Abstract: A multiprocessor data processing system is implemented with processors, each of which may request for a temporary time the exclusive lock on an object which is stored on a data base. To achieve this a lock processor synchronizes the locking and unlocking of the objects. The requesting processor directs the storage of the object from the data base into a selected high performance storage unit, where it has exclusive rights to modify or write into the object until the object is unlocked by the processor. An audit tape or disk records all modifications made to any object during a transaction. A non-volatile cache memory is inserted in the audit trail to store a before-look image of the object that resides in the high performance storage unit. Data compaction occurs by comparison of the before-look image with an after-look image to provide a difference image, which is supplied to an audit buffer that is coupled to the audit tape.

Abstract: A record lock processor provides a common facility for control of the locking and unlocking of mass storage objects (for example, records, files, pages or any other logical entity) that is shared by a number of loosely-coupled data processors. The terms "record" or "records" wherever they are used in this document are intended to refer to all such objects, including records, files, pages or any other logical grouping or entity into which the mass storage may be portioned. Each of the data processors has access to all of the shared mass storage. Three Lock Modules all receive the same requests and majority voting techniques are used to determine the result. A fourth lock module is included as a Hot Spare Module. A Maintenance Module receives the same requests as the voting Lock Modules and, therefore, it is able to interpret results on-line based on user requests. Programmable Channel Interfaces provide the operational interface to the host processors.

Abstract: A switchable local oscillator for use in a shared mixer radiometer is capable of providing at least two separate frequencies. The local oscillator contains at least two cavity resonators, a voltage controlled oscillator controlling a microwave generator, a microprocessor to intermittently control the voltage controlled oscillator and an output voltage detection circuit to provide output voltage levels to the microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the voltage controlled oscillator to tune the microwave generator through a frequency range. Output voltage level of the local oscillator is detected, and a resonant frequency is determined. In response, the microprocessor fixes the voltage of the voltage controlled oscillator at a voltage corresponding to the resonant frequency of one of the cavity resonators. Microprocessor control of the voltage controlled oscillator is then relinquished. The local oscillator generates a resonant frequency while measurements are made by the radiometer.

Abstract: A Record Lock Processor is utilized in a multi-host data processing system to control the locking of Objects upon request of each of the multiple host data processors in non-conflicting manner. The Record Lock Processor has storage provisions which include a Lock List for storing bits that identify the Objects and bits that identify the requesting processor, a Queue List that stores entries that are formatted like the Lock List entry when a prior Lock List entry has been made for the same Object, and a Cache List for each processor that stores Cache List entries that identify each Object that is stored in the cache memories, each of which Cache List entries is associated with one of the requesting processors, wherein such Cache List entries include validity bits that identify whether each Object stored in a Cache List has a Valid or an Invalid status.

Abstract: The Self Emptying Vacuum Vessel is an apparatus for collecting and discharging solid and or liquid material. The system is used to transfer said material from an undesirable area to a more preferred location. The Self Emptying Vacuum Vessel comprises a containment vessel which collects said material by a vacuum means and a screw conveyor as a means for continuously expelling said material from said vessel. Continuous flow is insured into said vessel by a vacuum regulating means and out of same vessel by an anti-bridging means.

Abstract: The detection and identification of metal items is effected by a marginal oscillator the resonant circuit of which has an inductor surrounding a path along which any metal items are caused to travel. The frequency and amplitude changes in the oscillation produced by the oscillator due to the presence of a metal item in the inductor are compared with the changes caused by items of known metals and the identity of the metal of the item is derived from the comparison. Continuous or periodic drift correction of the frequency and amplidude values may be effected using a reference coil. Among other examples the invention may be used to monitor metallic particles in a lubricant or to identify larger items such as coins.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a disc envelope from a prepunched, flexible, plastic blank having two sections connected at the heads thereof and containing a drive hole at the same location in each section. The drive holes are located on respective hubs which are located at the same position on respective folding plates. The end edge of a mandrel is pressed against the blank in the area between the two sections while the folding plates are moved from a horizontal to a vertical position pulling the drive holes taut on the hubs and thereby locating the center fold between the two sections of the blank flap folding apparatus and sealing apparatus are attached to and swing into operating position with the respective folding plates to form the side flap folds and seal the folded flaps.

Abstract: A self-testing facility is provided for a correlator comprising a delaying shift register (DSR) whose stages are respectively associated with a set of channels each incorporating a coincidence detector (G1+G2) and an integrating counter (IC), and a further shift register (OSR) which is used to inspect for the overload condition of the counters, the normal running condition involving application of binary signals respectively to the delaying shift register and to all the coincidence detectors. The operation of each channel is tested in a test mode involving inhibition of the normal running condition, and information indicative of faulty channels is recorded in a register (MCR); this information is used in the normal running condition to cause by-passing of those stages of the shift registers corresponding to faulty channels.

