Abstract: A package for a disk product has an inner box formed with outer and inner surfaces spaced from each other for presenting a disk product. The outer surface is composed of substantially transparent material so that the disk product is visible through the outer surface. The box is formed with at least one hub on the inner surface with a free end extending toward the outer surface. The free end of the hub is constructed to pass through the center hole of the disk product. The hub is formed with a holding surface for holding a disk product suspended on the hub so that it does not contact the inner surface. An outer box encloses the inner box. The outer box is composed of material bearing printing and graphics and is formed with inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface of the outer box is formed with a window for visibility of the disk product through the window and outer surface of the inner box. The outer box may be formed with a frame around the window.

Abstract: A heat pump system dehumidifies air in an enclosure containing a source of humidity such as a swimming pool. The heat pump system invention transfers rejection heat from the primary refrigerant loop to a secondary water loop. The secondary water loop is coupled in heat exchange relationship to the primary condenser of the primary refrigerant loop for receiving the rejection heat including the latent heat and sensible heat from the refrigerant. The secondary water loop incorporates a circulating water pump and a storage tank and affords a substantially uniform load on the compressor, condenser and refrigerant of the refrigerant loop. The secondary water loop then provides versatility and flexibility in meeting variable load demand such as conditioning the enclosure air, heating water in open receptacles such as pools, dumping heat outside the enclosure, or adding heat to the enclosure. The secondary water loop displaces the variable load requirements from direct impact on the primary refrigerant loop.

Abstract: A handicapped artist's easel is constructed with a horizontal baseboard and an easel board pivotally mounted at the front end of the baseboard for rotation through substantially 180.degree. relative to the baseboard. At least one extendable and retractable arm is coupled between the easel board and the baseboard for varying the angle of the easel board relative to the baseboard from an acute angle to an obtuse angle great enough for presenting the front side of the easel board over the face of an artist painting or sketching with mouth held instruments and confined to a bed or wheelchair. The desired angle can be set by the telescoping arm. An appropriate support structure is provided for holding the weight of the cantilevered easel board at an obtuse angle without interfering in handicapped artist access to the easel board. Multiple uses of the adjustable easel are described.

Abstract: A pointer processor circuit substantially eliminates the pointer gap during justification of an outgoing SONET/SDH frame relative to an incoming SONET/SDH frame. The pointer interpreter circuit PI is constructed to receive an incoming frame, interpret the pointer H1H2, and write data payload bytes of the incoming frame into a FIFO memory. An input clock CLK1 controls the writing of data payload bytes into the FIFO. The FIFO stores only data bytes. A pointer generator circuit PG is coupled to the FIFO and is constructed to read out data payload bytes from the FIFO, create an outgoing frame, and calculate a new pointer. An output clock CLK2 controls reading of data from the FIFO to form an outgoing frame. The PI, FIFO and PG cooperate for justification of the outgoing frame relative to the incoming frame.

Abstract: A computer aided routing system (CARS) determines a travel route between a user selected travel origin and travel destination following user selected waypoints along the way. A CARS database incorporates travel information selected from a range of multimedia sources about the transportation routes, waypoints, and geographically locatable points of interest (POIs) selected by the user along the travel route. The CARS software permits user selection of specified POI types within a user defined region of interest and user selection of particular POIs from the selected types within the region of interest. The transportation routes, waypoints, POIs and region of interest are identified in the computer by coordinate locations of a selected geographical coordinate system. The CARS software is constructed to present a user customized travelog for preview on the computer display of the user defined travel route.

Abstract: An ESD protection circuit for a BICMOS IC device protects NMOS transistors (Q2) of internal CMOS gates (G2) from ESD events at a high potential power rail (VCC). Specifically the ESD protection circuit protects NMOS pulldown transistors coupled between a pullup bipolar emitter follower transistor (Q5) and the low potential power rail (GND). A PMOS current control transistor (QPESD) is coupled with primary current path between the high potential power rail (VCC) and the bipolar emitter follower transistor (Q5) for controlling current flow through the emitter follower transistor. An RC time constant circuit (R10,C1) is coupled between the high potential power rail (VCC) and low potential power rail (GND). The RC time constant circuit is constructed with a time constant for following power up events but not for following the faster ESD events at the high potential power rail.

