Abstract: An attenuator of the current invention allows the adjustment in attenuation at a constant impedance level. The attenuator includes at least three variable resistors. Two of the three variable resistors have the substantially same linear resistance characteristics and are controlled in a substantially identical manner. One of the three variable resistors has a non-linear resistance characteristic and is controlled concurrently with the above two variable resistors. As a result of the above resistance characteristics and control, the attenuation is adjusted with respect to the resistance while impedance is maintained at a constant level.

Abstract: A method for associating information with an article, an isotopic labeling composition to label an article with information using at least two different isotopes of an element, and an article labeled with the labeling composition. In the labeling composition, the isotopes of the labeling composition have an abundance ratio that is detectably different from the natural abundance ratio thereof. By detecting the abundance ratio(s) of the isotopes in the labeling composition, via laser ablation/magnetic spectroscopy, an NQR spectrometer, an NMR spectrometer, an IR spectrometer, or a microwave spectrometer, information about the article can be determined. The method and labeling composition may be used to identify, authenticate or determine the source or origin of an article or to provide detailed information about an article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy article which is, among other things, suitable as a collector's item and/or for use in games which toy article comprises a handle and a coupling piece for effecting a connection with a second toy article, which coupling piece is attached to said handle via a connecting element, which gives way when a predetermined force or torque is exerted thereon.

Abstract: A shoe sole particularly for athletic footwear for supporting the foot of an intended wearer having multiple rounded portions formed by midsole component as viewed in a frontal plane of the sole when the shoe sole is upright and in an unloaded condition. The rounded portions approximate the structure of and support provided by features of the human foot. The rounded portions are located proximate to important structural support areas of an intended wearer's foot on either or both sides of the shoe sole or the middle portion of the shoe sole, or at various combinations of these locations. The midsole component also includes an indentation in the sole midtarsal portion, as viewed in a sagittal plane, and midsole component extends into a sidemost section of the solve and above a lowermost point of the midsole component, as viewed in a frontal plane cross-section when the shoe sole is upright and in an unloaded condition.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe such as a running shoe, includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot, particularly the sides, and that has a constant thickness in frontal plane cross sections. The thickness of the shoe sole side contour equals and therefore varies exactly as the thickness of the load-bearing sole portion varies due to heel lift, for example. Thus, the outer contour of the edge portion of the sole has at least a portion which lies along a theoretically ideal stability plane for providing natural stability and efficient motion of the shoe and foot particularly in an inverted and everted mode.

Abstract: A convertible public exhibition facility includes a stadium having an exhibition area and a seating area that is situated about the exhibition area for permitting spectators to view activities taking place in the exhibition area. The exhibition facility further includes a movable natural grass activity platform that has a surface area of natural grass that is at least 10,000 square feet and that is constructed so as to have a characteristic frequency of at least 6 Hz. Situated within the natural grass activity platform is a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged so as to be able to move the natural grass activity platform as a complete unit from a location that is outside of the stadium to a location that is within the exhibition area. Preferably, the location that is outside of the stadium is an outdoor location that provides optimal conditions for the growth of natural grass.

Abstract: A method of implementing on screen display (OSD) function and a device thereof are provided. The method includes the steps of storing the graphic data in a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), obtaining the displaying information and a sequence for the graphic data by an OSD decoder, and showing the graphic data by an address generator on a screen according to the displaying information and the displaying sequence. The device includes a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) for storing the graphic data, an OSD decoder for obtaining a sequence according to the stored graphic data, and an address generator electrically connected to the DRAM and the OSD decoder for showing the graphic data on a screen according to the sequence.

Abstract: The engine comprises four open-ended curved cylinders (10) disposed in torroidal arrangement with respect to a central pivot point (11). Two piston arms (12) are pivoted about the point (11) and carry at their ends four pistons (13). Each piston (13) has two faces so mounted to the piston arm (12) as to face tangentially one away from the other for alt mate engagement with adjacent ends of two of the cylinders (10).

