Abstract:
An aspect provides a method for separating a mattress from an underlying bedding component, including: actuating a fluid pump to inflate one or more inflatable bladder components with fluid; the one or more inflatable bladder components being disposed between the mattress and the underlying bedding component such that on inflation with the fluid, the one or more inflatable bladder components separates the mattress and the underlying bedding component. Other aspects are described and claimed.
Abstract:
The present invention provides systems and methods which can be employed to locate or detect presence of various materials, including nonferrous metals. These systems include new and useful sensors, circuits, systems and devices which power and/or interoperate with the sensors, and methods of making, operating and using such systems. Any or all of the systems, devices or processes can be combined with other systems, devices or processes disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a roller cone drill bit that has improved flow characteristics. The roller cone drill bit includes forming at least one relief region inside a bit body of the roller cone drill bit on a ledge formed between a fluid plenum and at least one of the fluid orifices. A method of locating the at least one relief region is also disclosed.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method of operating a communication network, the network comprising a plurality of stations which are able to transmit data to and receive data from one another so that a message comprising a plurality of data packets is sent from an originating station to a destination station via at least one opportunistically selected intermediate station. The method makes use of probe signals transmitted from each station on a selected probing channel to which other stations respond to indicate their availability as destination or intermediate stations. A Request to Send message is sent, with a Clear to Send message returned by an available station. The station with data to send opportunistically selects an available station and the selected station uses a Packet Acknowledge message to confirm successful reception of the transmitted data packet. An End-to-End Acknowledge message is sent by the originating station, directly or indirectly, to confirm receipt of said data packets.
Abstract:
The present invention is a moisture-insensitive system adapted to couple radio frequency energy at a low impedance from a matched two conductor transmission line, through a vehicle windshield and to an antenna in a manner which minimizes stray radio frequency radiation within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The system includes two pair of conducting plates, one pair mounted on each side of the windshield, each pair opposite the other pair. A coaxial feed line is coupled to the inside pair of plates and a matching circuit is connected across the outside pair of plates. A full-size, unloaded antenna element is connected to the output of the matching circuit. A decoupling device, such as a decoupling sleeve or a RF choke, can be used to minimize RF current flow on the shield conductor of the coaxial feed line. The coaxial cable is coupled directly through the windshield, without an intervening matching network, so that RF energy at a low impedance is coupled to the outside pair of plates. This low impedance minimizes parasitic coupling of the feed system to moisture on the windshield, windshield wipers and other foreign bodies. The elements of the invention cooperate to minimize the level of stray radiation within the passenger compartment of the vehicle and provide, in the illustrated embodiment, a 2.0:1 VSWR bandwidth that extends from 830 to 880 megahertz.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for cutting post-harvest crop stubble. The apparatus including, a support frame, a plurality of layover bars coupled to the frame for laying over the stubble, and a plurality of cutting discs for cutting the stubble. The layover bars being adapted to present a substantially smooth transitioned engagement to the stubble.
Abstract:
Self relieving seals of this invention comprise an elastomeric seal body having a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for contact with respective drill bit sealing surfaces. The seal includes a pair of external surfaces that each extend along the seal body between the first and second sealing surfaces. The seal includes one or more relief ports that are disposed through the seal body and that have openings through each of the seal body external surfaces. The relief port can be specially configured, e.g., have different diameter sections of constant or variable dimensions, to provide a degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal body when the seal is loaded within the drill bit. The seal may include an element, e.g., solid, tubular, or porous, disposed within the relief port to provide a further desired degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal when the seal is loaded within the drill bit. Surface features, on the seal or the drill bit, can be provided to offset the relief port opening from the rock bit so that it is not blocked off. The seal can include a valve mechanism to provide a further degree of control over fluid passage through the relief port.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method of operating a communication network, the network comprising a plurality of stations which are able to transmit data to and receive data from one another. The method comprises defining a first probing channel for the transmission of probe signals to other stations. Other stations which receive the first probe signals from a probing station indicate to the probing station their availability as destination or intermediate stations. A neighbor table comprising details of these other available stations is maintained at each station. Also, second probe signals are sent and received from stations in the neighbor table and a gradient table comprising data related to the cost of communicating with each neighbor station is maintained at each station, thereby to allow each station to select a predetermined number of intermediate stations for onward transmission of data from an originating station to a destination station at minimum cost.
Abstract:
A key operated switch is provided for disabling an automobile air bag passive restraint system. The two or four position switch includes a housing, a rotor, a plurality of rotationally actuated electrical switch elements, a key ejecting mechanism, and a positive positioning detent. The switch assembly is arranged such that a transverse surface of the rotor defining a key slot is accessible through the housing. The key slot allows an operating key to be manually inserted into the rotor. In or order to insert the key, however, the therein, a certain minimum amount of force must be applied to the key sufficient to overcome the key ejecting mechanism. In the absence of such minimum insertion force, the key ejecting mechanism will act expel the key from the rotor. Once inserted into the rotor, the key may be manually rotated which causes corresponding rotation of the rotor. The rotation of the rotor in turn, actuates select electrical switch elements attached to the rotor, according to the angular position of the rotor. The electrical switch elements define a plurality of distinct switch states, each corresponding to a particular angular position of the rotor. Finally, the positive positioning detent forces the rotor to an angular position corresponding one of the distinct switch states defined by the electrical switch elements during those periods when no external torque is being applied to the rotor.