Abstract: The present invention, in a non-limiting example embodiment provides a locking apparatus and method for securing locking hardware without the use of a key. In an example embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least a keyless insertion rotatable disk-style, barrel locking apparatus that, in a locked state can be inserted into a securing device without first unlocking, and then, thereafter, locking after insertion. In a nonlimiting example embodiment, unlocking and re-locking requires a key. The present invention, in an example embodiment, also provides features that allow the locking apparatus to enter and exit multiple apertures without requiring a key.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved liquid additive injection pump that of a type wherein a variety of additive volumes may be metered into a fluid stream or fluid source by adjusting the plunger stroke with an easily accessible adjustment bushing without changing or interrupting, the power supplied to the pump during operation. A robust roller bearing drive is used to power the plunger(s) providing fluid suction and discharge as the plunger(s) cycle, while ensuring accurate and reliable additive injection rates. A spring energized seal eliminates overtightened packing by field technicians. An easily accessible adjustment bushing allows the user to modify the piston stroke length, thereby increasing, decreasing or stopping the volumetric flow of injected additive into a fluid stream or storage container.

Abstract: An electronic data file management system may comprise storage nodes containing memory devices coupled through a network to compute nodes configured to request group access to a file on the storage nodes, the request being made by at least two processes running on the compute nodes. At least one of the compute nodes is configured to determine the type of a memory device that includes the file, cause the plurality of compute nodes to collectively access the file in a first access mode, applying a write lock mechanism and disabling a collective buffering mechanism to each of the different ones of the compute nodes if the memory device is a first type, and access the file in a second access mode, applying the write lock mechanism and enabling a collective buffering mechanism to each of the different ones of the compute nodes, if the memory device is a second type.

Abstract: A universal conduit support receiver device and system. In one embodiment, a cable support to align a plurality of cables in a horizontal orientation or vertical orientation includes a pair of opposing retaining arms, a pair of raised platform neck, and a cable support chassis. The result is a hybrid pull-through receiver for enhancing the organizational and interchangeable routing of cables and wires.

Abstract: A self-calibrating digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is disclosed. The self-calibrating DAC includes a DAC including a least significant bit (LSB) side resistor network and a most significant bit (MSB) side resistor network. At least the MSB side resistor network includes a plurality of trimmable resistors. A resistance to frequency converter coupled with an output of the DAC is included to generate a frequency fL based on a value of the LSB side resistor network or the MSB side resistor network. A monitor is included to generate a counter value by comparing fL with a high frequency clock having a constant frequency fH.

Abstract: Optical distribution systems for data centers or similar networks are disclosed, where one or both ends of a high fiber-count backbone cable branch out once to serve multiple buildings. The optical distribution systems include the backbone cable, an enclosure that receives an end portion of the backbone cable, a plurality of tether cables connected to the backbone cable within a sealed interior of the enclosure and extending from the enclosure, and a plurality of multiport terminals each receiving one of the tether cables and including connection ports for an auxiliary cable that can extend to one of the buildings. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a first domestic appliance associated with a user account and a second domestic appliance associated with the user account may include receiving a parameter signal including a parameter value from the first domestic appliance. The method may also identifying the parameter value as corresponding to a sharable parameter. The method further include recording the parameter value within a sharable field set of a pre-constructed table, after which the parameter value may be shared or analyzed further.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) die includes a substrate with circuitry configured for at least one function including metal interconnect levels thereon including a top metal interconnect level and a bottom metal interconnect level, with a passivation layer on the top metal interconnect level. A scribe street is around a periphery of the IC die, the scribe street including a scribe seal utilizing at least two of the plurality of metal interconnect levels, an inner metal meander stop ring including at least the top metal interconnect level located outside the scribe seal, wherein the scribe seal and the inner metal meander stop ring are separated by a first separation gap. An outer metal meander stop ring including at least the top metal interconnect level is located outside the inner metal stop ring, wherein the outer stop ring and the inner stop ring are separated by a second separation gap.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a comparator having a first input coupled to receive an output voltage of the DAC, a second input, and a comparison output. The ADC also includes successive-approximation-register (SAR) circuitry having an input to receive the comparison output, and an output to provide an uncalibrated digital value. The DAC includes a Most Significant Bits (MSBs) sub-DAC including a set of MSB DAC elements and a Least Significant Bits (LSBs) sub-DAC including a set of LSB DAC elements. The ADC also includes calibration circuitry which receives the uncalibrated digital value and applies one or more calibration values to the uncalibrated digital value to obtain a calibrated digital value. The calibration circuitry obtains a calibration value for each MSB DAC element using the set of LSB DAC elements, the termination element, and at least one of the one or more redundant DAC elements.

