Abstract: A video system is disclosed having a weapon-mounted video camera (12) transmitting video signals to a remotely located video display (14). The video display is mounted to the helmet (40) of a soldier (36), and includes a sight reticle (50) superimposed on the image of the target (46) so that the soldier (36) can aim the weapon (38) by moving it until the target object (46) as displayed by the video display (14) is aligned with the sight reticle (50). A low probability of transmission interception of the video signals is accomplished by using a nonvisible light carrier wavelength in free space, which wavelength is characterized by a high degree of absorption due to atmospheric water vapor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image processor having an image algorithm processor (66) operating under control of a writable control store (94), and a number of parallel image processors (72) operating under control of instruction words from a writable control store (100). An image memory controller (68) receives memory addresses from the image algorithm processor (66) for coordinating the reading and writing of an image memory (82) using pixel data processed by the parallel image processor set (72). The image memory controller (68) arbitrates memory address request cycles, memory refresh cycles and screen refresh cycles. The image memory (82) includes different planes (84, 86 and 88) associated with red, green and blue pixel data. Associated with each image memory plane is a video processor (106) for converting parallel image data to high speed serial image data.

Abstract: A camera (10) comprises a track (14) and a camera unit (12) which is operable to move along the track (14). The camera unit (12) comprises a slit aperture camera for producing a panoramic image. A motor (28) on the camera unit (12) provides power to wheels (20) which are matingly engaged with the upper and lower rails (16, 18) of the track (14). The upper and lower rails (16, 18) are operable to supply electricity to the motor (28). The speed of the camera unit (12) along the track (14) and the speed of the film within the camera unit (12) may be selected by the user.

Abstract: A face mask (10) includes a layer (12) of meltblown polypropylene fabric having pleats (18-22) formed therein. An ear loop (14) and an ear loop (16) formed from lycra spandex are attached to the corners of the layer (12). Application of heat along seams (24) and (26) attach the ear loops (14) and (16) thereto in addition to securing the ends of the pleats (18-22). In this manner, internal fibers of the layer (12) are restrained from entering the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A multiplexing data communication system (10) provides for communication between a plurality of microcomputer terminals (12) with a host computer (30). Communications from the microcomputer (12) are multiplexed over a T1 line (26) between two DMI interfaces (22 and 24). The DMI interface (24) includes an adaptive digital network interface (62) which processes the multiplex data in a serial manner allowing for flexibility in framing the data and processing protocol information. Program control in the adaptive digital network interface (62) is performed in part by the status of three counters (266, 268 and 272) and the bit present at the output of a fifo memory (112) allowing for increased processing speeds. Furthermore, processing speed is enhanced through use of an instruction set allowing simultaneous strobing and enabling of the elements of the adaptive digital network interface (62).

Abstract: Apparatus for recognizing a telephone call supervision signal by comparing its frequency and cadence to the frequency and cadence of a previously learned call supervision signal is provided as part of call completion equipment (10). Call progress tone detector (50) receives a call supervision signal and responds by outputting frequency parametric signals which indicate whether predetermined standard frequencies are present in the received signal. Microprocessor (74) determines the cadence of the received call supervision signal and outputs a corresonding cadence parametric signal. If it is beneficial to learn the received call supervision signal, the frequency and cadence parameters are stored in memory (78). Recognition circuits can then recognize a subsequent telephone call supervision signal by comparing its frequency and cadence parameters to the frequency and cadence parameters stored in memory (78) for at least one learned signal.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to interact with a calling party placing a long distance phone call. The telephone receives a billing account number from the calling party through a keypad (24). The telephone determines the validity of the billing account number and, if the billing account number is valid, a communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38). Valid billing account numbers are stored in the telephone for a predetermined period of time. The stored numbers are polled prior to the validation process to determine if an entered number has already been validated. In this manner, a calling party making multiple calls with the same billing account number need only wait for his account number to be verified once.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place collect calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone uses the microprocessor control system (10) and a speech record/playback generator (44) to receive a destination number and a recorded name from a user. The telephone uses the speech generator (34) to play audio messages to prompt the user throughout the process. The phone informs a called party of the identity of the user and receives responses from the called party through a DTMF receiver (52). A communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38) if the phone receives a response indicating the called party accepts the charges for the collect call. The microprocessor control system (10) generates a billing record or the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.

Abstract: A protective cover (10) is provided to contain any spillage of liquid during changing of a filter cartridge from a filter canister assembly (12). The cover (10) comprises an elastomer that is resistant to gasoline and oil. The cover (10) is slidably positioned over the filter canister assembly (12) to form a liquid-tight seal. An outlet (30) is provided with a drainage tube (32) to remove any spillage from chamber (28) to a separate container.

Abstract: A valve test plug for connection with a pressure vessel. The plug includes a hollow valve body and a resilient valve core. The valve core includes first and second core portions bonded in end-to-end relationship and has a slit extending therethrough. The first core portion is exposed directly to the pressure and is softer than the second core portion which engages the valve body to close the slit or to seal on the probe when the probe is extending through the slit. The softer first core portion maintains a seal with the valve body and urges the second core portion into sealing engagement with the valve body end to close the slit.

