Abstract: A battery charging system may include a permanent magnet alternator. The system uses controlled rectifiers to supply charging output from an alternator to the battery, to control the charging current and to provide a taper charge. The system may also use a voltage regulator coupled with the controlled rectifiers. The voltage regulator progressively deactivates the controlled rectifiers, in response to the state of charge of the battery, to provide a taper charge. The alternator may be used in vehicles, including automobiles, and for other electrical generating purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operating speed of a papermaking facility is disclosed. It includes determining a desired operating speed that is dependent on at least one economic variable. The variables vary with the operating speed. Also, the operating speed is adjusted (if necessary) in response to the determination. Preferably the control is closed loop and includes determining a current operating speed and comparing the current operating speed to the desired operating speed. The operating speed is controlled in response to the comparison. The economic variable is preferably a cost of manufacturing, and/or manufacturing inflows, and/or manufacturing outflows. Also, a method and apparatus that determines the effect of one or more business transactions on the economic efficiency of the production of products in a paper manufacturing facility is disclosed. The economic efficiency is dependant on one or more economic variables that vary with operating speed.

Abstract: A thermally enhanced package for an integrated circuit, the integrated circuit having a surface with bond pads formed thereon, includes a heat sink structure attached to a central region of the integrated circuit surface inward of the bond pads. The package further includes a substrate attached to the heat sink structure. The heat sink structure includes a heat sink and first, second adhesive layers between the heat sink and the integrated circuit, substrate, respectively. The heat sink enhances heat transfer between the integrated circuit and the substrate. Further, the first, second adhesive layers decouple any difference in thermal expansion between the integrated circuit, the heat sink and the substrate.

Abstract: A deck construction including a plurality of supports for anchoring deck construction elements to a building site. The supports include a body (which may be an integrally molded concrete pier) having upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes at least one slot for seating a horizontally oriented construction member. The slot includes a center socket portion having four extended corners for seating the bottom end of a vertically oriented construction member. The slot and center socket are defined by connecting wall portions which may be integral to the body or may be of plastic or metal and suitable secured to the body. In some cases, two mutually perpendicular slots are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling dither in a solenoid actuator. Circuitry produces a frequency command signal in response to a measured dither parameter and produces a current command signal. A solenoid actuator input signal is delivered to a solenoid actuator, said solenoid actuator input signal having a frequency determined in response to the frequency command signal and a magnitude of current determined in response to a current command signal.

Abstract: A deck construction including a plurality of supports for anchoring deck construction elements to a building site. The supports include a body (which may be an integrally molded concrete pier) having upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes at least one slot for seating a horizontally oriented construction member. The slot includes a center socket portion having four extended corners for seating the bottom end of a vertically oriented construction member. The slot and center socket are defined by connecting wall portions which may be integral to the body or may be of plastic or metal and suitable secured to the body. In some cases, two mutually perpendicular slots are provided.

Abstract: A centrifugal sprayer has a rotatable shaft defining a rotation axis, and a vane attached to the shaft and oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis. The vane extends radially from a heel end at a radial distance from the rotation axis to a toe end at a radially further distance from the rotation axis. The vane has a hollow front face in a direction of rotation. The hollow front face can extend radially, in which case an injector outlet port is placed at a radial distance from the rotation axis, within a circumference defined by the heel end of the rotating vane, for emitting a substance stream in a non-radial direction. Alternatively the stream can be radial and the vane inclined. The vane intersects the substance stream at an angle, the point of intersection between the stream and the vane progressing from the heel end to the toe end and from a trailing end of a separated stream segment to the leading end.

Abstract: A deck construction includes a concrete pier block having an upwardly opening recess forming an anchor seat for building elements. The recess opens out the side so that building elements can be laid horizontally therein. The recess also includes a central socket for receiving an upright pillar. The recess has particular dimensions for use with conventional existing lumber sizes and also for forming a strong but inexpensive concrete pier block for residential use.

Abstract: A body member comprising either a concrete block or molded or stamped product, includes upwardly opening recesses forming an anchor seat for building elements. The recesses may extend fully from side to side and also open out the sides so that building elements can be laid horizontally therein or fully across the body member. The recesses also include a central socket for receiving an upright pillar. Embodiments of the invention may include depending foot members. Embodiments of the inventions also include structure for fastening building elements to the body member. A further embodiment employs depending projections at outer portions thereof which frictionally fit on top of a base block and stabilize the body member against lateral movement.