Abstract: Fluid velocity measurement apparatus which utilizes Doppler-shift spectral analysis includes a narrow line width light source, the light from which passes through a beam expander to provide an irradiated region, for example a two-dimensional plane, in which velocity measurements may be taken. Light scattered from small particles in the irradiated region is collected in an imaging system which enables spectral analysis of the scattered light for determining the velocity of the light scattering particles in the irradiated region. A single camera is used in the imaging system to obviate the need for costly electronics to synchronize images obtained Also to improve the accuracy of measurement, selected parameters of the apparatus may be measured to allow for perturbations in the velocity measurements obtained.

Abstract: A user interface for a fax mail system. The invention is a method and instructions for improving interaction with a fax mail system. The sequence of instructions is improved to allow easier interaction. The system allows the subscriber to print all new fax documents which have been received without reviewing them. In addition, the review menu is organized to allow the subscriber to easily print, erase or skip various fax mail messages.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of a removable passivating layer in multichip packaging and CUBE applications. The process takes advantage of the fact that various metal ions will react with the carboxylic acid groups of various polyimide precursors. The polyimide will cure at a first temperature and the system may be manipulated and tested. At a later point, the polyimide is subjected to a second, higher temperature in order to decompose or completely destroy the polyimide.

Abstract: A compatible blend of superior mechanical strength, hardness and abrasion or mar resistance comprising PVDF and a compatible organic polymer containing one or more imide groups. The alloy consisting of PVDF and a polymer containing imide groups is prepared by dissolving, separately, the PVDF and polymer in a solvent and blending the solutions to provide the required composition. The alloy can also be prepared by dispersing PVDF powder in a solution of polymer containing imide groups. After heating and drying, a homogeneous alloy is formed. In addition, melt extrusion of PVDF with the imide-containing polymer also generates the desired PVDF alloy.

Abstract: A method of making a rim-type phase shift mask comprising the steps of: providing a substrate having opposing first and second surfaces, the first surface being at least partially covered with a first layer of material that substantially blocks the transmission therethrough of electromagnetic radiation of the predetermined range of wavelengths; forming a plurality of openings extending through the first layer so as to expose underlying portions of the first surface of the substrate; depositing a layer of hybrid photoresist on the first layer; exposing the second surface of the substrate to electromagnetic radiation to activate the desired portions of the hybrid photoresist; developing the photoresist, thereby exposing portions underlying the resist; and etching the exposed portions of the substrate is disclosed.

Abstract: A heterogeneous database system is described which includes plural database systems, one of the database systems acting as an interface (i.e., system manager). The system manager performs functions which provide an application program with transparent access to the entire database system. The system manager includes a memory for storing (i) a matrix of functional capabilities of each of the plural databases, (ii) a catalog of functions that are supportable by various databases and (iii) and entry matrix for providing an interface function between a user and the system manager. A processor is present in the system manager; and is responsive to a user entry, via the entry matrix, with respect to a functional capability of one of the plural databases, to alter a matrix of functional capabilities pertaining to the database. The alteration is carried out in accordance with a corresponding functional capability entry in the catalog.

Abstract: A method and system for mapping an object and an associated handle between the object-oriented schema of an application program and the relational schema of a database in which the object is persisted. The handle is reconstructed in response to a run-time request by an application program to instantiate the object. The handle may be an independent handle or an embedded handle. The relationships afforded by primary keys and foreign keys in a legacy, i.e., existing, relational database, can be preserved by mapping them to the independent and embedded handles, respectively. The mapping is performed prior to application program run-time, and is defined in a high-level schema mapping language, which may be generated with the aid of a schema mapping software tool.

Abstract: In a distributed database system, at least one of the databases operates as a transaction manager and provides transparent commit coordination between an application program and other connected databases. The transaction manager incorporates a commit alteration procedure which enables selection of either a single phase commit protocol or a two phase commit protocol with respect to each database, during operation of the distributed system. The transaction manager establishes a commit protocol for each connected database; responds to a command from an application program by overriding a commit protocol previously established for a selected database and establishes another commit protocol for the selected database; performs a transaction and utilizes the another commit protocol in connection with the transaction; and upon completion of the transaction as evidenced by a successful commit action, enables establishment of another commit protocol.

Abstract: A method of enhancing vehicle stability and response in a vehicle having an active roll control system with front and rear suspensions each including an anti-roll bar, and the control system including a hydraulic system for providing an anti-roll moment which acts on the vehicle by means of hydraulic cylinders connected to the anti-roll bars, includes the following steps: a) determining the vehicle speed; b) determining the steering wheel angle; c) calculating the desired vehicle yaw rate based upon the determined speed and steering wheel angle; d) sensing the actual yaw rate; e) comparing the desired yaw rate to the actual yaw rate; f) increasing the percentage of the anti-roll moment provided to the rear anti-roll bar if the actual yaw rate is less than the desired yaw rate, thereby decreasing understeer, increasing yaw rate, and enhancing vehicle response; and g) increasing the percentage of the anti-roll moment provided to the front anti-roll bar if the actual yaw rate is greater than the desired yaw rate

Abstract: A rotating machine comprises a housing defining a generally cylindrical bearing pocket and defining an interior and exterior. The machine also includes a bearing retainer having a generally cylindrical sleeve portion retained in the bearing pocket and a bearing having an outer race and an inner race, the outer race affixed within the cylindrical sleeve portion. The machine further has a rotating member mounted on a shaft for rotation therewith, the shaft having a portion affixed within the inner race of the bearing. In one embodiment, the bearing retainer includes anti-rotation keying projections the bearing pocket includes complementary depressions for the keying projections. The keying projections cooperate with the complementary depressions to prevent rotation of the bearing retainer with respect to the bearing pocket. In another embodiment, a cap is affixed to the bearing retainer to substantially prevent contamination from reaching the bearing from the exterior.

