Abstract: A front loading weapon includes a barrel for firing ammunition therefrom; a breechblock arranged at a rear terminal portion of the barrel; a firing pin carried by the breechblock; and an apparatus for monitoring load conditions of the barrel. The apparatus includes a body sound sensor mounted on the weapon and emitting a first signal representing body oscillations of the weapon; an electronic evaluating device connected to an output of the sensor for emitting a second signal characteristic of an impacting of a cartridge on a region of the breechblock upon loading the cartridge into the barrel; and a warning device connected to the electronic evaluating device for being actuated by the second signal.

Abstract: A roll-up type industrial door including a flexible vinyl sheet forming a curtain for closing a door way having an upper end, a lower end and two opposite side edges. The sheet has a thin main area and elongate side edge sections that are thicker than the main area. A sloping shoulder is formed where each side edge section meets the main area. A curtain winding mechanism is connected to the upper end of the curtain and is used to raise the curtain. A pair of spaced apart guide channels are also provided and the side edge sections are movable therein. Friction reducing, wear resistant fabric strips are bonded to both of the side edge sections and extend therealong. These strips cover the sloping shoulders and are bonded thereto. The strips reduce the amount of friction between the side edge sections and their respective guide channels. Preferably the strips are made of one ply polyester monofilament.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for examining a body part. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for immobilizing and compressing the body part. The apparatus also comprises a mechanism for providing an internal anatomical image of the body part and a mechanism for detecting single gamma-rays emitted by a radiotracer infiltrated into the body part. The detecting mechanism is disposed in an adjacent relationship with the mechanism for providing an internal anatomic image so that the body part remains in the same position during and between anatomic and radiotracer imaging. In one embodiment, the detecting mechanism includes a detector module disposed on one side of the immobilizing mechanism. The detector module preferably has at least one array of gamma ray sensitive material in communication with a position detector. In another embodiment, the detecting mechanism includes a pair of detector modules disposed one on each side of the immobilizing mechanism.

Abstract: A subscriber associated with a private branch exchange (PBX) terminal without a Direct-Inward-Dialing (DID) line establishes a first call connection with a particular service node via a mobile station. The subscriber then instructs the service node to originate a second call connection from the service node towards the PBX serving said subscriber. The first and second call connections are interfaced to enable the subscriber to communicate with a PBX operator answering the second call connection. The subscriber then instructs the operator to forward the received call to the subscriber's PBX terminal. Thereafter, the subscriber instructs the service node to originate a third call connection towards a particular called party terminal. The established third call connection is interfaced with the second call connection to enable the subscriber to communicate with the called party subscriber terminal via the PBX terminal. The first call connection with the mobile station is terminated.

Abstract: A vacuum sealed apparatus for storing foodstuffs is disclosed which comprises a battery powered vacuum pump integral with the container, for portable use in the preservation of foods. More particularly, the invention is a rigid container fitted with a battery operated vacuum pump in its base, and a lid for admitting food to be stored in partial vacuum.

Abstract: A soundwall and components are described that incorporate a significant amount of plastic materials while still retaining the strength, durability and resiliency necessary for the soundwall to resist wind loads and weathering. An exemplary soundwall is described that is composed of prefabricated sound reducing modules anchored by support posts which are themselves constructed from a significant amount of plastics. The modules used in this exemplary wall are formed from an internal support frame which, in a preferred embodiment, is constructed from reinforced plastic lumber members. The support frame is covered by an outer sheath which, in alternative described embodiments, may be formed from reinforced plastic sheets or plastic lumber members. Methods are also described for fabricating the individual modules, support frame and support members as well as the soundwall itself. Soundwalls constructed in accordance with the present invention result in an unexpectedly great reduction in sound.

Abstract: A mobile station operating in a digital cellular system such as GSM is ordered to perform signal strength measurements on non-BCCH carrier frequencies by including an identification of those frequencies twice in the bit map comprising the BA-list. The mobile station formats a measurement report containing signal strength measurements of both BCCH and non-BCCH carrier frequencies and send it to the network which uses the data for automatic frequency allocation within the network.

Abstract: A safe locking mechanism has an engagement element movable from a disengaged position to an engageable position in response to a small amount of electrical power. When in its engageable position a mechanical linkage assembly is driven by the engagement element to unlock a lock-bolt. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a low inertia pivoting cam which interacts with a lock lever of the locking mechanism to move it to an unlocking state. Electrical power is generated solely while the user manually inputs a combination code, and a microprocessor controls storage and delivery of this power to put the engagement element into its engageable position. Once the desired engagement is obtained, the lock-bolt is moved from its locking to its unlocking position manually. Subsequent unlocking requires another entry of the code input.

