Abstract: Disclosed is a computer system which can be powered on by at least a first and a second method wherein the first method is different from the second method. The computer system is operative to allow a user to select which one of at least two different pre-selected ordered lists of initial program load (IPL) devices are to be used depending on whether the system was powered on by the first method or the second method. The system includes a processor coupled to a local bus and an input/output (IO) bus. A non-volatile memory is coupled to the processor and the IO bus. The non-volatile memory has a basic input output system (BIOS) stored therein and the BIOS is effective for responding to the energization of the computer system by initiating a power on self test (POST). The non-volatile memory also stores a first pre-selected ordered list of IPL devices and a second pre-selected ordered list of IPL devices.

Abstract: An improved disk drive system using a non-ferrofluid conductive lubricant is disclosed. In the disk drive system, there is a plurality of critically spaced magnetic disks rotated by a disk motor. A spindle shaft, which is retained by the spindle sleeve, couples to the disk motor and to the plurality of magnetic disks for rotation. The spindle shaft and spindle sleeve uses a bearing, which is lubricated by a non-ferrofluid conductive lubricant. The lubricant is used to prevent electrostatic charge build up during operation of the disk drive system. The lubricant may be either a non-polar oil or a ball bearing grease and further comprising either a metal caged fullerenes compound, STADIS-450, ASA-3, or Polyfloe 130. One particular type of lubricant is an emeraldine salt of polyanilin produced according to the steps of first reacting a solution of HCL and ammonium persulfate into a solution of HCL and analine to form a polymer.

Abstract: A handheld golf course distance computer includes a graphics display and keyboard and is preprogrammed, using an external personal computer and optical data link, with alphanumeric and graphical information regarding each hole of a particular golf course. The alphanumeric information includes an identification of the course and a selected hole, information relating to hazards and/or the best method of play of the selected hole, the distance of play from various tees, the number of strokes required to par the hole, and typical playing time for the course. The actual or elapsed playing time from the beginning of play is also displayed. The graphical information, including details of the course terrain, is obtained from an aerial photograph of the course and converted to pixel information using commercially available personal computer software. The alphanumeric and graphical information associated with the selected hole may be selectively displayed.

Abstract: An improved disk drive system using a non-ferrofluid conductive lubricant is disclosed. In the disk drive system, there is a plurality of critically spaced magnetic disks rotated by a disk motor. A spindle shaft, which is retained by the spindle sleeve, couples to the disk motor and to the plurality of magnetic disks for rotation. The spindle shaft and spindle sleeve uses a bearing, which is lubricated by a non-ferrofluid conductive lubricant. The lubricant is used to prevent electrostatic charge build up during operation of the disk drive system. The lubricant may be either a non-polar oil or a ball bearing grease and further comprising either a metal caged fullerenes compound, STADIS-450, ASA-3, or Polyfloe 130. One particular type of lubricant is an emeraldine salt of polyanilin produced according to the steps of first reacting a solution of HCL and ammonium persulfate into a solution of HCL and analine to form a polymer.

Abstract: An improved display sign (10) comprising an extruded frame (12). A rear panel (14) is provided. An element (16) is for mounting the perimeter of the rear panel (14) in a removable manner to a back portion of the extruded frame (12). An inner transparent panel (18) is placed within a front portion of the extruded frame (12), so that the perimeter (18) will butt against an inner portion of the extruded frame (12). A front transparent panel (20) is also provided. An element (22) is for mounting the perimeter of the front transparent panel (20) in a removable manner to the inner transparent panel (18), so that a sign (24) can fit between the inner transparent panel (18) and the front transparent panel (20). A facility (26) within the extruded frame (12) between the rear panel (14) and the inner transparent panel (18) is for producing light, so as to illuminate the sign (24) therein.

Abstract: A recyclable thermoplastic tufted fabric made of a partially meltable primary backing and tufts tufted into the primary backing. The tufts are bonded to the backing by partially melting the backing to bond the tufts and applying a secondary backing. Such a carpet can be recycled through processes known to recycle polyester.

Abstract: A contact-type ophthalmic lens for use in diagnosis and laser surgery has a contact lens (14), an entry lens (16), and an intermediate lens (18). The lenses are aligned along their optical axes. The anterior surface of the contact lens has an aspheric surface with a high power. The intermediate lens is a meniscus lens with a concave posterior surface and a convex anterior surface. Both surfaces of the entry lens are convex and aspheric. This combination of lenses provides a very wide field of view, allowing regions of the eye anterior to the equator to be readily viewed in an aerial image focused in a plane (50) anterior to the lens system.

Abstract: An indirect ophthalmoscopy lens (10) comprises two or more elements (16, 30). The elements (16, 30) are movable by the physician relative to each other to vary the magnification provided in an aerial image (I) of the fundus.

