Abstract: An approach for performing an address look-up in a relatively high latency network is disclosed. A terminal receives a query from a local host requesting address information. The terminal includes a memory that stores the address information, and a processor that is coupled to the memory and is configured to determine whether the address information associated with the query is stored in the memory. The processor selectively transmits the address information to the local host in response to the determination. The system also includes a server that communicates with the terminal over the network. The server receives the query from the terminal and transmit the address information corresponding to the query to the terminal. The present invention has particular applicability to a communications system that employs a satellite network.

Abstract: A flip-flop circuit comprising a dynamic master coupled to a clock, the clock being characterized by an active stated of a limited duration, and a static latch coupled to the clock and coupled to the dynamic master. In an embodiment, the limited duration is less than the minimum time period in which the master can change from a first state to a second state.

Abstract: A station optically inspects banded cigarette paper by directing an elongated beam of white light laterally across a web of the cigarette paper. The elongated beam impinges on the surface of the cigarette paper and forms reflections. A plurality of line scan camera containing linear CCD arrays receive the reflections and generate output signals. One or more processing units process the output signals to generate data indicative of the spacing between bands, the width of the bands, and the contrast of the bands. These calculations can be periodically transferred to a separate computer workstation over a network. The workstation generates statistical reports on the basis of the calculations, such as the band width, band spacing and band contrast as a function of lane number, and as a function of time. The statistical reports provide a convenient way of quickly detecting irregularities in application of the bands.

Abstract: A rewinder machine optically inspects banded paper unwound from a first bobbin by directing an elongated beam of light laterally across the paper. The elongated beam impinges the surface of the paper and forms reflections. A line scan camera containing a linear CCD array receives the reflections and generates output signals. A line scan processor processes the output signals to generate data indicative of the spacing between bands, the width of the bands, and the contrast of the bands. These calculations may be periodically transferred to a separate computer workstation over a network. The workstation generates statistical reports on the basis of the calculations, such as the band width, band spacing and band contrast as a function of lane number, and as a function of time. After being inspected by the camera, the paper is rewound on a rewind bobbin. Various mechanical features of the rewind machine allow rapid mounting and removal of bobbins of paper, and provide for high speed operation.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for changing an operational characteristic of a circuit within a housing structure of the sensor to a preselected stimulus. The circuit within the housing structure is provided with magnetically sensitive components to change an operational parameter thereof. An object is provided to change the status of the magnetically sensitive component. The present invention incorporates a Hall effect element within the housing structure that is placed proximate a permanent magnet. Between the magnet and the Hall effect element a depression is formed to permit the insertion of a magnetically permeable object to change the magnetic field. The change in the magnetic field creates a change in the status of the Hall effect element and permits the circuit to change its operational characteristic.

Abstract: An enclosure sensing apparatus is provided which monitors the movement of a key structure relative to a housing structure. The purpose of the device is to determine that a moveable object has moved into an appropriate position relative to a stationary object. First, second and third magnetically sensitive devices are provided within a housing structure. First and second magnets are attached to a key structure that is moveable relative to the housing structure and a third magnet is provided within the housing structure to advantageously affect the operation of the second magnetically sensitive device. Several positions of the key structure can be specifically identified as the key structure passes through a path provided within the housing structure. In addition, a latching mechanism is provided to lock the relative position of the key structure and the housing structure when the key structure has reached a preselect position relative to the housing structure.

Abstract: A monitoring device is provided for use in association with a limit switch or similar mechanically actuated device in order to permit its end of life to be predicted. The system uses nonvolatile random access memory to store a count which represents the number of occurrences of one of two alternative events. The first event is the occurrence of a number of switch actuations and the second event is the lapse of a predetermined period of time. When either of these two events occurs, a microprocessor increments a count in the nonvolatile memory unit and clears both the clock and the volatile memory parameter. When the number stored in the nonvolatile memory represents a number of actuations estimated to be appropriately equal to the total life of the switch, this condition can be signaled to a sensor bus by a communication circuit. Alternatively, a light emitting diode can be alternately energized and de-energized to represent the number of actuations having exceeded the predicted end of life total.

Abstract: The perforation of tipping paper on a high-speed perforation line is monitored and controlled by an electro-optic detection and data processing system which produces a signal related in value to an expected pressure drop through the paper based on calculations relating the inverse square of average perforation area to pressure drop. In one embodiment, a strobe light and camera are arranged on opposite sides of the tipping paper strip and provide an image signal to a vision processor. In another embodiment, a CCD line sensor located across the width of the strip is scanned to provide a signal related to a profile of light transmitted through the tipping paper.