Abstract: Both the leading and trailing ends of the respective yarns introduced to and removed from active knitting position are of uniform length on the inside of the sock when forming solid color patterned areas in the sock. The cutting of all yarn ends inside of the sock, enables the operator to easily evert and inspect the inside of the socks as they are removed from the knitting machine and eliminates the usual time consuming operation of cutting the yarn ends after the sock is knit. The cutting and clamping apparatus is illustrated in association with a four-feed solid color patterned knitting machine of the type normally employed in knitting argyle patterns in socks, and includes a vertically disposed suction tube with the lower end disposed within the upper end of the needle circle. A yarn clamping member is associated with the lower end of the suction tube and a hot wire cutter is positioned between the needle circle and the clamping member.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to be mounted upon an aerial projectile for releasing a drug within the body of a game animal includes a first cylindrical member having first and second axially spaced flanges, and a second cylindrical member concentrically disposed around the first cylindrical member so as to form an annular chamber for the storage of the drug. The apparatus exhibits complete axial symmetry so as to enhance the aerodynamic stability of the projectile during flight.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine valve deactivator mechanism including a pair of reciprocable cylindrical members and a movable piston therein which together function as a normal tappet when pressurized fluid is fed to a chamber defined between the piston and a first cylindrical member but when the pressurized fluid is exhausted from the chamber the engine valves of the engine remain seated by their respective valve springs while the two cylindrical members are allowed to reciprocate with respect to each other by the piston. Engine oil pressure may be used as the operating fluid for the valve deactivator. An inlet passage formed in the cylinder block feeds pressurized fluid to the chamber in a first position of a control valve located within the cylinder block to move the piston away from the first member to prevent the second member from reciprocating with respect to the first member and thereby enable normal operation of an engine cylinder intake or exhaust valve by its pushrod.

Abstract: In the preparation of polyurethane foam by the provision of foamable urethane composition to a trough and subsequent overflow of the trough to a conveyor belt for final foaming and curing of the urethane composition, improved product is obtained by maintaining temperature uniformity laterally across the trough.

Abstract: Interpolating apparatus is provided for more accurately determining the peak position of a function, particularly a cross-correlation function derived from two related flow signals fed to an overloading counter correlation flowmeter, whereby the peak position is indicated by a set of signals corresponding to quantized values of a parameter and the apparatus interpolates the peak position from selected signals of the set. The preferred method of operation comprises computing for each of the signals an average of the quantized values of the parameter corresponding to that signal, and summing a predetermined number of these average values to obtain an indication of an interpolated value of the peak position. Various output circuits are provided for flowmeter applications to produce an output which is proportional to flow rate.

Abstract: An engine valve operating mechanism for operating the poppet valves controlling the intake and exhaust ports of each cylinder independently of each other and independently of the crank shaft speed. The mechanism includes an extendable and retractable fluid actuator having first and second members telescopically engaged with each other, one of which members is rotatable with respect to the other. An expansible and contractable fluid chamber is defined between the members, and the flow of fluid into and out of the chamber is controlled in accordance with the angular position of the members with respect to each other. When fluid flows into the chamber, the chamber expands causing the actuator to extend. When fluid is exhausted from the chamber, the actuator contracts. The actuator is mounted on a support member and engages a poppet valve operator to cause a poppet valve engaged by the operator to move in opening and closing directions in response to extension and retraction of the actuator.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control system in which intake and exhaust valve deactivators are controlled in response to both engine throttle position and output speed in order to affect split engine operation. Voltages responsive to both throttle position and engine output speed are compared to generate a variable signal that controls the valve deactivators. Each deactivator includes a rotatable first cylindrical member axially fixed on an elongated engine support and also includes a second cylindrical member defining an enclosed cavity with the first member while positioned on the support between the engine and the first member. A helical spring of each deactivator encircles the cylindrical members thereof and has a first end axially fixed relative to the support and a second end that biases a rocker arm bearing toward the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control system in which intake and exhaust valve deactivators are controlled in response to both engine throttle position and output speed in order to affect split engine operation. Voltages responsive to both throttle position and engine output speed are compared to generate a variable signal that controls the valve deactivators. Each deactivator includes a rotatable first cylindrical member axially fixed on an elongated engine support and also includes a second cylindrical member defining an enclosed cavity with the first member while positioned on the support between the engine and the first member. A helical spring of each deactivator encircles the cylindrical members thereof and has a first end axially fixed relative to the support and a second end that biases a rocker arm bearing toward the engine.

Abstract: A method of selectively enhancing the growth rate of silicon oxide in the manufacture of semiconductor devices results in a reduction in encroachment of oxide into the edges of areas masked by silicon nitride. Implanting an impurity material into the monocrystalline silicon surface, without annealling to correct implant damage, causes the surface to oxidize at lower temperatures and faster rates.

Abstract: A conventional electric arc furnace is provided with an outlet in a sidewall of the furnace, the inner and outer ends of which are positioned such that the outer end of the outlet is higher than the inner end of the outlet. The outer end of the outlet communicates directly with a graphite electrode having a hollow interior leading from the sidewall of the electric arc furnace to an electroslag furnace positioned below the electric arc furnace. After an initial charge of ore in the electric arc furnace is brought to the molten state with the slag floating on top of the molten metal, the level of molten metal is maintained above the inner end of the slanted outlet and caused to flow through the slanted outlet and hollow graphite electrode to the electroslag furnace. In the electroslag furnace, the molten metal solidifies on a movable base plate positioned at the bottom of the furnace which is slowly withdrawn out of the bottom of the electroslag furnace, thereby continuously forming the desired steel ingot.