Abstract: A clamping device for joining two flanged connections. The clamping device has a plurality of arcuate segments, wherein each of the arcuate segments defines a groove. The material of the arcuate segments surrounding the groove is a plastic compound, such as polytetrafluoroethylene. Accordingly, the material around the groove yields when overly compressed. The clamp is designed to provide a controlled clamping force, wherein the clamping device is strong enough to compress an O-ring between flanged connections but is soft enough not to damage flanged connections made of brittle material, such as glass.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a sound signal to report an event represented by the sound signal is disclosed. The method includes steps of receiving at least one signal in response to the event, recording the at least one signal in a first recorder in sequence, and accessing the at least one signal in sequence and reporting the event by transmitting the sound signal according to sound data corresponding to the at least one signal pre-recorded in a second recorder.

Abstract: A regulator and a related control method for providing a regulated voltage. The regulator includes a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a capacitive module having capacitors, and an operational amplifier (OP-AMP) for feedback control. The OP-AMP has a amplifying circuit, a driving stage and a current mirror. The BJT charges the capacitive module to establish the regulated voltage, the OP-AMP controls a driving current of a base of the BJT according to the feedback of the regulated voltage. When the regulated voltage is in a predetermined range, the current mirror provides a secondary current through the driving stage such that the driving current is reduced, and the current of the BJT is thus limited to its rated current. When the regulated voltage is out of the predetermined range, the current mirror stops providing the secondary current, and the regulator will operate normally without current supplied by the current mirror.

Abstract: An one wire serial communication protocol method and circuit is provided. The circuit comprises an I/O port, a control machine, a control buffer and a shift register. Date can be transmitted bi-directionally by using one wire, and several different data transmission rates can be used to transmit the serial data.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a sanitary container that is used to isolate the contents of the sanitary container. The valve assembly has a valve housing that is machined from a solid piece of stainless steel. A flange radially extends from the bottom of the valve housing, thereby enabling the valve housing to be clamped to the flanged access port of a sanitary container. The valve housing forms part of two separate diaphragm valves. The diaphragm valves control flow through the valve housing along two separate and isolated pathways. Additionally, a conduit is formed vertically through the valve housing. The conduit is unobstructed and enables materials to be passed through the housing of the valve mechanism unabated. The design of the valve assembly prevents the valve assembly from harboring contaminants and enables the valve assembly to be sanitized using a traditional autoclave.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an apparatus for determining various processes of wafer fabrication suitable for a plurality of various processes of wafer fabrication, having: a plurality of wafer cassettes, each having a distinct transparency, used in the various processes of wafer fabrication; a sensor-set, used to detect the distinct transparency of each of the wafer cassettes, and output a signal corresponding to the distinct transparency; and an amplifier, connected to the sensor-set to receive the signal, thus reading the distinct transparency, so as to determine the type of the wafer cassettes. Furthermore, a method for determining various processes of wafer fabrication includes the steps of: providing a plurality of wafer cassettes, each having a distinct transparency, used in the various processes of wafer fabrication; reading the distinct transparency of each of the wafer cassettes; and determining the type of the wafer cassettes according to the distinct transparency.

Abstract: A venting system for a container and the overall container assembly that uses the venting system is claimed. A container and a lid are provided. The lid of the container defines a venting port for equalizing gas pressure within the container. A support platform is placed over the venting port. The support platform defines a plurality of holes. Placed in each of the holes is a filter element. The filter element is made of a porous sintered powder metal having a pore size of no greater than five microns. In this manner the filter elements enable gas to vent to and from the container, yet the contents of the container are prevented from passing through the filter elements should the contents of the container touch the filter elements.

Abstract: A projectile assembly that enables a compressed gas powered projectile to be fired from a traditional ammunition firearm. The projectile assembly includes a casing that is shaped like the casing of traditional ammunition. A projectile is set into the tip of the casing. Within the casing is located a compressed gas cartridge. The projectile assembly is loaded into the breech of a traditional firearm. Once the firearm is fired, the firing pin of the firearm strikes a piercing pin within the casing. The piercing pin, in turn, strikes and pierces the compressed gas cartridge. The gas pressure displaces the projectile from the tip of the casing and propels the projectile down and out the barrel of the firearm. The casing is designed so that a new compressed cartridge can be placed in the casing and the projectile replaced.

Abstract: A clamp device that is used to maintain a consistent clamping pressure on a flanged connection despite changes in temperature and changes in internal pressure behind the flanged connection. The clamp device contains a rocking bolt assembly that is manually tightened with a wing nut. Should the wing nut loosen, the rocking bolt assembly contains internal springs that compensate for the loosened wing nut and maintain a relatively consistent tension in the rocking bolt assembly within a predefined range of conditions.

