Abstract: In one embodiment, pallet substructure can comprise: a reinforcement structure disposed in a plane, a foot member, and a gusset. The gusset can be disposed in mechanical communication with the reinforcement structure and the foot member, wherein the gusset is configured to restrict movement in vertical directions when the substructure is oriented for use.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates cache coherence with adaptive write updates. During operation, a cache is initialized to operate using a write-invalidate protocol. During program execution, the system monitors the dynamic behavior of the cache. If the dynamic behavior indicates that better performance can be achieved using a write-broadcast protocol, the system switches the cache to operate using the write-broadcast protocol.

Abstract: Two identical arch shape cross section chambers are joined together so that a dome shape part of one end of the chamber is overlapped by the opposing plain end of the second chamber. Thus, one chamber may pivot in the horizontal plane, for adjustment during installation. A latch at the top of the joint between the chamber pair inhibits vertical motion and separation of the overlapping chamber, while permitting horizontal plane pivoting. A latch comprises a tang which cantilevers outwardly from the top of the dome end, to engage a catch which is a flared portion of lip on the overlapping plain end.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a collapsible pallet comprises: an upper deck, a foot member disposed on the upper deck, and a lower deck comprising the second foot half. The foot member comprises a first foot half disposed on the upper deck, the first foot half having a pin disposed thereon, and a second foot half, the second foot half having a hole disposed therein for receiving the pin.

Abstract: A continuous curve arch shape cross section leaching chamber made of molded thermoplastic has closely spaced corrugations and sidewalls which are perforated with slots which slope downwardly, running from interior to exterior of the chamber. The slot height and or wall thickness vary with slot elevation from the base, to achieve a desired minimum Soil Threshold Angle in the slots, where said Angle parameter relates to resistance to entry of surrounding soil. Slotted wall thickness is less than about two times the thickness of the basic chamber wall thickness elsewhere. The chamber has properties and performance approximating prior art chambers, but has substantially less normalized weight and total weight.

Abstract: A leaching chamber, particularly a chamber which lacks ribs and is therefore flexible along its length, has a length in the range 4 to 5 ft, a length to width aspect ratio of between 1.2 and 1.6 and a weight of less than 3 pounds per foot, preferably about 12 pounds for a 4 ft chamber. Since the chamber length is less and the mass is more favorably concentrated, handling of chambers, and installing chambers in trenches is improved. The ability of a string of interconnected chambers to curve is increased.

Abstract: A test system including an apparatus for conveying signals between a first circuit board and a second circuit board includes a dielectric substrate having a first side forming a first surface and a second side forming a second surface. The apparatus also includes a plurality of contact pins each configured to convey electrical signals. Each of the contact pins may extend through the dielectric substrate and may protrude beyond the first surface and the second surface. In addition, one or more of the contact pins may be formed using a pliable resistive material.

Abstract: A fast-synchronizing receiver having a circuit including an equalizer configured for manipulating an analog signal; a detector in communication with the equalizer; a filter in communication with the detector; an oscillator in communication with the filter; a gate for receiving the manipulated signal; a circuit portion for synchronizing and tracking the manipulated signal; a summing circuit in communication with the circuit portion; and an output gate.

Abstract: A tie ejector distributes new ties to be installed along a railway track, from a tie distribution car of a rail carried tie exchange vehicle. New ties are moved from a gondola cars to a conveyor at the rear of the tie distribution car leading to the tie ejector. The tie ejector has an endless drive chain on rotatable sprockets on a frame. Two striker plates are attached to the drive chain at opposite ends and opposite sides so that they cannot interfere. One is always on the rear when the other is on the front ejecting a tie by propelling it laterally relative to the conveyor. The trajectory of the tie is adjustable using a movable deflection shield attached to the frame, specifically to adjust the downward deflection angle. The tie ejector can be manually actuated by an operator while the tie distribution car is advanced, to drop ties next to the track at a predetermined and repeatable position relative to passing empty tie cribs.

Abstract: A waste heat powered cooling apparatus utilizes a waste heat collector to convert wasted energy into heat stored in water. An evacuated chamber houses a desiccant bed and a sprayer which introduces an adsorbate into contact with a heat exchanger conduit extending within the chamber. Evaporation of the adsorbate in contact with the conduit cools a medium circulated within the conduit between the chamber and a chilled water reservoir. The evaporated adsorbate is adsorbed by the desiccant bed until a predetermined temperature or saturation level is reached, at which point, heated water from the waste heat collector is passed through heat exchanger conduits in the desiccant bed to regenerate the desiccant bed. Iterative adsorption and regeneration cycles maintain the chilled water in a desired temperature range.

Abstract: A solar powered cooling apparatus utilizes a solar collector to convert radiant energy into heat stored in water. An evacuated chamber houses a dessicant bed and a sprayer which introduces an adsorbate into contact with a heat exchanger conduit extending within the chamber. Evaporation of the adsorbate in contact with the conduit cools a medium circulated within the conduit between the chamber and a chilled water reservoir. The evaporated adsorbate is adsorbed by the dessicant bed until a predetermined temperature or saturation level is reached, at which point, heated water from the solar collector is passed through heat exchanger conduits in the dessicant bed to regenerate the dessicant bed. Iterative adsorption and regeneration cycles maintain the chilled water in a desired temperature range.

Abstract: Apparatus for tracking the apparent motion of the sun utilizes a plurality of solar cells to generate an electrical signal when exposed to solar radiation. The solar cells are mounted inside a plurality of trough-like shadow boxes which permit exposure of the solar cells to solar radiation only at predetermined angles. The shadow boxes are mounted for concomitant rotation about a vertical and a horizontal axis and are driven by a pair of reversible motors. The motors are controlled by the output of the solar cells and reposition the shadow boxes to shade the solar cells responsive to the apparent motion of the sun.