Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling the output voltage (V2) of a DC-to-DC converter (100). The DC-to-DC converter (100) comprises converting means (101) and regulating means (102). The converting means is fed by a first DC-voltage (V1) from the regulating means. The first DC-voltage (V1) is determined by a feed back portion (VDIV) of the output voltage (V2) from the converting means and a reference voltage (VREF). The reference voltage is derived from a pulse train (PT1). The output voltage (V2) depends on both the first DC-voltage (V1) and the pulse train (PT1). The output voltage (V2) from the DC-to-DC converter is kept constant under varying load and the output voltage level can be adjusted in an easy and flexible manner by the pulse train.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device is disclosed which has interfitting pump and reservoir modules, with unique releasable tight-fitting coupling mechanism incorporated into the opposed surfaces of the modules. Use of the two interfitting modules permits repeated re-use of the pump module containing the permanent electrical component, with a plurality of seriatim reservoir modules. Only the reservoir module needs to be sterilized. The battery power for the pump can come from a battery positioned within the pump module, which may be used with two or more reservoir modules, or within each reservoir module, which is used only with that single reservoir module. Pumping rate may be fixed or controllable. The coupling mechanism can be central of the device or off-center and is manually operable.

Abstract: A spinnaker raising and lowering system is provided for a sailboat. The system includes a first pulley mounted in a movable mounting. A second pulley contained in a mounting which is fixed to the deck of the sailboat. A third pulley contained in a mounting that is disposed in a fixed relation to the mast of the sailboat, and is fixed above the deck, and a fourth pulley contained in a mounting that is disposed in fixed relation to the first pulley. A first rope attached to the top of the spinnaker extends around the third pulley, first pulley, second pulley and then is attached to the mounting of the first pulley. A second rope attached to the bottom of the spinnaker extends forwardly around the fourth pulley and then to the mounting of the first pulley. A third rope attached to the leading edge of the spinnaker intermediate the attachment points of the first and second ropes extends aft through a spinnaker sleeve.

Abstract: A dryer (10) for printed textiles and substrates is disclosed having a plurality of infrared-based sensors (60) therein for monitoring the temperature of the products as opposed to the ambient environment. Each sensor (60) is positioned within a projecting sensor housing (55,58). The sensor housing (55,58) has an annular chamber (70) to protect and cool the sensor (60). A chilling/dehumidifying system (100) is also disclosed that incorporates a dehumidifier (110) and, humidity monitors (160).

Abstract: An electronic switch includes a rigid base, a circuit board supported by the base which includes an aperture therethrough defined, at least in part, by spaced apart conductive terminals of an electrically conductive circuit, a resiliently flexible casing attached to the base and overlying the circuit board, and a plunger attached to the casing and extending therefrom through the circuit board aperture. The plunger includes a conductive portion which is adjacent to the casing, and a non-conductive portion. The casing is resiliently biased so as to normally position the plunger such that the non-conductive portion thereof extends through the circuit board aperture. Depression of the casing, however, places the conductive portion within the aperture and into contact with the spaced apart conductive terminals to close the electrically conductive circuit. The electronic switch may be utilized in connection with, for example, a drowsiness warning device which includes a band securable about a wearer's neck.

Abstract: A machine for withdrawing bulk material from a track, in particular ballast aterial, includes a bulk material clearing device vertically adjustably secured to a machine frame and including a rotatable, endless scraper chain positioned between the rails of the track immediately above the track. A first conveyor extends in longitudinal direction of the machine frame and has a receiving end which receives bulk material from the clearing device. Immediately trailing the clearing device in the operating direction is a vertically adjustable sweeping device which includes a sweeping broom rotatable about a pivot axis extending horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the machine frame. A second conveyor immediately trails the sweeping device in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame and includes a receiving end for receiving bulk material from the sweeping broom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing for correct connection together of circuit elements in a circuit formed of a plurality of redundant circuit portions. A coded signal is generated at a first circuit element and transmitted upon a signal path believed to connect the first circuit element with a second circuit element. If the coded signal is detected at the second circuit element, the correct connection of the first circuit element together with the second circuit element is verified. Because a coded signal is generated, the correct connection between the circuit elements can be verified even when the signal path connecting the first and second circuit elements is formed of an optical, or other non-electrical, coupler.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of preventing transmission of viral pathogens between a source of viral pathogens and a target of said viral pathogens comprising positioning between said source and said target a microporous membrane material comprising (1) a thermoplastic polymer or polytetrafluoroethylene and (2) a water- and oil-repellent fluorochemical compound which provides said membrane with oleophobic, hydrophobic and viral barrier properties.

