Abstract: An electronic device that allows data to be viewed intuitively using visual perception information (which is other than a graph) is described. In particular, the electronic device may be associated with a user of an environmental monitoring device that monitors an environmental condition in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. When the environmental monitoring device provides environmental-summary information that specifies a time history of the environmental condition, the electronic device may represent the time history of the environmental condition as a sequence of images. A given image may include a numerical value of the environmental condition at a given time and associated visual perceptual information, such as a color associated with the numerical value and/or the environmental condition. The electronic device presents one of the sequence of images on a display. Moreover, the user can provide a user-interface command to view another of the sequence of images.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a nozzle and a turret for the distribution of irrigation water that includes a latching portion so that the nozzle may be detachably inserted into a nozzle socket of the turret. The nozzle may include radially flexible extensions with radial protrusions that interengage with corresponding lock seats of the nozzle socket to form a latching connection therewith. The latching connection restricts the nozzle from becoming unintentionally discharged from the nozzle socket. The nozzle may further be configured so that increased water pressure acting on the nozzle causes the radial protrusions to more tightly engage the nozzle socket to prevent unintentional discharge of the nozzle.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a nozzle and a turret for the distribution of irrigation water that includes a latching portion so that the nozzle may be detachably inserted into a nozzle socket of the turret. The nozzle may include radially flexible extensions with radial protrusions that interengage with corresponding lock seats of the nozzle socket to form a latching connection therewith. The latching connection restricts the nozzle from becoming unintentionally discharged from the nozzle socket. The nozzle may further be configured so that increased water pressure acting on the nozzle causes the radial protrusions to more tightly engage the nozzle socket to prevent unintentional discharge of the nozzle.

Abstract: The Genetically Optimized Digital Ionospheric Sounding System (DISS) Transmit Antenna is a low-cost modification to the TCI 613F HF communications antenna that increases and stabilizes vertical gain from 4 to 30 MHz. Genetic algorithm and local search techniques were used in the design of the modification in order to take into account both electrical design and mechanical simplicity in this design. The novelty lies in the specific placement of conducting wires with respect to the original TCI antenna. This placement both increases the vertical gain of the antenna as a whole and adds to its stability as each wire also acts as a guy cable.

Abstract: A flap-type pressure relief valve for venting of pressure out of, for example, an automobile passenger compartment has a flap assembly manufactured by a co-molding operation and inserted into a valve housing to block the flow of air therethrough. The valve flap assembly includes a flap carrier frame formed from a relatively rigid plastic in the first shot of a two-shot co-molding process, and at least one flap formed from a relatively flexible plastic in the second shot. The co-molding joins the flap to a first perimeter wall of the frame along an edge of the flap, and the flap is sufficiently flexible to bend about a line adjacent the edge. In a two flap version, a second flap co-molded into connection with a second perimeter wall of the frame. The resulting flap assembly can be easily connected with the separately-molded valve housing by securing the frame to the housing such that the flaps are positioned over valve seat within the housing.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve such as is used to relieve over-pressure in the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle has valve flaps which are retained in connection with a housing by molded-in-place retainer strips. The valve is manufactured by an injection molding tool having a pair of mold halves defining a first mold cavity for forming the housing and a second mold cavity for forming the flaps. After the housing and flaps have set, the mold is opened, with the housing remaining in contact with one mold half and the flaps remaining in contact with the other mold half. One mold half is then moved relative to the other to place the housing and the flaps in alignment with one another, and the mold halves are closed again to place the flaps inside the housing and define a third mold cavity extending along the lines of desired attachment between the flaps and the valve seats.

Abstract: A packaging system (100) protects integrated circuit devices (106) from corrosion and mechanical damage. The devices are enclosed in a reel (102) having a hub (114) in which a cavity (116) is formed for retaining a molded desiccant (118). Apertures (120) between the cavity and the devices provide a vapor path for drawing moisture from the devices. A banding strip (108) for enclosing the devices within the reel has recessed areas (142) for housing pellets of desiccant (140). The reel is placed in an inflatable envelope (50) that includes view ports (56) for reading identifying information on the reel. A vacuum is drawn and the envelope is sealed. Air cells (52) in the inflatable envelope are inflated to cushion the devices from mechanical damage during shipment.

Abstract: A plastic molded part having a parting line free O-ring groove formed on a tubular portion of the part is made by molding the groove utilizing cooperating inner and outer axially moveable die portions in which an inner die member is withdrawn from the tubular plastic just before the outer die member is withdrawn, with the withdrawal of the members occurring after the plastic has begun to set but before it has assumed its final cure, whereby the plastic may flex inwardly as the outer die is withdrawn and then may spring back outwardly to its proper position for final cure.

Abstract: A deployment door assembly (28) covers an inflatable air bag (12) contained in a reaction canister (24) mounted in a vehicle (16). The deployment door assembly (28) includes first and second continuous pieces of plastic material. The first piece defines a substrate (50) having a panel portion (56), first wall portions (170-174), and second wall portions (180-188). The panel portion (56) closes an opening (49) in the vehicle (16), and defines boundaries of a deployment door (32). The first wall portions (170-174) extend across the deployment door (32), and project inward from the deployment door (32). The second wall portions (180-188) surround the deployment door (32), and direct the inflating air bag (12) to move outward from the reaction canister (24) toward and against the first wall portions (170-174). The second continuous piece of plastic material defines an outer layer (52) which covers the substrate (50) in overlying surface contact.

Abstract: A one-way air valve for relieving pressure within the passenger compartment of an automobile includes a plastic frame having an air passage therethrough with a flap integrally molded with the frame but of more elastic material and connected to the frame by a living hinge. The flap is molded in a position extending through the passageway and the living hinge is spring loaded by swinging the flap back through the passageway to overlie the outside of the frame over the passageway, thereby biasing the flap against the frame.