Abstract: A method of transmitting data on a communications network having two oppositely directed unidirectional buses (A,B) and a number of access units (4) coupled between buses, the method including the step of establishing a queue which is distributed in the access units and which controls when the access units can transmit data packets on the buses. When an access unit has a data packet (38) queued for transmission on bus A, it sends a REQ bit on bus B. The access units monitor the number of REQ bits passing and empty packets available so as to thereby establish the distributed queue. The access units are able to handle both data packets (38) which are suitable for information from computers and synchronous packets 36 which can be used for voice circuits.

Abstract: Calibration apparatus (40) for a tire testing machine (11) having an A-shaped framework (13) formed by diverging trunions (25, 26) with a spindle (37) having a face seating a wheel for mounting a test tire (T) movably supported between the trunions including, a pair of beam mounting assemblies (42, 42) affixed in spaced relation on the A-shaped framework, a cross beam (75) supported by the pair of beam mounting assemblies, a calibration bar positioning assembly (85) on the cross beam supporting a calibration bar (120) in spaced relation to the face of the spindle, an angle adjusting platform (95) on the calibration bar positioning assembly for selectively angularly orienting the calibration bar relative to the cross beam, an indicator mounting rod (127) extending from the spindle in a direction paralleling the face of the spindle, a dial indicator (130) extending from the indicator mounting rod for engaging the calibration bar at spaced locations upon rotation of the spindle through approximately 180.degree.

Abstract: A method for detecting Brucella infection in an animal which is reliable, rapid, and able to identify species and biovars of Brucella. The detection method includes the amplification of the omp2 gene locus of Brucella and analysis of restriction digestion fragments specific to Brucella and to individual species and groups of biovars of Brucella.

Abstract: A method of cushioning highway vehicle impacts and an improved end piece for a highway crash cushion or rail end treatment for concrete barriers or for guard rail terminals. The end piece has means to trap the bumper or other forward elements of an impacting vehicle. Additionally, the end piece is slidably mounted to traverse along a linear guide track or curvilinear guard rail during the progress of the collision as the vehicle is decelerated from contact velocity to a stop.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching a line of apertures in a workpiece having a channel. The apparatus comprises a punch press mounted to a base over a work space, a removable punch tool mounted on the punch press, an elongated table slidably mounted to the base having a line of travel extending through the work space, a mandrel, a clamping mechanism on the table for clamping a workpiece thereon with the workpiece channel aligned with the mandrel, and a drive mechanism for selectively moving the table in increments as the punch press sequentially strokes. When the workpiece is clamped to the table, it will be incrementally drawn along the mandrel, the mandrel being in the channel, and repeatedly punched by the punch tool, as the table is moved through the work space.

Abstract: A key depression inhibitor device for a computer keyboard is disclosed which is intended to prevent accidental or inadvertent manual depression of a certain key or combination of keys on a computer keyboard. The device has top, side and end walls which form a generally hollow cover adapted to fit over a single key or certain combinations of key in the "F" key section, page control key section and cursor control key section of a computer keyboard. The device is constructed to fit snugly over the key or combination of keys which it is intended to cover and to be readily removable therefrom, so that it can be installed and removed at will as needed.

Abstract: The electronic device uses domino-shaped sound elements in combination with a support track to generate audible sounds or musical notes. The sound elements are placed in indentations on a support track in a selected sequence corresponding to the sequence of musical notes in a song to be played. Each of the sound elements corresponds to a single sound or musical note. When the sound elements are toppled in a domino-type manner, the notes are played in the selected sequence. Each of the sound elements has one or more magnetic elements in its bottom surface. The movement of the magnetic element away from associated Hall Effect sensors in the support track during toppling of the sound elements is used to trigger a decoding circuit. The decoding circuit determines the note pattern and generates the associated sound through an output speaker. A timbre sound element may also be used to select the timbre or other tonal characteristics of the output sounds.

Abstract: A toothed transmission belt adaptable for use with drive transmission having a series of teeth, where the curve of each tooth is based on Schiele's Anti-Friction Formula which describes a tractrix curve.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the development of bed sores, and once developed, successfully treating them, composed partly of an rigid elongate member which is transversely disposed across a hospital bed, wherein each end of the elongate member is engaged with a respective side rail of the hospital bed. The apparatus is further composed partly of a depression member which substantially vertically depends from the elongate member so as to depressably abut the mattress of the hospital bed. The depression member may be selectively located anywhere along the elongate member, and is preferably held abuttingly with respect to the elongate member by a frictional interface therebetween.