Abstract: A clamp device that is used to maintain a consistent clamping pressure on a flanged connection despite changes in temperature and changes in internal pressure behind the flanged connection. The clamp device contains a rocking bolt assembly that is manually tightened with a wing nut. Should the wing nut loosen, the rocking bolt assembly contains internal springs that compensate for the loosened wing nut and maintain a relatively consistent tension in the rocking bolt assembly within a predefined range of conditions.

Abstract: The disclosed invention comprises a system and method for providing two-way content communication between wireless mobile communication devices, such as pagers and Personal Information Managers, and a remote computer network such as the Internet. The system includes a wireless two-way messaging network and an intermediary computer network in communication with the remote computer network. The wireless two-way messaging network employs a network and layer framework, preferably programmed in the wireless mobile device, that includes a system layer, an operating system layer, a user interface, and a Message Transport Protocol (MTP) stack.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a sound signal to report an event represented by the sound signal is disclosed. The method includes steps of receiving at least one signal in response to the event, recording the at least one signal in a first recorder in sequence, and accessing the at least one signal in sequence and reporting the event by transmitting the sound signal according to sound data corresponding to the at least one signal pre-recorded in a second recorder.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an apparatus for determining various processes of wafer fabrication suitable for a plurality of various processes of wafer fabrication, comprising: a plurality of wafer cassettes, each having a distinct transparency, used in the various processes of wafer fabrication; a sensor-set, used to detect the distinct transparency of each of the wafer cassettes, and output a reflection intensity corresponding to the distinct transparency; and an amplifier, connected to the sensor-set to receive the reflection intensity, thus reading the distinct transparency, so as to determine the type of one of the wafer cassettes.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for creating and managing a network of electronic collaboration sites.

Abstract: A thermocouple assembly that is used to monitor the temperature of materials held within a container that has a flanged access port. The assembly includes a thermocouple probe having a base and a shaft that extends from the base. The thermocouple probe can be connected to a remote microprocessor or can contains its own integral microprocessor. A well structure is provided for selectively connecting the thermocouple probe to the container. The well structure contains a platform that is adapted to connect to the flanged access port of the container. A tube extends from one side of the platform and a connector mechanism that extends from the opposite side of the platform. The thermocouple probe can be removable placed into the well structure so that said shaft of said thermocouple probe passes into the tube of the well structure.

Abstract: An illumination device for vessels that have access ports terminated with pipe flanges. The illumination device includes a retention collar that is adapted to receive a flashlight at its first end. The opposite second end of the retention collar terminates with a flange. A conduit extends through the retention collar from the first end to the second end. A mounting element is provided for attaching the retention collar and the flashlight to the access port of the vessel. The mounting element includes an annular base plate. A coupling mechanism is attached to the annular base plate. The coupling mechanism selectively receives the flange of the retention collar. The annular base plate of the mounting bracket clamps to the pipe flange of the vessel over an inspection window. This provides an unobstructed passage through which light from the flashlight can enter the access port of the vessel.

Abstract: There are disclosed compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are useful as antagonists of GnRH and as such may be useful for the treatment of a variety of sex-hormone related and other conditions in both men and women.

Abstract: There are disclosed compounds of formula (I) ##STR1## and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are useful as antagonists of GnRH and as such may be useful for the treatment of a variety of sex-hormone related and other conditions in both men and women.

Abstract: An illumination device for vessels that have access ports terminated with pipe flanges. The illumination device includes a retention collar that is adapted to receive a flashlight at its first end. The opposite second end of the retention collar terminates with a flange. A conduit extends through the retention collar from the first end to the second end. A mounting element is provided for attaching the retention collar and the flashlight to the access port of the vessel. The mounting element includes an annular base plate. A coupling mechanism is attached to the annular base plate. The coupling mechanism selectively receives the flange of the retention collar in an orientation wherein the center of the retention collar aligns with center of the mounting bracket. The annular base plate of the mounting bracket clamps to the pipe flange of the vessel over an inspection window. This provides an unobstructed passage through which light from the flashlight can enter the access port of the vessel.

Abstract: An end cap device for the flanged termination at the end of a container or a pipe. The end cap device includes a circular base having a peripheral edge, a bottom surface and a top surface. The top surface of the end cap base is beveled toward the bottom surface of the base in the regions proximate the peripheral edge. A shaft extends from the top surface of the base, wherein the shaft is oriented at a perpendicular relative the plane of the bottom surface of the base. A handle is connected to the shaft at a point between the two ends of the handle. A tether extends from the handle. The tether is formed into the configuration of a noose, wherein the noose can pass over the flanged termination the end cap device is designed to cover. The handle helps a person remove the end cap in a controlled manner while the tether prevents the end cap from falling. Both the entire end cap structure and the tether are made of stainless steel or another material that can be sterilized in an autoclave without corrosion.