Abstract: A system for drilling a horizontal bore through frangible material includes a barrel mechanism containing a automatically reciprocating piston mechanism for automatically delivering hammering blows to a bit for chipping away the frangible material, a fluid distributor for directing fluid to and exhausting pressurized fluid from the piston mechanism without exposing the wall of the bore being created to fluid pressure greater than ambient atmospheric pressure, a spline/flute arrangement for causing the bit to rotate with the barrel mechanism, a motor and swivel mounted on a driven platform mounted on a supporting frame for urging the bit against the frangible material and for supplying the pressurized fluid, a pushing mechanism for non-rotatingly and simultaneously installing casing joints as various components of the system is rotatingly drilling the bore, an augering arrangement for, in conjunction with the casing joints, removing the drilling debris, and drill/auger stem sections for extending the drilling

Abstract: A portable ISDN test set contains test circuitry that is controllably operative to automatically test the ISDN communication capability of an ISDN circuit. In response to a user operating a prescribed input/output element of a user interface of the test set, the test set's supervisory control processor executes a routine that places an ISDN call over a first bearer channel of the ISDN circuit, the first bearer channel having a first directory number, through a public switched telephone network to a second directory number associated with a second bearer channel of the ISDN circuit. The ISDN call is thus routed by the public switched telephone network back to the ISDN test set. When the ISDN call is received by the test set, it is automatically looped to the public switched telephone network, so that the call is rerouted to the first directory number associated with the first bearer channel to the ISDN test set.

Abstract: A medical teaching doll is provided with devices for simulating the differences between normal organs, and organs which are physically altered by sickle cell or other disease. The devices simulate the normal and diseased conditions so that the differences can be clearly seen and/or felt. The doll is used to train parents to recognize the signs or symptoms of sickle cell disease so that they may seek medical care for their children before they become more acutely ill. The signs or symptoms which are simulated by the doll include change of color of eye sclera, enlargement of spleen, elevated temperature, labored breathing and/-or coughing, and change of color of skin.

Abstract: A device and method for testing a telephone circuit in which a caller takes advantage of available caller identification information to complete a ringback test without resort to potentially costly and overused toll trunks. The ringback test device is accessed by a caller (subscriber or craftsperson) who may not be aware of the telephone number from which he is calling when the caller completes a call to a telephone number assigned to the device. As the caller is accessing the test device, the test device detects the caller identification available between the first and second rings to identify the caller's telephone number, and answers the call after the second ring. The test device presents the telephone number to the caller, and the test device may thereafter be used to complete a ringback test to the identified telephone number. The caller ID information may also be display-formatted at the test device and provided to a caller's visual display.

Abstract: A portable ISDN test set contains test circuitry that is controllably operative to automatically test the ISDN communication capability of an ISDN circuit. In response to a user operating a prescribed input/output element of a user interface of the test set, the test set's supervisory control processor executes a routine that places an ISDN call over a first bearer channel of the ISDN circuit, the first bearer channel having a first directory number, through a public switched telephone network to a second directory number associated with a second bearer channel of the ISDN circuit. The ISDN call is thus routed by the public switched telephone network back to the ISDN test set. When the ISDN call is received by the test set, it is automatically looped to the public switched telephone network, so that the call is rerouted to the first directory number associated with the first bearer channel to the ISDN test set.

Abstract: The control software of a central office-installed ringback test device is augmented to allow a craftsperson to test the operability of a caller identification, call-waiting (CIDCW) class of service of a line, without participation of another technician at the central office. Rather than instructing the craftsperson to go back in-hook, the SASS's microcontroller maintains the trunk circuit through which the incoming call is coupled to the SASS in a suspended, continuously monitored state, so as to effectively busy out the calling line. The SASS then places a return call to the calling number by way of the ringback line, which by-passes the trunk, to the central office switch.

