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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for forming and applying edging material to the corners of ductwork and other conduit structures.

Abstract: An infrared communicating badge is provided for transmitting an infrared coded signal, such as a patient identification number. The badge includes a sealed housing having an infrared transparent segment. The badge housing contains a power source, a microprocessor, an infrared transmitter, and an infrared receiver. The badge receiver is desensitized such that it does not respond to ambient light from the surroundings and, preferably, only detects signals from a programmer. This programmer transmits a coded infrared signal, which represents the patient identification number, to the badge. After the coded infrared signal is transmitted and stored in the badge, the infrared signal is transmitted periodically to another infrared receiver, located in a remote location. The remote receiver relays the information to a base unit at which the location of a person may be monitored.

Abstract: A method and a packet network in which a transmitting user unit in the network transmits an information sequence either to one selected receiving user unit or commonly to a selected number of receiving user units. An information sequence is a data cell that is divided into a header and an information-carrying part. The data cell header includes a bit configuration that represents a destination address, while the information-carrying part includes a bit configuration that represents relevant information. The bit configuration in the data cell header is interpreted in accordance with the logic value of an indicated status bit, which is included in a bit field separate from the bit field that accommodates the actual address-dependent bit configuration.

Abstract: A system for launching a lifeboat (11) from davits (12) on an offshore drilling platform (10) comprises a submerged buoyancy device (10) tethered to the bow of the lifeboat (11) by a cable (13) which passes between the buoyancy device and the lifeboat. The cable is retained by a release mechanism (14) attached to the platform just above the water line and extends upwardly from a guide fairlead (18) attached to the sea bed, between the latter and the lifeboat (11). In some cases the release mechanism (14) may be omitted or alternatively two release mechanisms may be provided above the water line.

Abstract: The aluminum conductor having increase of its electric resistivity kept small at ultra low temperature of 30.degree. K. or lower even after cyclic strain is given at ultra low temperature, by controlling the crystal structure of the high purity aluminum conductor with purity of 99.9-99.9999 wt % so as to consist of (i) a veritable single or a substantially single crystal consisting of a bundle of sub-grains which have their crystal axes in the same direction or in the directions within a couple of degrees of deviation as a whole which has a specific crystal axis of <111> or <100> or the crystal axes close thereto in the longitudinal direction of the aluminum conductor, or (ii) a polycrystal most of which grains have respective specific crystal axes of <111> and/or <100>, or the crystal axes close thereto with respect to each grain in the longitudinal direction of the aluminum conductor, and have specific grain size of 0.01 mm to 3.0 mm.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to clip and collect seedlings easily and effectively from runners of a parent plant such as strawberry. To attain this object, a method for raising seedlings comprising; planting a parent plant in a plant bed disposed in a high position, growing plural runners linked mutually to hang from said parent plant in said plant bed, attaching water absorbing block to each rooting part between runners hanging in midair, supplying water to each water block to grow root and seedling from said rooting part, and clipping and collecting the resulting seedlings from runners is provided.

Abstract: A wheel supported wagon includes a gravity discharge container or hopper for directing grain, feed, dry fertilizer or other granular material into a receiving box mounted on the side of the hopper. An inclined elongated auger unit includes a tubular conduit enclosing a hydraulically driven auger, and the lower end portion of the conduit has an inwardly projecting and upwardly curved annular upper flange. The flange seats on a downwardly projecting and outwardly curved lower flange forming part of an annular auger support member projecting downwardly from the material receiving box. The mating flanges provide for rotating the auger unit on a vertical axis and also for tilting the auger unit in a vertical plane at any selected rotational position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the load on a communications link in a common channel signalling system connecting an exchange in a telephone network to regional equipment such as a remote subscriber switch or a remote cellular base station. The length indicator field of each signal unit transmitted over the reserved channel of the communications link is monitored by the exchange to determine the number of bytes of message data being transmitted over the link during a predetermined time period. The load on the communications link is identified by taking the ratio of the determined number of bytes to the number of full value bytes capable of transmission over the communications link during an identical time period.

Abstract: A motorless floor washing machine comprising a frame carrying a suction pump, wheels carried by the frame for moving of the machine and actuation of the pump to suck up a liquid, a handle for moving the frame and elements carried thereby, thereby to move the wheels and actuate the pump, a recovery tank fed by the pump, and a dispenser carried by the frame for discharging a cleaning liquid in front of the pump, whereby upon manual movement of the machine and discharge of a cleaning liquid carried thereby onto a floor, the cleaning liquid cleans the floor and is thereafter sucked up by the pump.

Abstract: The invention concerns electrophoresis and methods and electrolyte compositions for decoupling or isolating the dual functions of the electrolyte composition in order to increase separation selectivity or reduce electromigration dispersion, or both. An electrolyte composition is used in electrophoresis to separate a charged analyte having a mobility .mu..sub.a in an electric field. The composition includes a buffer system having an ionic component that controls the pH of the composition and mobility matching ions having a mobility .mu..sub.2 in the electric field, such that .mu..sub.a /.mu..sub.2 equals about one. Alternatively, the buffer system may maintain the composition's pH and a complexing agent may complex with the buffer system to alter the mobility .mu..sub.2 of an ionic component of the buffer system, such that .mu..sub.a /.mu..sub.2 equals about one. The pH of the composition is within a pH range selected based on the analyte to be separated, and .mu..sub.

