Abstract: The performance of a double-cone device (1) is increased, not only by moving the gap or inlet openings (22) a short distance into the exit cone (47), but also by making the conicity &thgr;3 (55) of the so-formed small diffuser less than the conicity &thgr;2 (109) of the remaining part (53) of the exit cone. Double cone units (7, 60), particularly the ones with this improved diffuser, may be used in pump installations (1, 60), like well-pumps (1), where liquids must be pumped from great depths.

Abstract: A curable epoxidized polyester-based composition useful for powder coatings application is provided by epoxidizing a polyester having a melting point of at least 90.degree. C. and a viscosity of at most 50 Poise@ 200.degree. C., where such polyester is a polyester prepared by reacting (I) a tetrahydrophthalic acid or anhydride, (ii) at least one cycloaliphatic polyol, (iii) at least one saturated polycarboxylic acid, and (iv) optionally at least one other alcohol under conditions effective to obtain a solid polyester having a melting point of at least 90.degree. C. Curable coating powder is obtained containing the epoxidized polyester and a solid carboxylic acid curing agent having an acid equivalent weight within the range of from about 100 to about 1500.

Abstract: A stable aqueous emulsions of epoxy resins are provided using an epoxy-functional polyether having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.15 alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group, R.sup.2 is a divalent aliphatic group, a divalent cycloaliphatic group, a divalent aryl group, or a divalent arylaliphatic group, R.sup.3 is independently a hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl group, R.sup.8 is a divalent aliphatic group optionally containing ether or ester group(s) or together with R.sup.9 or R.sup.10 form a spiro ring optionally containing heteroatoms, and R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 are independently hydrogen or R.sup.9 or R.sup.10 together with R.sup.

Abstract: A link apparatus in a node of a multinode, collision-resolution, multiplexing communications system connected between a microcontroller (MCU) that receives measurand data from an input device such as a sensor and an integrated driver and receiver (IDR) for assuming some of the functions of the MCU in delivering and receiving messages to and from a single-wire bus communications network. The MCU contains firmware for converting the measurand data into data bytes, the link apparatus and the MCU contain circuits for effecting a SPI transfer and the link apparatus contains additional circuits for converting each bit of the message bytes into variable pulse width modulated (VPWM) bits. The VPWM bits get converted into J1850 symbols before being placed on a single- wire communications bus. Circuits are provided in the link apparatus for checking arbitration of the protocol and data symbols communicated over the bus.

Abstract: A link apparatus in a node of a mulitinode, collision--resolution, multiplexing communications system connected between a microcontroller (MCU) and a integrated driver and receiver (IDR) of the node for assuming some of the functions of the MCU in delivering and receiving messages to and from a signal-wire communications bus. The link apparatus provides circuits for automatically prepending a start-of-frame to a message being placed on the bus after determining that the conditions on the bus are suitable for transmitting messages. The link apparatus also contains circuits for determining when a node has won arbitration over another node competing for time on the bus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a switch having an actuating plunger, the switch undergoing a switch event in response to the actuation of the actuating plunger includes a switch nest and clamp assembly for holding the switch at a precise and predetermined location and a motor driven plunger actuator for applying force to the plunger thereby to actuate the switch. The switch test station further includes a pressure sensor coupled to the plunger actuator which measures the force being applied to the plunger during switch actuation. An electrical sensor couples to the switch nest and measures the electrical characteristics of the switch while a microcomputer responsive to the pressure sensor and the electrical sensor determines the mechanical displacement of the actuating plunger at a switch event.

Abstract: A linear lighting system includes a rod made of a material such as glass surrounded by an outer layer of cladding of lower refractive index than the glass. The rod is ground flat on one side to produce a flat rough surface with the texture oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rod. Light from a light source enters the rod at one end of the rod. As the light propagates down the rod, it is scattered by the rough flat surface. Some of the scattered light strikes the rounded surface at an angle which allows it to pass through the cladding and escape the rod, thus producing uniform linear lighting emitted from the round side of the rod.

Abstract: A backlighting system is comprised of a light source, a sensing portion and an imaging portion. The light source may be a linear backlight that has few hot spots and provides uniform lighting oriented primarily in a single dimension. Alternatively it may be an area backlight that provides backlighting in a uniform manner across two-dimensions. Furthermore, a line light source may be provided that provides a relatively large line source of light oriented almost exclusively in a single dimension. The imaging portion of the machine vision system preferably includes an element for homogenizing the received image onto the imaging array. The homogenization element may adopt either a dispersing approach or a condensing approach.

Abstract: An enhanced capillary assisted evaporative surface for use in heat transfer devices; such as, 2-phase mounting plates, heat pipes and collectors. Rectangular grooves are cut in a conductive substrate and then plated by vapor deposition. The process produces a necked-down opening in the groove and a dendritic surface improving both capillary pumping and heat transfer coefficients.

Abstract: A diode is coupled between a winding of the high voltage transformer and a source of direct current potential and is polarized in a manner which provides for non-conduction when the deflection system is operating properly. When the deflection system malfunctions in a manner to increase the amplitude of signals developed thereby, the signals forward bias the diode and provide the clamping of one polarity of the signal to the direct current potential level.

Abstract: A residual tire life prediction system uses a clock to trigger a bang generator that provides pulses of electrical energy to a pulse-echo transducer. The transducer converts pulses of electrical energy to pulses of ultrasonic vibration. The transducer is located on the tread of a steel belted tire to transmit pulses of ultrasonic energy into the tire and to receive reflected ultrasonic energy from plies of the tire casing. The transducer converts the reflected ultrasonic energy to provide bursts of electrical signals. The transducer is connected to a time varying gain control circuit that has its output connected via a full-wave rectifier to a first gate and to an input of a voltage level detector.