Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an evacuation hose to a system for evacuation of the system. The apparatus includes a first connector, a second connector, and a seal. The first connector includes a first face defining a longitudinally extending indentation and the second connector includes a second face with a protrusion that is positionable within the indentation. The seal is positionable on the protrusion to circumscribe the protrusion and to be sealing engagement with the first connector and the second connector when the protrusion is at a preferred position in the indentation.

Abstract: Described herein are technologies pertaining to a computer-implemented system that is configured to present information to a technician who is servicing an air conditioning unit. The technologies described herein facilitate computation of a value that is indicative of operating efficiency of an air conditioning unit in its current environment and with current operating conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an evacuation hose to a system for evacuation of the system. The apparatus includes a first connector, a second connector, and a seal. The first connector includes a first face defining a longitudinally extending indentation and the second connector includes a second face with a protrusion that is positionable within the indentation. The seal is positionable on the protrusion to circumscribe the protrusion and to be sealing engagement with the first connector and the second connector when the protrusion is at a preferred position in the indentation.

Abstract: A card reader (for example, a swipe card reader for reading bank or security cards) is disclosed which comprises a detector for detecting surface features of the card such as embossed characters. In this way, a security check for false cards is implemented.

Abstract: A Local Area Network (LAN) is a digital communications network interconnecting serial local computer workstations. The invention provides a technique for interconnecting two or more remote LAN's. In a specific embodiment the LAN's are IBM Token Rings in which case the notion of a virtual or pseudo ring is conceived to represent the network between the remote Token Rings. Each Token Ring is connected to the network by a respective half-bridge. Each half-bridge enters a number representing the pseudo ring in the Routing Information field of the frames it forwards over the network to a remote half-bridge. The frames are preferably multiplexed by encapsulating them in a LAPD-compatible frame having a header containing an identifier which identifies the half-bridge for which the frame is destined.

Abstract: In an apparatus, such as a liquid-gas condensation tower, in which a liquid phase is withdrawn rapidly through an exit port from a chamber, an improvement which assures complete agitation throughout the liquid phase comprises a regular array of liquid agitation devices positioned within the liquid and above a cone-shaped vortex breaker structure which is placed above the exit port.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the amidation of carboxylic acids. For the process a carboxylic acid is reacted with ammonia gas at an elevated temperature and at atmospheric pressure or above in the presence of an alkyltin catalyst, preferably an alkyltin compound containing both hydroxyl and halo groups. High conversions are achieved with the process and the resulting products have low nitrile contents.

Abstract: Copolyesters are provided which are derived from mixed dibasic acids and a branched-chain diol. These copolyesters possess a unique balance of physical and chemical characteristics which permits their use in small amounts in blood separation tubes to provide an effective barrier between the light and heavy phases of the blood after centrifuging.

Abstract: Polyester plasticizers having improved low temperature properties are obtained by terminating the polyester with mixed chain-terminating agents. Mixtures of monobasic acids and monofunctional alcohols are employed for this purpose. The polyesters of this invention find particular utility as plasticizers for PVC homopolymers and copolymers.

Abstract: Copolyesters are provided which are derived from mixed dibasic acids and a branched-chain diol. These copolyesters possess a unique balance of physical and chemical characteristics which permits their use in small amounts in blood separation tubes to provide an effective barrier between the light and heavy phases of the blood after centrifuging.

Abstract: A hoist having an outer principal channel post and an inner secondary channel member, longitudinally movable therewithin, the secondary channel member being moved by a winch and cable and being adapted to travel longitudinally beyond the upper end of the principal channel post to allow heavy items to be elevated to a position in abutting relationship to, for example, a ceiling or roof. The hoist can be easily mounted to either the inside or the outside of a conventional pipe scaffolding to provide for the raising and lowering of building materials.