Abstract: A coupling for driving a magnetic tape reel uses the interface between a flat surface on the coupling and datum pads on the reel to locate the reel. The coupling includes a drive ring with ring teeth located around a drive shaft. The ring teeth engage mating teeth on the tape reel. The coupling also includes a datum ring having an annular surface located about the drive shaft. The annular surface contacts datum pads on the tape reel to axially position the tape reel relative to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A data storage tape drive system includes a data storage tape cartridge and a tape drive mechanism. The data storage tape cartridge includes a tape reel including a circular ring of teeth projecting in a direction generally parallel to an axis of rotation thereof and an engagement surface spaced radially from the circular ring of teeth. The tape drive mechanism includes a drive hub including a circular ring of teeth projecting in a direction generally parallel to an axis of rotation thereof and an engagement feature spaced radially from the circular ring of teeth of the drive hub. When the drive hub is operatively engaged with the tape reel, the teeth of the drive hub are engaged with the teeth of the tape reel and the engagement feature of the drive hub is engaged with the engagement surface of the tape reel so as to control operative engagement between the data storage tape cartridge and the tape drive mechanism.

Abstract: A tape cartridge and cartridge drive system for controlling the compatibility of first and second tape cartridges having the same form factor in first and second tape drives. The system permits backward compatibility of the first tape cartridge in the second tape drive, while prohibiting the second tape cartridge from being used in the first tape drive. The second tape cartridge includes a tab projecting distally from a recess. The tab is positioned to contact the door actuator surface on the first tape drive so as to prevent insertion of the second tape cartridge into the first tape drive. The tab defines a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the insertion direction smaller than a gap in the door actuator assembly of the second tape drive to permit the second tape cartridge to be inserted into the second tape drive, whereby the second tape cartridge is compatible only with the second tape drive.

Abstract: Expandable intraluminal stents are provided as well their method of manufacture. These stents are made of metal, the metal characterized by a desired porosity, with a drug compressed into the pores of the stent. The stents are formed by subjecting one or more powdered metals in a die cavity to a pressure treatment followed by a heat treatment. The metal may be cast directly in a stent-like form or cast into sheets or tubes from which the inventive stents are produced. The so-formed porous metal stent is then loaded with one or more drugs.

Abstract: A valve has a contractible valve element formed of an inner laminae of PFA, an outer laminae of PTFE with the outer laminae having a boss to provide positive compression and positive distension of the valve element. The portion that constrict is welded to a PFA tubular end portion thus providing the advantages of a PTFE laminae with a boss and the PFA what it surfaces. The valve utilizes a valve mechanism which has a yoke which moves radially towards and away from the contractible valve element with linkages extending from yoke arms which connect to opposite sides of the contractible valve element. The valve element may thus be positively closed and positively opened. The hermetic seal between the outer PTFE laminae and the inner PFA laminae causes the inner laminae to extend outwardly when the outer laminae is positively distended thereby allowing the valve function where the fluid being controlled is under a negative pressure.

Abstract: A quality control apparatus for a beverage held in a beverage container. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to be in thermal communication with the beverage and detect attainment of a first predetermined temperature. The apparatus also includes a timer coupled with the sensor. The timer is configured to commence timing in response to detection of the attainment of the first predetermined temperature by the sensor. The apparatus also typically includes an indicator coupled to the timer and configured to indicate to a user a status of the timer.

Abstract: A shower drain replacement device for replacing existing shower drains in most shower stalls. The device includes a drain sleeve for inserting into a drain hole of a fixture, and having an open upper end and an open lower end and a peripheral side wall. A peripheral flange extends outwardly from the upper end for resting on a portion of the fixture adjacent to the drain hole. A plurality of mounting assemblies are provided for securing the drain sleeve in the drain hole of the fixture. Each of the mounting assemblies comprises an aperture in the flange of the drain sleeve, a support sleeve mounted on the drain sleeve, a rod extending through the aperture and through the support sleeve, and a mounting member rotatably mounted on the rod. The mounting member is rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating the compressive and tensive forces created in a section of flexible tubing whose length expands and contracts in response to the fluid it conveys, while constraining the expansion of the tubing to a substantially horizontal plane. The tubing section having a pair of ends and a center portion therebetween. The system having a support structure and a pair of clamping members. The support structure having a pair of side constrainment portions for constraining the expansion of the tubing. The clamping members for anchoring the ends of the tubing section within the support structure thereby fixing their positions relative to each other and the support structure. When the tubing expands, the ends remain in their fixed position and the center portion of the tubing is forced to snake between the side constrainment portions.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for acquiring a program from a packetized signal in response to ancillary information included in the packetized signal. The packetized signal includes a plurality of program signals and ancillary information associated with the plurality of program signals. The apparatus includes means for identifying the ancillary information from the packetized signal, the ancillary information including master guide information for use in identifying and acquiring special guide information, and special guide information for use in acquiring program information associated with the plurality of program signals. The program signals may be acquired using identifier information that may be derived from the ancillary information. The apparatus includes means responsive to the ancillary information for acquiring a selected program from the packetized signal.

