Abstract: A digital processing system comprises a central processing unit (CPU) operating in a virtual address domain for executing both operating system software and user software to perform various processing tasks; a direct memory access (DMA) controller; a memory management unit (MMU) programmed to translate virtual memory addresses to physical memory addresses; and a plurality of memory blocks for storing digital words in registers having physical addresses; wherein the DMA controller is governed by the CPU and is operable in the virtual address domain for controlling a transfer of digital words from a source block of memory to a destination block of memory through the MMU which translates the virtual source and destination memory addresses received from the DMA controller to corresponding source and destination physical addresses of the memory. Also disclosed is a method of operating the digital processing system.

Abstract: Automatic discovery and verification of optical communication links as well as isolation of link failures in an optical communication system.

Abstract: A stator (10′) for a power generator having a coil support finger plate (20′) and associated methods are provided. The stator (10′) preferably has a plurality of laminations or step irons having a plurality of spaced-apart stator coil slots (30′) formed therein and stator coil slot contents (40) positioned in each of the plurality of stator coil slots (30′). The stator coil slot contents (40) preferably include at least one stator coil (43). The stator (10′) also preferably has a coil support finger plate (20′) positioned at an end portion of the plurality of stator coil slots (30′). The coil support finger plate (20′) has a base (21′) and a plurality of fingers (26, 27) extending outwardly from the base (21′) between the plurality of spaced-apart stator coil slots (30′).

Abstract: A memory management unit (MMU) of a digital processing system operating in a virtual address domain and a physical address domain comprises a memory programmable to store translation mappings between virtual addresses and physical addresses of the processing system. The memory is also programmable to store control codes representative of EDAC protection corresponding to the translation mappings. A method of operating the memory management unit (MMU) comprises the steps of: programming a memory of the MMU with virtual to physical address translation mappings; and programming the memory of the MMU with control codes representative of EDAC protection corresponding to the translation mappings.

Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement means that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement means generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be advantageously used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.

Abstract: The body of a sterile collection bag has opposed sidewalls and an upper body end. The interior of the body defines a sterile collection space for an object. First and second flexible closure strips having integrated centrally located wires are attached to the bag sidewalls and extend beyond the side wall edges. The upper end of the body includes one or more small notches cut into the body sidewalls to facilitate tearing of the upper body end from the bag body, with abrupt edges of the strips acting as tear guides. Pull tabs attached to the closure strips can be drawn apart to open the mouth of the bag for insertion of a sample.

Abstract: A system which enables the position of each plurality of mobile labelled objects in a specified environment to be determined from the transit times to fixed receivers of ultrasound energy transmitted by object mounted transponders which are triggered by radio energy, wherein the specified environment is divided into cells each have a radio transmitter transmitting the radio triggered signals, these radio transmissions being multiplexed in accordance with identifying characteristics of the respective cells, no two cells with the same identifying characteristics overlapping one another.

Abstract: The trenchless water pipe replacement device includes a cable pulling device, a pipe splitter, a length of cable and a cable end piece. The cable is fished through a pipe that is to be replaced, and a length of replacement pipe is attached to the end piece. The pipe splitter is disposed at the front end of the pipe and the cable pulling device is disposed behind the pipe splitter. When the cable pulling device is activated, the end piece makes contact with the rear end of the pipe and sufficient pulling force is applied to the cable to dislodge the pipe and pull it onto the pipe splitter, which splits the pipe as it is pulled from the ground. The replacement pipe is pulled behind the end piece, such that when the end piece is entirely pulled through the ground, the replacement pipe is disposed in its place.

Abstract: A trenchless pipe replacement device including a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement device that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device includes a reciprocating cable engagement mechanism that grips the cable on a pulling stroke and holds the cable on a recovery stroke. The cable pulling device engagement device generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.

Abstract: A storage cell of an integrated circuit is operable in a radiation environment to capture and store at predetermined time intervals a time sample of a data input signal. A signal representative of the stored data sample for each time interval is generated at an output of the storage cell. At least three data capturing circuits operate to capture and store a time sample of the data input signal at each predetermined time interval, the stored data sample of each circuit being generated correspondingly at an output thereof. Coupled to the outputs of the data capturing circuits is a circuit for generating a signal representative of a stored data sample selected from at least two of the circuit outputs. Also coupled to the data capturing circuits is a circuit for causing each data capturing circuit to capture a different time sample of the input data signal from the other data capturing circuits over each predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of each of a plurality of objects in a specified environment by determining the transit times of slowly propagating measurement energy transmitted from a measurement energy transmitter on each object to a plurality of fixed measurement energy receivers in the specified environment, the transmission of the measurement energy being triggered by a burst of high speed propagating trigger energy into the specified environment from a trigger energy transmitter, the measurement energy transmitter on each object being triggered by an object-mounted trigger energy receiver, each burst of trigger energy being encoded so as to trigger one only of the measurement energy transmitters, wherein a coordinating control system determines the order in which the measurement energy transmitters are triggered, in response to updatable information relating to service demands of the trigger energy transmitter and/or objects.

