Abstract: A plant loop communication system utilizing a plurality of Loop Interface Slave (LIS) modules, each of which being an intelligent slave module incorporating its own microprocessor, is described. The use of such a module permits off-load processing so that receiving, transmitting and message processing cam occur simultaneously. A Superloop Bus Module (SBM) contains a data base which allows the asynchronous operation of the system. A Superloop Storage Module (SSM) stores data for transmission onto the loop and/or incoming data for transmission to an operator console.

Abstract: The invention discloses a syringe construction which permits use of standard hypodermic needles and allows the hypodermic needle to be retracted into the body of the syringe after use to minimize accidental pricking from the needle by withdrawing the needle into the syringe body such that it is not exposed. The invention provides for a syringe body having an engaging thread on the distal end for receiving a hypodermic needle, adjacent to the engaging thread is a positioning groove and locking surfaces for engaging a needle carrier, a needle carrier is removably engaged to the body which has a distal end which will mate with the needle and a proximal end providing an engaging means for engaging the syringe plunger. The plunger has a engaging means for engaging the needle carrier such that the needle carrier can be rotated and retracted into the syringe body.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing support for a load comprises one or more spaced kinestatic members which support the load. The kinestatic members are supported at points adjacent their ends by supports which permit the kinestatic members to slide along their longitudinal axes relative to the points of support as the force on an individual kinestatic member varies, thus causing each member to assume a more or less bowed condition. With the system in a state of equilibrium, i.e., with each kinestatic member being flexed to an extent depending on its contribution to the support of the entire load, an increased load will cause an increase in the flex of each member until a new point of equilibrium is reached. If the additional load is removed, each kinestatic member will tend to straighten out, thus causing a longitudinal sliding movement through the points of support and creating friction during sliding engagement with a shock-absorbing member which absorbs the energy and prevents oscillations.

Abstract: A film processing apparatus includes a housing and a pair of continuous belts disposed within the housing in a laterally spaced relationship. Guide rollers within the housing guide the belts about parallel serpentine paths through the housing. Drive rollers engaged with the belts drive the belts in synchronization about the paths through the housing. A film carrier card having attachment elements for selectably engaging the belts is provided, such that the film carrier card is transported through the housing by the belts.

Abstract: A button device including a standard button having the usual holes, a pair of pin members snapingly received in two of the holes in the button and projecting downwardly from the underside of the button, a housing adapted to be positioned against the underside of the associated fabric and including a pair of holes in its upper surface for receipt of the pins on the button, a sheet of spring steel positioned within the housing and including a pair of apertures adapted to receive the pins with an interference fit and including flap portions which flex downwardly in response to passage of the pins and engage in notches in the pins to secure the button to the housing, and a release pin passing through an aperture in the lower surface of the housing and engaging an aperture in the spring sheet to flex the flap portions of the spring sheet further downwardly to a disengaged position in which the pins of the button are free to be withdrawn from the housing to allow the button device to be separated from the associate

Abstract: A laminate comprising a layer of a synthetic linear polyester, a plasticizer-free primer coating applied to at least one surface of the polyester layer and comprising a cross-linked composition comprising a polymer of at least one monomer selected from the esters of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and optionally acrylic and/or methacrylic acid, and at least one layer made from a plasticized vinyl chloride polymer composition which is bonded to the linear polyester layer through the intermediary of the primer coating. The primer coating preferably includes the condensation product of an amine with formaldehye to effect cross-linking.