Abstract: In providing a fuel tank cap assembly for a fuel tank for an off-road motor vehicle, a vent assembly is first attached to the fuel tank. Second, a fuel supply port is constructed in the fuel tank. Next, a sleeve portion is secured to the fuel supply port. Finally, a cap portion is inserted into the sleeve portion. The fuel tank cap assembly comprises a vent assembly attached to the fuel tank, a fuel supply port constructed in the fuel tank, a sleeve portion secured to the fuel supply port, and a cap portion inserted into the sleeve portion. Alternatively, a fuel tank contains the fuel tank cap assembly.

Abstract: A system for verifying the authenticity of data contained in a magnetic medium using the remanent noise characteristics of the magnetic medium. In one embodiment, the invention includes a sensing unit configured to generate a signal indicative of the magnetic field of the magnetic medium, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in communication with the sensing unit and configured to digitize the analog signal, a filter in communication with the ADC configured to enhance the component of the signal associated with the remanent noise characteristic, a data extraction unit, in communication with the ADC and the filter configured to measure at least bit duration and peak location and an authentication extraction unit, in communication with the filter and the data extraction unit configured to extract a set of scaled samples from the output of the filter representative of the remanent noise characteristic.

Abstract: A repeater node for a serial bus system is provided. The repeater node comprises an optic receiver adapted to receive an optic signal supplied thereto. An optic-to-electrical conversion circuit converts the optic signal into a corresponding electrical signal that is output from a transmitter. A switching mechanism is coupled with the transmitter and is adapted to electrically decouple the transmitter from an electrical transmission medium in the absence of the optic signal. A cable serial bus system including a first node comprising a physical layer and a port adapted to receive an electrical signal supplied thereto is provided. A switching mechanism is adapted to couple a transmitter and the port. A transmission medium couples the switching mechanism and the port. The system is adapted to decouple the transmitter from the port in absence of an optic signal at a receiver.

Abstract: A drive tool for optical surgery includes a handpiece containing a traverse motor and an oscillating motor, wherein the oscillating motor is axially driven through the handpiece by the traverse motor. A head assembly including a suction ring is mounted to the handpiece, and a separator drive assembly is positioned therein for advancement imparted by the traverse motor and oscillation imparted by the oscillating motor.

Abstract: A system and method for defining and processing decision processes. Decision processes are modeled using decision process objects corresponding to questions, choices, user inputs, decisions, formulae, conclusions, and analysis summaries, for example. These objects are used to build design templates, which are visual representations of the decision processes that indicate the flow of steps thereof, and through which decision processes can be deployed to a computing application for subsequent use.

Abstract: A tunable demultiplexer accepts an input optical signal that has multiple spectral bands and provides multiple output signals. Each of the output signals corresponds to a selected one of the spectral bands. The tunable demultiplexer has at least one wavelength routing element and at least one optical arrangement disposed to exchange light with the wavelength routing element. The wavelength routing element is of the type adapted for selectively routing wavelength components of a first optical signal onto multiple second optical signals according to a configurable state.

Abstract: Structures, and methods of fabrication thereof, are described wherein between an electrically conducting region and a ceramic region there is an interface region which has a thermal coefficient of expansion which is intermediate between the thermal coefficient of expansion of the conducting region and the ceramic region. This interface region substantially avoids separation of the adhesion of the conducting region from the ceramic region and avoids the creation of voids therebetween. The interface region is preferably a mixture of metal particles and ceramic material. The interface region is created by sintering alternately in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres which results in metal particles being disposed away from the metal body about the periphery or the metal body within the ceramic material.

Abstract: A corrective service facility (CSF) includes improvements which allow a user to service products installed in a data processing system. CSF provides a text interface and a graphical user interface, the latter allowing a user to more readily control what products and files to update. Servicing is done by delta fixes, product feature servicing, and product specific servicing. The CSF can also be used from a local area network.

Abstract: A process, apparatus, and system for generating and using lookup tables to convert image signals from a multi-component format to a single-index CLUT format for an arbitrary CLUT palette. In a preferred embodiment, lookup tables are generated for an arbitrary CLUT palette and used to convert (with Y, U, and V dithering) three-component subsampled YUV9 video signals to 8-bit CLUT signals.

Abstract: Ranges which include mounting systems for securing the heating elements so that the heating elements are maintained against an underside surface of the glass plate with a substantially constant force over a broad temperature range are described. In one embodiment, the cooktop includes a frame and a support panel having a plurality of radiant heating element openings. A glass panel is adhesively secured at selected locations to the support panel. The mounting system includes coil springs for engaging to the support panel and to the radiant heating elements for positioning the radiant heating elements within the radiant heating element openings and against the glass plate.

Abstract: Structures, and methods of fabrication thereof, are described wherein between an electrically conducting region and a ceramic region there is an interface region which has a thermal coefficient of expansion which is intermediate between the thermal coefficient of expansion of the conducting region and the ceramic region. This interface region substantially avoids separation of the adhesion of the conducting region from the ceramic region and avoids the creation of voids therebetween. The interface region is preferably a mixture of metal particles and ceramic material. The interface region is created by sintering alternately in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres which results in metal particles being disposed away from the metal body about the periphery of the metal body within the ceramic material.

Abstract: An appliance backsplash assembly includes a cover with a face having an opening for viewing and setting a clock. Top and bottom walls extend rearward of the face. An upper rear wall projects downward from the top wall and a lower rear wall projects upward from the bottom wall. A pair of mounting clips are positioned in the backsplash on each side of the opening. Each clip has a base extending vertically along the face, with a top arm and a bottom arm extending rearward along the top and bottom walls respectively. The clock includes a housing sized to overlie the opening and overlap the clips. Threaded connectors mount the clock housing to the clips and flex the clips to cause the clip bases to firmly engage the cover face and the top and bottom arms to firmly engage the top and bottom walls. The top arms include distal ends which engage the upper rear wall and the bottom arms include distal ends received in slots in the lower rear wall.

Abstract: A method of graphical representation of media partitioning and fixed disk data management utilizes manipulable graphical computer images to represent hard disk data storage space in a computer. The graphical images are manipulated by the user to define and position target installation partitions and to reposition existing partitions upon a hard disk. A partitioning subroutine program partitions and/or repartitions the disk according to the relative position of graphically selected partitions upon the image of the disk. The graphic images of the hard disk and the data partitions thereon are labeled with identifying legends to assist the user in selecting and manipulating the images.

Abstract: A prosthesis component having a surface intended, in use, to come into contact with bone tissue, wherein at least part of the external surface is textured to provide an array of lands or peaks (12, 12') separated by troughs (14, 14'), the troughs (14, 14') containing particles (20, 20') embedded in a biocompatible bonding material. The embedded particles (20, 20') preferably fill the troughs (14, 14') up to the level of the lands or peaks (12, 12'). This means that bone ingrowth into the lands or peaks (12, 12') and into the embedded particles (20, 20') can take place simultaneously, thus forming a rapid permanent fixing between the component and the bone with a reduced risk of dislodging of the component due to shear stresses and an increased tensile strength between the component and the adjacent bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring relatively light objects. The objects are supported on a cushion element having a multiplicity of extremely fine and relatively short flexible fibers packed at an ultra high density pile in a backing. The fibers are aligned at an angle or inclination with respect to the base so that when the cushion element or the object is vibrated the objects are transferred in the direction of lay of the fibers.The cushion element may be supported by a base with the object resting on the fibers, or the cushion element may be secured to the underside of the object so that the fibers rest on the base.