Abstract: Cannulas for surgical and medical use expand along their entire lengths. The cannulas are inserted through tissue when in an unexpanded condition and with a small diameter. The cannulas are then expanded radially outwardly to give a full-size instrument passage. Expansion of the cannulas occurs against the viscoelastic resistance of the surrounding tissue. The expandable cannulas do not require a full depth incision, or at most require only a needle-size entrance opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the cannula has a pointed end portion. In this embodiment of the invention, the cannula includes wires having cores which are enclosed by jackets. The jackets are integrally formed as one piece with a sheath of the cannula. The cannula may be expanded by inserting members or by fluid pressure. The cannula is advantageously utilized to expand a vessel, such as a blood vessel. An expandable chamber may be provided at the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A routing system, and an associated method, for routing a call to a multi-mode transceiver. Selection of a service subscription pursuant to which calls are to be routed to the transceiver is made at the transceiver, and information related to the selected service subscription is transmitted to a service node and stored at the service node. When an originating party desires to place a call to the transceiver, the originating party accesses the information stored at the service node. Responsive to the information stored at the service node, the call is routed to the transceiver pursuant to the selected service subscription.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for preparing organic acids and their salts from biomass. Biomass flows from a region of fresh biomass and high acid and acid salt concentration to a region of digested biomass and low acid and acid salt concentration in a fermentation apparatus under anaerobic conditions. Organic acids and acid salts produced by the process of the present invention are volatile fatty acids such as acetic, butyric and propionic acids and their salts such as calcium acetate, calcium propionate, and calcium butyrate. The apparatus of the present invention contains at least two fermentation reactors in series to increase the biomass residence time in the reactors. The fermentation reactors of the present invention are imbedded in the ground with earthen berms as support for sides having three layers. The core of the reactors are covered with a flexible covering to maintain an anaerobic environment.

Abstract: A device used to maintain a hole formed in the ice for ice fishing. When placed over the hole, this invention forms a therm-protection between the hole and the surrounding harsh environment protecting the open water in the hole from crystallizing and ultimately freezing over. This device utilizes the natural temperature differences between the unfrozen water and the surrounding air and combines it with emitted radiation (naturally, electrically, chemically, or with petroleum-based products). Examples of this emitted radiation are the sun, a battery-powered heater, light source and a propane or similar type heater. An example of a chemical reaction device would be a hand warmer. Addition of any or all of the above will increase the efficiency of this invention. This device allows for adaptability to fishing conditions and fishing devices ranging from a simple rod and reel to complicated fish locators as well as a variety of tip-ups.

Abstract: A sheet-metal elbow is coupled by direct attachment to a flat sheet-metal air inlet panel of an air distribution boot or register box by roll-formed flange portions that are mated in interlocking, overlapping engagement with each other. The air inlet panel includes an outwardly flared coupling flange bordering an air inlet opening. The neck of the sheet-metal elbow includes a folded coupling flange that is dimensioned for interfitting, overlapping engagement with the outwardly flared elbow coupling flange. The coupling flanges are clasped together by a hydraulic ram that drives an expandable mandrel into a V-shaped die cavity. The tightly clasped, overlapping flange portions permit smooth, continuous rotation of the elbow through 360.degree. with respect to the register box for alignment with a branch conduit. The interlocked flanges also provide a strong mechanical union that is virtually leak-free under normal ventilation air flow conditions.

Abstract: A subcaliber projectile with a penetrator (4) and a cap (7) that surrounds the front of the penetrator (4) to form an air space therebetween and is tapered toward the penetrator point (6). The cap surface has at least two groove-shaped predetermined break locations (10-12) that extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis (9) of projectile (2). To achieve a secure feeding of the projectile during the firing with automatic weapons on the one hand, and a good strike capability on the other hand, at least one radial recess (15-18) is arranged in each of the groove-shaped predetermined break locations (10-12) in the region of the base half of cap (7), and extends completely through the jacket (14) of cap (7).

Abstract: A software architecture for use in program controlled telecommunications switching exchanges in which application modules are employed to provide services to users of a particular communications application. Resource modules provide specific functional elements of communications services to the application modules by having access to and control over the exchange hardware. Network protocols provide communication between the application modules within the exchange and interfaces provide communications between the resource modules and between application modules and resource modules within the exchange.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon feedstocks are hydroprocessed in parallel reactors, while hydrogen flows in series between the reactors. A first hydrocarbon feedstock and a hydrogen-rich recycle gas stream are introduced to a first reactor, where a first reactor effluent stream is produced and fed to a first separator, which separates the first reactor effluent stream into a first hydrogen-rich gas stream and a first hydroprocessed product stream. The first hydrogen-rich gas stream and a second hydrocarbon feedstock are fed to a second reactor, where a second reactor effluent stream is produced and fed to a second separator, which separates the second reactor effluent stream into a second hydrogen-rich gas stream and a second hydroprocessed product stream. A make-up hydrogen stream is added to the second hydrogen-rich gas to form the hydrogen-rich recycle gas stream that is compressed and fed to the first reactor.

Abstract: A process for metals passivation of metals-contaminated equilibrium catalyst (ECat) used in a fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) process is disclosed. Repeated treatment of a slip stream of ECat in a high-strength magnetic field, preferably a magnetic catalyst separator, changes the properties of the ECat, promoting growth of relatively large crystals or deposits of metal deposits on ECat which are less catalytically poisonous. Magnetic conditioning permits an increase in metals levels on ECat from, e.g., 3000 to 4000 ppm, without increasing hydrogen and/or coke make. Metals passivation by magnetic conditioning can also be used to concentrate feed metals on the oldest catalyst in the unit. This allows magnetic separation of the oldest catalyst in the unit after 1-6 months of magnetic conditioning, even though feed metals levels are otherwise insufficient to permit effective magnetic catalyst separation.