Abstract: A process for fabricating an electronic module (30) and a packaged electronic device (56) having a thermally conductive substrate includes the step of thermally spraying of a dielectric layer (12) onto a baseplate (10). An electrically conductive layer (18) is then direct bonded to the thermally sprayed dielectric layer. The thermally sprayed dielectric layer can be formed at selected locations on the upper surface of the baseplate (10) by forming a pattern on the upper surface prior to carrying out the thermal spraying process. The electrically conductive layer (18) is patterned to form an interconnect pattern overlying the baseplate. Because the thermal spraying process can form extremely thin dielectric layers, an electronic module (30) fabricated in accordance with the invention exhibits high heat transfer characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe using pneumatic equipment. The functions of the fusing apparatus are controlled by a programmable computer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe at an angle of less than 90.degree.. The apparatus prevents the angled sidewall pipe from migrating during the fusing operation. Also provided is a radius cutter for cutting the radius of the angled sidewall pipe to match the concave upper surface of the host pipe.

Abstract: A prefabricated building panel for use in constructing a building structure includes a generally planar concrete panel, a metal member separate from the concrete panel and positioned on an end surface of the concrete panel so that the metal member is exposed for serving as a welding surface, and a plurality of bar anchors welded to the metal member and embedded in the concrete panel. The bar anchor is welded to the metal member to fix the metal member in place relative to the concrete panel. The metal member serves as a connection region for connecting the building panel to another building panel through welding.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe using pneumatic equipment. The functions of the fusing apparatus are controlled by a programmable computer. Further, as each fuse is performed, a GPS system provides and stores the geographical location of the fuse.

Abstract: An I/O device powered by its computer interface is interfaced to a computer through a PC Card. A dongle is included with a cable assembly between the PC Card and the I/O device. Power for the I/O device is supplied thereto by an external power supply connected to the dongle. Using a power status input, the PC card can detect whether the external power supply is operational and connected, and accordingly, the PC Card manages operations with the I/O device.

Abstract: A PCMCIA card includes a processor and a dual-ported memory thereon. The PCMCIA card is plugged into a host, such that both the PCMCIA card's processor and the host have access to the dual-ported memory. Upon initialization, the host will load the dual-ported memory will a boot sequence for the processor on the PCMCIA card. The processor on the PCMCIA card is then released from a reset state, and proceeds to boot from the boot sequence loaded by the host. The processor on the PCMCIA card is released from reset by the host accessing a predetermined location within the address space of the PCMCIA card.

Abstract: A communications system is designed to allow a call waiting subscriber who is already busy on a first call to receive information associated with a message being recorded by a second caller attempting to reach the subscriber. According to one aspect of the principles disclosed herein, a one-way conference call is established between the second caller and the subscriber as the message is being recorded to allow the subscriber to eavesdrop on the message. According to another aspect of the principles disclosed herein, an Automatic Speech Recognition system may transcribe the message being recorded into ASCII coded data that is delivered to the called party. The received message allows the subscriber to effectively assess whether the first call in progress should be interrupted to answer the second call in waiting.

Abstract: This invention is method for preparing a titania bound ion exchange composition comprising admixing crystalline sodium titanate and a hydrolyzable titanium compound and, thereafter drying the titania bound crystalline sodium titanate and subjecting the dried titania bound ion exchange composition to optional compaction and calcination steps to improve the physical strength of the titania bound composition.

Abstract: A PC Card includes a printed wiring board with an edge-card connector formed integral therewith. Wiring of the printed wiring board connects the edge-card connector to components on the printed wiring board. Connection is established to the printed wiring board via the edge-card connection for testing and programming of components on the PC Card.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in a tablet computer for disambiguating a handwriting input stream generated by a stylus-based user interface. A tablet application program interface (TAPI) of the present invention receives stroke data generated by a stroke made by a user on a digitizing tablet. The TAPI inserts the stroke data into a database. If the stroke is an editing gesture, the TAPI routes the stroke to a gesture recognizer which identifies an editing dialog. The TAPI then executes the dialog to perform operations on the database. If the application program is expecting text input, the TAPI continues to receive stroke data until it detects a closure event. The TAPI then forms a stroke group entry in the database by grouping all non-gesture stroke data received since the last closure event. The TAPI routes the stroke group data to a character recognizer, which returns candidate characters. The TAPI inserts the candidate characters into the stroke group entry.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating process material includes a vessel into which process material can be introduced, an arrangement for introducing steam into the interior of the vessel to heat and impart moisture to process material in the vessel, and several fluid transport conduits extending helically through the vessel for conveying heated fluid through the vessel between opposite ends of the vessel in order to raise the temperature and pressure within the vessel to treat the material while also allowing the moisture content of the process material to be reduced. The fluid transport conduits are also configured to contact the process material and assist in treating and densifying the material. The vessel can also be adapted to be pivoted so that the forward end of the vessel can be selectively positioned above and below a horizontal position. The vessel can also be interconnected with one or more similarly configured vessels to define a system for treating process material.