Abstract: The present invention involves a sampler designed to collect drill cuttings which are produced during drilling of a blast hole in open-pit mining operations. The present invention is designed to capture a theoretically accurate sample which will be assayed for the gold and silver it contains (and may be appropriate for other minerals as well). The present invention obtains a larger, more representative sample and has the ability to split the sample automatically to a reasonable lab delivery weight. The design of the invention provides for sampling through the drill deck of drill machines which are commonly used in open-pit mining operations. The design of the invention allows for sampling over the entire particle trajectory and is unaffected by changes in drilling equipment. The sampler comprises a pan which is tapered and receives drill cuttings produced from drilling a blast hole.

Abstract: An image-related device has an image-medium receiving tray. The tray is designed by a method that enables the tray to control the contouring of sheets of image medium during reception. The tray has a planar surface and a curved surface. The curved surface is designed by selecting a series of transverse and longitudinal curves to define a curved surface that is generally concave in the transverse direction while also sloping upward in the longitudinal direction. The combined concave and sloped shape of the curved surface causes the leading-edge region of the image medium to transversely curl and thereby obtain sufficient rigidity to extend beyond the front end of the tray.

Abstract: A multi-ported, caller ID-based test unit is installable in the central office of a public switched telephone network. The test unit is capable of determining the telephone number, subscriber name and various other information associated with the subscriber line used to access to the test device, and is operative to conduct various tests of a telephone circuit from which a call to the test device is placed. These tests include exercising a caller identification, call waiting class of service, testing the ability of the telephone circuit to receive incoming calls, and testing the operation of a message-waiting indicator of a telephone unit coupled to the telephone circuit, as well as the ability to conduct a data session with a remote terminal using the test unit's data port.

Abstract: A multi-ported, caller ID-based test unit, which may be installed in the central office of a public switched telephone network, is capable of determining the telephone number, subscriber name and various other information associated with the subscriber line used to access to the test device, and is operative to conduct various tests of a telephone circuit from which a call to the test device is placed. These tests include exercising a caller identification, call waiting class of service, testing the ability of the telephone circuit to receive incoming calls, and testing the operation of a message-waiting indicator of a telephone unit coupled to the telephone circuit, as well as the ability to conduct a data session with a remote terminal using the test unit's data port.

Abstract: In an automated prescription dispensing and packing system, empty prescription bottles are labeled and loaded in assigned locations in carriers. Pills are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles in the carriers. Ranks of carriers containing filled prescription bottles are assembled at stations where the bottles are unloaded and packed into shipping containers with literature printed by the system. Multiple bottles of an order are automatically packed in the same shipping container.

Abstract: Improved insulative cable assemblies and methods for producing them are disclosed. The insulative cable assemblies have a conductor housed within a polymeric insulation layer expanded with expandable thermoplastic microspheres. The use of a relatively inelastic outside sheath controls the expansion of the insulative layer and assures a snug fit between the insulation and the conductor. The insulation layer is highly resilient and resistant to dielectric changes due to compression or damage from mechanical manipulation of the cable. Additionally, the ability to expand the insulative layer after cable assembly is completed provides far greater freedom in cable processing without compromising low dielectric constant.

Abstract: A processor-controlled integrated telephone line measurement and conditioning apparatus installable at a remote site provides a multiplicity of measurement and conditioning functions that are selectively executable in response to commands issued from a supervisory command site. The dual measurement and conditioning capabilities of the architecture of the present invention impart both remote measurement unit (RMU) functionality and metallic access unit (MAU) functionality that may be individually accessed and controlled. The RMU operates primarily as a test head that performs mechanized loop testing (MLT) tasks, while the MAU is operative to impart prescribed electrical conditions to a specified line circuit. When controllably accessed to operate as an RMU, the present invention responds to instructions from a command site (loop maintenance operations systems) and performs single-line demand tests on a line provided by a pair gain system.