Abstract: A universal night vision goggle adapter (38) is provided for mounting a pair of night vision goggles (40) to a Special Purpose Test Set (10). The adapter (38) comprises slidably adjustable clamps (61 and 62) which are adjusted by a rotating rod (46). The rod (46) is rotationally supported by a bearing housing (44) which is in-turn fixed to a platform (42). The rod (46) is threadably attached at one end to a first bar (48) and threadably attached at another end to a second bar (50). The first and second bars (48 and 50) are fixed to the adjustable clamps (61 and 62) in such a fashion that as the rod (46) is rotated, the bars (48 and 50) are moved closer together or farther apart to adjust the clamps (61 and 62).

Abstract: A multi-conduit tubular having fluid conduits (30) and electrical conduits (108), with associated surface fluid (182) and electrical (186) commutators, and downhole sensors (18, 20, 290) for providing surface monitors (22) with instantaneous formation data. Each tubular (50) includes a plurality of uniform linear conduits (30) therethrough, with a gasketed seal plate (86) interposed between joined tubulars for assuring a high pressure seal between joined conduits. The seal plate (86) includes an intermediate electrical connector (126) for connecting electrical conduit connectors (116) of one tubular to another. A coupling collar (84) with uniform diameter internal coarse and fine threads (92, 94) joins the tubular ends having similar threads by differential thread action without respective tubular rotation.

Abstract: A face mask (10) is provided for covering the mouth and nose of a wearer (14). The mask (10) prevents the passage of liquid from external to the mask to the face of the wearer (14). The mask (10) has four layers including a special low density polyethylene barrier (26). The barrier (26) prevents the passage of liquid in at least one direction while freely allowing the passage of gases in both directions.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to interact with a calling party placing a long distance phone call. The telephone establishes a communication path through a telephone line interface (38). The microprocessor controlled system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can include information such as an account number to be billed, destination determining information, the duration of the call, the time of the call, and rate information. The billing record can later be retrieved from a remote location through standard telephone lines to facilitate billing the call. The local generation of billing records facilitates billing for direct calls, collect calls, third party charge calls and calls associated with accounts which are key-padded into the telephone paystation by the customer.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method of operation are provided which allows for the recording and downloading of message prompts to a telephone (80) from a remote location. A message is recorded by a recorder (70) and the recorded message is digitized by an audio digitizer (72). The messages are organized into formatted message files and stored in a storage medium (74). A host computer (76) transmits the message files through a standard telephone connection to a particular telephone station (80). The messages are used by the telephone station (80) to prompt users of the telephone during the processing of telephone calls.

Abstract: L-shaped flanges (20) are formed integrally with both edges of the base (12) on a computer chassis (10). U-shaped channels (26) are also formed integrally with both edges (21-22) of the cover (14) on the computer chassis (10). The cover (14) is installed over the base (12) by matching the U-shaped channels (26) with the L-shaped flanges (20) and sliding the cover (14) into position. The metal-to-metal contact all along the U-shaped channels (26) and the L-shaped flanges (20) helps retard the emission of radio frequency from the chassis (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical instruments sterilization container (10) which includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: A device for attaching various earth-working tools to a bucket of excavating equipment, such as a front-end loader, backhoe, or excavator. A frame has two spaced parallel plates, each having a wedge-shaped notch on one side. A stabilizing bar, adjacent to the open end of the notches, connects the plates. The tool, such as an asphalt roller or cutter, is attached to the bottom of the frame between the plates. At the top of the frame, a clamping mechanism, having a pivoting arm, is mounted between the plates. To use the device, the excavator bucket is inserted into the wedge-shaped notch, with the device holding the bucket in place against the edges of the wedge-shaped notch, the stabilizing bar, and the pivoting arm of the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 32) for heeled shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10), a peripheral heel member (26) and a peripheral midsole member (32). The peripheral heel member (26) is joined to a portion of the perimeter of an upper surface (20) of an outsole (14) and peripheral midsole member (32) is joined to the remaining portion of upper surface (20) of outsole (14) and to an upper leveling surface (30) of heel member (26) to form a stepped orifice (38). A reinforcing layer (40) substantially less thick than the peripheral members (26 and 32) is joined to the outsole upper surface (20) within the orifice (38). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (46, 48 and 50) depend from a base member (44) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the stepped orifice (38).

Abstract: A control system (10) controls transfer of electronic signals to and from industrial and scientific equipment. The control system includes a real-time database (60) for storing data elements which may be accessed by a plurality of tasks (62, 64, 66, 68, 70, and 72). Each data element in the real-time database (60) has an associated changed status flag for each task which indicates whether the value of the element has changed since the last access by the task. Individual tasks must communicate through the real-time database, since no inter-task communication is supported. The tasks support bidirectional communication with industrial and scientific equipment, alarm supervision, data logging, real-time clock functions, mathematical and logical functions, and interactive operator communications.