Abstract: A method for organizing a flash memory in which the size of the memory portion for reading or writing data, such as a block, differs from the size of the smallest portion for erasing, such as a unit. The method of the present invention is particularly useful for page-mode devices exemplified by the NAND and AND technologies, in order to enable these devices to be reorganized when no more unwritten physical units are available.

Abstract: A unitary, thin wall, pliable extruded plastic frame and mesh protector for protecting a circular screen printing frame member and a screen mesh in contact therewith includes integrally a circular cross-section body portion having a radius R corresponding to the exterior radius of the frame member, extends about 270.degree., and is sized to the outer periphery of the frame member. An integral base portion extends from a first end of the body portion outwardly and tangentially therefrom. A straight arm portion may extend from a second end of the body portion, at an angle of about 45.degree. to the tangent thereto toward a plane defined by a printing screen mesh whose peripheral edge overlies the base portion. A first hinge couples a proximate end of the arm portion to the second end of the body portion to facilitate pivoting of a distal end of the arm portion into contact with the facing surface of the printing screen mesh.

Abstract: A blend of pre-alloyed stainless steel powder for use in producing sintered stainless steel, said powder consisting essentially of, by weight, up to 0.05% carbon, 22% to 26% chromium, 10% to 24% nickel, 2.7% to 5% molybdenum, 0.1% to 1% boron, up to 2.0% manganese, up to 2.0% silicon, balance iron and residuals, together with manganese sulfide particles added thereto until they comprise up to 4%, by weight, of the overall blend, experimental results having shown that the blend offers significant improvements in the machinability of the resulting steel. The patent also claims a method for making sintered steel using the blend, as well as the sintered steel resulting from the process.

Abstract: An error-trapping decoder is provided that performs right cyclic shifts of a received shortened codeword in a decode shift register. Consequently, the error burst portion of the received codeword is encountered in the register within the length of the shortened code. In other words, the number of right cyclic shifts required by the shift register to encounter the error burst portion of the received word is on the order of the length of the shortened word.

Abstract: An electrolyte level monitor used in combination with a battery having multiple cells. The monitor includes a circuit having an indicator which operates when the electrolyte level is at or above the minimum acceptable electrolyte level. The circuit is connected across cells of the battery to provide a potential to operate the monitor.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for estimating an interfering-signal component portion of a receive signal received at a receiver. The training sequence associated with the interfering-signal component portion is determined, even without prior knowledge of the training sequence associated with such interfering-signal component portion. Once the training sequence of the interfering-signal component portion is determined, the receive signal is selectively, jointly-detected utilizing a joint detector, the interfering-signal component portion of the receive signal is better able thereby to be canceled or otherwise suppressed.

Abstract: A cold process bake fruit paste including a fruit concentrate, water, a corn syrup sweetener, and a stabilizer system including a blend of first instant granular modified corn starch hydratable into a highly viscose free standing mass when exposed to free water and a second instant granular natural corn starch hydratable by free water to form a resilient, colloidal gel structure with the first and second starches hydrated after being fully dispersed in fruit paste.

Abstract: A continuous synchronization adjustment algorithm is described, which continuously synchronizes frames used in digital synchronous transmissions. By letting the receiver continuously adjust the assumed frame position, rather than adjusting only once per frame as conventionally done, a significant increase in bit error rate can be achieved. When an incorrect single sync bit is detected in a frame, thereafter during the rest of the frame, the single sync bit positions that would result from an advance or delay of the frame position (e.g., due to a bit slip in the frame) are checked. The frame position is then adjusted immediately, without waiting for the beginning of the next frame. Consequently, there is a significant decrease in the number of data bits that are interpreted incorrectly or disregarded. As such, the bit error rate resulting from the present continuous algorithm is significantly improved over that resulting from prior synchronization algorithms.

Abstract: A test kit and method for determining the optimal level of intake for an individual of a useful substance--including vitamin C and calcium--that is water soluble, urine excretable, and nontoxic at physiologically beneficial levels is disclosed.

Abstract: An interbar assembly (34) for reversibly attaching a supplemental device, e.g., grenade launcher (32), to a host weapon, e.g., rifle (10). A preferred interbar assembly attaches at its forward end to the bayonet lug (54) of rifle (10), and at its rearward end to the magazine well (31) of rifle (10). In a preferred embodiment, such connection can be made without the need for special tools and without altering the rifle in any way prior to making the connection. The invention also includes a supplemental sling strap attachment point (100), so the sling strap (29) can be readily relocated after attaching the grenade launcher (32), for example, to the rifle (10). Another aspect of the invention is a grenade launcher (for example) sight (104) mounted directly on the interbar assembly (34) that carries the grenade launcher (32).