Abstract: A technique is provided for controlling the interposition of one or more special sheets into a stream of regular imaged substrates. In one example, a point in time at which a special insert sheet should be fed from a special insertion sheet subsystem to the stream is determined by reference to plural sets of preset time periods. In this example, the preset time periods can be adjusted to accommodate print engine/interposing module machine clock fluctuations. In another example, interposition of a special insert sheet with the stream of regular imaged substrates is maintained at an acceptable level by comparing a distance between a special insert sheet fed to the stream and an adjacent regular imaged substrate with a predefined tolerance. The comparison can then be used to adjust feed times of special insert sheets subsequently fed to the stream.

Abstract: A fiber glass air filtration media comprises a blanket of glass fibers with about 25% to 35% by weight of the glass fibers being fine glass fibers having an average diameter of less than 3.5 microns and about 65% to 75% by weight of the glass fibers being coarse glass fibers having an average diameter of more than 3.5 microns. The fine and coarse glass fibers are randomly intermingled throughout the blanket. The blanket is formed by producing the fine glass fibers on a first set of fiber generators and the coarse glass fibers on a second set of fiber generators. The fiber generators are laterally aligned across the width of and direct gaseous streams of the glass fibers at a moving collection surface where the blanket is formed. The fiber generators of the first set alternate with the fiber generators of the second set and the glass fibers produced by the two sets of fiber generators are mixed together before being deposited on the collection surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the steering of a wheeled or track-driven machine, such as a snowblower, the apparatus having a levered wheel mounted to the frame of the snowblower and actuated using an idler wheel connected to the levered wheel via a cable and pulley system; when actuated the levered wheel raises one side of the snowblower and provides a pivot point about which the other side of the snowblower can be pivoted. An apparatus for deflecting the hot exhaust of the snowblower's engine into the base of the snow exhaust chute to prevent and clear clogs therein and an adjustable apparatus for partially covering the opening of the auger housing to effect the force applied to the snow to be collected and cleared through the snow exhaust chute are also provided.

Abstract: A method of normalizing the count in a counter depending upon the type or size of the copy sheets processed in an electronic image processing machine including the steps of determining the size or type of copy sheets in process in the machine, recording a count in the counter in response to the size or type of copy sheets in process, normalizing the count in the counter as a function of the change in size or type of the copy sheets in process, and relating the normalized counts to the need to replace selected components of the image processing machine.

Abstract: A bandpass sigma-delta modulator for an analog-to-digital converter is provided in which an RLC circuit connected to the input analog signal is resonant at an intermediate frequency. A Josephson junction connected to the RLC circuit receives the current flowing through the RLC circuit. The Josephson junction emits a voltage pulse which reduces the RLC circuit current when the current in the Josephson junction exceeds its critical current. Selected multiples of the voltage pulse generated by the Josephson junction are fed back to the RLC circuit. A digital output is generated from the voltage pulses generated by the Josephson junction to complete the analog-to-digital conversion of the input signal.

Abstract: A spur-free sigma delta modulator analog-to-digital converter for converting an analog input signal to a digital output signal is provided. A race Josephson junction is provided between the pulse generator and the integrating inductor. The race Josephson junction emits a voltage pulse in response to every sampling pulse. This voltage pulse kills any retained persisting current in the integrating inductor. By adding the race Josephson junction, nonlinearities in the converter are eliminated.A multiple flux quanta feedback generator for creating a multiple digital pulse feedback in response to an input signal is provided. A quantizer connected to the input inductor produces a pulse when the current produced by the input inductor exceeds a predetermined amount. A splitter is connected to the quantizer for producing output pulses. In order to produce 2.sup.n output pulses, 2.sup.n -1 splitters are required. Each of the splitters produces two output pulses in response to a single pulse produced by the quantizer.

Abstract: A serial multiplier for multiplying two n-bit numbers is provided in which a shift register having a total of n destructive read out cells contains a separate bit of a first multiplicand in each cell. A string of (2n-1) non-destructive read out cells is provided to receive the second multiplicand. Each of the first n cells of the string of non-destructive readout cells contain a separate bit of the second multiplicand. Each bit of the first multiplicand is serially multiplied with the series of bits of said second multiplicand. After each such multiplication, each bit of the second multiplicand is moved to the next adjacent cell. The partial product of the multiplication is stored in a string of 2n T flip-flop cells. Each of the T flip-flop cells has a carry path to the next adjacent T flip-flop cell. Timing means are provided to regulate and initiate the multiplication.

Abstract: A method of purging copy sheets after a machine malfunction from a copy sheet path having a plurality of zones including the steps of determining the existence of copy sheets in process in any of the copy sheet path zones, selectively activating a plurality of independent copy sheet drives to maintain a predetermined interdocument space between any copy sheets in process and systematically purging the copy sheets from the zones of the paper path in a predetermined order based upon the particular disposition of the copy sheets in the sheet path zones.

Abstract: A two-loop superconducting sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter includes a first superconducting inductor to which the analog signal is applied. A resistor converts to current in the first inductor to a voltage which is applied to a second superconducting inductor. The current in the second inductor, which increases quadradically with time, is applied to an overdamped Josephson junction which kicks back a single quantum voltage pulse each time its critical current is exceeded. This pulse reduces the current in the second inductor and serves as a digital ONE output. The pulses are also applied to an underdamped Josephson junction in a feedback pulse generator which latches at its gap voltage for the remainder of a half cycle of an ac bias current.

