not occupied by the space-occupying inserts takes the shape of a letter or numeral for receiving batter.

Abstract: A shielding housing for electrically shielding at least one component on a printed circuit board includes a layer of a non-shielding material having at least one cavity for receiving the component. An elastic gasket is provided on the rim of the cavity. A layer of an electrically shielding material covers the gasket as well as one or both surfaces of the layer of a non-shielding material. In operation, the shielding housing is pressed with its gasket against a conductor located on the printed circuit board around the component to be shielded.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel means of introducing foreign genes and/or viruses, wildtype or recombinant, into plant cells via a seed treatment method using recombinant or wildtype furoviruses and their natural fungal vectors. Because of its ease of application, longevity of the seed treatment product, minimal risk of transmission to subsequent seed generations, specificity, and universality within a species, it offers a significant improvement over prior art techniques for viral mediated gene delivery techniques. The unique and critical aspect of the invention is the use of seed treatment technology for delivering foreign genes or viruses into plants for, for example, the enhancement of agronomic traits and production of desirable products such as pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: An output buffer circuit for driving a transmission line comprises a switch stage including switches for connecting the output of the switch stage with the input of the switch stage in accordance with digital data. First impedance means adjustable in accordance with a control signal are connected to the switch stage. Moreover, monitor impedance means are provided, an impedance of which is adjustable in accordance with a monitor impedance control signal. The first impedance means is connected to receive at its impedance control input a control signal derived from a control signal applied to monitor impedance means. The monitor impedance means constitutes a replica of the first impedance means and allows monitoring and controlling of the first impedance means, such that the output impedance of the switch stage may be adjusted or controlled.

Abstract: Electrical equipment such as a personal computer includes a plurality of internal components which require different voltages including low voltages of about five volts for operation. The different voltages are supplied by an internal power supply, with a voltage regulator, which is itself connected to an appropriately transformed high voltage supply typically from an in-the-wall source. Peripherals such as a FAX/modem, CD ROM, or tape recorder are powered by cables plugged into mating sockets in the face of the computer housing. The sockets, in turn, are connected to the appropriate outputs of the internal power supply to obtain appropriate voltage power directly from the host computer in the absence of a transformed connection to a house supply. A switch may be provided at each of the sockets to vary the voltage there. The power supply may be mounted on the computer housing or it may be located away from the housing.

Abstract: An Event Management System (EMS) for logging and correlating alarm events in a network, and a method of efficiently integrating the EMS, which communicates in a standard format, with external devices and external viewers which communicate in device-specific formats. A plurality of core EMS components which log and correlate events are functionally separated from a plurality of EMS boundary components which interact with external devices and external viewers. The boundary components perform both generic external interface functions and device-specific functions. An external device's information, including a class and location for a protocol handler and a content handler for the external device, is stored in an information repository associated with the EMS. When a connection is initiated from the external device to one of the boundary components, the boundary component obtains the external device information from the information repository.

Abstract: An amorphous silicate pigment having a pore volume of at least about 4.0 ml/g as measured by mercury intrusion, a BET surface area of at least about 300 m2/g, and an Al2O3 content of about 2.0-10.0 wt % is provided. The invention can be successfully used in recording media coatings, particularly coatings for recording media used in ink jet printing systems.

Abstract: A tailgate operating assembly for a dump truck or dump trailer comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders, one mounted horizontally on each opposite side wall of the cargo box adjacent the upper edge of the pivotally mounted tailgate, connected thereto by pivotal links for pivoting the tailgate toward its open position when the plungers of the hydraulic cylinders are extended and for pivoting the tailgate toward its closed position when the plungers are retracted. Each cylinder includes a pressure release mechanism to release internal pressure of each cylinder during retraction of the plungers and closure of the tailgate which enables the gravity weight of the tailgate to urge the plungers toward their retracted positions for more even and rapid movement of the tailgate to its fully closed position.

Abstract: A rifled weapon tube (1), from which spin-stabilized projectiles (8) with driving bands (9) are fired. In order to reduce manifestations of wear on a driving band (9), it is known to stabilize a spin angle (&dgr;) occurring during the firing or to cut deeper rifling grooves (3) into an inside wall (2) of the weapon tube (1). Both options can be realized only within limits as the compatibility between weapon tube (1) and projectile (8) must be ensured. The invention provides for another option of reducing the wear on the driving band (9). Increasing the number of rifling grooves (3) on the tube inside wall (2) reduces the frictional stress that occurs on the driving band (9). This new type of design for the rifling groove flanks (5), formed between a groove bottom (7) of rifling groove (3) and a lands (4) between the rifling grooves (3), reduces the total wear volume on the driving band (9). In this case, the rifling flanks (5) extend nearly perpendicular to the rifling groove bottom (7).