Abstract: A quality control apparatus for a beverage held in a beverage container. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to be in thermal communication with the beverage and detect attainment of a first predetermined temperature. The apparatus also includes a timer coupled with the sensor. The timer is configured to commence timing in response to detection of the attainment of the first predetermined temperature by the sensor. The apparatus also typically includes an indicator coupled to the timer and configured to indicate to a user a status of the timer.

Abstract: Expandable intraluminal stents made of a powdered metal or polymer are provided as well their method of manufacture. These stents are characterized by a desired porosity, with a drug compressed into the pores of the stent. The stents are formed by subjecting one or more powdered materials in a die cavity to a pressure treatment followed by a heat treatment. The material may be cast directly in a stent-like form or cast into sheets or tubes from which the inventive stents are produced. The so-formed porous metal or polymer stent is then loaded with one or more drugs.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting aural signals across a wide area network (WAN) from a local phone coupled to a computer, e.g., a PC-phone, to a remote phone coupled to a KTS, PBX, or PSTN, for example. This capability is provided by the gateway unit of the present invention. The system of the present invention is quickly installed in a server or a personal computer coupled to a local area network. The system is connected to one or more of a PSTN, a private branch exchange, a key telephone system, a telephone, a facsimile machine, and a modem. In the case of voice transmission, a gateway unit translates received telephony signal into a format that is compatible with the telephone system or equipment connected thereto. The present invention can provide a voice quality that approaches, equals, or exceeds the voice quality of conventional telephone switched networks.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment and recovery of spent vehicle coolant that involves the following steps:a) removing the spent coolant from the engine;b) treating the spent coolant with sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate to cause dissolved metals therein to form insoluble particles;c) treating the spent coolant of step b) with an aqueous basic coagulating agent such as a polyquaternary ammonium compound in its hydroxide form;d) filtering the spent coolant from step c) through a set of filters and then through a bed of carbon particles, to produce a relatively cleaner liquid; ande) adding to the relatively clear liquid a combination of corrosion inhibitors, buffering agents and alkali, whereby the treated coolant can be recycled to the vehicle for effective coolant performance therein.

Abstract: A lever having an elongate body adapted for selected pivotal attachment to a container which employs a depressable actuator to open and close access to the container interior. One end of the body is connected to the container. The other end is configured for engagement by an operator to effect lever pivot. A projecting finger extends generally normally from the body to engage the depressable actuator upon pivoting of the body, the finger being spaced from the second end of the body to afford improved leverage to the lever operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerodynamic toy particularly of the type for manually launching into the air. The toy includes a disc shaped body having a plurality of airfoil shaped sections, and a plurality of slots in the body. Light emitting devices and sound generating devices may also be included to enhance the amusement value of the toy. It is believed that airfoil shaped disc sections, depressions in the bottom of the disc body, and slots in the body improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the toy enabling it to remain in the air for a longer period of time when thrown, and cause the toy to tend to level itself while airborne.

Abstract: A modular tubing support and constrainment device for supporting and constraining tubing comprising a plurality of modular support trays, a module connector portion and a clamping portion. The modular support trays each incorporate a bottom portion for supporting the tubing and side constrainment portions to significantly constrain the amount of snaking by the tubing. The modular support trays further incorporate a plurality of apertures which are used by the module connector portions to connect and join the modular support trays into a continuous single unit. The apertures are also used by the clamping portion so that the clamping block may be secured to the modular support tray. The clamping block has an arcuate bore therethrough that is sized to fit snugly about and constrain the tubing. The bore may be lined with an elastomeric material to provide extra tube gripping potential.

Abstract: A toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use in association with a toilet and a sewer pipe, the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly comprising: a flexible seal formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture including coupling devices, the flexible seal adapted to be mounted within a sewer pipe; and a toilet ring formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture, the ring including an upper region and a lower region, the upper region including a planar ledge extending therefrom, the ledge including a plurality of apertures to permit coupling to a toilet and mounting surface with bolts, the lower region including coupling devices to permit secure coupling within the flexible seal.