Abstract: A pointer processing circuit processes SONET/SDH frames and calculates a new pointer value. A pointer interpreter circuit (PI) is constructed to receive an incoming frame, identify the pointer in transport overhead bytes of the frame, interpret the pointer, and send the pointer value directly to a pointer generator circuit (PG). The pointer value indicates the position of the first byte of the data payload bytes of the incoming frame starting at the trace byte J1. The PI is constructed to tag the next data byte after the pointer H1 H2 and negative justification data holding byte location H3 and send the tagged data byte directly to a FIFO without the delay of counting down to the trace byte J1 of the incoming frame. A first in first out memory FIFO is coupled to the PI for writing data payload bytes from the incoming frame into the FIFO. A pointer generator circuit (PG) is coupled to the FIFO for changing the pointer on the outgoing frame.

Abstract: A proportional spacing mechanism proportionally spaces objects from a reference position on a fixed support frame. At least one supplemental drive mechanism assists the proportional spacing mechanism in moving the coupling elements and respective objects relative to each other for proportional spacing from the reference position. The supplemental drive mechanism incorporates a first portion coupled to a coupling element spaced from the reference position. A second portion of the supplemental drive mechanism is coupled to the fixed support frame. The supplemental drive mechanism extends and retracts the distance between the first and second portions for assisting motion of the coupling elements and respective objects during rotation of the shaft and crank of the proportional spacing mechanism. Various supplemental drive mechanisms are described including a chain and sprocket drive, a cylinder and piston drive, and a screw drive mechanism.

Abstract: A biodegradable wreath ring provides the central framework for constructing a decorative wreath from plant tips and decorative materials secured to the wreath ring. The wreath ring is of generally circular configuration with specified diameter and is constructed from multiple layers of strips of paper laminated one over another in the radial direction of the ring and bonded together preferably using a biodegradable resin or adhesive material. The wreath ring is of generally cylindrical configuration having a cylinder radial thickness and a cylinder height thickness. The ring is constructed with a sufficient number of layers of paper in the radial direction and with sufficient cylinder radial thickness and height thickness to provide the required structural strength to support a constructed wreath of decorative material having the selected diameter.

Abstract: A circuit for use in connection with tristate output buffers in order to provide concurrently for fast discharge of the output pulldown transistor base and at the same time for building in protection against reverse breakdown in the pulldown transistor. The innovation consists of providing a two discharge paths to ground for the base of the output pullup transistor. A low-capacitance path is activated only while the output buffer is in its active mode. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, this low discharge path consists of two CMOS transistors in series, one of which is controlled by the enable signal input E of the buffer circuit and the other by the data signal input V.sub.IN of the buffer circuit. The other path to ground is available whenever the data signal input V.sub.IN is low, regardless of whether the buffer is in its active or inactive mode.

Abstract: An improved Schottky diode structure (4) is formed by retrograde diffusing an N.sup.+ concentration of relatively fast diffusing atoms, preferably Phosphorus atoms, to form a localized diode NWell (6) as the diode substrate for the diode. A buried diode layer (5) formed of relatively slow diffusing N type atoms, preferably Antimony atoms, underlies the diode NWell and electrically couples the diode junction (7) to the diode ohmic contact (9). A diode ohmic contact region (31) underlies the ohmic contact, further coupling the diode junction to the ohmic contact. Preferably, the diode junction is a Platinum-Silicide junction.

Abstract: A portable and foldable maternity lounger is constructed with a three section folding frame and a frame cover of three portions. A head end portion and a foot end portion are formed in the configuration of pockets or envelopes of firm non-stretching material open on sides facing each other for sliding respectively over the ends of the frame. A mid portion substantially covers the mid section of the frame. The mid portion of the frame cover is formed by a lower panel of firm non-stretching material for supporting hips and an upper panel of elastic stretching material for expandable support of the abdomen. The upper and lower panels are joined by a continuous seam in the middle to form a continuous mid portion without uncomfortable exposure of the abdomen. The upper panel is formed with a border of firm substantially non-stretching material to distribute weight to the elastic stretching material.

Abstract: A magnetic stirrer provides controlled and uniform stirring of multiple samples in multiple sample containers containing a stirring magnet. An elongate armature of nonmagnetic material is mounted for rotation on a substantially vertical axis. A motor rotates the elongate armature. First and second drive magnets are mounted at opposite ends of the elongate arms. The drive magnets are oriented with the respective magnetic pole axes in opposite substantially vertical directions. The drive magnets describe a circumference of a circle in a plane upon rotation of the armature. Multiple samples in multiple sample containers are placed at locations spaced from the plane, either above or below, and offset from the circumference of the circle, either outside or inside, for uniform and controlled rotation of the stirring magnets contained in the sample containers. In an alternative embodiment, vertical stems are mounted at the ends of the elongate arm.