Abstract: A method for conferring plant tolerance to severe diseases, specifically caused by a viruses vectored by soilborne fungi, wherein a non-virulent or mildly virulent virus is transmitted to the plant and renders the plant tolerant to disease caused by a more virulent virus. The protective virus is transmitted to a host plant via a viruliferous soilborne fungus which is coated onto seed and thereby produces a disease tolerant plant.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for selective cutting of the transverse carpal ligament of a patient. The instrument includes spaced-apart teeth which are supported on a first arm and a press member which is carried by a second arm. The teeth are prevented from contacting tissue when the first arm is inserted into, or retracted from, the carpal tunnel. After insertion of the first arm into the carpal tunnel, the teeth are exposed to the transverse carpal ligament and the first and second arms are moved towards each other to force the teeth into the transverse carpal ligament to perforate the ligament and enable it to elongate.

Abstract: A grid system for supporting panels and adaptable for use in association with a substructure, comprising a plurality of spaced, horizontally disposed main runners and cross-runners arranged perpendicular to each other. The main runners are adaptable for attachment to the substructure, and include (i) a crosspiece having a horizontally oriented surface provided with a plurality of spaced notches and (ii) a downwardly depending member terminating with a horizontally disposed flange. The cross-runners have horizontally disposed flanges arranged in a common plane with the flanges of the main runners, which support the tile panels in a common plane. The cross-runners include connecting means for insertion in the notches upon the perpendicular arrangement, and the connecting means have a horizontally oriented surface for mating with the surface of the crosspiece and disposed for overlapping engagement with the crosspiece thereby supporting the cross-runner and preventing undesired disengagement therebetween.

Abstract: A dimmable fluorescent lamp system comprises a fluorescent lamp with filaments at each end that are continuously heated by a transformer. A resonating capacitor is connected in series with a resonating inductor and a pair of DC blocking capacitors are connected from each end of the fluorescent lamp to put it in parallel with the resonating capacitor. A control logic drives the resonating inductor with a pulse-width modulated square wave that is controlled by a feedback voltage derived from a pair of rectifiers and a dropping resistor in series with one of the DC blocking capacitors. An error amplifier with two gain settings, e.g., one for a range of 0-20% of maximum light dimming and the other for 20%-100% dimming, compares the feedback voltage to a setpoint. A threshold comparator establishes the switchover point between the two error gain ranges.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for stabilizing a microporous marking structure is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of placing a microporous marking structure in conjunction with an absorbent material within a stabilizing device. A positive pressure is then applied to the microporous marking structure within the stabilizing device until a sufficient amount of ink originally retained within the microporous marking structure is forced to flow therefrom into the absorbent material so that the microporous marking structure obtains a substantially stabilized state. The apparatus may comprise a pair of substantially rigid plates arranged for relative movement with respect to each other wherein at least one of the substantially rigid plates is adapted to support a microporous marking structure thereon until the microporous marking structure is arranged between the plates.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching tissue that limits compressive forces on the soft tissue around a joint during movement of the joint. The orthosis includes two relatively pivotable cuff arms with a cuff on each arm. The cuffs clamp onto the body portions on either side of the joint. The pivot axis of the cuff arms is spaced from the pivot axis of the joint, so that movement of the cuff arms to extend the joint results in distractive forces being applied to the joint. The cuffs are selectively moved on the cuff arms, during extension and flexion, to provide the proper amount of distractive forces to the joint and to limit compressive forces on the joint. A mechanical advantage is gained through the use of a gear drive mechanism for transmitting to the joint the force applied by the patient. This allows the orthosis to be relatively small and light weight. The orthosis also provides a portable system for continuous passive motion therapy for a joint.

Abstract: A dimmable fluorescent lamp system embodiment of the present invention comprises a fluorescent lamp with filaments at each end that are continuously heated by independent secondary windings of a transformer. A resonating capacitor is connected in series with a resonating inductor and a pair of DC blocking capacitors are connected from each end of the fluorescent lamp to put it in parallel with the resonating capacitor. A control logic drives the primary winding with a pulse-width or frequency modulated square wave that is controlled by a feedback voltage derived from a pair of rectifiers and a dropping resistor in series with one of the DC blocking capacitors.

Abstract: An improved sample card is provided. The improved card, typically used in biochemical analysis, achieves high sample well capacity and improved fluid flow, including by means of a plurality of through-channels which route the fluid flow of samples along both the front and back surfaces of the card. Elevated bubble traps are provided, as are integral interrupt slots for sensing card position and alignment. A bezeled leading edge facilitates insertion.

Abstract: A push or pull type device for operating a lock bolt includes a support attached to a door carrying the lock. This support carries a cam rotatably mounted on a plate and including a square hole for a corresponding cross-section rod to be inserted into the lock to operate the bolt. An actuator member mounted to pivot about a rotation axis substantially parallel to the plate has two spaced lugs whose paths on pivoting lie on either side of the rotation axis of the cam. A handle is an integral part of or is removably mounted on the actuator member and angular play connected with a pre-orientation of the nut is compensated elastically.