Abstract: A multiple voted integrated circuit logic cell testable by a scan chain comprises: an odd plurality of latching registers, each register having a data input for receiving a scan chain data signal and capable of latching the scan chain data signal and generating an output signal representative thereof; a multiple vote circuit governed by the output signals of the registers for generating an output signal of the logic cell; and a circuit coupled to each latching register for altering selectively the scan chain data signal input thereto. A scan chain test system for and method of testing at least one multiple voted logic cell of the aforementioned type are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system which enables the position of each of a plurality of movable labelled objects to be determined in an environment having two or more isolated zones, wherein the objects carry transponders which, in response to encoded radio signals, transmit ultrasonic signals of which the transit times to a plurality of fixed receivers are determined, the transponders in the different zones being triggered in a common timeslot but in staggered relationship for one zone as compared to another, and an algorithm is applied to verify the consistency of the transit times having regard to the possible movements of objects from one zone to another.

Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement means that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement means generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be advantageously used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.

Abstract: A sampling device (10) is provided having an elongate handle (12) with a distal paddle head (14). An absorbent material (20) is placed about the paddle head, and a score line (18) is located along the handle at a location adjacent the padded head. A method of use is provided in which the paddle head (14) and absorbent material (20) are inserted into a flexible wall sample bag. The head is then grasped from the exterior of the sample bag so as to avoid direct contact with the absorbent material. The handle is then broken away from the head at the handle score line. The absorbent material (20) is preferably sized to encompass the exposed score line after the paddle head (14) is snapped from the handle (12).

Abstract: The invention is a prefilled culture medium bag with a gusseted base that is capable of standing in an upright position. The prefilled culture medium bag can be sterilized by irradiation. Or alternatively, the culture medium can be sterilized apart from the bag and subsequently placed inside the bag after the bag has been sterilized. In either case, the end product is a pre-sterilized and prefilled culture medium bag delivered to a laboratory for use. The culture medium bag is self-supporting and takes on the characteristics of a rigid container when filled. The culture medium bag is easy to open and reseal for introduction of a culture sample at the laboratory. After introduction, a sample can be incubated within the culture medium bag.

Abstract: A valve for a tank containing anhydrous ammonia has a valve mechanism joined to a flow chamber from the tank. The valve mechanism has a bonnet with a hole through a sidewall of the bonnet. A stem valve portion and a stem handle portion are mounted in the bonnet. The stem valve protion is connected to the valve. The stem handle portion is connected to a handle. The handle may be raised or lowered with respect to the bonnet to selectively engage or disengage the stem handle portion from the stem valve portion. A hasp pin may be passed through the hole in the bonnet and locked in such position for preventing the handle from being lowered.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a labelled object within an environment containing a plurality of detectors sensitive to energy of a first type and located at known positions therearound, wherein the object has a transmitter for transmitting energy of the first type, and each object is labelled by means of a receiver forming part of a communication link with a remote controlling transmitter for triggering the object-mounted transmitter. The transit time between the transmitter and each detector is used to determine the straight line distances between the object and the receivers, to enable the position of the object relative to the receivers to be determined. The arrival and departure of an object into and from the environment is determined by a second communication link from a second transmitter on each object, to a remote receiver. The two communication links may be combined in a bi-directional radio communication system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic location system for indoor environments, enabling the determination with high accuracy of the positions and orientations of objects to be tracked, wherein transmitting units (20, 22, 24) on the objects to be tracked transmit encoded ultrasonic pulses which are detected by receiver units (12 to 18) located by known positions around a room, and the receiver units are adapted to detect times-of-flight of the ultrasonic pulses in conjunction with decoding of the pulses to identify which time-of-flight applies to each transmitting unit.

Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement frame that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement frame generally includes a reaction plate and an annulus member for removably engaging the cable pulling device with the frame. The frame is configured for the sideways engagement of the cable within the frame and the annulus member. Two pairs of cable engagement collets are preferably utilized; a first pair being disposed within the cable pulling device to engage the cable on a pulling stroke, and a second pair may be disposed within the frame or the cable pulling device to engage the cable on a recovery stroke. The cable pulling device is preferably a post tensioning ram (PTR).