Abstract: A transmitter and a receiver are paired that use the same power line and power module. The transmitter associates an identification number with a command message so that a receiver can ascertain that a command message is intended for the receiver. The transmitter uses the time from the power up to the first zero crossing of the AC signal to generate a matching seed for both transmitter and receiver. The transmitter generates an identification number by incrementing a counter each incremental time interval between power up and the occurrence of the first zero crossing of the AC signal and sends the generated identification number to the paired receiver after power up but before a predetermined time interval. The receiver stores the generated identification number and compares the stored identification number with a received identification number that is received in a subsequent command message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the performance of a dedicated communications medium in a switched data networking environment wherein a probe having a bypass circuit allows promiscuous monitoring of all traffic between a switch and a network device, such as a file server, in either direction, and in full duplex mode. Additionally, the bypass circuit eliminates the requirement for a separate repeater between the switch and the network device.

Abstract: The suspension system is a cartridge-type having an axle tube, a central tube and an anti-sway bar disposed in the central tube. Each cartridge has a torque absorption hub with a substantially cylindrical outer surface to match the inner surface of the axle tube. A plurality of square torsion bars are disposed between each torque absorption hub and the rotating arm. The arm is connected to the wheel. The torsion bars are disposed in a circular pattern about the central tube. The torsion bars pass through a bearing assembly connected with each rotating arm. The bearing assembly includes self-lubricating needle bearings. The relative position of the torque absorption hub with respect to the axle tube may be changed to change the road height of the vehicle. Torsion bars may be added or removed to change load characteristics.

Abstract: Assembly line balancer groups tasks of multi-sided, mixed model assembly lines on the basis of per side and per model constraints. Resulting compound tasks involve less computational time and power in balancing the line.

Abstract: An improved steering linkage (31, 36-42, 45, 46, 49, 50, 83, 84, 86, 87, 95, 96) for four runner steering of a bobsled (10) employs sheathed cables (83 and 84) coupled between bell cranks (45 and 46) and the right front and rear runner assemblies (22 and 23). The steering system extends through the front and rear axles (68 and 69) which are coupled to the frame (12) through a suspension system. The cables 83 and 84 slide when steering system is actuated, but are not displaced by movement of their supporting sheaths. The cables (83 and 84) also have a small amount of slack, which allows the runner assemblies (22 and 23) to be displaced vertically in a banked turn without adversely affecting the steering of the sled (10).

Abstract: A bobsled (10) provides steering control for all four of its runner assemblies (22 and 23). The left runner assemblies (22 and 23) are coupled through tie rods (55 and 56) to the right runner assemblies (22 and 23), and these assemblies (22 and 23) are coupled through a steering linkage (31, 36-42, 45, 46, and 49-54) and cables (62 and 66) to a push-pull pair of control levers (57 and 58). Operation of the levers (57 and 58) moves the linkage axially to pivot front and rear bell cranks (45 and 46) counter to one another, resulting in the rear runner assemblies (23) being pivoted counter to the front runner assemblies (22) to follow an arcuate track through a turn. The steering system extends through the front and rear axles (68 and 69) which are coupled to the frame (12) through a suspension system and which are allowed to pivot in planes transverse to longitudinal axis of the bobsled (10).