Abstract: Spreadsheet programming model and language is extended to create objects, with their associated state and set of defined behaviors, as first-class spreadsheet cell residents. Desired object behaviors can be invoked by calling methods on the objects through an event-based imperative programming language that potentially modifies the state of an object. Expressions can also be defined by calling methods on objects that produce new objects in combination with operations on objects in other cells. Programming constructs are defined that allows users to perform a sequence of operations on one or more objects. Operations can also be performed automatically similar to spreadsheet triggering mechanism. Users can program to trigger operations either manually or automatically based on changes to objects, or based on conditions defined.

Abstract: A forward error correction system comprises a forward error correction (FEC) module and a transmission module. The FEC module is configured to define a plurality of FEC code words, and the transmission module is configured to transmit the FEC code words to a remote receiving unit via a plurality of communication connections. The transmission module is further configured to ensure that characters of each of the FEC code words are transmitted across different ones of the communication connections.

Abstract: A screen assembly that is sufficiently flexible to adapt to a non-planar profile of a crowned deck on a vibrating shaker. When attached to the crowned deck, the screen assembly provides a screen with less curvature than the crowned deck.

Abstract: A subsurface support includes a protective outer member that encases an interior support member. The inner support member may typically be a steel or iron rod which is held within the outer tube as by grout or cement. The outer tube is preferably emplaced by forcing the outer tube into the ground by use of a launching device. The distal end of the outer tube is pointed thus allowing easier penetration of the outer tube into the ground. The subsurface support may be used in numerous functional ways to provide support for an overlying man made structure, or to stabilize surrounding rock and soil. The support can be used in compression, tension, bending, and/or shear.

Abstract: A data communication system comprises a forward error correction (FEC) module, a first transceiver, a second transceiver, and logic. The FEC module is configured to receive data and to define FEC code words based on the received data. The first transceiver is coupled to a first communication line, and the second transceiver is coupled to a second communication line. The logic is configured to selectively enable the FEC module to implement a desired FEC scheme based on an estimated error rate associated with the first communication line and an estimated error rate associated with the second communication line.

Abstract: A forward error correction system comprises a forward error correction (FEC) module and a transmission module. The FEC module is configured to define a plurality of FEC code words, and the transmission module is configured to transmit the FEC code words to a remote receiving unit via a plurality of communication connections. The transmission module is further configured to ensure that characters of each of the FEC code words are transmitted across different ones of the communication connections.

Abstract: A multi-feature stroller (100) includes several unique features. The stroller, which has a forward sub-frame (104) and a rearward sub-frame (108) that is foldable upon itself, provides a napper bar (150) which extends outwardly from the forward sub-frame (104). The napper bar (150) provides a locking mechanism (254) which engages one of two locking tongues (190) extending from an underside of a car seat (160). Accordingly, the car seat (160) may be carried by the stroller (100) in a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. The napper bar (150) is moveable between an extended position and a recessed position by actuating a release mechanism (302). A fold down mechanism (130) is connected between the rear sub-frame (108) and the forward sub-frame (104) when actuated causes the sub-frames to fold into a collapsed position and simultaneously causes the napper bar to fall to its recessed position.

Abstract: A multi-feature stroller (100) includes several unique features. The stroller, which has a forward sub-frame (104) and a rearward sub-frame (108) that is foldable upon itself, provides a napper bar (150) which extends outwardly from the forward sub-frame (104). The napper bar (150) provides a locking mechanism (254) which engages one of two locking tongues (190) extending from an underside of a car seat (160). Accordingly, the car seat (160) may be carried by the stroller (100) in a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. The napper bar (150) is moveable between an extended position and a recessed position by actuating a release mechanism (302). A fold down mechanism (130) is connected between the rear sub-frame (108) and the forward sub-frame (104) when actuated causes the sub-frames to fold into a collapsed position and simultaneously causes the napper bar to fall to its recessed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting a new service pipe into an existing service pipe without the necessity of excavation or separately shutting off the supply of gas upstream of the effected pipe section comprises of a nosecone allowing a flow of sealer to travel back through an annular space between the new pipe and the old pipe, providing a gas tight permanent seal.

Abstract: An adaptive digital data unit (600) initiates and successfully completes a remote loop back test. The adaptive digital data unit (600) has a controller (610), a local transmitter (620), a local receiver (640) a timer (622) and a detector (634). When a remote adaptive digital data unit (600) transmits a first data sequence and a second data sequence, the local adaptive digital data unit (600) receives the second data sequence from the remote digital data unit and determines if the second data sequence matches one of two predetermined data sequences. If so, a test successful flag is generated.

Abstract: A fluid-tight modular joint is disclosed having various replaceable parts for refurbishing the joint after certain parts wear out. Specifically, the modular joint has a pair of sealing assemblies interconnected by a tubular sealing member which permits angular misalignment, axial movement and rotational movement between conduits. Each of the sealing assemblies includes a tubular housing with a replaceable sealing sleeve which is positively retained therein by a split retaining ring. Typically, the housings are welded to conduits, and thus, can only be removed by cutting them from their respective conduits. However, the housings are provided with access openings for inserting a camming tool therein to remove the sealing sleeves without cutting the housings away from their respective conduits. Therefore, in refurbishing the modular joint, the housings are reusable, while the sealing sleeves and tubular sealing members are replaceable.

Abstract: A pressure-energized sealing ring having a bight portion, a first leg portion and a second leg portion for providing a fluid-tight seal between a pair of components. The first and second leg portions include a curved section having first and second sealing surfaces. The sealing surfaces are spaced from the free ends of the leg portion. The free ends of the leg portions are positioned between the bight portion and the sealing surfaces so that the ends of the seal are located in the area of low pressure. Accordingly, when sealing ring is a multi-ply seal, the free ends of the seal are positioned in the low pressure area so that the high pressure does not separate the seal. The curved sections of the leg portions and the curve of the bight portion securely couple the plies together without welding. Preferably, the plies are connected together and in intimate contact at their interfaces therebetween.

