Abstract: Duplicate PCI bridge devices are configured for synchronous initializations based on shared initialization signals. A first of the PCI bridge devices is configured to rely on bus arbitration performed by the second PCI bridge device. The first PCI bridge device also is configured for modifying an address of a data transaction received via a PCI bus, and forwarding the data transaction with the modified address to the second PCI bridge device via a link distinct from the PCI bus.

Abstract: A technique for providing roll orientation information for a course corrected projectile in which the projectile is provided with three off-axis detectors subjected to a scanning laser beam. The time which elapses between the laser beam travelling from one detector to another is all that is required to calculate the roll orientation of the projectile.

Abstract: The invention makes use of the controlled, differential application of heat to effect dimensional control in the slitting or stamping of metal workpieces. In a principal embodiment (FIG. 1), a metal strip (40) supplied from a reel (2) is slit into narrower strips by a slitting mechanism (12, 13) and the slit strips (41) are reeled up separately (at 23). A controllable heating apparatus (8, 9) is provided before the slitting mechanism (12, 13) and is arranged to effect heating of the strip (40) in a controlled manner which varies across the width of the strip (40) to compensate for variable tension in the strip across its width. Other applications of controlled, variable heating are also described.

Abstract: An electric motor or generator has a rotor and a stator comprising a generally cylindrical yoke having poles secured to the interior thereof. The yoke is closed by end members secured thereto, said end members mounting bearings for the rotor. The yoke consists of a continuous spirally wound coil of metal strip. The convolutions of said coil are secured so that the coil forms a monolithic structural element which mechanically interconnects the end members, without the need for additional frames or ties.

Abstract: A laminated electromagnetic core incorporates a double layer winding with the core being formed from first and second sets of apertured laminations of which one set accommodates the conductors of one layer of the winding and the other set accommodates the conductors of the other layer of the winding the conductors being interconnected by end windings and adjacent laminations in each lamination set are displaced from mutual alignment to permit the conductor end windings to be of minimal length such that conductor ends which are to be interconnected adjoin one another, the end windings being formed as in situ castings.

Abstract: A laminated electromagnetic core and a method of manufacturing incorporates a double layer winding with the core being formed from first and second sets of apertured laminations of which one set accommodates the conductors of one layer of the winding and the other set accommodates the conductors of the other layer of the winding the conductors being interconnected by end windings and adjacent laminations in each lamination set are displaced from mutual alignment to permit the conductor end windings to be of minimal length such that conductor ends which are to be interconnected adjoin one another, thereby facilitating the formation of end windings by in situ casting.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a rotor for an electric motor which rotor is provided with cooling arrangement in the form of a heat pipe extending axially within the rotor. The heat pipe has an evaporating portion within the body of the rotor and a condensing portion extending out with the body of the rotor. Attached to the condensing portion is a shaft extension which is adapted to define a trap for incondensible gases which contaminate the working fluid when in the gaseous state, the trap has a lesser radial dimension than the condensing portion and a pocket is formed in the shaft extension, extending co-axially with the axis of the shaft, and accessible from the exterior of the assembly so as to accommodate a thermal probe to detect the amount of incondensible gas within the trap. When this amount exceeds a predetermined level the rotor is withdrawn from service and the gas removed by an evacuation process.

Abstract: Moulding apparatus comprises a mould box support structure having spaced support members for receiving and supporting lug members formed at opposite ends of a mould box. The mould box is formed in two separable parts each incorporating at opposite ends thereof a lug member having a substantially semi-circular outside profile so that when the mould box parts are abutted the lug members of one box part register with the lug members of the other box part to provide a substantially circular surface which acts as a bearing for the mould box so that the box can be rotated on the support structure for convenience of handling. In one form the mould box is for use with the V-Process of moulding and suction is applied to the chambers within the walls of the mould box parts via conduits extending through the lug members of respective box parts. In one form the support structure includes a circular table which is indexed so that a mould box is sequentially processed through several processing stations.

Abstract: A Vacuum-sealed moulding process for casting of materials comprises formation of sand moulds in the absence of a pattern plate and with cores supported in the mould by suction. Handling apparatus for producing the mould on a vibratory vacuum table is disclosed and this incorporates a pneumatic sand transfer apparatus delivering a predetermined quantity of sand to the mould box.

Abstract: A tripodal vehicle with a spider-like configuration for seated movement by the feet with a reduced tendency to tip over during movement is described. The vehicle has casters on each leg and is constructed such that the three legs have inverted, rounded uppermost leg portions with a seat mounted on a frame in the center of and supporting the legs such that the uppermost portion of the seat is level with or below the uppermost portion of the legs. This vehicle construction gives it a relatively low center of gravity which provides the stability. The vehicle can be used by children as a toy and by persons who are invalids but have the use of their legs.