Abstract: Faults occurring in a telecommunications system are monitored identifying their time of onset and reporting them to an operator through an interface if they have not cleared within a predetermined interval. Transient faults, which do clear within that interval, are not reported directly, but only if such faults occur more frequently than a predetermined rate. This is determined by establishing a scan interval, and an analysis period equal to a plurality of scan intervals, monitoring the system continuously for the occurrences of faults, and storing their times of occurrence in a store. At the end of each scan interval, the number of occurrences of the fault during the analysis period which ends at the end of the scan interval are counted by a counter. If the number of occurrences of the fault in the analysis period is equal to or greater than a threshold value selected by user input an alarm indicator is activated.

Abstract: A method enables a computer to manipulate data from a table in a remote database in accord with a query from a query requestor, wherein at least some data in the table includes large data objects (LOBs).

Abstract: A carburetor (2) to supply a mixture of fuel gas and combustion air to a reciprocating internal combustion engine. The carburetor has a venturi (4) and a throttle (10) including a throttle valve (24). A tear-drop shaped obstruction (36) is mounted in the venturi throat (18) on diametrically opposed radial arms (66). The narrowest part of the tubular gap (46) between the walls of venturi (4) and the obstruction (36) is at gap (48). A continuous slot (50) in the throat wall (18) encircles the obstruction and opens into gap (48). Another continuous slot (70) encircling the obstruction (36) is formed therein and also opens into the gap (48). Fuel gas is supplied to the slots (50 and 70) through passages (52, 74 and 72).

Abstract: A method of printing that utilizes a printing head having a plurality of printing elements each of which is operable to transfer a pixel print medium from a carrier on to an adjacent substrate.

Abstract: A coaxial cable with standard coaxial structure of central conductor, foamed polyethylene dielectric, and outer conductor and having a jacket that provides sufficient flame resistance and smoke generation to allow the cable to be used in plenum spaces. The jacket includes a halogenated polymer with a heat of combustion less than 7000 BTU per pound and including a free-radical scavenger.

Abstract: A rotor for an electrical machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a shaft defining an axis of rotation of the rotor, and first and second pole pieces affixed to the shaft for rotation therewith and together defining an interior cavity. The rotor additionally includes a slip ring affixed to the shaft for rotation therewith. Further, the rotor comprises a field-generating coil disposed within the interior cavity, the coil comprising a plurality of turns of electrical wire, the electrical wire further having a section extending to and electrically coupled to the slip ring. Also, the rotor has a retainer disposed exterior to the cavity and adjacent the first pole piece, the retainer comprising a radially-extending channel containing a portion of the section of electrical wire.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for providing access to information stored in a database management system. The method and apparatus uses an intelligent generic query agent to operate with a wide variety of remote users, and to allow implementation of a wide variety of optimization schemes. The method comprises receiving a request from the remote user at the agent, transforming the request into database management system commands optimized in accordance with user-specified optimization criteria, transmitting the database management system commands to the database management system, receiving the database management system command result from the database management system in the agent, transforming the database management system command result into a response message, and transmitting the response message to from the agent to the remote user.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of a removable passivating layer in multichip packaging and CUBE applications. The process takes advantage of the fact that various metal ions will react with the carboxylic acid groups of various polyimide precursors. The polyimide will cure at a first temperature and the system may be manipulated and tested. At a later point, the polyimide is subjected to a second, higher temperature in order to decompose or completely destroy the polyimide.

Abstract: An improved turbine engine ignition exciter circuit. Energy stored in an exciter tank capacitor is subsequently switched to the load (igniter plug) through a novel thyristor switching device specifically designed for pulse power applications. The switching device is designed and constructed to include, for example, a highly interdigitated cathode/gate structure. The semiconductor switching device is periodically activated by a trigger circuit which may be comprised of either electromagnetic or optoelectronic triggering circuitry to initiate discharge of energy stored in exciter tank capacitor to mating ignition lead and igniter plug. Likewise, the present invention allows new flexibility in the output PFN (Pulse Forming Network) stage, eliminating need for specialized protective output devices such as saturable output inductors. Due to considerably higher di/dt performance of the device, true high voltage output pulse networks may be utilized without damage to the semiconductor switching device.

Abstract: A system includes a medication dispensing device that is adapted for dispensing a medication to a patient at a predetermined time interval and includes a method for the detection of the timely removal of the medication from the device. When the medication is not timely removed from the device a signal of non-compliance is generated and is received by an alarm system that is adapted to summon help. According to a first embodiment the alarm system places a telephone call to a care-giver or, if the care-giver is unresponsive, to an alternate care-giver who in turn makes contact with the patient. According to a second embodiment the alarm system places a telephone call to a central monitoring station which attempts to make contact with the patient by use of a two-way speaker phone that is included in the alarm system.