Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a rotatable electrical coupling assembly having a first part and a second part that electrically couple and rotate relative to each other. The second part is carried by and rotates with a tube collar coupled to a transducer. A portion of the transducer is inserted through an aperture of the second part, but does not contact the second part. The first part of the assembly may electrically couple to the second part via pogo pins, brush contacts, or ball bearings. Alternatively, the first part may comprise conductive channels formed in the casing. The second part may comprise a rotatable drum with a conductive trace. In some versions, one or more components may comprise MID components. In another version, the rotatable electrical coupling assembly comprises a rotatable PC board and brush contact. Further still, a circuit board may be provided with the transducer inside a transducer casing.

Abstract: This method for securing a cartridge mechanical face seal to a sleeve in a rotating shaft sealing assembly uses one or more plunger locks to secure the rotary face of the seal assembly to the sleeve. Such seal assemblies have been previously secured with set screws. This plunger lock method for securing the rotary face of the cartridge seal avoids the use of set screws altogether. Instead, one or more spring activated plunger locks located in the rotary face seal assembly are mated into precisely located receptacle bores in the sleeve. The resulting attachment will not leak, require additional tightening, or distort the sleeve.

Abstract: This method for securing a cartridge mechanical face seal to a sleeve in a rotating shaft sealing assembly uses one or more plunger locks to secure the rotary face of the seal assembly to the sleeve. Such seal assemblies have been previously secured with set screws. This plunger lock method for securing the rotary face of the cartridge seal avoids the use of set screws altogether. Instead, one or more spring activated plunger locks located in the rotary face seal assembly are mated into precisely located receptacle bores in the sleeve. The resulting attachment will not leak, require additional tightening, or distort the sleeve.

Abstract: A graphical user interface uses a representation of a polyhedron, such as a cube (44), having images on each face (46) for representing multiple desktops used in conjunction with an operating system. By pressing on faces of the cube (44), the computer switches to the selected desktop (42). The cube (44) may be rotated to allow the user to select from an unlimited number of desktops (42).

Abstract: The described embodiments of the present invention provide a computer docking system and method for connecting a portable computer to a docking station and method for coupling the docking station to an external monitor and an external keyboard and a technique for customizing the hardware configuration in the docking station for optimum performance. In a preferred embodiment, the technique for customizing the program hardware in the docking station is capable of customizing common hardware in various docking stations.

Abstract: A composite laminated, generally cylindrical container for over-the-road transportation of liquids by truck is fabricated using a core of cellular thermoplastic expanded foam material, with an encapsulating layer adhered to each of the interior and exterior surfaces. The encapsulating layers of the cylindrical portion each utilize at least one layer of resin-impregnated unidirectional filament material, with the primary filaments extending in the longitudinal direction to provide bending strength, and a plurality of layers of spirally wound, resin-impregnated filaments to resist shear, torsion and external and internal pressure. The core and the encapsulating layers define a bonded sandwich type of construction. The container can be supported only at its forward and rearward ends during over-the-road transportation of liquids, like presently available stainless steel containers.

Abstract: A computer uses an environmental manager (20) to detect and respond to changing environmental conditions, in order to enhance and simplify a users interaction with the computer. Environment changes are detected by a plurality of informants (22), each of which has a specified function. Informants communicate through a CIM (26). The CIM (26) establishes communication channels with each informant regarding which information will be provided by the informant and which information that informant needs from other informants. Informants (22) may receive environmental information from a number of sources, including physical location detectors, hardware configurations, software configurations, and network connections. As environmental conditions change, the informants and applications may respond to the changes. A particular capability to respond is the autolaunch capability which detects user behavior and uses this knowledge to automatically load a program responsive to changing environmental conditions.

Abstract: A multi-media conferencing system (10) that links desirable conferencing components into an adaptable and functional whole through innovative system approaches to system level controls. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-media conferencing system (10) that integrates equipment to present information in the most desirable way as determined by the presenter and allows for system power to be turned on and off by a single system button power button (48) and by a system computer (30).

Abstract: A method (100) is provided for initializing a processing system. The method (100) includes a plurality of steps. Those steps are: loading a primary code block in a flash memory (104); loading an alternate code block in a secondary storage (106); testing the primary code block upon power up of the processing system (134); loading the primary code block from the flash memory into a shadow RAM if the primary code block is not defective (140); and loading the alternate code block from the secondary storage into the shadow RAM if the primary code block is defective (139).

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously rotating and reciprocating well pipe mechanically utilizing the rotary table on the drilling rig includes a rotating pipe clamp assembly having an irregular cross-sectional mid-member and clamp members for releasably gripping the well pipe connected to the ends of the mid-member for rotation therewith; a square block for fitting the rotary table square and having a selected groove configuration; and a torque transmitting means fitting into the groove and having openings there-through having the same irregular cross-section as said mid-member cross-section. Means connects the torque transmitting means and the block for limiting torque applied to the well pipe via the clamp assembly and the torque transmitting means.