Abstract: A system for sorting articles includes a conveyor transporting the articles in conveying zones. An identifier directed at an identification zone on the conveyor identifies an article bearing a particular characteristic. A sliding gate coupled to the conveyor at a removal zone on the conveyor downstream from the identification zone is arranged below the articles and controlled by the identifier to open when the article bearing the characteristic passes the removal zone. The sliding gate opens parallel to the conveyor and either in the conveyor direction or the direction opposing the conveyor direction. The sliding gate provides an opening of the same length as the conveying zone. A device for sorting articles includes a sliding gate on the conveyor at a removal zone. The sliding gate is arranged below the articles and controlled by an identifier to open when an article bearing a characteristic passes the removal zone.

Abstract: A jig-type fishing lure has a weighted lure body holding a gravity-operated switch that controls the energization of an LED for illuminating fiber optic strands extending from the tail end of the lure body in proximity to a fishhook. A heat shrunk tube in the lure body holds the LED and the adjacent ends of the fiber optic strands.

Abstract: A method for providing remote management and maintenance of a node or service within a data communications network that is activated by the data communications network management system's receipt of signals of an abnormal condition at a node or service or failure to receive operational status signals from a node or service. A control adapter running on a node within a Point of Presence is started. The control adapter is capable of starting all service adapters associated with all services running on the node. Operational status signals and abnormal condition signals are transmitted from the control adapter and service adapters on to an information bus. If a network management control host receives abnormal condition signals, notification is sent to a remote system administrator that alerts of an error experienced by a node or service.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for transporting and reorienting items between two locations. The apparatus includes first and second upstanding members each having a first end and a second end. The first and second upstanding members are joined together at the first ends by a third member to form a frame. A track is formed in the first, second and third members which defines a path which spans at least 180 degrees and a set of four sprockets interact with the track. A movable member is positioned within the track and is looped around the set of four sprockets. An integral carrier is secured to the movable member. The integral carrier includes first and second members each having a first end, and a third member affixed to the first ends of the first and second members to form a nonadjustable, approximately C-shaped configuration wherein the first and second members are permanently spaced apart from one another and aligned in a parallel relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for transporting and reorienting items between two locations. The apparatus includes first and second upstanding members each having a first end and a second end. The first and second upstanding members are joined together at the first ends by a third member to form a frame. A track is formed in the first, second and third members which defines a path which spans at least 180 degrees and a set of four sprockets interact with the track. A movable member is positioned within the track and is looped around the set of four sprockets. An integral carrier is secured to the movable member. The integral carrier includes first and second members each having a first end, and a third member affixed to the first ends of the first and second members to form a nonadjustable, approximately C-shaped configuration wherein the first and second members are permanently spaced apart from one another and aligned in a parallel relationship.

Abstract: A jig-type fishing lure has a weighted lure body holding a gravity-operated switch that controls the energization of an LED for illuminating fiber optic strands extending from the tail end of the lure body in proximity to a fishhook. A heat shrunk tube in the lure body holds the LED and the adjacent ends of the fiber optic strands.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for transporting and reorienting items between two locations. The apparatus includes first and second upstanding members each having a first end and a second end. The first and second upstanding members are joined together at the first ends by a third member to form a frame. A track is formed in the first, second and third members which defines a path which spans at least 180 degrees and a set of four sprockets interact with the track. A movable member is positioned within the track and is looped around the set of four sprockets. An integral carrier is secured to the movable member. The integral carrier includes first and second members each having a first end, and a third member affixed to the first ends of the first and second members to form a nonadjustable, approximately C-shaped configuration wherein the first and second members are permanently spaced apart from one another and aligned in a parallel relationship.

Abstract: A scalable computer system has an interconnect bus providing communication links among a host processor and one or more function-specific processors, including a network processor (NP) and a file storage processor (FSP). The host processor provides a single interface to network administrators for maintaining the system. A bi-endian conversion system is provided to minimize a need for translating between big and little endian data types generated by diverse processors. The NP shares a single memory image with other processors and has a buffer memory for buffering requests from the network interfaces. The buffer memory has one or more segments which are dynamically allocatable to different processors. The FSP has a metadata cache for maintaining information on data being cached in the NP buffer memory. The FSP also has a write cache for buffering file write operations directed at disks.

Abstract: Deep sea fishing lures for adequately securing bait. The lure has a bait housing that includes upper and lower cylindrical half jaws that are pivotally connected at their front ends and biased together by a spring. Inside the upper jaw are at least two rows of teeth one behind the other, and inside the lower jaw are at least two rows of teeth, one behind the other. The upper front row of teeth and the lower front row of teeth are approximately 1/8 inches long. The upper rear row of teeth and the lower rear row of teeth are approximately 1/8 inches long. The teeth can be cone shaped and formed from either plastic or metal. Covers can be inserted next to one of the rows of teeth to change the length of each of the teeth. Using the covers allows the lure to be able to secure thinner pieces of bait fish. The lure includes a wall ahead of the front rows of teeth which prevents water from passing through the interior of the bait housing and washing out bait.

Abstract: A variable resistor with a dual ratio input shaft that permits rapid and precise adjustment of the voltage or current level in an electric circuit. A single shaft operates the respective drive elements in the mechanism to provide variable control from a single control knob. The shaft is longitudinally slidable between two drive positions. One drive position allows more rapid adjustment of the resistance value for each turn of the control knob than the other drive position which permits more precise adjustment of the resistance value for each comparable turn of the control knob.

Abstract: An electrically assisted cycle including a frame and a ground engaging wheel rotatably mounted on the frame. A drive member is rotatably mounted on the frame and is arranged to be rotated by the rider of the cycle. A chain couples the drive member and the wheel and there is provided an electric motor and an associated battery carried by the frame, the output of the motor being coupled to the wheel so that the motor can propel the cycle; an electrical switch is incorporated into the rider operated drive member and is so associated with the electric motor that the motor cannot be energized unless the switch is operated by the rider applying a driving force to propel the cycle.