Abstract: A network management apparatus and method for determining the topology of a network 1 is described. The present invention uses data relating to discovered devices on the network 1, typically network management address table data, to build a network tree. Due to the presence of unsupported or unmanaged connecting network devices, some branches of the resulting tree may not be resolved. In order to address this, for each unresolved branch of the network tree, the present invention attempts to determine the type of each of the discovered network devices on the branch, and if the type of every discovered network device on the branch is determined to be an endstation type, the present invention determines that an undiscovered connecting device is present on the branch.

Abstract: A device (10) for treating a continuously moving liquid has a liquid inlet (12) and a liquid outlet (14) at opposite ends of a generally annular passage (16). The passage has a restriction (18) which is generally cylindrical and which, at its outlet (22) is formed with an annular shoulder (24) which provides an abrupt change in the diameter of the passage. An obstruction (26) in the form of a wire extends across the restriction (18) adjacent the outlet (22). The restriction (18) serves to increase the speed of liquid flowing through the passage, thus reducing the liquid pressure. The obstruction (26) also assists in reducing the liquid pressure. The device reduces the liquid pressure below a level at which cavitation occurs in order to induce cavitation.

Abstract: The present invention uses the principle that phosphomolybdate binds to hydrophobic surfaces to isolate the phosphomolybdate complex from other phosphate-containing molecules and further uses the SPA concept to bring a radiolabeled phosphomolybdate complex in close contact with a scintillant for measurement by scintillation counting. Generally, the present invention provides an assay for detecting and measuring the amount of orthophosphate (Pi) in an aqueous reaction mixture, wherein the amount of Pi released is separated from the reaction mixture by: adding a solution of molybdate to the reaction mixture to form a phosphomolybdate complex; and contacting the phosphomolybdate complex with a hydrophobic surface, wherein the surface is capable of being separated from the aqueous reaction mixture to allow measurement of the Pi. Particularly, this invention provides an assay for measuring the ATPase activity of enzymes, more particularly, the HPV E1 helicase.

Abstract: The present invention uses the principle that phosphomolybdate binds to hydrophobic surfaces to isolate the phosphomolybdate complex from other phosphate-containing molecules and further uses the SPA concept to bring a radiolabeled phosphomolybdate complex in close contact with a scintillant for measurement by scintillation counting. Generally, the present invention provides an assay for detecting and measuring the amount of orthophosphate (Pi) in an aqueous reaction mixture, wherein the amount of Pi released is separated from the reaction mixture by: adding a solution of molybdate to the reaction mixture to form a phosphomolybdate complex; and contacting the phosphomolybdate complex with a hydrophobic surface, wherein the surface is capable of being separated from the aqueous reaction mixture to allow measurement of the Pi. Particularly, this invention provides an assay for measuring the ATPase activity of enzymes, more particularly, the HPV E1 helicase.

Abstract: A fuel-gauging system has an ultrasonic probe mounted in a tank, the probe being connected to a processor unit via an electrical signal path comprising two lengths of electrical wires and a piezoelectric transformer connected in series between the two lengths of wires. The transformer has two piezoelectric elements mounted on opposite sides of the wall of the tank so there is no direct electrical passage into the tank. The piezoelectric elements are matched to the resonant frequency of the probe so that signals of different frequencies are heavily attentuated.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the disclosed condensing turbine is characterized by its tolerance to fully condensing working fluid vapor and a unique geometry that uses a naturally developed centrifugal force, generated by the working fluid, along with an integral positive displacement pump, to return the working fluid to a vapor generator in a high pressure liquid state. Thus, with the working fluid exiting the turbine in a highly pressurized liquid state rather than a low pressure vapor state, the requirement for a conventional condenser, condensate pump and boiler feed pump is eliminated. This unique combination of turbine and positive displacement pump, exemplified by the present invention, allow the closed-loop vapor cycle turbine engine to become very compact and, thus, practical for automotive and aerospace use.

Abstract: A process for the corrosion protection of copper or copper alloy which process comprises contacting the surface with an aqueous solution of at least one compound of general formula (I), wherein X is N, Y is CR and Z is N, or X is N, Y is N and Z is N or CR or X is CR, Y is N and Z is N, where R is a hydrogen atom or R.sup.1, and R.sup.1 is an alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, halogen, trihalomethyl, amino, heterocyclic, NHR.sup.2, NR.sup.3 R.sup.4, CN, CO.sub.2 H, CO.sub.2 R.sup.5, OH or OR.sup.6 group, where each of R.sup.2 to R.sup.6 independently represents an alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl group.

Abstract: An rf receiver front end that includes a switchable attenuation circuit or DX switch and uses a power saving technique. The switchable attenuation circuit is dc connected in series with one or more rf circuits so that power drawn from a constant voltage power supply is reduced. The rf circuit may include an rf mixer, a low-noise amplifier, or both.

Abstract: A Client/Server Database System with improved methods for performing database queries, particularly DSS-type queries, is described. The system includes one or more Clients (e.g., Terminals or PCs) connected via a Network to a Server. In general operation, Clients store data in and retrieve data from one or more database tables resident on the Server by submitting SQL commands, some of which specify "queries"--criteria for selecting particular records of a table. The system implements methods for storing data vertically (i.e., by column), instead of horizontally (i.e., by row) as is traditionally done. Each column comprises a plurality of "cells" (i.e., column value for a record), which are arranged on a data page in a contiguous fashion. By storing data in a column-wise basis, the system can process a DSS query by bringing in only those columns of data which are of interest.

