Abstract: A signal processing system includes a control processor that has a bi-directional port, signal processors that each have a serial port, a bridge that has serial ports each operatively connected to a serial port of one of the signal processors, and a bi-directional port operatively connected to the bi-directional port of the control processor.

Abstract: An integrated spacing and orientation control system is provided for carrying an array of objects and maintaining a predetermined orientation of the objects and a predetermined spacing between objects. In a presently preferred application, the spacing and orientation system carries an array of anti-mine munitions for clearing a path through a minefield. The invention deploys the anti-mine munitions in a downwardly pointed orientation with proper spacing between munitions, even when the array of munitions is deployed using rocket motors.

Abstract: A five valve manifold for use with a pressure sensing apparatus is disclosed. It has an integral body having a first face, a second face, parallel with the first face. A peripheral wall section, spans the distance between the first and second face sections. The distance is smaller than at least one of the width and the length of the second face section. A passage system within said body and includes a plurality of mutually intercommunicating passages extending from one said face to the other. A set of five valves operates selective opening and closing of the passages. The centers of the instrument outlets at one face are suited to new type of "smart" pressure transmitters, while the inlet ports at the other correspond to the usual spacing used in the industry. The invention eliminates the use of a so-called parallel flange used by the manufacturers of pressure transmitters to accommodate the difference in the centers of connecting ports of the instrument from that previously used by the industry.

Abstract: A switch device adapted to interface an incoming telephone line and an internal telephone system comprising a telephone, a facsimile machine, and an auxiliary device such as a modem, answering machine, or another telephone. The switch device automatically receives and answers incoming communications and asks for an identifying code from the caller which will characterize the incoming communication. After characterizing the incoming call, the switch device then alerts the telephone user or the facsimlile machine or the auxiliary device that there is an incoming communication. The non-alerted units are blocked out. A programming mode is provided to prioritize or selectively channel calls that are unidentifiable by the switch device to a preselected default device so that no incoming calls will be lost.

Abstract: Instead of the usual three or five valves a valve manifold includes four valves, namely a pair of line block valves intersecting a longitudinally extending flow passage in the valve body for normally closing inlet passages, an equalizer valve between the line block valves intersecting the flow passage; below the equalizer valve is a vent passage and a vent valve in the vent passage. During operation the line block valves are open to promote the flow of process pressure to the measuring instrument and the equalizer valve is closed to prohibit the flow along the longitudinally extending flow passage. The vent valve is in the open position. By closing the line block valves with respect to the inlet passages, while leaving them open with respect to the flow and outlet passages, closing the vent valve and opening the equalizer valve permits the flow to be balanced between each side of the manifold. Upon opening the vent valve the manifold can be vented.