Abstract: A pressure-energized sealing ring having a bight portion, a first leg portion and a second leg portion for providing a fluid-tight seal between a pair of components. The first and second leg portions include a curved section having first and second sealing surfaces. The sealing surfaces are spaced from the free ends of the leg portion. The free ends of the leg portions are positioned between the bight portion and the sealing surfaces so that the ends of the seal are located in the area of low pressure. Accordingly, when sealing ring is a multi-ply seal, the free ends of the seal are positioned in the low pressure area so that the high pressure does not separate the seal. The curved sections of the leg portions and the curve of the bight portion securely couple the plies together without welding. Preferably, the plies are connected together and in intimate contact at their interfaces therebetween.

Abstract: A microminiature cantilever structure is provided having a cantilever arm with a piezoresistive resistor embedded in at least the fixed end of the cantilever arm. Deflection of the free end of the cantilever arm produces stress in the base of the cantilever. That stress changes the piezoresistive resistor's resistance at the base of the cantilever in proportion to the cantilever arm's deflection. Resistance measuring apparatus is coupled to the piezoresistive resistor to measure its resistance and to generate a signal corresponding to the cantilever arm's deflection. The microminiature cantilever is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A portion of the free end of the cantilever arm is doped to form an electrically separate U-shaped piezoresistive resistor. The U-shaped resistor has two legs oriented parallel to an axis of the semiconductor substrate having a non-zero piezoresistive coefficient.

Abstract: A microminiature cantilever structure is provided having a cantilever arm with a piezoresistive resistor embedded in at least the fixed end of the cantilever arm. Deflection of the free end of the cantilever arm produces stress in the base of the cantilever. That stress changes the piezoresistive resistor's resistance at the base of the cantilever in proportion to the cantilever arm's deflection. Resistance measuring apparatus is coupled to the piezoresistive resistor to measure its resistance and to generate a signal corresponding to the cantilever arm's deflection. The microminiature cantilever is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A portion of the free end of the cantilever arm is doped to form an electrically separate U-shaped piezoresistive resistor. The U-shaped resistor has two legs oriented parallel to an axis of the semiconductor substrate having a non-zero piezoresistive coefficient.

Abstract: A microminiature cantilever structure is provided having a cantilever arm with a piezoresistive resistor embedded in at least the fixed end of the cantilever arm. Deflection of the free end of the cantilever arm produces stress in the base of the cantilever. That stress changes the piezoresistive resistor's resistance at the base of the cantilever in proportion to the cantilever arm's deflection. Resistance measuring apparatus is coupled to the piezoresistive resistor to measure its resistance and to generate a signal corresponding to the cantilever arm's deflection. The microminiature cantilever is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A portion of the free end of the cantilever arm is doped to form an electrically separate U-shaped piezoresistive resistor. The U-shaped resistor has two legs oriented parallel to an axis of the semiconductor substrate having a non-zero piezoresistive coefficient.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope is described having a scan correction arrangement. Sensors detect the actual position of tubular scanners for a sample in an xy plane. This position information is then used for post-imaging correction or as a feedback signal. Detection and use of the actual position assures that errors caused by hysteresis, etc., are obviated. Various embodiments of an appropriate sensor are described.

Abstract: A pressure balance sealing ring having a substantially S-shaped, resilient cross section including two oppositely facing convolutions, a central leg coupling the convolutions and a pair of outer legs, each extending from one of the convolutions. The ring is advantageously formed of metal and seals against opposed axially facing but offset surfaces in an annulus between two concentric pipes or opposed axially facing surfaces at the interface formed by two aligned pipes. Each outer leg has a substantially circular sealing line, these sealing lines being radially offset from one another, adjacent the free distal edge of each leg, and spaced from the convolutions. In a modified embodiment, the sealing ring has more than two convolutions and additional legs to connect them. In another series of modified embodiments, the sealing ring has one or two restraining rings rigidly coupled to one or both of the outer legs to ensure the desired direction of torsional deflection under the action of the differential pressure.

Abstract: A pressure balanced sealing ring having a substantially S-shaped, resilient cross section including two oppositely facing convolutions, a central leg coupling the convolutions and a pair of outer legs, each extending from one of the convolutions. The ring is advantageously formed of metal and seals against opposed axially facing but offset surfaces in an annulus between two concentic pipes or opposed axially facing surfaces at the interface formed by two aligned pipes. Each outer leg has a substantially circular sealing line, these sealing lines being radially offset from one another, adjacent the free distal edge of each leg, and spaced from the convolutions, In a modified embodiment, the sealing ring has more than two convolutions and additional legs to connect them. In another series of modified embodiments, the sealing ring has one or two restraining rings rigidly coupled to one or both of the outer legs to ensure the desired direction of torsional deflection under the action of the differential pressure.

Abstract: A torsionally flexible annular seal in the form of a metallic, resilient sealing ring for a pair of concentric, hollow annular bodies having high pressure and temperature fluid flowing therethrough and having different thermal expansion rates and/or temperatures. The sealing ring comprises a central tapering portion, a first curvilinear sealing portion at one end of the central portion, and a second curvilinear sealing portion at the other end of the central portion. In one embodiment the central tapering portion is frustoconical, and in a second it has convex and concave portions. The first and second sealing portions seal against inner and outer cylindrical surfaces defined by the pair of annular bodies, this sealing including at least two circular sealing lines in different planes.