Abstract: An improved metering unit is described which samples a power-related waveform and simultaneously captures its analog signal parameters for temperature and all phases of voltage and current, providing a more accurate and clearer waveform sample that effectively detects harmonics problems and does not require signal interpolation methods. The improved metering unit comprises signal conditioning circuitry interfacing with the power line for sensing temperature and all desired phases of voltage and current parameters of the waveform. The metering unit further comprises a processor having a timer output. The timer output controls track and hold circuitry and an A/D converter. The timer output places the track and hold circuitry in the hold mode to simultaneously capture temperature and all the desired phases of voltage and current of the waveform, and, at the same time, the timer output triggers the A/D converter to convert the captured analog signal parameters into digital sample values.

Abstract: The present invention provides manufactured seeds comprising a unit of a totipotent plant tissue and methods related to their production and use. The totipotent plant tissue is preferably disposed relative to a hydrated gel, preferably an oxygenated hydrated gel, so that liquids can be transfered from the gel to the embryo. It is also preferable that the shoot of the germinating embryo is enclosed in a shoot restraint that is resistant to penetration by the growing shoot and that the totipotent plant tissue, together with the gel and/or restraint, be at least partially surrounded by a protective seed coat. The manufactured seed can be stored for long periods of time after dehydration and/or freezing.

Abstract: The present invention provides manufactured seeds and related compositions and methods. The manufactured seeds comprise a unit of a totipotent plant tissue, preferably in contact with a hydrated gel. Preferably, the shoot of the germinating embryo is enclosed in a shoot restraint that is resistant to penetration by the growing shoot. The manufactured seed may be at least partially surrounded by a protective manufactured seed coat. The gel or the seed coat can include various additives, such as nutrients, antibiotics, or plant growth regulators.

Abstract: A manufactured seed is disclosed which comprises a plant embryo preferably encapsulated, or at least in contact with, a hydrated oxygenated gel. The gel can be oxygenated by passing oxygen gas through a gel solution before curing the gel or by exposing the gel to oxygen gas after curing. The gel is preferably oxygenated by adding to an uncured gel solution a suitably stabilized emulsion of a perfluorocarbon compound or a silicone oil, which compounds are capable of absorbing large amounts of oxygen, and are non-toxic and inert. The seed analog can further comprise an outer shell at least partially surrounding the gel and embryo, thereby forming a capsule. The outer shell preferably is shaped to aid the radical of a germinating embryo in protrusively rupturing the capsule, thereby facilitating successful germination and minimizing incidence of seedling malformation. Other shell materials are selected to provide requisite rigidity to the capsule while imparting minimal restriction to successful germination.

Abstract: The multimedia outlet of the present invention exhibits a combination of form and function. The outlet provides six openings for various telecommunicating connectors that provide for up to 12 ports of mixed media or up to 24 fiber optic ports. Also, provided is a cable management arrangement complying with industry standards specifications. The form of the outlet, having inwardly angled sides allows for "true" gravity feed connections, which are desirable. The outlet also includes multiple cable access/raceway knockout ports and a concealed labeling system.

Abstract: A method of preparing electrodes is now described, which electrodes have enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings combined with excellent coating service life. In the method, a substrate metal, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable rough surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be achieved by various operations including etching to ensure a roughened surface morphology. In subsequent operations, a barrier layer is provided on the surface of enhanced morphology. This may be achieved by operations including heating, as well as including thermal decomposition of a layer precursor. Subsequent coatings provide enhanced lifetime even in the most rugged commercial environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides manufactured seeds comprising totipotent plant tissue and a hydrated gel, preferably surrounded by a protective seed coat. The cotyledons of the germinating totipotent plant tissue can be enclosed in a shoot restraint that is resistant to penetration by the growing cotyledons. The manufactured seeds can be prepared for long-term storage, e.g., by sparging the hydrated gel with a respiration-limiting gas before, during, or after assembly of the manufactured seed. The seed is then preferably stored in an atmosphere containing levels of a respiration-limiting gas sufficient to keep respiration of the totipotent plant tissue at reduced levels.

Abstract: The field terminable patch connector comprises three separable upper and lower body or housing portions, all three of which have mutual interlocking detent structures which permit the three housing portions to be assembled and locked together into a rigid assembly. One of the three housing portions is a contact insulator which has a multiplicity of slots and protrusions capable of retaining contacts for receiving conductors of a twisted pair cable. A metal shield is provided which fits between both the upper housing portion and contact insulator portion to shield pairs of conductors from one another. When properly field terminated with a Category 5 compliant cable, the patch connector of the present invention meets or exceeds the TIA/EIA TSB-40 Category 5 transmission requirements when mated with 110 type connector blocks. Other features include the ease of field assembly without special tools or operations (e.g.

Abstract: A method of preparing electrodes is now described, which electrodes have enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings combined with excellent coating service life. In the method a substrate metal, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable rough surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be achieved by various operations including etching and melt spray application of metal or ceramic oxide to ensure a roughened surface morphology. In subsequent operations: a barrier layer is provided on the surface of enhanced morphology. This may be achieved by operations including heating, as well as including thermal decomposition of a layer precursor. Subsequent coatings provide enhanced lifetime even in the most rugged commercial environments.

