Abstract: A device for rendering safe a detonator firing circuit by short circuiting multiple conductors in the circuit includes a base portion and cable piercing members. The base portion has a cylindrical block and apertures for retentively receiving the cable piercing members. The cable piercing member has a first end to impinge on and penetrate a cable insulation when forcibly attached to an external surface of the cable. The cable piercing member has a low electrical resistance and impedance to generate a short circuit between conductors of the cable. Also, a method for rendering safe a detonator firing circuit of by short circuiting multiple conductor cables or a pigtail connector of a detonator system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling the output signal of a radiation detector and distinguishing full-capture radiation events from Compton scattering events. The output signal of a radiation detector is continuously sampled. The samples are converted to digital values and input to a discriminator where samples that are representative of events are identified. The discriminator transfers only event samples, that is, samples representing full-capture events and Compton events, to a signal processor where the samples are saved in a three-dimensional count matrix with time (from the time of onset of the pulse) on the first axis, sample pulse current amplitude on the second axis, and number of samples on the third axis. The stored data are analyzed to separate the Compton events from full-capture events, and the energy of the full-capture events is determined without having determined the energies of any of the individual radiation detector events.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling radiation detector outputs and determining event data from the collected samples. The method uses high speed sampling of the detector output, the conversion of the samples to digital values, and the discrimination of the digital values so that digital values representing detected events are determined. The high speed sampling and digital conversion is performed by an A/D sampler that samples the detector output at a rate high enough to produce numerous digital samples for each detected event. The digital discrimination identifies those digital samples that are not representative of detected events. The sampling and discrimination also provides for temporary or permanent storage, either serially or in parallel, to a digital storage medium.

Abstract: A stator assembly for a non-static cogging brushless DC motor includes a hollow coil forming member fabricated on a nonconductive and nonmagnetic material having an array of generally radially extending teeth. Each tooth has a pair of generally radially extending sidewalls that extend substantially the entire axial length of the coil forming member. A plurality of coils is wound on the teeth of the coil forming member so that the coils are disposed in surrounding relationship with respect to the radially extending sidewalls of the teeth. The teeth on the coil forming member may extend either radially inwardly or radially outwardly thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring ionizing radiation comprising radiation detectors in electrical connection with an isotopic analyzer and a device for producing chords to which each isotope is mapped so that the device produces a unique chord for each isotope. Preferably the chords are pleasing to the ear, except for chords representing unexpected isotopes, and are louder or softer depending on the level of radioactivity produced by each isotope, and musical instrument voices may be simulated in producing the chords as an aid to distinguishing similar-sounding chords. Because of the representation by chords, information regarding the level and composition of the radiation in an area can be conveyed to workers in that area more effectively and yet without distracting them.

Abstract: A stator assembly for a non-static cogging brushless DC motor includes a hollow coil forming member fabricated of a nonconductive and nonmagnetic material having an array of generally radially extending teeth. Each tooth has a pair of generally radially extending sidewalls that extend substantially the entire axial length of the coil forming member. A plurality of coils is wound on the teeth of the coil forming member so that the coils are disposed in surrounding relationship with respect to the radially extending sidewalls of the teeth. The teeth on the coil forming member may extend either radially inwardly or radially outwardly thereof.

Abstract: A motor control arrangement for a brushless dc motor is characterized by referencing the motor commutation and current controls at a potential different from that used by the motor. As a result a dynamic control range on the order of 400:1 may be achieved.