Abstract: A high pressure proximity sensor for high pressure environments uses a balanced bridge variable inductance magnetic core structure to detect the presence of a external ferrous object by a change in inductance. The sensor magnetic flux path is defined by the sensor's specific geometry which includes core windings on the core and a sensor housing. The core includes a center post of a nonmagnetic material to transfer stress from a housing sensor face to the core's symmetric axis to cancel the effect of an external pressure induced stress on the sensor. The center post is encircled by an elastomer barrier between the housing sensor face and an adjacent end of the internal core to prevent migration of an internal potting compound between the core end and the sensor face. This structure provides satisfactory sensor operation in environments imposing shock and vibration on the sensor as well as high external pressures.

Abstract: A sealed focusing assembly for an industrial vision system according to the present invention is comprised of a main housing in threaded contact with an adjustment ring, and in rotatable contact with a lens sleeve. An O-ring functions to frictionally prevent the lens sleeve from rotating as the assembly is focused by rotation of the adjustment ring and the lens sleeve is axially advanced. The O-ring also functions to form a gaseous-tight seal within the focusing assembly. The use of an additional O-ring provides the assembly with superior seal integrity.

Abstract: A colorimeter provides compensation for changes in the color signature of an object due to lamp aging, stand off distance and view angle changes. The colorimeter senses and stores values indicative of a sample object. In use, the colorimeter senses and creates values indicative of an object. The colorimeter includes a processor which then creates an average ratio wherein the stored values and corresponding sensed values are placed in a ratio, all of the ratios are then summed, and the total is divided by the number of values. Finally, the processor compares the sensed values with corresponding stored values, wherein one of the two values is adjusted by the average ratio.

Abstract: A colorimeter for characterizing the color of an object is placed in an environmentally sealed enclosure for use in industrial environments. In order to maintain an acceptable operating temperature for the colorimeter's electronics and lamp, a heat shield is placed around the lamp to substantially isolate it from the electronics. The heat shield and the environmentally sealed enclosure are made of a highly heat conductive material such as aluminum. The heat shield is thermally coupled to the environmentally sealed enclosure.

Abstract: A colorimeter provides compensation for changes in the color signature of an object due to lamp aging. A current measuring circuit measures current to the lamp during an initial training of the colorimeter and stores a value I.sub.T indicative of the lamp current at training. When an object is scanned by the colorimeter, lamp current is again sensed and assigned a value I.sub.S. Comparison between a sensed color signature and a stored color signature then occurs. Compensation is accomplished by modifying one of the two signatures by a ratio including I.sub.S and I.sub.T.

Abstract: Luminaire assembly with readily detachable parts. Luminaire comprises top ballast housing, intermediate ballast and slipfitter mounting plate, and lower optical assembly with associated slipfitter housing attached to ballast housing and mounting plate by readily detachable clamp band. Optical assembly, which includes dome-shaped reflector and lamp mounting assembly, is suspended with associated slipfitter housing from lug on mounting plate when clamp band is detached.

Abstract: Floodlight has a reflector mounted for selective adjustment to different positions relative to the light source for providing desired light distribution.

Abstract: Floodlight with elongated high intensity lamp, such as a quartz iodine lamp, having an improved socket mounting. The fixture includes a reflector having openings at opposite sides through which the lamp electrode ends pass for engaging lamp sockets which are mounted in operative position on the fixture housing solely by sheet metal springs.

Abstract: Mounting device for rotatable adjustment of asymmetric reflector within luminaire housing to vary the light distribution from the luminaire. The mounting device includes a plurality of brackets circumferentially spaced around the lower portion of the dome-shaped luminaire housing for supporting the circular rim of the asymmetric reflector, which is formed with a corresponding plurality of recesses for clearing the brackets when the asymmetric reflector is inserted in or removed from the luminaire housing. Adjustable clamps are arranged adjacent the brackets for securing the reflector in the desired rotational position.

Abstract: Luminaire lamp support device for vertical and angular adjustment of vertically-mounted lamp. The device includes a pair of spaced L-shaped plates secured at their bottom to the luminaire reflector in which the lamp is positioned and secured at their upwardly extending legs to an inverted U-shaped hinge bracket to which the lamp socket is secured. The hinge bracket is adjustably secured to the L-shaped plates for pivoting thereon about a horizontal axis. The socket is adjustably mounted on another U-shaped bracket secured to the hinge bracket for adjustment of the socket along a substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: Luminaire with adjustable mounting means for securing the luminaire to a supporting pipe. The mounting means comprises a slipfitter having a base plate on which a pair of spaced U-bolts are adjustably mounted for clamping engagement with the supporting pipe inserted therein, a pair of spaced L-shaped brace members secured to the plate on opposite sides of the slipfitter axis, and a pair of L-shaped bracket members secured to the luminaire, the bracket members being adjustably secured to the respective spaced brace members for adjustment about an axis normal to the slipfitter axis. The slipfitter arrangement provides for adjustment of the luminaire separately about the two axes.

Abstract: Latch for luminaire clamp band comprises hinged link member connected to a latch lever, and a channel-shaped spring catch attached to the link member for holding the link member in engagement with the latch hook.