Abstract: A methanol refining column and method using an intermediate reboiler. Use of the intermediate reboiler reduces methanol production energy requirements. A side stream at or near a fusel oil takeoff point is heated in an intermediate reboiler by a low temperature heating medium (relative to a bottoms reboiler) and returned to the column at or near the fusel oil take-off tray. The take-off tray is operated at 85.degree.-110.degree. C., and 70-90 percent of the reboiler duty is supplied through the intermediate reboiler. The remaining heat load is supplied by a bottoms steam reboiler.

Abstract: A fast operating, combined packet and circuit switch. The switch includes a number of units which are distributed locally and which are mutually connected by means of physical links. In a packet-switched network, which is comprised of packet handlers and the links, each connected unit affects at least one control-time-slot. In this way, each unit is able to operate the circuit switch so as, for instance, to establish and release circuit-switched connections, in response to control commands transmitted on the packet-switched network. As a result of the packet switch, the whole of the switch can be configured at a cold start and during operation, therewith satisfying the individual bandwidth requirement of each connected unit.

Abstract: An hydraulic drive mechanism for tricycles and the like comprises a variable volume, positive displacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor. The pump is dual chambered with each chamber operating a separate hydraulic system for separate drive wheels. Each chamber has three curved pivoting vanes around a central crankshaft. Each chamber also has two reservoirs which momentarily store hydraulic fluid. This temporary storage of fluid changes the volume output of the pump. Changes in pump volume output change drive ratios. The amount of fluid stored is controlled by the operator. Consequently, the drive mechanism changes drive ratios hydraulically. Also, the pivoting vanes in each chamber can be forced down by back pressure. This back pressure is generated by the hydraulic motor on each rear wheel. During cornering the outer radius wheel will rotate faster than the inner wheel and consequently will drive the hydraulic motor and generate back pressure and that pushes down the vanes.

Abstract: A feed line to a pyrolysis furnace and a liquid injection apparatus for introducing a liquid coke inhibitor in the feed line are disclosed. The injection apparatus includes a central passageway for supplying the liquid coke inhibitor, an annular passageway for delivering an atomizing gas and a mixing reservoir for mixing the liquid and gas wherein the mixed fluid is atomized by passage through an orifice in a nozzle. A cooling jacket surrounding the annular passageway prevents decomposition of the coke inhibiting agent which products can plug the nozzle. The injection apparatus is typically installed in a bend of a process feedstock conduit with a discharge end aligned to an axis of the flow. A hot injection point close to the inlet of the pyrolysis furnace is preferred for best results. To help ensure complete evaporation of a carrier liquid prior to the furnace, the injection apparatus can include an evaporation shroud.

Abstract: Hydroperoxides are decomposed by contact with metalloporphyrin coordination complex catalysts in which hydrogen in the porphyrin molecule has been substituted with at least one nitro group and may be further substituted with other electron-withdrawing elements or groups, for example, halogen or halocarbons, or with hydrocarbon groups. Preferred catalysts are iron tetranitro-.beta.-octaethylporphyrins and iron tetrakispentafluorophenyl-.beta.-nitroporphyrins.

Abstract: An edge router for milling off protruding margins of edge bands that have been glued or bonded to the narrow edges of a panel type work piece is properly guided even if the edges are rounded, curved, or otherwise uneven. For this purpose, the guide device extending in parallel to the milling or drive shaft of the edge router is provided in the form of two separate parallel guide elements (9, 9'). Even if the guide roller rolls along a curved or rounded, or otherwise uneven edge and even if one of the guide elements is already outside the surface of the work piece, the other parallel guide element will still be positively engaged with the top surface of the panel type work piece for positive guiding at all times.

Abstract: Aluminophosphates containing manganese in the structural framework are employed for the oxidation of alkanes, for example the vapor phase oxidation of methane to methanol.

Abstract: A novel compound for the treatment and prevention of ocular and other types of inflammation is disclosed. The compound, OB-101, is effective at both the early and late phases of inflammation. The compound is useful for the treatment of inflammation in both the anterior and posterior portions of the eye, as well as in other parts of the body.

Abstract: A fat substitute bakery dough, comprising a wheat flour, a fat substitute comprising from greater than 8 to less than 62 percent of potato flour and from greater than 1.1 to less than 12 percent of non-fat dry milk solids, from greater than 7 to less than 60 percent of an emulsifying binder selected from the group consisting of eggs, egg components, low-fat egg substitutes and mixtures thereof, from greater than 11 to less than 93 percent of a fat-like sensory additive, selected from the group consisting of corn syrup, molasses and mixtures thereof; and a leavening agent, wherein all percents are based on the weight of wheat flour. A process for mixing the above ingredients, followed by baking to produce a moist, tender cookie is disclosed.