Abstract: A recyclable thermoplastic tufted fabric made of a partially meltable primary backing and tufts tufted into the primary backing. The tufts are bonded to the backing by partially melting the backing to bond the tufts and applying a secondary backing. Such a carpet can be recycled through processes known to recycle polyester.

Abstract: An interactive communication apparatus including a containing structure provided with a plurality of apertures to allow reaching within the containing structure to touch-contact an unknown object within the structure, is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of partitions which divide the interior of the containing structure into spaces which are open to one another and into which the apertures open.

Abstract: A single step electrical/mechanical connection process utilizes an adhesive layer (3 or 26) that is patterned on a substrate (1 or 21) to mechanically connect adjacent substrates in a multilayered structure (28) or to connect a pin (2) assembly to a device (5). In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive layer (3 or 26) and substrate (1 or 21) are made from materials which will undergo transesterification under heat and pressure to create a very strong bond therebetween. The adhesive layer (3 or 26) is positioned around and does not cover the solder (4) in the pin connector assembly or the alignment holes (24) in the molding/sheet (21), thereby allowing bonding metallurgy to make positive electrical connections between pins (2) and pads (6) and adjacent spheres (22) in a multilayered structure (28).

Abstract: Liquid abrasive slurry for chemical-mechanical polishing of semiconductor wafers is held on a rotating polish table by a containment device having two continuous circular bonded strips of differing flexibilities. A releasable clamp seals the entire length of the more flexible strip to the table periphery.

Abstract: Pressurized liquid solvent is dispensed on specific areas of a semiconductor wafer. A vented accumulator removes bubbles introduced by an upstream needle valve. The accumulator outlet leads directly to a dispensing tip, without further pressure drop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for making fullerenes having greater than seventy carbon atoms. The process involves electrical heating of a low density carbon rod in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A hand-held contact tachometer includes an elongated hollow handle comprising two interconnected members defining a clevis at one end thereof and carrying therewithin a magnetic sensor disposed adjacent to the clevis and conditioning circuitry coupled to the output of the sensor. The clevis has hub portions defining an axle on which is rotatably mounted a contact wheel of molded construction including a body of non-magnetic material in which is embedded a toothed magnetic wheel and a bearing. The wheel is provided with a frictional ribbed surface on its outer periphery to facilitate engagement with an associated moving surface, thereby rotating the wheel to generate a pulsating signal having a frequency proportional to the speed of the moving surface.

Abstract: Computerized chart apparatus for selecting a shim to simultaneously adjust the toe-in and camber of the wheel assembly of a vehicle.

Abstract: Computerized chart apparatus for selecting a shim to simultaneously adjust the toe-in and camber of the wheel assembly of a vehicle.

Abstract: A standard T-1 span is connected to a digital central office or remote terminal. Telephone equipment for such a T-1 span defines a superframe format with each frame of the twelve frames of a superframe having twenty-four eight-bit position time slots. Telephone system signalling requires T-1 signalling bits be located in the least significant bit position of each time slot in every sixth frame. In the disclosed system, simultaneous digitized voice and data share a single time slot for transmission along with the T-1 signalling bits in that time slot. In order to achieve the additional capability, the disclosed system employs least and next-to-least digitized voice bit swapping and a data bit occupying the space of the swapped least significant digitized voice bit, which bit is deleted.

Abstract: An improved pill storage and dispensing cassette includes front and back side walls, opposite end walls, and opposite top and bottom walls defining a storage chamber therein. A rotatable pill conveying wheel is positioned in the back side wall and has a plurality of openings for holding and conveying a pill to a discharge chute upon actuation of a remote vacuum source. A separator member is positioned over the openings of the conveying wheel to dislodge the pills from the conveying wheel and such that the pills fall through the chute into the desired receptacle. An adjustment shoe is provided so that only one pill is held and conveyed by each opening in the conveying wheel. A central wall is included within the cassette to divide the pill chamber into forward and rearward compartments with the pills being primarily stored in the forward compartment with a limited number of pills passing through a recessed area in the central wall to the rearward compartment for conveyance by the conveying wheel.

Abstract: A fabric comprising polyethylene terephthalate fibers which exhibits a reduced tendency to pill upon encountering surface abrasion is formed on an expeditious basis. During the polymerization of the monomers required to form the polyethylene terephthalate, a quantity of polyethylene glycol (as described) is copolymerized therewith to form a polymer which exhibits a substantial intrinsic viscosity (as described). Following the melt-extrusion of the polymer to form fibers and fabric formation, the fabric is subjected to a dye bath at an elevated temperature wherein it is dyed, and the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer is reduced (as described). The presence of units derived from polyethylene glycol within the polymer chain has been found to lead to such intrinsic viscosity reduction within the dye bath.