Abstract: A method for treating process material can include introducing process material into two different vessels, raising the temperature within one of the vessels through the introduction of steam to heat the material in the vessel, and reducing the temperature in the one vessel while also increasing the temperature in the other vessel by venting the interior of the one vessel to the interior of the other vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating process material includes a vessel into which process material can be introduced, an arrangement for introducing steam into the interior of the vessel to heat and impart moisture to process material in the vessel, and several fluid transport conduits extending helically through the vessel for conveying heated fluid through the vessel between opposite ends of the vessel in order to raise the temperature and pressure within the vessel to treat the material while also allowing the moisture content of the process material to be reduced. The fluid transport conduits are also configured to contact the process material and assist in treating and densifying the material. The vessel can also be adapted to be pivoted so that the forward end of the vessel can be selectively positioned above and below a horizontal position. The vessel can also be interconnected with one or more similarly configured vessels to define a system for treating process material.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for injection steam of know quality into a subterranean reservoir containing hydrocarbon fluids, to enhance or stimulate production of said fluids through a production well. Production stimulating steam from a pressurized source is injected into the reservoir by way of a critical flow venturi and an injection well, in a manner to maintain the steam at a desired pressure and flow rate. The venturi's constricted throat is formed as a function of the stimulating steam's original characteristics.

Abstract: A door lock for preventing unauthorized ingress and solely actuable from the inside of a room. The lock includes a lock bar, pivotally anchored to the outer edge of the door, and a jamb plate, anchored to the adjacent jamb and having an elongated vertical aperture for door locking engagement by the lock bar free end portion when the door is closed. A stem is slidably mounted on the lock bar to take a blocking position protruding beyond the free end portion of the lock bar for releasably extending through the jamb plate aperture. When the stem is engaged into the jamb plate aperture, the lock bar is prevented from pivoting because the stem has no clearance to do so within the aperture. Thus, a person outside the room could not release the lock bar by upward pivotal thereof, for instance by inserting a blade through the vertical air gap between the door outer edge and the jamb plate, underneath the lock bar, and then lifting same.

Abstract: A tape cassette which locks up to prevent more than one play through of the information carrying portion of the cassette has a label with an encrypted unlocking combination for the cassette along with a memory address for a key code needed to decrypt the combination. A locked up cassette may be inserted in an unlock terminal which reads the information on the label and looks in memory at the address on the label for a key code. The returned key code is used to decrypt the unlocking combination read from the label and the unlocking combination is applied to unlock the cassette. A host may intermittently communicate with the unlock terminal in order to update the memory of the unlock terminal.

Abstract: A joint seal comprises two elastomeric elements, configured to fit as a nested assembly within the gap between adjacent slabs. The outer element (the "outer seal") is a generally U-shaped channel (with sides and a bottom), and performs the actual sealing function. The outer surfaces of the channel sides are formed with a series of longitudinally-extending fins, which frictionally engage the slab edges. The inner element ("the core") is formed as a generally rectangular tube that provides a structural strength for the seal assembly. It includes a tubular outer wall and an internal truss-type framework consisting of a number of interconnected webs. The seal assembly is installed under compression.

Abstract: A blower centered on the axis of a combine immediately to the rear of the seive that carries the majority of the chaff for discharge onto the ground has a bilateral air nozzle that directs high velocity air perpendicular to the axis of the combine to cause the chaff to be spread across a substantial width distance at the rear of the combine. The spreading reduces concentration of such chaff in a narrow path and spreads it fairly evenly on the ground. The spreading reduces or eliminates problems encountered in minimal till or no-till planting that can be caused by having a deep layer of chaff that is toxic to successive crops that are planted without tillage. Any volunteer plants emerging from a chaff row cause competition for the planted crop and reduces yields.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling the wells of an antibiotic plate with different concentrations of fluid including an array of fluid containers, each having a single needle valve inserted through a stopper member which is held in an open end of the container. Each needle valve includes an inner tube for supplying pressurizing air to one end of the containers which forces the fluid through an outer tube of the needle valve and out the opposite end of the container. A length of flexible tubing connected to each of the needle valve outer tubes carries the fluid through one of a plurality of slots formed in a pinch valve assembly. The pinch valve assembly includes slide members and resilient pinch rods extending laterally from sides thereof. In a first position, the slide members are held such that the pinch rods close the flexible tubing to prevent passage of the fluid into the wells of the antibiotic plate.