Abstract: Telephone call management is provided via a computer network (web) facility which can be remotely accessed by subscribers using web browsers. The web facility includes an information database for storing personal telephone directories and call logs, and a telephone call control system coupled to a telephone switch via a switch-computer interface. Information on calls to and/or from telephone numbers of subscribers is communicated from the switch to the web facility to be stored in the database without requiring the subscribers' browsers to be active. Subscribers can make telephone calls and control telephone communications via the browsers and the web facility. Subscribers do not require any hardware or software in addition to a telephone and web browser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting in situ tests on a subsurface earth formation of interest which is traversed by a wellbore. A wireline formation testing instrument is positioned at formation depth and a sampling probe thereof is extended into fluid communication with the formation and isolated from wellbore pressure. Utilizing a hydraulically energized double-acting bi-directional piston pump and by valve controlled selection of pumping direction testing fluid such as completion fluid may be pumped into the formation through the sampling probe either from fluid reservoirs of the instrument or from the wellbore. After reversing the operating and control valving of the pump and instrument, the piston pump is utilized to extract formation fluid from the formation and pump it to sample tanks of the instrument, pump it into the wellbore or subject it to controlled pressure for real time formation testing and for formation characterization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump pack for automatic and continuous emptying of water condensate from a dehumidifier positioned below ground level or remotely from a gravity drain. The present invention includes a small submersible electrical pump powered by a conventional 110 volt AC power source, includes an on/off float switch connected with the power source, in cooperation with a flexible hose of small diameter of variable length. Condensate collected in the water collection pan is withdrawn at a preselected water level by the pump and passes through the tubing to an elevated or remote drain means or to other appropriate areas for disposal. The present invention permits continuous operation of portable dehumidifiers which would otherwise shut off when the condensate water pan fills after approximately one day's unattended use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump for automatic and continuous emptying of water condensate from a dehumidifier positioned below ground level or remotely from a gravity drain. The present invention includes a small electrical pump powered by a 12 volt DC power source to prevent electrical shock, includes an on/off float switch connected with the power source, in cooperation with a flexible hose of small diameter of variable length. Condensate collected in the water collection pan is withdrawn at a preselected water level by the pump and passes through the tubing to an elevated or remote drain means or to other appropriate areas for disposal. The present invention permits continuous operation of portable dehumidifiers which would otherwise shut off when the condensate water pan fills after approximately one day's unattended use.

Abstract: A fiber optic switch of the moving fiber type and a method of making such switches. The switch has at least one stationary fiber and a mobile fiber carried by an actuator, preferably a bimorph, the end of the movable fiber being movable between a transmitting position in which the core of the mobile fiber is aligned with the core of the one stationary fiber and a position in which there is no alignment of the core of the mobile fiber with the core of the same stationary fiber. The stationary fiber is affixed to a smooth substrate surface with a slight flex downwardly between the point at which it is affixed to substrate surface and the end of the fiber which engages the substrate surface. The actuator is mounted to move in a plane substantially parallel to and above the substrate surface, and the mobile fiber is affixed to the actuator and with a downward flex between the point at which it is affixed to the actuator and the very end thereof which engages the substrate surface.

Abstract: An optical flow meter comprising a source of light, an optical fiber, a connector, a detector, and output electronics. The optical fiber is connected to the source of light so as to transmit light therethrough. The connector is arranged for attaching the optical fiber in a position generally adjacent to a rotating body. The detector is a photodetector that is arranged to receive light from the optical fiber after the light is reflected by the rotating body. The source of light is a light-emitting diode. The optical fiber is a single optical path. A lens is disposed generally about one end of the optical fiber for directing and focusing light relative to the rotating body. The end of the optical fiber is sealed so as to isolate the end of the fiber from the environment of the rotating body. A beamsplitter is included as an optical coupler between the light-emitting diode, the optical fiber, and the photodetector.

Abstract: An optical switch has a reciprocating prism. In one position of the prism, light passes from an input fiber, through a collimating lens, directly to a focussing lens and then into an output fiber. In another prism position, the collimated light is incident on the prism, is deflected by the prism and enters a different focussing lens and output fiber. Coaxially aligned with the lenses are respective precision molded conical recesses which flare outwardly to receive the precision ground conical ends of fiber terminations.

Abstract: A device for making a splice between optical fibers, has a hollow cylindrical elastomer member within a housing. The elastomer member seats in a V-groove and a screw is driven against the elastomer member to deform the member and so grip and render coaxial a pair of fibers having ends meeting within the elastomer member. Jacketed portions of the two fibers are clamped on each side of the junction zone.

