Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for high speed control and rejection of out-of-specification products, such as cigarettes, in a manufacturing process. Sensors are placed at strategic locations along a production line, with the signals from the sensors being directed to a high speed processor, with multiple sensor inputs and controlled by software algorithms to process the sensor signals and to direct control signals to the production line equipment. Control signals can both eject non-conforming products and also modify machine settings to produce a product in closer compliance with specifications.

Abstract: A method to replace an electrical interface on a printed circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a top surface, the contact pads being connected to conducting material extending through said circuit board. For the contact pad being replaced, drilling a hole through said printed circuit board at that location, and removing any remaining conductor material attached to the contact pad on the top board surface. Providing a replacement conductor/contact pad structure having a generally T-configuration with a stem and a head that completely surrounds the stem, wherein said head has a diameter greater than the diameter of the drilled hole. Inserting the replacement conductor/contact pad into the hole with said stem extending beyond the second surface of the board with the bottom surface of the head being in contact with the first surface of said board. A replacement conductor/contact pad on repaired board is also described.

Abstract: A battery fuse assembly for a storage battery having a threaded post terminal is provided. The fuse assembly includes a bus bar having a planar surface and a first opening extending therethrough, at least one threaded terminal stud extending from the planar surface and distanced from the first opening, and a battery fuse coupled to the first surface over the second threaded post terminal.

Abstract: A method for typing a strain of a transmissible spongiform encephalophathy (TSE) in an infected animal, said method comprising: a) separating a sample of abnormal prion protein on the basis of molecular weight and/or glycoform ratios, and detecting the separated forms; b) detecting in the sample the presence of a peptide sequence, wherein the presence of said peptide sequence within abnormal prion protein is capable of distinguishing a particular strain of TSE from others, and c) using the results of (a) and (b) to determine the type of TSE strain present in the sample. The method may be used in particular to distinguish BSE from scrapie in sheep.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for high speed control and rejection of out-of-specification products, such as cigarettes, in a manufacturing process. Sensors are placed at strategic locations along a production line, with the signals from the sensors being directed to a high speed processor, with multiple sensor inputs and controlled by software algorithms to process the sensor signals and to direct control signals to the production line equipment. Control signals can both eject non-conforming products and also modify machine settings to produce a product in closer compliance with specifications.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a nonconductive housing, a first breaker contact within said housing, and a trigger element having a second breaker contact located within said housing. The trigger element is thermally activated to separate the first and second breaker contacts in an overcurrent condition. A nonconductive reset mechanism is located in the housing and configured for sliding actuation to prevent electrical connection between the first breaker contact and the second breaker contact after the trigger element has activated.

Abstract: A battery fuse assembly for a storage battery having a threaded post terminal is provided. The fuse assembly includes a bus bar having a planar surface and a first opening extending therethrough, at least one threaded terminal stud extending from the planar surface and distanced from the first opening, and a battery fuse coupled to the first surface over the second threaded post terminal.

Abstract: A compliant pin contact and assembly utilizing same in which the contact is comprised of two layers, each of a different material and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) than the other, to enable insertion within an opening in either a “cold” or “hot” state to thereby expand and positively engage the opening's walls, thereby securedly holding the pin in position. Representative materials include Invar and aluminum.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a nonconductive housing, a first breaker contact within said housing, and a trigger element having a second breaker contact located within said housing. The trigger element is thermally activated to separate the first and second breaker contacts in an overcurrent condition. A nonconductive reset mechanism is located in the housing and configured for sliding actuation to prevent electrical connection between the first breaker contact and the second breaker contact after the trigger element has activated.

Abstract: A compliant pin contact and assembly utilizing same in which the contact is comprised of two layers, each of a different material and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) than the other, to enable insertion within an opening in either a “cold” or “hot” state to thereby expand and positively engage the opening's walls, thereby securedly holding the pin in position. Representative materials include Invar and aluminum.