Abstract: An analog of botanic seed is disclosed which comprises a plant embryo preferably encapsulated, or at least in contact with, a hydrated oxygenated gel. The gel can be oxygenated by passing oxygen gas through a gel solution before curing the gel or by exposing the gel to oxygen gas after curing. The gel is preferably oxygenated by adding to an uncured gel solution a suitably stabilized emulsion of a perfluorocarbon compound or a silicone oil, which compounds are capable of absorbing large amounts of oxygen, and are non-toxic and inert. The seed analog can further comprise an outer shell at least partially surrounding the gel and embryo, thereby forming a capsule. The outer shell preferably is shaped to aid the radicle of a germinating embryo in protrusively rupturing the capsule, thereby facilitating successful germination and minimizing incidence of seedling malformation.

Abstract: A metal surface is now described having enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings. The substrate metal of the article, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be initiated by selection of a metal of desirable metallurgy and heat history, including prior heat treatment to provide surface grain boundaries which may be most readily etched. In subsequent etching operation, the surface is made to exhibit well defined, three dimensional grains with deep grain boundaries. Subsequently applied coatings, by penetrating into the etched intergranular valleys, are desirably locked onto the metal substrate surface and provide enhanced lifetime even in rugged commercial environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing the overhead required in conventional fault tolerant processing by redundant processors. Commands are received and queued by both the active and standby units but are processed only by the active unit. Short messages, each including a command identifier, are transmitted from the active unit to the standby unit. In addition, periodic handshaking signals are exchanged between the two units. In the event the active unit fails, the standby unit is automatically brought on-line to process the unprocessed commands and transmit responses to the command source. When the failed unit is restored, it can become the standby unit.

Abstract: A snap-on cover assembly is presented to protect and designate connections made in connector block and bracket assemblies of the type used in the telephonic and related data communications industry. Four resilient latches integral with the one piece snap-on cover are insertable in and form a friction fit with the underside surface of four generally rectangular supporting platforms of a 110 type connector block. Removal of the snap-on cover is accomplished by simply pulling the cover from the connector block, and releasing the latches from frictional engagement with the underside surfaces of the aforementioned supporting platforms of the connector block. The cover of this invention is particularly well suited for snap-lock engagement to well-known type "110" terminal blocks. The covers presented are 50 and 100-pair preferred embodiments. The cover provides protection from unauthorized access and any other undesirable contact with the circuitry.

Abstract: An analog of botanic seed is disclosed which comprises a plant embryo preferably encapsulated, or at least in contact with, a hydrated oxygenated gel. The gel can be oxygenated by passing oxygen gas through a gel solution before curing the gel or by exposing the gel to oxygen gas after curing. The gel is preferably oxygenated by adding to an uncured gel solution a suitably stabilized emulsion of a perfluorocarbon compound or a silicone oil, which compounds are capable of absorbing large amounts of oxygen, and are non-toxic and inert. An analog of botanic seed can further comprise an outer shell at least partially surrounding the gel and embryo, thereby forming a capsule. The outer shell preferably is shaped to aid the radicle of a germinating embryo in protrusively rupturing the capsule, thereby facilitating successful germination and minimizing incidence of seedling malformation.

Abstract: The rear mounted multi-bicycle steel rack securely locks up to six bicycles for stable, safe and secure transport. The rack mounts into the rear receiver hitch with a simple pin. Up to six bicycles with different tubular frame sizes can be placed on the rack with a securing arm and lock providing stability and security. The hinges provide ease in movement of the arm. The high gloss finish in a variety of colors protects the rack from the weather and road damage. The clear advantages of bicycle rack is the lightweight design, lateral stability, locking feature, adjustment for different bicycle tubular frame sizes and ease of operation.

Abstract: The field terminable patch connector of the present invention comprises three separable upper and lower body or housing portions, two of which have a detent structure which permits the three housing portions to be assembled and locked together into a rigid assembly. The third housing portion is a contact insulator which has a multiplicity of slots and protrusions capable of retaining eight contacts for receiving eight conductors of a four pair cable. In addition, a metal shield is provided which fits between both the upper housing portion and contact insulator portion. This metal shield portion shields (e.g., electrically isolates) the four pairs of conductors from one another and is held in position by the same aforementioned detents. When properly field terminated and used with a Category 5 compliant cable, the patch connector of the present invention meets or exceeds the EIA/TIA TSB-36 Category 5 transmission requirements when used with 110 type connector blocks.

Abstract: A low cost wire stripping tool is presented which comprises a section to remove a portion of the outer insulation jacket covering two, three or four pairs of a new telephonic cable and a second section of the wire stripping tool which is capable of straightening (or flattening) a twisted pair and then capable of separating the straightened, flattened pair by cutting the webbed section of the individual pair.