Abstract: Data corrupted or lost in transmission over a lossy digital transmission link is replaced and/or omitted from data presented in connection with storage to and read out from a mass storage device. Different procedures are used to conceal artifacts corresponding to errored data based upon valid data preceding and following the error in a data stream and a size of the error.

Abstract: An access control function for an integrated system is provided which determines data access based on the master id of a requesting master within the system and the address of the data. The access control function can be inserted, for example, into the data transfer path between bus control logic and one or more slaves. In addition to determining whether to grant access to the data, the access control function can further qualify the access by selectively implementing encryption and decryption of data, again dependent on the data authorization level for the particular functional master initiating the request for data.

Abstract: The present invention is a fuel cell power system, with a fuel cell stack, a multi-function mounting plate, at least two fuel supply units, a distribution manifold, a gas pressure regulator, and a cover. The distribution manifold and gas pressure regulator may be integrated into the mounting plate. The mounting plate also serves as an end plate for the fuel cell stack. The system allows for continuous, uninterrupted use, since at least one fuel supply unit is removable, and the system can operate from another supply unit while the removable unit is being replaced.

Abstract: A method of controlling the resolution of an optical encoder for providing position information of an object which moves along a certain measuring direction where the optical encoder includes a light source that emits light and a data track that moves relative to the light source. The method includes directing modulated light from the data track to a plurality of photodiodes of a detection system having a resolution that has a first value and changing the resolution of the detection system to a second value without altering an arrangement of the plurality of photodiodes of the detection system during the changing from the first value to the second value.

Abstract: An automatic pipe handling device (10) is disclosed which includes a support frame (12) mounted on a boring device (14). Removable pipe racks (16, 80, 130, 140) can be placed in position on the support frame (12) to deliver pipe to the spindle axis or to remove pipe therefrom as required. The pipe sections are removed from the pipe rack and positioned on the spindle axis by pipe grippers (32) mounted on hydraulic cylinders (28, 30) mounted on a rotating longitudinal shaft (20). The grippers and shaft similarly return the used pipe sections for storage to the pipe rack. In one pipe rack (16) an S-shaped guide path (72) is used. In another pipe rack (80) a plurality of rows (88, 90, 92) of pipe sections are used. In another embodiment, pipe is stored in an arcuate path.

Abstract: A control system for use with a master engine and one or more slave engines. The master engine produces a master torque and the slave engines produce slave torques. The master engine and the slave engines have computers that control fueling to the engines. The control system of the invention includes an interface between the control computer for the master engine and the control computers for the slave engines. The master control computer controls the slave control computers through the interface, such that the slave torques are a function of the master torque.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting vertical (V-SYNC) and horizontal (H-Blank) sync signals from a digital composite sync signal (C-SYNC) of a master video source for use in controlling a second video source, which allows for an adjustable delay relationship between the C-SYNC from the master source and the generated H-Blank. The present invention also provides a system and method for varying the responsiveness or gain of the genlocking circuit used to synchronize the system pixel clock frequency of the second video source to that of the master video signal.

Abstract: This invention provides arrays of independently acting compliant electrical contacts within a fuel cell. These contacts maintain electrical contact between a plate and the adjacent membrane electrode assembly, and provide substantially uniform internal pressure distribution and substantially uniform electrical contact. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts are springs, which can take a variety of forms.

Abstract: The present invention concerns improvements in fuel cell fabrication. It concerns an improved, integrated and modular BSP/MEA/Manifolds, which facilitates single cell (module) leak and performance testing prior to assembly in a fuel cell stack as well as facilitating manufacturing and cost reduction.

Abstract: This invention concerns improvements in fuel cell fabrication. Arrays of independent acting compliant electrical contacts are incorporated within a fuel cell which improve fuel cell Bi Polar Separator Plate (bipolar separator plate) which improve fuel cell operation by creating uniform and intimate electrical contact with the adjacent membrane electrode assembly (Membrane electrode assembly). These compliant electrical contacts provide substantial uniform internal pressure distribution and substantially uniform electrical contact. In one embodiment, the array of compliant electrical contacts are in the form of a plurality of metal springs of various configurations which are electrically and mechanical contacted to a conducting base plate. In another embodiment the array of compliant electrical contacts are in the form of a plurality of small metal pins or rods which are electrically and mechanically contacted to a conducting base plate.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an instrument having an operative zone defined thereon for physical engagement with a patient's body tissue. The instrument has a foraminous outer shell disposed in the operative zone. The foraminous outer shell has a multitude of relatively uniformly dispersed, small perforations defined therein. The instrument has a fluid supply channel communicated with the perforations for diffusing a flushing fluid out of the perforations throughout the operative zone so that adhesion of tissue to the operative zone of the instrument is reduced. The flushing fluid preferably includes a cytotoxic solution and/or an anti-adhesive solution. Additionally, or alternatively, the outer surface of the instrument may be permanently coated with a cytotoxic material and/or an anti-adhesive material.

