Abstract: An improved wheelchair wheel and hub assembly is described that interposes reduction gearing between the handring or rotatable hand wheel and the drivewheel of the assembly. This gearing provides some mechanical advantage to users who may lack sufficient strength to propel themselves in a conventional wheelchair, especially in a home environment. A single speed assembly is described which is operated conventionally by rotating handrings either forward or rearward to produce a corresponding rotation of the drive wheel but, unlike conventional wheels, a complete revolution of the handring results in only a partial revolution of the drive wheel. In the hub of the assembly is a wheel locking mechanism which enables the wheel to be easily and positively locked for the safety of the user, preventing rotation of the wheel in either direction. Additionally, a ratcheting mechanism is incorporated into the hub design which can be engaged to allow forward rotation but prevent rearward rotation of the drive wheels.

Abstract: An arrangement provides an interface between a telephone device and a personal computer in such a manner that enhanced capability for both the telephone device and the computer in processing information in an analog telephone environment is provided. The telephone device attaches to an analog telephone line and advantageously operates either as a stand-alone device when the computer is powered-off or in tandem with the computer when the computer is powered-on. A user is able to access any of the available telephony features from the telephone device at all times and from the computer when it is powered-on. Such available telephony features include, by way of example, Caller ID for decoding available information presented on the analog telephone line and an integrated telephone answering system, which provides for reception, transmission, and storage of voice, facsimile, and electronic mail messages.

Abstract: A method of repositioning mirror elements (10) of a digital micromirror device (DMD) that have become stuck in an "on" or an "off" position. The mirror element (10) is irradiated with a short high-energy pulse of visible light. The method may be easily performed during fabrication at the wafer level, and may be followed by a passivation step to prevent further sticking.

Abstract: A panel is formed from an expanded mat of fiberglass strands, a thermosetting resin binder is incorporated with these strands. When the panel is formed, it has a relief between the edges of the panel and the recessed portion of the panel. The panel is retained in its molded position by the setting of the thermosetting resin binder.

Abstract: A digital micro-mirror device (10), whose contacting elements (11, 17) are not prone to stick together. In the case of a deflecting mirror device, landing electrodes (17) are covered with a grating (19), which reduces the contacting area but still permits conduction between the mirror (11) and the landing electrode (17). Alternatively, the landing electrode (17) can be fabricated as a grated surface.

Abstract: A condensed mat of glass fibers incorporating a thermosetting resin is expanded over a mold. Gripping elements at the edges of the mold hold the edges of the expanded mat in place while a second mold confines and deforms the expanded mat between the two molds. Hot air is passed through the porous molds and through the expanded mat to set the thermosetting resin which thereby holds the expanded mat in its deformed shape to form a panel.

Abstract: A method of repairing mirror elements of a digital micromirror device (DMD) that have become stuck in an "on" position. The mirror element (10) is located and targeted with a laser beam. The wavelength, pulse duration, and power of the radiation is selected so that the mirror component (11) of the defective mirror element (10) will be ablated without affecting the underlying circuitry or neighboring mirror elements (10).

Abstract: A demultiplexer (10) for a wavelength-multiplexed optical signal. A series of optical filters (13) along an input line (12) each select a signal component of a given wavelength. An optical shutter (14) receives the output of each filter (13), and is operated so as to either block or pass the filtered signal component. The filters (13) and shutters (14) may be made using integrated circuit fabrication techniques, and the entire demultiplexer (10) may be made as a monolithic device.

Abstract: An improved snow making machine (10) is described, comprising a housing (14) and a nucleator (18) disposed inside the housing to mix compressed air with pressurized water to generate a wide angle round spray (24) pattern of ice crystal nuclei. An air hydrant heater device (12) is connected in the compressed air line (74) to heat the compressed air so that humidity present in the air will not freeze and render the nucleator inoperative at relatively low operating temperatures. A spray nozzle manifold (24) is mounted annularly around the housing discharge outlet (14A) and supports a plurality of water nozzles (28) that inject a cold water shower into the air flow, which water shower commingles with the ice crystal nuclei to thereby form ice granules as the two travel through the cold ambient air. The snow making machine can be mounted on a tower like support structure that provides for adjusting the discharge direction and tilt angle of the discharge outlet from a ground level elevation.

Abstract: Apparatus in a photographic camera for moving an exposed section of a filmstrip loaded into a camera from the exposure gate to a curl-developing area located along the film transport path after a predetermined period of camera inactivity as measured by an included timing circuit so as to prevent the onset of a reverse curl. According to the invention, the apparatus includes a control mechanism for automatically advancing a succeeding unexposed film portion to the exposure gate upon reactivation of the camera.

