Abstract: A system and apparatus combining a hub and a function as a single chip compound device. A single serial interface engine (SIE) is shared between a hub endpoint and a function endpoint. The hub endpoint and function endpoint being integrated on a single chip. A single backend interface is coupled between the SIE and the endpoints. The backend interface selects which of the hub endpoints or the function endpoints can access the shared SIE at any time period. In one embodiment, a first address is associated with the hub and a second address is associated with the function. The backend interface selects between the hub and function by comparing a translated address received from the SIE with each of the first address and the second address. The result of the comparisons via suitable combinational logic serves as a select signal for a multiplexer between the hub/function and the SIE.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for propelling a tool having a body within a passage. The tool includes a gripper including at least a gripper portion which can assume a first position that engages an inner surface of the passage and limits relative movement of the gripper portion relative to the inner surface. The gripper portion can also assume a second position that permits substantially free relative movement between the gripper portion and the inner surface of the passage. The tool includes a propulsion assembly for selectively continuously moving the body of the tool with respect to the gripper portion while the gripper portion is in the first position. This allows the tool to move different types of equipment within the passage. For example, the tool advantageously may be used in drilling processes to provide continuous force to a drill bit. This enables the drilling of extended horizontal boreholes.

Abstract: Disclosed are both a housing and an assembly for a tunable external cavity laser. The housing includes: a base section, a motion section, and an actuator. The base section includes a proximal and distal portion, and the laser and the dispersive element mounted at respectively the proximal and distal portions such that energy emanating from the laser strikes the dispersive element leaving the dispersive element as a second beam at an angle with respect to the first beam which depends on wavelength. The motion section includes a proximal and a distal portion and a torsional member positioned at the proximal portion and the reflector positioned at the distal portion to reflect the second beam to the laser via the dispersive element, and the motion section supported by the base about the torsional member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reducing power consumption in an integrated device having a first module with a mandatory operating frequency and a second module with a flexible frequency requirement. The integrated device is powered by a serial bus. The first module is segregated from the second module in the time domain by a frequency independent interface. The second module is then operated at a lower frequency when power conservation is needed. The operating frequency of the second module can be dynamically changed to improve performance of the second module when a power budget for the device permits.

Abstract: A self-contained transportable life support system for resuscitation, stabilization, and transport of a patient has an environmentally controlled housing for receiving and supporting a patient and a plurality of medical devices disposed within the housing. A control circuit attached to the housing has at least a portion thereof extending to an external surface of the housing for regulating operation of the medical devices and environmental conditions of within the housing in response to monitored life support conditions of the patient.

Abstract: A drill pipe/casing protector assembly for an underground drilling system comprises a well bore in an underground formation, a fixed tubular casing installed in the well bore, a rotary drill pipe extending through the casing and having an O.D. spaced from an I.D. of the casing (or well bore) during normal drilling operations, and a protective sleeve mounted around the drill pipe and spaced from the I.D. of the casing, and upper and lower thrust bearings affixed to the drill pipe above and below the sleeve to retain the sleeve in a fixed axial position on the drill pipe. The sleeve contacts the I.D. of the casing when the drill pipe deflects off-center to protect the casing from contact with the drill pipe or its tool joints during rotation of the drill pipe. Axial grooves in an I.D. wall of the sleeve allow fluid under pressure to circulate through a space formed between the I.D. of the sleeve and the O.D. of the drill pipe. Generally flat bearing surface regions on the I.D.

Abstract: A protective post-guard apparatus and method for use in protecting rescue workers involved in vehicular rescue operations is disclosed. The post-guard is utilized to cover the jagged edges of exposed posts of a vehicle that has had the roof removed, or the steering wheel removed, thus affording access to victims in the vehicle.

Abstract: A tubing friction reducer is mounted on a length of tubing within a bore hole. The friction reducer includes a cylindrical body having a first section and a second section hingedly secured around an exterior surface of the coiled tubing, the cylindrical body having an outside diameter larger than an outside diameter of the coiled tubing and less than an inside diameter of an adjacent bore surface. A plurality of roller bearings positioned on and extending outwardly from the cylindrical body extending in a generally axial direction along the cylindrical body for the purpose of reducing friction between the coiled tubing and the bore surface generated upon contact between the coiled tubing and the bore surface. Retaining mechanisms such as collapsible springs are included for securing the roller bearings to the cylindrical body. The tubing friction reducers are placed along the tubing at intervals to either minimize injector force, prevent buckling, and tubing failure, due to buckling or wear.