Abstract: In a method of seismic exploration using swept-frequency signals, compressional and shear waves are emitted simultaneously. Typically the waves are generated by swinging-weight vibrators acting through a single baseplate. If the frequency of the shear vibration is one-half that of the comopressional vibration, the downward vertical forces can be phased to minimize the horizontal slippage of the baseplate. The sensitive axis of the geophones is inclined to the vertical for detecting both compressional waves and shear waves. For defined ranges of sweep rate, separate compressional and shear records are obtained by cross-correlating the geophone signal separately against the vertical and horizontal emissions.

Abstract: A system for reducing roll of vessels comprises at least one and preferably a pair of hydrofoil devices suspended from lines rigged on each side of the vessel, preferably from outrigger booms. The devices are asymmetrical foils which are arranged to provide a downwardly acting hydrodynamic force as the devices move with respect to the water. The center of the hydrodynamic force, the center of gravity of the device, and the suspension line attachment being in vertical alignment to provide a balanced foil. The devices function when the vessel is under way and when the vessel is stationary. The hydrodynamic force provides tension in the suspension lines which serves to damp the tendency of the vessel to roll while under way. The hydrodynamic force assures that the devices will not suddenly lose their damping effect or loose control and jerk or breach. When not under way, rolling is damped by differential resistance of the devices to upward movement through the water.

Abstract: A rotational position indicator useful for example for indicating wind direction is provided by a stator having nine position sensors substantially equally spaced around the circumference of a circle and an armature mounted for rotation on an axis located at the center of the circle. The armature is formed with two position sensor actuators mounted at approximately 140.degree. relative to each other. Each position sensor actuator is mounted at a radial position for selectively actuating the position sensors upon rotation of the armature. An electric circuit is coupled to each position sensor for indicating actuation or not of the respective position sensor. The output provides a unique position code for successive intervals of angular positioning of the armature relative to the stator. The actuators have an actuating effect over a selected angular interval sufficient to produce 36 unique position codes for indentifying successive 10.degree.

Abstract: A new permutation bit map architecture is described for flexible cellular addressing, image creation, and frame buffer control in raster graphics machines. A new frame buffer address generator and address circuitry accesses frame buffer memory locations with different word and cell configuration addressing modes to increase performance and efficiency. A new graphics image data generator creates, modifies, and updates graphics image data in the frame buffer memory locations accessed by the multiple addressing mode word and cell configurations of the address generator and address circuitry. The graphics image data generator provides vector drawing, polygon filling, "Bit Blt's" or bit block transfers, alignment and masking of graphics image data, and refresh display of a raster view surface. Vector drawing is achieved with greatly increased performance because of the multiple cellular addressing modes of the addressing circuitry.

Abstract: An undergarment is provided for wear by men during work or recreation activities in the style of a pair of boxer type shorts. A partitioning liner is secured at the inside of the shorts and includes a cup portion adjacent to the front of the shorts. The cup portion is slotted or open in the front to form first and second partitions for positioning in the clefts on either side of the groin of the wearer to prevent chafing. A first panel of gusset secures the first partition to a first location on one side of the front of the shorts. A second panel or gusset secures the second partition to a second location on the other side of the front of the shorts spaced from the first location. A third panel secures the bottom of the liner to the crotch of the shorts. The independent suspension or coupling of the partitioning liner assures that the partitions remain securely in place without riding up and down with the shorts.

Abstract: A quick release grinding assembly is incorporated in a condiment grinder mill. A base receives and stores condiment pieces such as peppercorns. A head is mounted on the base for rotation relative to the base. An elongate shaft extends through the head and base and the shaft is secured to the head for rotation relative to the base. The grinding mechanism includes a grinder cone attached to the end of the shaft and a grinder ring mounted in the end of the base. A support ring is formed with an outer perimeter or ring secured to the base and a flexing inner perimeter or ring of flexible deformable material receives and centers the shaft. The inner rim deformable material has an initial configuration and memory for return to the original configuration after flexing deformation. The shaft is formed with projecting ears arranged to be forcibly passable through the inner rim of the support ring by flexing deformation of the inner rim for quick release disassembly and assembly of the grinding mechanism.

Abstract: Secondary winding configurations and methods particularly applicable for toroid transformers are described for winding secondary windings over the indexed primary winding and toroidal core. The secondary winding is formed in the configuration of a multifilar winding of a plurality of coplanar parallel filaments with a first elongate strip of electrically insulating material bonded to the filaments on one side and a second elongate strip of electrically insulating material bonded to the filaments on the other side and to the first elongate strip. The resulting electrically insulated multifilar strap winding contains the filaments in substantially parallel coplanar relationship. The mulfifilar strap winding is wound around the toroidal core in substantially equally spaced turns. The strap winding maintains the filaments substantially in equally spaced relationship relative to each other over irregular surfaces and compound curvature of the toroidal core without crossover.