Abstract: An automatic pipe handling device (10) is disclosed which includes a support frame (12) mounted on a boring device (14). Removable pipe racks (16, 80, 130, 140) can be placed in position on the support frame (12) to deliver pipe to the spindle axis or to remove pipe therefrom as required. The pipe sections are removed from the pipe rack and positioned on the spindle axis by pipe grippers (32) mounted on hydraulic cylinders (28, 30) mounted on a rotating longitudinal shaft (20). The grippers and shaft similarly return the used pipe sections for storage to the pipe rack. In one pipe rack (16) an S-shaped guide path (72) is used. In another pipe rack (80) a plurality of rows (88, 90, 92) of pipe sections are used.In another embodiment, pipe is stored in an arcuate path.

Abstract: A multi-path access control device for an integrated system is presented which allows simultaneous access to multiple external devices coupled thereto by multiple functional units. The multiple functional units are coupled to the shared access control device across two or more high speed, shared data buses. The control device includes multiple bus ports, each coupled to a different data bus, and a non-blocking crossbar switch coupled to the bus ports for controlling forwarding, with zero cycle latency, of requests from the functional units. Multiple external device ports are coupled to the non-blocking crossbar switch for receiving requests forwarded by the crossbar switch, and each external device is coupled to a different external device port. The crossbar switch allows multiple requests at the bus ports directed to different external devices to be forwarded to different external device ports for simultaneous accessing of different external devices coupled thereto pursuant to the multiple requests.

Abstract: Improved fuel cell stacks constructed from a plurality of cells, each comprising a series of interrelated mono and bipolar collector plates (BSPs), which in turn are built up by lamination of a core of related non-conductiveplastic orceramic platelets sandwiched between conductive microscreen platelets of metal or conductive ceramic or plastic, with an electrode membrane (EMA) between adjacent BSPs. The platelets, both metal and plastic of the composite BSPs, are produced from sheet material with through and depth features formed by etching, pressing, stamping, casting, embossing and the like. Adjacent plates, each with correspondingly relieved features form serpentine channels within the resultant monolithic platelet/cell stack for integrated fluid and thermal management. The plastic platelets are particularly useful for PEM fuel cells employing H.sub.2 and Air/O.sub.2 as fuel. The platelets are easily made by printing (embossing) processes, and dies made by photolithographic etching for rapid redesign.

Abstract: Metal structures that are resonant to electromagnetic waves are combined h land mines to make them easier to detect using Ground Penetrating Radar. Knowledge of the resonant characteristics in the metal structures enhances detection and identification.

Abstract: A combustor liner (2) for convectively cooling a combustor chamber (16) in a gas turbine (4) comprises a chamber wall (30) with an array of coolant channels (60) formed therein. Supply manifolds (50) are coupled to the coolant channel inlets for directing bypass air through the channels, where the bypass air removes heat from the chamber wall, and discharge manifolds (52) are coupled to the coolant channel outlets for discharging the heated bypass air to the turbine (10). The coolant channels are spaced and distributed throughout the combustor liner so that the coolant flows through a substantial portion of the liner. The coolant channels are minute channels with relatively short flow paths to minimize both the pressure drop and the quantity of bypass air required to cool the wall. In addition, the channels are completely enclosed within the chamber wall to significantly improve the heat transfer characteristics of the combustor liner.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flexible fabric cover for an off-axis parabolic satellite antenna dish having a front surface which serves to cover and protect the front of the antenna dish and the receiver arm; the cover is preferably formed of a generally elliptical sheet of woven synthetic fabric which is at least moderately stretchable, which is about six inches greater in diameter than the antenna dishes it is intended to cover, and which has a central aperture or pocket for the antenna receiver support arm whereby the cover assumes a generally conical, slightly truncated shape; the cover includes securing means in the preferred embodiment consisting of a peripheral hem having threaded therein a drawstring or drawcord such that the cover may be placed over the front of the antenna dish with drawstring relaxed and the drawstring then tightened by employment of a conventional tightening device capturing the rim of the dish with the hem to fasten the cover tightly and smoothly over the dish and the receiver support ar

Abstract: A turn-to-turn grooved insulating tube includes a tubular member having a substantially continuous rib helix formed on an outer surface. The rib helix defines a substantially continuous helical groove for receiving a conductor for forming a coil of a transformer.

Abstract: A backfiller and tamper unit (10) is disclosed which is a self contained unit that acts to both backfill and compact soil into a trench for complete restoration. The unit includes a tractor (12) which mounts a vibrator and tamping wheel assembly (14) and a backfill auger assembly (16). The vibrator and tamping wheel assembly (14) is mounted on a mast (50) which is pivotally secured to the tractor for limited arcuate motion from vertical. This permits the mast to be tilted so that the compaction force of the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly is most effectively directed to compact the soil in the trench. The vibrator and tamping wheel assembly is free floating on the mast which isolates the tractor from vibration generated by the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly and provides greater compaction efficiency. Further, the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly can be lifted vertically on the mast by a lift mechanism (62) for storage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flexible fabric cover for a satellite antenna dish having an opaque, optionally decorated, front surface which serves to conceal the antenna dish; the cover is preferably formed of a generally circular piece of a synthetic fabric which is at least moderately stretchable, which is from six inches to two and one-half feet greater in diameter than the antenna dishes it is intended to cover, and which has a central opening for the antenna receiver and feed structure; the cover includes securing means in the preferred embodiment consisting of a peripheral hem having threaded therein a drawstring or drawcord such that the cover may be placed over the antenna dish with drawstring relaxed and the drawstring then tightened by employment of an optional tightening device capturing the rim of the dish with the hem to fasten the cover securely over the dish.