Abstract: A fiberoptic sensing system comprising a light source, a sensor responsive to external stimulus, an optical fiber connected to the light source and the sensor, a detector arranged to receive light from the optical fiber, and output electronics electrically connected to the detector. The sensor includes a reflective surface arranged so as to reflect light from the optical fiber. This reflective surface is movable relative to the optical fiber. The light source comprises a light-emitting diode and a reference diode electrically connected to the source of electrical energy and to the light-emitting diode. A beamsplitter is disposed about the light source, the optical fiber, and the photodetector. The detector includes a transimpedance amplifier and a RMS to DC converter. The output electronics includes a gain control and a offset control. The sensor may be either a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A fiberoptic sensing system comprising a light source, a sensor responsive to external stimulus, an optical fiber connected to the light source and the sensor, a detector arranged to receive light from the optical fiber, and output electronics electrically connected to the detector. The sensor includes a reflective surface arranged so as to reflect light from the optical fiber. This reflective surface is movable relative to the optical fiber. The light source comprises a light-emitting diode and a reference diode electrically connected to the source of electrical energy and to the light-emitting diode. A beamsplitter is disposed about the light source, the optical fiber, and the photodetector. The detector includes a transimpedance amplifier and a RMS to DC converter. The output electronics includes a gain control and a offset control. The sensor may be either a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A fiberoptic limit switch system comprising a light source, an optical beamsplitting arrangement, a switch, an optical fiber, a detector, and output circuitry. The light source is a light-emitting diode. The switch is responsive to external stimulus. The switch comprises a housing, a receptacle for receiving the optical fiber, and a reflective surface movable between two positions within the housing. The optical fiber extends from the light source to the switch. The detector is arranged so as to receive light from the optical fiber and transmit a signal relative to the light emission. The output circuitry is electrically connected to the detector.

Abstract: A flow indicator switch system comprising a body having a cavity therein, a first magnetic member pivotally connected to the body and extending into the cavity, a second magnetic member pivotally connected to the body, and a fiberoptic connector arranged about the body for receiving at least one optical fiber. The first magnetic member has a portion that extends beyond the body. A magnet is affixed to the first magnetic member on the end within the body and a paddle is affixed to the other end extending beyond the body. A spring is arranged about the exterior of the first magnetic member. The second member is magnetically interactive with the first magnetic member within the cavity of the body. The second magnetic member has a reflective surface extending therefrom. This reflective surface is generally adjacent the fiberoptic connector and is movable between a first and second position in correspondence to the existence of a fluid flow acting on the paddle.

Abstract: A wavelength calibration solution comprising from about 0.025 to about 0.140 molar neodymium and from about 0.135 to about 0.550 molar samarium, wherein the neodymium is present as a neodymium ionized constituent and the samarium is present as a samarium ionized constituent.A method for checking the wavelength accuracy of spectrometers or spectrophotometers of the type comprising measuring the absorbance (A) or percent transmittance (% T) of a wavelength calibration check solution versus a blank at more than one wavelength. The method is characterized in that the above solution is employed therein as the wavelength calibration check solution.

Abstract: A solution of the type comprising cobalt ammonium sulfate and sulfuric acid. The solution is characterized in that it comprises from about 0.020 to about 0.040 N H.sub.2 SO.sub.4.Also, a method for checking the linearity of response of a spectrometer or spectrophotometer. The method is of the type comprising measuring absorbance (A) or percent transmittance (%T) of a solution versus a blank at a known wavelength. The method is characterized in that the above solution is employed therein.In addition, a method for checking photometric accuracy of a spectrometer or spectrophotometer. The method is of the type comprising measuring A or %T of a solution at a specific wavelength. The method is characterized in that the above solution is employed therein.

Abstract: A method for checking noise of a spectrometer or spectrophotometer. The method is of the type comprising measuring absorbance (A) or percent transmittance (%T) of a solution over a period of time. The method is characterized in that the solution comprises from about 0.040 to about 0.090 M nitrite, the nitrite being present as a nitrite ionized constituent.

Abstract: An aqueous fine coal slurry is stabilized by (a) intimately admixing the aqueous slurry containing between about 30 and about 80 percent fine coal refuse solids by weight with a stabilizing additive comprising Portland cement and (b) allowing the admixture to harden. Preferably the stabilizing additive additionally comprises finely divided blast furnace slag. Also it is preferred that sufficient additive is added so that the slurry will harden to an unconfined compressive strength of at least about 18 psi in less than about two days of addition of the additive.

Abstract: A dairy based cheese food is prepared by a process involving heating milk to pasteurize and denature whey proteins, acidifying the milk to form curd and whey, separating the curd from the whey, neutralizing the curd by adding a base, mixing an acid with the neutralized curd to reacidify, mixing an additive with the curd, manipulating the curd such as by extrusion, and packaging the curd.

Abstract: Adjusting, locking, and pre-loading means for a bevel gear or the like exerting axial thrust on the shaft which the gear is made fast to. The adjusting means is a large nut which is rotatable in its mating threads to move a mount for the gear shaft so as to locate the position of the gear's plane of rotation. The locking means is that portion of a locking and pre-loading bolt which bolts the nut to the non-rotatable mount to set the located position of the plane of rotation. The pre-loading means is that portion of the same bolt which exerts an opposite force on the nut and on its mating threads, stressing the two in opposite ways so as to pre-load the threads in the same direction in which the gear thrust is exerted, enabling the axial thrust of the gear to be additive to the pre-load rather than tending to unload the pre-load, thus permanently fixing the set location of the plane of rotation of the gear with no free play.