Abstract: An interface to adapt a computer to a real-time environment and that allows the adaptation procedures to be controlled using software. By allowing multiple adaptation parameters, a variety of clock rates and processor configurations can be supported. Since the parameters can be loaded by software, the difficulty of setting inconvenient and inaccessible physical configuration switches of the prior art is eliminated. Current passes through the variable resistances of the joystick potentiometers to charge capacitors. Timers measure the time required to charge the capacitors to a control voltage. This control voltage is determined by a DAC circuit which can be programmed via software. If the control voltage is lowered, the charging time is reduced.

Abstract: A device using intentionally introduced centrifugal force to direct particles suspended in a liquid to peripherally arranged contact members and to detain them there through the static pressure caused by the peripherally moving liquid.The device separates the ferrous, magnetizable, from the nonferrous, not magnetizable, particles by providing a magnetic capturing unit having a diameter smaller than that of the aforementioned contact member arrangement, so that ferrous particles will be retained by magnetism and so indicated, while nonferrous ones will be detained by the radially more outwardly located contact members and indicated accordingly. Individual indications of, especially nonferrous particle accumulations, are provided for at least two particle magnitude ranges.

Abstract: A floor mat having costs of manufacture consistent with disposability and yet extended properties. The mat comprises a combination of a continuous filament nylon nonwoven wear surface, and absorbent inner layer comprising a mixture of polymeric microfibers and wood pulp, and a liquid impervious film backing layer. The combination is intermittently bonded such as by means of sonic energy and preferably has means for positioning and retaining the mat on a floor surface. Such means may include a holder device or tacky adhesive applied to the bottom film surface. In use the floor mat of the invention may be printed for decorative or promotional purposes and is sufficiently durable to last up to several weeks under high use conditions while yet being economical to produce. Applications for the floor mat include many consumer and industrial situations where protection from inclement weather is desired as well as in industrial clean rooms, laboratories and hospitals.