Abstract: An automatic fluid sampling and monitoring apparatus provided as a unitary structure, and capable of collecting fluid samples at selected intervals, monitoring the level of a condition of the fluid at selected intervals, and collecting and storing sampling and fluid condition data for later retrieval. Sampling operations may be controlled on the basis of time and/or levels of a fluid condition being monitored. Where the apparatus also incorporates an internal flow measuring assembly, or is connected with an external flow meter, sampling operations may also be controlled on the basis of flow rate. The apparatus includes a self-contained microprocessor for automatically controlling sampling operations, calculating fluid condition levels on the basis of signals from a sensor, and storing data relating to sample collection and the fluid condition.

Abstract: A superconducting sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter utilizes a superconducting inductor as the integrator and a Josephson junction connected in series between the inductor and ground as the quantizer. A SQUID generates sampling pulses at a selected GHz frequency which add to the inductor current flowing through the Josephson junction. When the combined current through the Josephson junction exceeds the critical current of the Josephson junction, a voltage pulse is generated which kicks back into the inductor to reduce the inductor current. The voltage across the Josephson junction is, therefore, a one bit digital representation of the analog signal. This one bit digital signal is converted to a multi-bit digital signal preferably by a decimator having superconducting circuits which reduce the frequency of the multi-bit digital signal to a frequency which can be further processed by semiconductor processors. Preferably, a weighting function is utilized in a conversion to improve accuracy.

Abstract: A power bipolar transistor has a MOSFET located within the base region, the MOSFET shorting the transistor emitter and base regions together when the bipolar transistor is in an off condition with a large base to collector voltage. The bipolar transistor is provided with floating guard rings, and the gate of the MOSFET is connected to one of these floating guard rings, so that when the depletion region from the base to collector junction reaches this floating guard ring, the MOSFET gate receives a voltage to turn on the MOSFET and provide the emitter to base short.

Abstract: This invention encompasses porous microchambers which contain cells and permit liquid to flow in and out of the chamber while retaining cells within the chamber. These porous microchambers serve as disposable devices for placing cells in a microflowchamber so that properties of the cells within the porous microchamber can be measured.

Abstract: An improved support belt adapted for attachment to the lumbar region of the human body. The support belt is formed with two layers of elongated rectangular panels housing therebetween a semi-rigid cushioned extension pad. The belt is structured with an outer layer of permeable webbed porous material with an inner layer of soft absorbent material. The extension pad is structured with an inner panel of rigid plastic with an outer covering of soft resilient foam padding. The extension pad also contains a V-shaped groove positioned parallel with the spine in use.

Abstract: A motorized lifting device for loading and unloading articles from automobile trunks has a floor frame acting as a base for a pair of upstanding platform supports each of which has a flange. A carriage having a plurality of rollers is reciprocally mounted on each upstanding platform support such that at least two spaced apart rollers are on one side of the flange and at least one roller is on the other side of the flange. The flange, therefore, acts as a guide for the carriages when moving along the upstanding platform support. A platform frame is attached to the carriages and a platform rests on the platform frame. Lifting is achieved through means of a cable attached to each carriage, strung over a pulley on each upstanding platform support that is then wound onto a spool rod mounted to the upstanding platform supports. The spool rod is rotated by means of an electric motor powered by electricity from the automobile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a light-triggered thyristor having a high di/dt, high dv/dt, and high photosensitivity. The thyristor has a three-stage cathode emitter gating structure with integrated current limiting resistors. The current limiting resistors are defined by moats etched in the cathode base region. The moats also cause a "turn-on " current to flow through substantially all of the cathode base region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an axially adjustable connection between a clutch shaft and an armature assembly to enable axial adjusting movement of the armature plate relative the inner body magnetic pole face to precisely set the air gap spacing through which an electromagnetic coil attracts the armature plate into frictional driving engagement with the inner body pole face. The hub of the armature assembly is placed upon the clutch shaft and a feeler gage is positioned between the pole face and the armature plate to establish the desired air gap spacing. An adjusting nut is threadedly advanced along a thread of the clutch shaft for progressive axial advance in the direction toward the inner body and engages the hub to maintain the armature assembly against air gap increasing movement away from the pole face.

Abstract: A flying craft which is pushed by a surface vehicle which follows the flying craft is disclosed. The craft includes a winged body which is connected by an elongated push pole to a ground engaging propelling vehicle. The control of the winged body is accomplished by changing the vertical position of one end of the elongated push pole relative to the opposite end of the flying craft. The surface vehicle limits the angle which the pole makes relative to the surface to prevent the surface vehicle from overtaking the flying craft.

Abstract: A single surface electromagnetic cone clutch or braking device is disclosed which transmits torque from an input shaft to a drive plate member, through a plurality of spherical members, to a conical friction ring member and then to the output member. The spherical members are located in mutually opposing conical recesses within the drive plate member and an annular flange which is secured to the friction ring member. The clutch engaging forces are increased by the camming action of the spherical members in the conical recesses. The drive plate member also has a flexing member which permits the drive plate member to flex axially in order to minimize backlash noise associated with spherical balls engaging conical recesses. The armature is disposed normal to the electromagnetic winding to enable a large axially directed flex path to provide for a strong clutch engaging force.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated friction clutch is disclosed of the type including an axially movable armature member which is drawn into frictional driving engagement with a friction surface on an inner body to establish drive through the clutch, in which a torque overload deenergization of the electromagnetic coil is provided. The clutch is provided with a torque boosting arrangement in which the drive from the axially movable armature is transmitted through a series of balls disposed in corresponding pockets formed in a radial face of the armature and an opposing radial face of a clutch element drivingly connected to one of the primary clutch members. The action of the balls in the pockets creates a torque boosting effect increasing the engagement pressure exerted on the frictional engagement surfaces. The torque overload release arrangement includes mounting of the clutch element axially and rotationally so as to be restrained by means of a spring element.