Abstract: A game platform for use with darts, with a surface designed to allow for a wide range of games to be played on the surface. This is achieved by having removable and interchangeable printed surfaces which are simply sheets, each with a different game printed on its surface, that can be held in place over top of the game platform surface with a clear film. The game platform is designed so that it may be used in conjunction with a floor tape, corresponding to the game sheet used, marked with a series of gradations, which is used to determine the throwing distance that a player must throw his darts from, which in turn depends on the player's "position" on the platform.

Abstract: A remote test unit for testing and conditioning one or more telephone lines includes multiple electronically erasable flash memory banks, which contain respective versions of the operating system employed by the test unit's micro-controller. An operating system modification routine employed by the host processor of a remote site allows the functionality of the remote test unit to be selectively modified by electronically installing an upgraded or downgraded version of the operating system, or by electronically selectively activating or deactivating one or more operational features of the currently active operating system.

Abstract: An autobaud detection mechanism, installed as part of the communication control software of a serial communication device's microcontroller, enables the device to automatically determine the baud rate employed by a remote digital data communications device. Starting with a default baud rate, corresponding to the highest available baud rate, the mechanism steps through successively lower baud rates in the course of a search for the baud rate at which the remote device is transmitting. When an incoming call is received, respective bits of the received data are examined for the presence of transmission errors. If a transmission error is detected, the baud rate is stepped to the next lowest baud rate. If no error is detected, the received data bits are compared with a reference character. If the two compared data bit patterns match, the controller locks the baud rate at that baud setting for the remainder of the call. When the call is terminated, the baud rate reverts to its default setting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing 2,6-dichloropyridine which comprises reacting an organic solvent-free, catalyst-free reaction mixture comprising 2-chloropyridine and chlorine in the presence of a hydrogen chloride scavenger and ultraviolet light, and optionally in the presence of added moisture, at a temperature of between about 90.degree. C. and about 185.degree. C. Also claimed is a method for preventing calcium chloride plugging of the chlorine feed stream and for preventing calcium chloride build-up in the above reaction mixture which comprises adding moisture in the form of water or steam, or a combination thereof, to the reaction mixture prior to, or during, the reaction of said process.

Abstract: Improved insulative cable assemblies and methods for producing them are disclosed. The insulative cable assemblies comprise a conductor housed within a polymeric insulation layer expanded with expandable thermoplastic microspheres. The use of a relatively inelastic outside sheath controls the expansion of the insulative layer and assures a snug fit between the insulation and the conductor. The insulation layer is highly resilient and resistant to dielectric changes due to compression or damage from mechanical manipulation of the cable. Additionally, the ability to expand the insulative layer after cable assembly is completed provides far greater freedom in cable processing without compromising low dielectric constant.

Abstract: A remote measurement unit for testing and conditioning one or more telephone lines includes multiple electronically erasable flash memory banks, which contain respective versions of the operating system employed by the test unit's micro-controller. An operating system modification routine employed by the host processor of a remote site allows the functionality of the remote test unit to be selectively modified by electronically installing an upgraded or downgraded version of the operating system, or by electronically selectively activating or deactivating one or more operational features of the currently active operating system. A reset routine ensures that the operating system modification mechanism will only boot up the `correct` one of the two quasi-redundant systems available to the RMU's microcontroller after a system modification has been performed.

Abstract: A door phone controller has a door ajar feature for alerting a user that a door was left open. The door phone controller accommodates the door ajar feature in several different ways depending upon how it is configured to interface with the central office line. If the door phone controller is configured to interface with the central office line as an individual station, then when a door is left open, the controller alerts the user via auxiliary alert contacts specifically provided for activating a customer chime. When the door phone controller is configured as a ring-down station, the door phone controller alerts the user that the door was left ajar by dialing a pre-programmed telephone number and sending a door ajar tone. If the door phone controller is configured as an interface with a trunk port, then when the door is left open, the controller alerts the user by ringing the trunk line and also energizing the auxiliary alert contacts.