Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly has a stabilizer bar and a pair of bushing assemblies. Each bushing assembly has an elastomeric bushing disposed around the stabilizer bar and an outer metal member disposed around the elastomeric bushing. The elastomeric bushing has a molded in rate plate to increase the stiffness of the elastomeric bushing. The outer metal member compresses the elastomeric bushing between the stabilizer bar and the outer metal member to a prespecified percent of compression. When the stabilizer bar rotates with respect to the outer metal member, the compression of the elastomeric bushing stops movement between the elastomeric bushing and the stabilizer bar and between the elastomeric bushing and the outer metal member. A fastening strap is attached to the outer metal member to attach the stabilizer bar assembly to a vehicle.

Abstract: A secure, easy to use and aesthetically appealing outdoor fireplace includes a housing, fuel management component and burner assembly. The fuel management component is disposed alongside the burner assembly and facilitates safe and effective distribution of fuel and dispersion of heat. A roller assembly eases fuel tank transfer while providing stable support, and an outer decorative wall cooperates with the frame platform mounted on the roller assembly to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the fireplace. The fireplace maintains a low profile for stability and aesthetics while properly managing heat so as to avoid damaging supporting surfaces as well as components of the fireplace itself.

Abstract: A method for measuring the distance of a gap separating an eddy current transducer and a target is provided. The method includes determining a normalized impedance curve for the transducer, determining a time rate of change of the normalized impedance of the transducer along a line of constant gap, and correcting an apparent gap magnitude using the determined time rate of change.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly has a stabilizer bar and a pair of bushing assemblies. Each bushing assembly has an elastomeric bushing disposed around the stabilizer bar and an outer metal member disposed around the elastomeric bushing. The elastomeric bushing has a molded in rate plate to increase the stiffness of the elastomeric bushing. The outer metal member compresses the elastomeric bushing between the stabilizer bar and the outer metal member to a prespecified percent of compression. When the stabilizer bar rotates with respect to the outer metal member, the compression of the elastomeric bushing stops movement between the elastomeric bushing and the stabilizer bar and between the elastomeric bushing and the outer metal member. A fastening strap is attached to the outer metal member to attach the stabilizer bar assembly to a vehicle.

Abstract: Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reforming converts carbonaceous compounds into a fuel for use in generating electrical power. Energy rich hydrocarbon fuels, such as coal, marine diesel, oils, and hydrocarbon wastes are employed as a feedstock for the ICP, which transforms the feedstock into a fuel that can be used by fuel cells and gas turbines for the production of electricity. The overall efficiency of an ICP-based electrical power system can be increased by providing partial oxidation within the reaction vessel. The partial oxidation conditions consume a small amount of the reformed fuel gas, thereby liberating sufficient thermal energy to reduce the electrical power requirements of the ICP to maintain desired reactor temperatures, and providing an increase in the overall net electrical power production. The integrated power production system can also adjust to meet an increased requirement for process heat and steam by balancing the effect of partial oxidation.

Abstract: A remotely-controlled cable equalization system includes a control unit containing a non-volatile memory, a plurality of remote video display devices, each of which includes an adjustable cable equalization circuit, and an interface for connecting the control unit to each of the plurality of remote video display devices. Each of the plurality of remote video display devices includes a receiver for receiving a 12-bit digital code, from the control unit, through the interface. A 12-bit register is connected to the receiver and a 12-bit digital-to-analog converter is then connected to the 12-bit register, for receiving a 12-bit digital code from the 12-bit register and for converting the digital signal to an analog signal.

Abstract: MPEG compression for video/audio data is completed in real- or better than real-time by using computer processors in thousands of television receiver set-top boxes interconnected to a cable television network. The set-top boxes form a massively parallel, distributed computer network. MPEG compression for video/audio services is completed by partitioning the processing of video/audio frames into subtasks, and distributing these subtasks to set-top boxes that are not being used for subscriber services. After MPEG processing, the compressed video/audio frames are collected from the set-top boxes and are reconstructed into a compressed video/audio stream in the proper temporal order. If desired, the original video data can be JPEG-encoded prior to distribution to the individual set-top boxes, and then JPEG-decoded at the boxes. So doing reduces bandwidth constraints on the distribution network.

Abstract: A power supply inrush current control circuit includes a current-limiting resistor connected in series with a first relay, a second relay connected in parallel with the current-limiting resistor and first relay, a power factor correction stage connected in series with the parallel combination of first relay and current-limiting resistor, and second relay, a holdup capacitor connected to an output of the power factor correction stage and a DC/DC converter connected to the output of the power factor correction stage. A first timer is connected to the second relay, a second timer is serially connected to the first timer and to the power factor correction stage, and a third timer is serially connected to the second timer and to the DC/DC converter.

Abstract: A technique and system for isolating segments of a serial data bus for remote configuration of equipment in in-flight entertainment systems. The system allows the automatic initialization, or configuration, of multiple terminal units, attached to a serial data bus, without requiring physical access to the multiple units.

Abstract: MPEG compression for video/audio data is completed in real- or better than real-time by using computer processors in thousands of television receiver set-top boxes interconnected to a cable television network. The set-top boxes form a massively parallel, distributed computer network. MPEG compression for video/audio services is completed by partitioning the processing of video/audio frames into subtasks, and distributing these subtasks to set-top boxes which are not being used for subscriber services. After compression, the compressed video/audio frames are collected from the set-top boxes and are reconstructed into a compressed video/audio stream in the proper temporal order.

Abstract: A massively parallel computer system employs hundreds or thousands of otherwise-idle microprocessors in set-top boxes distributed throughout a cable television system. Coupling between these processing nodes is effected by the cable television distribution network, which provides an asymmetrical transmission speed characteristic that is well suited for many parallel applications. The system is tolerant of interruptions due to preemption of set-top boxes for television viewing.

Abstract: A system on an aircraft that eliminates hot-swapping of circuit boards to prevent damage to the circuit board connector interfaces. The system supplies power to a circuit card only when there is an effective coupling between a circuit card connector and an opposite mating connector. A power control circuit responds to a card present signal which indicates when the circuit card connector is coupled to the opposite mating connector. A logic circuit converts the card present signal to a power supply enable signal. A main power supply receives the power supply enable signal and provides power to the circuit card only when the circuit card connector and the opposite mating connector are appropriately coupled.

Abstract: An end connector for use with oil containment booms, wherein the connector design utilizes a stress distribution technique which avoids the need for proximal end flanges, internal cavity traction surfaces, and further avoids bolts, rivets, or other fasteners through the boom fin end. The end connector design has a smaller size than conventional end connector designs with comparable tensile strength capabilities. Further, the end connector may be fabricated faster than conventional end connectors, reduces connector cost, and reduces final boom assembly time.

Abstract: A junction box for flush mounting around a swimming pool, to connect electrical fixtures of the swimming pool, comprises a one piece plastic housing having a side wall defining an inner cylindrical chamber having an upper opening and a bottom wall. A pair of downwardly extending projections each carry an axial bore for leading wires into the chamber. A pair of blocks at diametrically opposed positions in the chamber carry a brass grounding bar to which bonding wires may be connected using screws. A potting compound substantially fills the chamber before the chamber is closed by a threaded lid which, when seated on the housing, lies flush with the deck of a swimming pool.