Abstract: A data management system (10) for managing and distributing high-speed, real-time and archived data between diverse local and remote data sources (26) and data sinks (30). The system includes a server (12) having cache memory (14) and archive memory (18) and one or more ring buffered network bus (RBNB) modules (24). Each RBNB module features a highly modular, object-oriented design, with the RBNB module being the highest level object in the system. The RBNB modules include a plurality of ring buffer objects (42) that handles data streams from data sources, a plurality of network bus objects (44) that handle data streams to a data sinks, and RBNB control objects (40) the handle connections for the ring buffer objects and network bus objects. Data is handled by the RBNB module in data frame (68) increments based on the combination of identified channels (116) and time stamps (250).

Abstract: This invention relates to a skeletal implant designed to provide a structure which bone can fill so as to biologically anchor the implant in position. A series of cutting edges are aligned on at least part of the surface and directed in a direction of relative movement between implant and bone. Bone removed by these edges is urged into a series of interconnecting spaces beneath the surface. Preferably a porous surface and the cutting edges are provided by perforated microcontoured sheet material. The three dimensional porosity formed by the perforations and contours results in bone debris impacted into the voids particularly at the time of implantation which will subsequently become integral with surrounding bone.

Abstract: Rollers for use with singulators for orienting articles, typically fruit, prior to optical sensing, for example, of the fruit's surfaces, wherein fruit having diverse diameters, irregular shapes and bumpy surfaces are properly oriented by contacting a pair of symmetrically disposed truncated conical surfaces sloping uniformly inwardly to a point short of center to form a sheave portion, as well as a deep pocket within each roller and between adjacent rollers, and wherein spacing between rollers remains constant notwithstanding the diverse diameters of the fruit. A drive belt is engageable within the sheave portion of the roller for controlling speed and direction of rotation of the rollers.

Abstract: Several conveyor rollers of singulators are made to rotate by a fruit orientation belt causing fruit carried thereon to rotate in accordance with movement of the belt such that the rotational axes of the fruit, typically lemons, orient themselves along their stem axes, or substantially perpendicularly to the direction of travel of the singulators. Downstream, the rollers contact a rotating spin-accelerating belt to substantially increase speed of rotation of the rollers and oriented fruit thereon in order to permit optical scanning devices to scan a much larger percentage of the fruit surface areas. Fruit rotate in the same direction of rotation during orientation and spin-acceleration, the latter occurring for only a very short duration.

Abstract: Apparatus sorts articles according to any combination of plural criteria, including volume or diameter, length, shape, weight, color, density and surface quality. A light sensitive dynamic random access memory and novel processing circuitry are utilized for providing indications of the article's volume, diameter and length.

Abstract: A body member is tapered to a smaller dimension from one end to the other and is arranged to receive a sleeve member in wedging relation. A bore extends into one end of the body member for receiving a line and this bore exits radially of the body member at a point between the ends. A tag end of the line which projects from the radial bore is arranged to be pinched between the two members for providing a positive anchored connection. In addition, transverse bores are provided in the body member for additional threading of the line to provide extra line portions pinched between the two members. The device is particularly useful with a sinker assembly employing removable lead shot for varying the weight of the sinker assembly.

Abstract: Diverter apparatus for rapidly and gently diverting articles, typically fruit, from a moving conveyor. The apparatus comprises an ejector lever member, an air cylinder assembly, and a stationary ejector lever mount, the two former sharing a common pivot point while each of the two is pivotable with respect to each other while pivoting on pivot pins mounted to the stationary mount. The working end of the ejector lever is caused to swing arcuately over a certain distance to divert the fruit when the piston rod of the air cylinder assembly travels a much shorter distance, thus permitting very rapid cycling of the diverter. Diverting and retraction strokes of the piston are controlled by air from a solenoid valve, the solenoid valve receiving control signals from a computer controlled relay.