Abstract: A Client/Server Database System with improved methods for performing database queries, particularly DSS-type queries, is described. The system includes one or more Clients (e.g., Terminals or PCs) connected via a Network to a Server. In general operation, Clients store data in and retrieve data from one or more database tables resident on the Server by submitting SQL commands, some of which specify "queries"--criteria for selecting particular records of a table. The system implements methods for storing data vertically (i.e., by column), instead of horizontally (i.e., by row) as is traditionally done. Each column comprises a plurality of "cells" (i.e., column value for a record), which are arranged on a data page in a contiguous fashion. By storing data in a column-wise basis, the system can process a DSS query by bringing in only those columns of data which are of interest.

Abstract: An imaging system incorporating an illumination device, for illuminating an object to be observed with a continuous diffuse wide angle light source which is supplied along an observation axis of the imaging system, and an observation device is position along the observation axis for observing a reflection of the object to be observed.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for providing a continuous, uniformed, diffused light environment for use in conjunction with an electronic machine vision or manual microscope inspection system, particularly for inspection of specular surfaces such as ball bearings, reflective packaging and other shiny surfaces. The illumination device includes a source of light which is associated with at least the secondary diffusers to provide secondary diffused illumination, of an object to be observed, substantially along the observation axis of the object. The same light source may also illuminate a rear surface of the primary diffuser. The height of the illumination device is approximately three and one-half times the clear aperture dimension of the illumination device or less. The illumination devices is arranged to provide uniformed illumination of the object with light which is equal in intensity and character to facilitate accurately viewing of the entire area of the object to be viewed.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for providing an elongate linear continuous, uniformed, diffused lighting environment for use in conjunction with an electronic line scanner, a photo-copier or a machine vision system, particularly for inspection and reproduction of specular surfaces such as documents or art work containing highly reflective areas on the surface thereof and other shiny surfaces. The linear illumination device includes at least one elongate source of light, illuminating a primary diffuser, to provide a primary diffused light source and a secondary elongate source of light illuminating a secondary diffuser to provide a secondary diffused light source supplied substantially along an observation plane of the illumination device. The two sources provide uniformly diffused lighting of an elongate strip of an object located at the object observing location to facilitate accurate viewing of a desired elongate portion of the object to be observed.

Abstract: A viewing assembly for viewing a two dimensional object in three dimensions is disclosed which has vision directing means for converging the lines of sight of a user of the viewing assembly to direct the sight of each eye of the user to predetermined segments of an object being viewed, the predetermined segments being laterally spaced and partially overlapping, the angle of convergence of the lines of sight being such that the lines of sight of each eye intersect at a point between the eyes and the object whereby a segment to the left of the object is viewed by the right eye and a segment to the right of the object is viewed by the left eye. A method of ocular therapy is also disclosed wherein the vision of a patient is conditioned by viewing an object using the viewing assembly.

Abstract: A lock for a bicycle or the like comprises a first fixed casing member which is adapted to be secured to the frame member of a bicycle or the like and a second casing member which is movable relative to the first casing member. The first casing member is cup-shaped and is provided with frame mounting means on the outer surface of the cup wall. A raised boss extends from the base of the cup-shaped member. The second casing member is adapted to fit into the first casing member and to engage with the boss in such a manner that the second member is rotatable with respect to the first member. One end of a wire or cable is secured to the second casing member and the wire or cable is wound around the periphery of the second member. The other end of the wire or cable extends through a slot in the side wall of the first casing member.

Abstract: A wrapping machine, particularly for wrapping cigarette packets in wrapper film, includes a series of endless band conveyors (148, 152, 156, 166, 170) carrying pushers (150, 154, 158, 172) for moving successive packets (191) along a straight wrapping line. One of the pushers (158) is heated to seal a wrapper seam. Opposed heated band conveyors (166) simultaneously seal end folds of the wrapper. Packets are gripped between opposed conveyors (145, 148) immediately after intercepting a wrapper (100). Partially-wrapped packets are arranged to slide relative to surfaces (149, 153, 157, 180) to attain wrap tightness. Successive conveyors (e.g. 156, 170) are independently driven to allow phasing of the conveyors to vary the position at which packets are transferred between them.

Abstract: In the manufacture of ductile iron it is important to know that the magnesium content is above (or possibly below) a threshold value. It is known that the presence of magnesium prevents tellurium causing solidification of a sample with carbidic eutectic arrest. Accordingly we treat a sample in a receptacle with a known quantity of sulphur (or selenium) such as just to neutralize the threshold quantity of magnesium, then we observe whether, on solidification, the eutectic arrest is graphitic (indicating that more than the threshold quantity of magnesium is present) or carbidic, indicating less magnesium. The observation is most simply done (and can be done semi-automatically) by timing a cooling curve between two predetermined temperatures.

Abstract: Welding muffs for joining thermoplastic pipes are molded using a core in which are placed terminals supported by plastic posts which may be removable and/or frangible so that when the cores are withdrawn the plastic posts do not prevent withdrawal.

Abstract: A security system is disclosed for use in an electronic funds transfer environment. The system includes a central processor and a portable transaction device. During initiation, the central processor generates a sequence of transaction numbers and associated random numbers. This data is supplied to and stored in the portable transaction device. In operation, the next available random number is determined and combined with a transaction parameter to generate a security code. The security code may be verified immediately or during the check clearing cycle at the central processor. In the preferred embodiment, in the on-line operation, the selection of the ramdom number is altered by a random offset number further enhancing security.