Abstract: A digital to analog converter (DAC) includes an amplifier including a buffer of the DAC, and a resistor ladder arrangement coupled to a non-inverting input terminal of the amplifier to generate a voltage based on a digital control word. The arrangement includes a first, least-significant bit, segment arranged in one of an R-2R or unit-R configuration, a second, most-significant bit, segment including one or more units each including a second-segment-resistor having a resistor terminal coupled to a respective second switch and having a second resistance, RMSB, and a third segment including one or more third-segment-resistors coupled in parallel to the non-inverting input terminal and connected to a first reference voltage terminal. M2 designates a number of bits in the digital control word for controlling the second switches, and the third segment has a total resistance, Rsp, based on M2.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a plurality of analog inputs, and an analog multiplexer (MUX). The MUX includes a common output node configured to provide a MUX output, a plurality of analog switches, and a shared buffer. Each switch includes a corresponding bootstrap circuit coupled to a control electrode of a corresponding pass transistor in which the corresponding bootstrap circuit includes a corresponding boosting capacitor. Each analog switch of the plurality of analog switches has a first input coupled to a corresponding analog input of the plurality of analog inputs, a second input, and an output coupled to the common output node. The shared buffer has an input coupled to the common output node and coupled to provide a common buffered MUX output to the second input of each of the plurality of analog switches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind turbine blade (10) comprising an aerodynamic shell (83) having an outer surface (84) forming at least part of an exterior surface of the wind turbine blade and an inner surface (85). An access window (80) extends through the shell (83). A panel (87) is arranged within a recessed portion (86) at the inner surface of the shell adjacent to the access window (80) for closing the access window (80).

Abstract: Optical distribution systems for data centers or similar networks are disclosed, where one or both ends of a high fiber-count backbone cable branch out once to serve multiple buildings. The optical distribution systems include the backbone cable, an enclosure that receives an end portion of the backbone cable, a plurality of tether cables connected to the backbone cable within a sealed interior of the enclosure and extending from the enclosure, and a plurality of multiport terminals each receiving one of the tether cables and including connection ports for an auxiliary cable that can extend to one of the buildings. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A routing tool for the installation of a fiber optic cable along a cable support includes a cable support frame having a mounting interface, wherein the cable support frame is selectively attachable to and detachable from the cable support, and a dispensing platform configured to have the fiber optic cable arranged thereon and selectively attachable to and detachable from the cable support frame. The dispensing platform is configured to be rotatable relative to the cable support frame about a rotational axis. The rotational axis is configured to be laterally offset from the mounting interface. A method of installing a fiber optic cable using the routing tool includes attaching the cable support frame to the cable support, attaching the dispensing platform to the cable support, and dispensing the fiber optic cable from the routing tool to route the cable along the cable support.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly including a main cable portion having a plurality of subunit cables and tap points at which the subunit cables are separated from the main cable portion. A junction shell is positioned at each tap point. The subunit cable is pivotable to two orientations relative to the main cable portion in the junction shell.

Abstract: A system for sensing material within a container includes a container having a reservoir for storing material and an impact member configured to selectively impart an impulse force on the container to cause vibration of the container. A sensor is configured to sense the vibration of the container upon the impact member imparting the impulse force on the container. Processing circuitry in communication with the sensor is configured to determine an estimate of an amount of the material in the container based on the sensed vibration of the container.

Abstract: A system for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a toner container having a reservoir for storing toner and an impact member configured to selectively impart an impulse force on the toner container to cause vibration of the toner container. A sensor is configured to sense the vibration of the toner container upon the impact member imparting the impulse force on the toner container. Processing circuitry in communication with the sensor is configured to determine an estimate of an amount of toner in the reservoir based on the sensed vibration of the toner container.

Abstract: Fire spikes and fire spike tips adapted to penetrate a surface and distribute a fire suppressant, such as, water, on the opposite side of the surface are provided. The fire spike tips include a cylindrical body having a first end adapted to be received by a conduit and a second end having a pointed projection adapted to penetrate the surface; an internal cavity in the cylindrical body having an open first end and a closed second end; a plurality of first orifices in the body, each of the plurality of first orifices directed in a first substantially radial direction; and a plurality of second orifices in the body, each of the plurality of second orifices directed in a second direction which at least partially intersects with the first direction of the plurality of first orifices. Kits for the fire spikes and methods of suppressing fire are also provided.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a plurality of analog inputs, and an analog multiplexer (MUX). The MUX includes a common output node configured to provide a MUX output, a plurality of analog switches, and a shared buffer. Each switch includes a corresponding bootstrap circuit coupled to a control electrode of a corresponding pass transistor in which the corresponding bootstrap circuit includes a corresponding boosting capacitor. Each analog switch of the plurality of analog switches has a first input coupled to a corresponding analog input of the plurality of analog inputs, a second input, and an output coupled to the common output node. The shared buffer has an input coupled to the common output node and coupled to provide a common buffered MUX output to the second input of each of the plurality of analog switches.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 for determining orientation of a segment 32 and 30 of a wind turbine blade 28 is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated member 1 and a support plate 2 provided at one end of the elongated member 1. The support plate 2 is defined with one or more provisions 4 to facilitate connection with the segment 32 and 30 of the wind turbine blade 28. Further, a measuring plate 3 is provided at another end opposite to the one end of the elongated member 1, where the measuring plate 3 is defined with a substantially airfoil profile 35. The measuring plate 3 includes a plurality of markers 18 disposed along an airfoil region 34 where, each of the plurality of markers 18 is indicative of one or more of multiple parameters to determine the orientation of the segment 32 and 30. FIG. 6 is the representative figure.