Abstract: Circuitry for determining timing characteristics, for example, access time, setup time, hold time, recovery time and removal time, of as-manufactured digital circuit elements, such as latches, flip-flops and memory cells. Each element under test is embodied in variable-loop-path ring oscillator circuitry that includes multiple ring-oscillator loop paths, each of which differs from the other(s) in terms of inclusion and exclusion of ones of a data input and a data output of the element under test. Each loop path is caused to oscillate at each of a plurality of frequencies, and data regarding the oscillation frequencies is used to determine one or more timing characteristics of the element under test. The variable-loop-path ring oscillator circuitry can be incorporated into a variety of test systems, including automated testing equipment, and built-in self test structures and can be used in performing model-to-hardware correlation of library cells that include testable as-manufactured digital circuit elements.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method receives a set of data regarding a layout of a network, where the data specifies the interconnection of linear facilities and specifies at least one network point that is disconnected from the network. The computer-implemented method further determines a closest one of the linear facilities to the at least one network point based on the set of data and shifts the at least one network point to connect the at least one network point to the network based on a distance between a vertex associated with the closest one of the linear facilities and the at least one network point. The computer-implemented method also shifts the closest one of the linear facilities to connect the at least one network point in the network based on a distance associated with a linear projection from the at least one network point to the closest one of the linear facilities.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method receives a list of polygonal vertices associated with multiple polygons located in proximity to one another in a two-dimensional region and analyzes the polygonal vertices. The method automatically generates, based on the analysis, a polygonal hull that encloses the multiple polygons such that a line segment connecting any two polygonal vertices of the multiple polygons falls completely inside the generated polygonal hull. The multiple polygons may correspond to a two-dimensional geographic region. The computer-implemented method may be used for geographic regional segmentation.

Abstract: Briefly, this invention comprises a rebar protective cover for use on the projecting free end of a concrete reinforcing bar to prevent impact injuries comprising: (a) a hollow cylindrical collar, having an open end and a closed end, (b) an overhanging impact head of substantial extent projecting laterally outwardly beyond the closed end of said collar, (c) a bowl-shaped shaping member having the concave surface facing the open end of the collar, (d) a solid cementitious member occupying the space between said closed end of the collar and the underside of said shaping member, said cementitious member having a surface abutting the underside of said shaping member complementary to said shaping member and adapted to resist impact penetration, said protective cover preventing penetration of the cover by rebar.

Abstract: A liquid applicator of the type used to apply pre-operative liquid to the body prior to surgery. The liquid is contained in a sealed ampoule. The applicator has a hollow cylindrical handle with an internal configuration which firmly seats the ampoule within the handle. A neck section of the housing, generally seated with and extending from the handle has a thin-walled section positioned very close to the neck of an ampoule supported in the handle, so that manual depression of the thin-walled section allows the operator to sever the ampoule tip from the ampoule body, allowing one-handed release of fluid prior to application.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser system is disclosed having a suitable spatial separation between a fluid-containing ampule contained therewithin and the user's fingers is provided by a plurality of members extending between the ampule and the user's fingers. The separation prevents shards of glass resulting from breakage of the ampule from cutting the user's fingers. Gripping portions of the dispenser may be profiled or roughened on the surface to provide greater gripping capabilities.

Abstract: A combined speech diaphragm and exhalation valve for a respirator is formed as a unitary sub-assembly whereby the speech diaphragm is movable in unison with the exhalation valve.

Abstract: An ampule-type inhalant dispenser is disclosed, and the manner in which it can be formed, in which shards of glass produced upon fracturing of the ampule are maintained in substantial parallelism with a mutually presented face of enveloping packaging material in order to prevent the sharp edges of the shards from piercing the packaging material, with consequent hazard to the fingers of the user.

Abstract: A biphasic culturing apparatus which employs multiple solid nutrient media in a single vessel includes an enclosed container which has an opening defined in one of its surfaces for introducing material into the container. At least one container surface includes a flat, transparent portion for viewing the solid and liquid nutrient media from outside the container. A first partition inside the container divides the interior volume thereof into upper and lower portions, and at least one second partition divides the upper container portion into a plurality of compartmental volumes. A liquid nutrient medium is located in the lower container portion, and a solid nutrient medium is contained in each compartmental volume. The first and second partitions are configured so that each solid nutrient medium may be separately innoculated with the liquid medium.

Abstract: An improved magnetic separator arrangement is provided. One major improvement relates to modifications facilitating utilization of relatively dense and tightly packed matrix material within races, through which a slurry of ore material passes during separation. The tightly packed matrix material is accommodated through utilization of flexible race walls, and compression and expansion mechanisms selectively operable to facilitate separation. A cover mechanism inhibits water flow turbulence, during an initial setting up of a magnetic field to entrap magnetic material within the matrix element of each race. A preferred retainer mechanism is provided which facilitates mounting of flap members for use in association with a cover mechanism, as well as retention of the matrix material in a desired position. In a preferred embodiment, the previous features are incorporated into a system fed with an ore material from an inner portion of a circular race, i.e. the center of a rotating drum.

Abstract: A respirator having a disposable filter includes a valve body having a central aperture providing concentric inhalation and exhalation valves.

Abstract: A yoke for the face piece of a respirator is formed from plastics material and is provided with hinge portions of lesser thickness than the remainder of the yoke, which are stressed during assembly of the respirator to resiliently position wings of the yoke as dihedrals.