Abstract: An arrangement for switching broadband ISDN (B-ISDN) packets is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a broadband packet switch connected to B-ISDN customers and to a narrowband switch via an interface unit. B-ISDN control packets are connected by the broadband packet switch to the narrowband switch which transmits them to a control unit. The control unit responds to control messages by controlling the broadband packet switch to selectively interconnect B-ISDN customers and by controlling the broadband packet switch, the interface means and the narrowband switch to selectively interconnect B-ISDN and narrowband customers.

Abstract: A network architecture of the sort-then-expand type for routing packets including destination information is disclosed. The network includes a distribution stage comprising a plurality of input sorts units, an intermediate stage comprising a plurality of intermediate sort units and an output stage comprising a plurality of output switches. The input sort units each distribute a plurality of packets to the intermediate sort units such that each intermediate sort unit receives approximately the same number of packets destined for each output switch as the other intermediate sort units. Each intermediate sort unit identifies packet groups for a common output switch and connects the groups to the destination output switch. Each destination output switch merges the received groups of packets and distributes them to output ports.

Abstract: A switching system including a number of switching modules each having a plurality of access ports. Incoming and outgoing packet channels are extended between each switching module and an inter-module packet switch. Each of the switching modules includes both a packet switching unit and a circuit switching unit for switching information to and from the access ports. Each switching module further includes a control unit that controls the switching units and that generates inter-module control packets, and a communication interface that transmits inter-module control packets generated by the control unit on the incoming packet channel to the inter-module packet switch. The communication interface also transmits inter-module control packets received on the outgoing packet channel from the inter-module packet switch to the control unit.

Abstract: A switching system including a number of switching modules each having a plurality of access ports. Incoming and outgoing packet channels are extended between each switching module and an inter-module packet switch. Each switching module includes a packet switching unit that transmits user information packets, received from the access ports, via the incoming packet channel to the inter-module packet switch, and switches user information packets, received via the outgoing packet channel from the inter-module packet switch, to the access ports for inter-module packet-switched communication. The intermodule packet switch concurrently packet switches user information packets, received on a number of the incoming packet channels, via multiple independent paths to a number of the outgoing packet channels.

Abstract: A communication method and digital multi-customer data interface for interconnecting a number of customer terminals to a main packet switching network of a local area data transport system that provides data communication services such as interactive video text service between data service vendors and customers. The digital multi-customer interface utilizes a main processor, control circuit, and multi-customer protocol controller to implement the protocol functions for the communication of packets and control information over individual serial transmission paths. The multi-customer protocol controller comprises a control processor and a formatter circuit for synchronously communicating packets for a plurality of customer terminals via customer line units and customer lines. The control processor performs byte-to-packet and packet-to-byte functions between the main processor and the formatter circuit.

Abstract: A communication method and digital multi-customer data interface for interconnecting a number of customer terminals to a main packet switching network of a local area data transport system that provides data communication services such as interactive video text service between data service vendors and customers. The digital multi-customer interface utilizes a main processor, control circuit, and multi-customer protocol controller to implement the protocol functions for the communication of packets and control information over individual serial transmission paths. The multi-customer protocol controller comprises a control processor and a formatter circuit for synchronously communicating packets for a plurality of customer terminals via customer line units and customer lines. The control processor performs byte-to-packet and packet-to-byte functions between the main processor and the formatter circuit.

Abstract: Clams are conveyed in support cradles first past liquid nitrogen applying nozzles then through high intensity flame to effect opening of the shells of the clams which are then dumped into a tumbler and then into a flotation tank for final flesh-shell separation.

Abstract: A sensor for engine vibrations at a predetermined frequency characteristic of detonation comprises a housing adapted at one axial end for attachment to an internal combustion engine, a magnetostrictive element axially compressed in said housing with a source of permanent magnetic flux and a pickup coil on a spool around the magnetostrictive element. The spool engages the magnetostrictive element in a force fit characterized by a predetermined push-out force. The sensor housing comprises a first resonant assembly having a first resonant frequency slightly higher than the predetermined frequency. The spool and coil are coupled to the magnetostrictive element by the force fit to comprise a second resonant assembly having a second resonant frequency slightly lower than the predetermined frequency. The overall output characteristic of the sensor thus has a single resonant peak at substantially the predetermined frequency.

Abstract: An improved process and equipment for seed defiberization, for example cottonseed delinting, wherein the seed is defiberized by contact with particular abrasive surfaces. In one preferred embodiment, a conventional cottonseed delinter is equipped with an abrasive faced cylinder instead of the conventional shaft mounted ginning saws. The abrasive cylinder comprises a shaft mounted cylinder of approximate gin saw diameter which cylinder has bonded or adhered to its facial surface an open pattern of about 40 to about 80 abrasive grit particles per square inch. The abrasive grit particles, preferably tungsten carbide grit, are sized to U.S. Sieve Series numbers of about 12 to about 40. Replacement of the ginning saws with the abrasive face cylinder requires modification to the delinter gratefall rake and seed seals to adapt their shape and clearance to the comparatively flat abrasive cylinder face.

Abstract: An improved process and equipment for seed defiberization, for example cottonseed delinting, wherein the seed is defiberized by contact with particular abrasive surfaces. In one preferred embodiment, a conventional cotton-seed delinter is equipped with an abrasive faced cylinder instead of the conventional shaft mounted ginning saws. The abrasive cylinder comprises a shaft mounted cylinder of approximate gin saw diameter which cylinder has bonded or adhered to its facial surface an open pattern of about 40 to about 80 abrasive grit particles per square inch. The abrasive grit particles, preferably tungsten carbide grit, are sized to U.S. Sieve Series numbers of about 12 to about 40. Replacement of the ginning saws with the abrasive face cylinder requires modification to the delinter gratefall rake and seed seals to adapt their shape and clearance to the comparatively flat abrasive cylinder face.

Abstract: A rugged portable diagnostic apparatus is configured for temporary installation and operation on board Naval ships. The apparatus provides gunnery training support by allowing a comprehensive empirical assessment and feedback of individual, team and equipment performance on an economical and environmentally responsible basis.