Abstract: A water supply control apparatus includes a flow sensor, connected to a supply line of an indoor plumbing network, which sends a flow signal to a controller when flow is detected. The controller includes a power circuit which is interrupted upon detection of flow, thereby causing a shut-off valve to close. Moisture sensors and temperature sensors can also be coupled to the controller so that the shut-off valve can be closed in response to the detection of moisture or an incipient freeze condition.

Abstract: A water supply control apparatus for a household plumbing system having a main water supply line includes a shut-off valve disposed in the main water supply line, electric motor means for actuating the shut-off valve and being operable to move between open and closed positions, at least one temperature sensor adapted to be located in a position of exposure to cold temperatures, at least one moisture sensor adapted to be located in a position of exposure to water leaking from household appliances, control means, connected to the electric motor means, the at least one temperature sensor and the at least one moisture sensor, for actuating the shut-off valve to the closed position when either a freeze condition is detected by the at least one temperature sensor or a water leak is detected by the at least one moisture sensor.

Abstract: An automatic water supply shut-off system includes a shut-off valve movable between opened and closed positions in a line leading from the water supply. An electric motor actuates the shut-off valve and is electrically connected to a power source through an electric circuit so that when the circuit is closed the electric motor actuates the shut-off valve into the open position to allow water flow through the line. At least one temperature sensor feeds a signal to a logic circuit that controls a switch. The switch cuts off the supply of power to the electric motor when the sensor senses a temperature corresponding to a freeze condition.

Abstract: An automatic water supply shut-off system includes a shut-off valve movable between opened and closed positions in a line leading from the water supply. An electric motor actuates the shut-off valve and is electrically connected to a power source through an electric circuit so that when the circuit is closed the electric motor actuates the shut-off valve into the open position to allow water flow through the line. At least one temperature sensitive switch is disposed in the electrical circuit and is operative to normally close the electrical circuit above a predetermined temperature and to open the electrical circuit at or below the predetermined temperature, whereby the shut-off valve moves to the closed position.

Abstract: A work piece positioning device which has a table upon which the work piece is supported is disclosed. The table is rotatably mounted on a sub-assembly which is tiltably mounted on a frame such that the work piece can be positioned in any desired predetermined attitude. Two worm gear systems are utilized for positioning the table, one for the rotating action and one for the tilting action. Each worm gear system has a worm gear, a tiltable worm and a locking mechanism. Once the table and work piece are in the desired predetermined attitude, the locking mechanisms are actuated, locking each worm to its respective worm gear.

Abstract: A machining system for simultaneously performing a number of machining operations on one face of a plurality of work pieces which are carried on a pallet is disclosed. The machining system includes a track having a pallet loading station and a pallet unloading station juxtaposed to the track, and at least one machining station juxtaposed to the track at a location between the loading and unloading stations. A plurality of pallets are supported for movement along the track between the unloading and loading stations and passed the machining station. Each pallet is set up for mounting at least one work piece in a predetermined position thereon. The system also includes a series of mechanisms for moving the pallet along the track, a mechanism for locating and securing each pallet in a predetermined location at the machining station.

Abstract: A sheet of glass or similar material is moved to and in the cutting area of the apparatus by sheet gripping assemblies that engage and grip an edge portion of the sheet, and that undergo precise controlled movement. A fluid-jet discharging nozzle moves above the sheet along a path of travel normal to the sheet movement. Belts supportively underlying the sheet are driven sufficiently in unison therewith to minimize possible scratching or other marring of the glass. To the same end, the lower portion of the fluid-jet nozzle is of tapered shape. Sheet-engaging clamps of the gripping assemblies are moveable in a manner adapted to prevent damage to the glass sheets engaged thereby. Positioning structure may be provided for receiving and positioning the glass sheets preparatory to the cutting thereof.

Abstract: A work piece positioning device which has a table upon which the work piece is supported is disclosed. The table is rotatably mounted on a sub-assembly which is tiltably mounted on a frame such that the work piece can be positioned in any desired predetermined attitude. Two worm gear systems are utilized for positioning the table, one for the rotating action and one for the tilting action. Each worm gear system has a worm gear, a tiltable worm and a locking mechanism. Once the table and work piece are in the desired predetermined attitude, the locking mechanisms are actuated, locking each worm to its respective worm gear.