Abstract: A powder evacuated thermal insulating panel using generally spherical and porous silica particles of a median size less than about 100 nanometers in diameter, a pour packing density of about 0.4 to 0.6 g/cm.sup.3 and an external surface area in the range of about 90 to 600 m.sup.2/ g is described. The silica powders are prepared by reacting a tetraakyl silicate with ammonia and water in an alcohol solvent, distilling the solution after the reaction to remove the ammonia and recover the alcohol. The resulting aqueous slurry was dried, ball-milled, and dried again to provide the silica particles with defined internal and external porosity. The nanometer size and the large external surface area of the silica particles along with the internal and external porosity of the silica particles provide powder evacuated thermal insulating panels with significantly higher R-values than obtainable using previously known silica powders.

Abstract: An improved tower mounted snow making machine (10) that provides for covering a ski slope (48) with artificial snow (50) is described. The snow making machine comprises a housing (12) having a frusto-conical section (84) that provides for maintaining the generated velocity of a high-volume air flow out through a discharge outlet (12A) and with a nucleator (16) disposed inside the housing to generate a wide angle round spray pattern of ice crystal nuclei (21) that diverge towards the discharge outlet without impinging on the inside of the housing.

Abstract: A powder evacuated thermal insulating panel using generally spherical and porous silica particles of a median size less than about 100 nanometers in diameter, a pour packing density of about 0.4 to 0.6 g/cm.sup.3 and an external surface area in the range of about 90 to 600 m.sup.2/ g is described. The silica powders are prepared by reacting a tetraakyl silicate with ammonia and water in an alcohol solvent, distilling the solution after the reaction to remove the ammonia and recover the alcohol. The resulting aqueous slurry was dried, ball-milled, and dried again to provide the silica particles with defined internal and external porosity. The nanometer size and the large external surface area of the silica particles along with the internal and external porosity of the silica particles provide powder evacuated thermal insulating panels with significantly higher R-values than obtainable using previously known silica powders.

Abstract: A powder evacuated thermal insulating panel using generally spherical and porous silica particles of a median size less than about 100 nanometers in diameter, a pour packing density of about 0.4 to 0.6 g/cm.sup.3 and an external surface area in the range of about 90 to 600 m.sup.2 /g is described. The silica powders are prepared by reacting a tetraakyl silicate with ammonia and water in an alcohol solvent, distilling the solution after the reaction to remove the ammonia and recover the alcohol. The resulting aqueous slurry was dried, ball-milled, and dried again to provide the silica particles with defined internal and external porosity. The nanometer size and the large external surface area of the silica particles along with the internal and external porosity of the silica particles provide powder evacuated thermal insulating panels with significantly higher R-values than obtainable using previously known silica powders.

Abstract: A battery pack (10) is disclosed for use with a medical instrument (12). The battery pack includes a housing (14), defined by a case (16) and cover(18). The housing includes a storage section (22), for receiving batteries (78 and 80), and a connector section (24) on one side of the storage section for cooperating with a latch assembly (110), ejection spring (142), and electrical connectors (108) provided adjacent a battery tray (98) on the instrument. Specifically, the connector section includes an aligned latch surface (64), ejection surface (62), and electrical connectors (86) that cooperatively engage the latch assembly, ejection spring, and connectors on the instrument. As a result, the battery pack can be quickly, easily, and effectively attached to the instrument, in spite of the side-mounted nature of the connector section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and replenishing the developer unit of an electronic reprographic printing system. The developer units are mounted in a retractable drawer within the machine. A cover is placed over the developer unit, which is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. A vacuum machine is connected to the air outlet to create a wind flow within the developer unit for cleaning the unit. A tool is provided for turning the auger within the developer unit when it is being cleaned, and to similarly assist in the subsequent recharging of the developer unit with developer.

Abstract: A battery pack (10) is disclosed for use with a medical instrument (12). The battery pack includes a housing (14), defined by a case (16) and cover (18). The housing includes a storage section (22), for receiving batteries (78 and 80), and a connector section (24) on one side of the storage section for cooperating with a latch assembly (110), ejection spring (142), and electrical connectors (108) provided adjacent a battery tray (98) on the instrument. Specifically, the connector section includes an aligned latch surface (64), ejection surface (62), and electrical connectors (86) that cooperatively engage the latch assembly, ejection spring, and connectors on the instrument. As a result, the battery pack can be quickly, easily, and effectively attached to the instrument, in spite of the side-mounted nature of the connector section.

Abstract: A wire-jumper assembly including an electrically insulating base having an insulating layer. A first conductor plate is positioned below said insulating layer, and a second conductor plate is positioned on top of said insulating layer. The conductor plates each include extension contacts directed outwardly from the base. The wire-jumper assembly also includes a pair of terminal lugs connected to said first conductor plate and said second conductor plate, respectively. A lead wire is secured to each of the terminal lugs. An additional cover can be installed on top of the wire-jumper assembly to provide safety from accidental contact.