Abstract: For use in time-limiting a request for information from a client to a resource, a timeout object, a method of operating the same and a real-time process control system employing the timeout object or the method. In one embodiment, the timeout object includes: (1) a client interface that receives, from the client, the request and a time-based parameter and (2) a resource interface that forwards the request to the resource and waits for the information an amount of time that is a function of the time-based parameter, the client interface: (2a) returning the information to the client if the timeout object receives the information within the amount of time and (2b) returning a timeout indicator to the client if the timeout object fails to receive the information within the amount of time.

Abstract: A medium voltage controller for electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers, reactors, and capacitors, having an arc resistant cabinet, swaged internal electrical connections, a one-piece self-aligning withdrawable finger cluster, a pull-out instrument compartment, a load discharge device, cast fuse holders, disconnect switch, a switch illuminator, low power current transformers, and an optical temperature measuring system. The one-piece self-aligning withdrawable finger cluster includes a plurality of members formed to surround a mating stab for making a removable electrical connection. The throat of the finger cluster is smaller than the mating stab, and, when mated with the stab, opposing members are biased against the stab.

Abstract: A medium voltage controller for electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers, reactors, and capacitors, having an arc resistant cabinet, swaged internal electrical connections, a one-piece self-aligning withdrawable finger cluster, a pull-out instrument compartment, a load discharge device, cast fuse holders, disconnect switch, a switch illuminator, low power current transformers, and an optical temperature measuring system. The one-piece self-aligning withdrawable finger cluster includes a plurality of members formed to surround a mating stab for making a removable electrical connection. The throat of the finger cluster is smaller than the mating stab, and, when mated with the stab, opposing members are biased against the stab.

Abstract: For use in time-limiting a request for information from a client to a resource, a timeout object, a method of operating the same and a real-time process control system employing the timeout object or the method. In one embodiment, the timeout object includes: (1) a client interface that receives, from the client, the request and a time-based parameter and (2) a resource interface that forwards the request to the resource and waits for the information an amount of time that is a function of the time-based parameter, the client interface: (2a) returning the information to the client if the timeout object receives the information within the amount of time and (2b) returning a timeout indicator to the client if the timeout object fails to receive the information within the amount of time.

Abstract: For use in time-limiting a request for information from a client to a resource, a timeout object, a method of operating the same and a real-time process control system employing the timeout object or the method. In one embodiment, the timeout object includes: (1) a client interface that receives, from the client, the request and a time-based parameter and (2) a resource interface that forwards the request to the resource and waits for the information an amount of time that is a function of the time-based parameter, the client interface: (2a) returning the information to the client if the timeout object receives the information within the amount of time and (2b) returning a timeout indicator to the client if the timeout object fails to receive the information within the amount of time.

Abstract: A sterilization process for moisture sensitive products employing a closed system and moving unsealed products to be sterilized through a sterilizer, degassing chamber and a storage and package sealing chamber while maintaining the products in a dry pathogen free atmosphere.

Abstract: A portable book stand fabricated from a planar panel of substantially rigid material is disclosed. The book stand includes a book support surface, a shelf extending outwardly from that support surface and a plurality of tab-like support members which function as supports for the shelf and the support surface. Each of the supports are in turn supported by auxiliary tab-like supports which retain them in position.

Abstract: A switching device having an open-ended hollow cylindrical housing with a number of slots in the sidewall. An insulative piston is slidably movable along the housing longitudinal axis and has a threaded central opening receiving a similarly threaded axle. A receptacle switch part fits onto a housing end and includes a central opening through which an unthreaded portion of the axle extends. Openings in the receptacle switch part each have a sleeve contact with outwardly extending tabs for electrical connection to cable wires, or the like. The piston has a plurality of pin contacts fixedly mounted thereto with portions extending from both sides of the piston for electrical connection to cable wires, for example, and which respectively align with a sleeve contact in the switch part. A further receptacle switch part is affixed to the housing other end. Rotative power drives the piston along the housing to effect connection between the contacts.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a connector for two flat electrical cables having the same plurality of conduits. The electricity passes from one conduit to the corresponding conduit by way of a dielectric insert having holes therethrough, with electrically conductive means having at least a portion of a hemispherical surface protruding on each side of the dielectric insert. Preferably pressure is applied to the cable/insert/cable sandwich quasi-hydrostatically through a low durometer elastomeric materic material. For EMI/EMP shielding, the low durometer elastomeric material is electrically conductive and encloses completely the connection.

Abstract: A plug and receptacle electrical connector releasably engageable to interconnect corresponding pairs of cable wires through included electrical contacts has one of the connector parts with a coded set of keys on an outer surface and the other connector part with an opening, the flange edge of which is formed with a corresponding coded set of keyways so as to accept the keyed connector part therewithin. Relative rotation of the connector parts locks the flanged edge behind the keys mating the connector parts. One of the connector parts has a pair of pressure-applying members which extend radially outwardly from the connector part at a substantial angular separation from one another, and the other connector part has first and second pressure-applying members extending radially outwardly from the other connector part at a mutual angle less than that of the pressure applying members on the first connector part. The pressure applying members can be manipulated by the use of one hand alone.

Abstract: One connector part has an end face with openings aligned with the contacts. A transferable metal plate has openings which can be aligned with the contacts and the end face openings, the plate and end face openings being sufficient to receive a pin contact without shorting out. The plate is located in front of the socket contacts and spring-loaded to urge an edge outwardly of the connector part or shell. With the connector parts disconnected, the metal plate partially blocks off the end face openings. On mating of the connector parts, the shell of the other connector part engages the protruding plate edge camming the plate to align the plate openings with the openings of the socket contacts.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing joint absorbs shock forces by distortion of elastomeric material under torque. One form of the shock-absorbing joint has an inner cylinder fitting within an outer cylinder so as to extend longitudinally beyond each end of the outer cylinder and provide an annular space between the cylinders. A body of elastomeric material, such as rubber, fills the annular space and is affixed to the inside surface of the outer cylinder and the outside surface of the inner cylinder. Inner and outer cylinder pivot members are affixed to the inner and outer cylinder, respectively, and are perpendicular to the common pivot axis of the cylinders. Two or three of such shock-absorbing joints may be used to form a shock-absorbing assembly that is particularly useful in protecting marine platforms.

Abstract: A splitting axe comprises a head having an eye, and a handle having a portion received within the eye. The head has an anterior portion extending from one end of the eye and terminating in a cutting edge and a posterior portion extending from the opposite end of the eye to the end of the edge remote from the cutting edge. The mass of the head possesses a weight distribution providing an unbalanced disposition of the head on the handle with the center of gravity of the head being located within the eye and on an axis passing beyond the upper and lower edges of the eye which axis is parallel to, and forwardly of, the longitudinal axis of the eye. A retaining pin promotes securement of the handle within the eye and is located on the side of the longitudinal axis remote from the center of gravity.

Abstract: A parachute riser buckle is provided on the parachute harness for a quick release of the parachute risers from the harness. Blocking means on the buckle body has a latch position in which it blocks removal of the riser connecting portion and an unlatched position for permitting removal of the riser connecting portion. A latch preventing member is provided which has a position in which it prevents the blocking means from returning to its latched position from its unlatched position except when the riser connecting portion is inserted in the buckle body to prevent incorrect and non-positive latching of the blocking means with the riser connecting portion. A handle is provided to rotate with the blocking means and has a surface which prevents the latch preventing member from moving to its latch preventing position except when the handle moves the blocking member to its unlatched position.