Abstract: A method of making an easy-open end for a container includes steps of forming first and second grooves in a panel of a can end blank, the grooves extending below the level of the panel to form inner and outer beads and forming a central bead in the panel between the first and second grooves so that the central bead extends above the panel. A score is then formed along the central bead by simultaneously forming the score and compressing the central bead, so that the depth of the score and the thickness of the central bead are both positively controlled. The inner and outer beads are then forced toward each other and then toward the panel, and the central bead is forced toward the panel. A pull-tab is then fixed to the end. This process permits the score residual to be controlled to a greater tolerance than the conventional processes, and is also more material efficient.

Abstract: The current edge pair determination system and method determine whether or not an edge pair and certain image characteristics of pixels between the edge pair as a whole or a unit is a part of a character based upon a change in pixel values. The change is compared to a predetermined set of conditions that are exclusionary in nature. Since the edge pair as well the image characteristics of pixels between the edge pair are considered, the accuracy in the character edge determination has improved.

Abstract: A system and method for moving a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a first location, which may be within a nuclear power generation facility to a second location such as a storage cask that is used for short-term or long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel includes a first lifting mechanism for engaging a transfer cask and a second lifting mechanism for engaging and lifting the canister of spent nuclear fuel. Preferably, the method is practiced by first positioning a canister of spent nuclear fuel within the transfer cask and then engaging the transfer cask with the first lifting mechanism. The canister is engaged with the second lifting mechanism. The transfer cask having the canister positioned within is moved to the vicinity of a storage cask, and the canister is lowered from the transfer cask into the storage cask by the second lifting mechanism without disengagement of the first lifting mechanism from the transfer cask.

Abstract: An athletic shoe sole for a shoe has side portions with concavely rounded inner and outer surfaces, as viewed in at least a heel area and a midtarsal area of the shoe sole. The rounded surfaces increasing at least one of lateral and medial stability of the sole. The concavely rounded portion of the sole outer surface located at the heel area extends substantially continuously through a sidemost part of the sole side. The rounded portion of the sole outer surface located at the midtarsal area extends up the sole side to at least a level corresponding to a lowest point of the sole inner surface. A midsole component of the shoe sole extends into the sidemost section of the sole side and also extends up the sole side to above a level corresponding to a lowest point of the sole inner surface. The concavely rounded portions of the sole midtarsal area are located at least at the sole lateral side.

Abstract: A cushion for a billiard table is disclosed. The cushion includes an extruded member having a substantially triangular or L-shaped cross-section and a layer of tape on one surface thereof for affixing the cushion to a billiard table. Also disclosed is an improved cue for billiards wherein a substantial portion of the weight of the cue is disposed in a distal portion of the cue located near the tip of the cue, which is used to strike a ball. The cue is preferably modular to allow substitution of various portions of the cue to permit it to be customized to a specific player. Also disclosed is a device for metering the speed of the surface of a billiard table. Also disclosed is a quick-change tip for a cue which includes an elastomeric material that is sized to snugly fit over the distal end of a cue to releasably secure the quick-change tip to the cue.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting device containing radioactive materials used for medical procedures is disclosed. Such devices may include a radioactive shielding material which contains a portion of the radioactivity emitted by the radioactive material. The container has an upper portion and a lower portion, and at least one of the portions includes a radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate shielding materials. Devices containing radioactive material are placed within the container. The container secures the devices against lateral movement within the container. The radiation shielding material of the lower portion of the container may cooperate with the radiation shielding material of the device to contain more of the emitted radiation than is contained by the device alone. The container and the holder may be sterilizable to allow such devices to be transported and sterilized for medical use.

Abstract: A molded polymeric container includes a body portion having a sidewall and an integral champagne type base. The base includes a lower end that defines an annular contact ring for supporting the container with respect to an underlying surface. An annular step ring is defined immediately radially inwardly of the annular contact ring and has a radial length LS. The base further has a central push-up area and a generally concave transition region interposed between the central push-up area and the annular contact ring. The transition region further includes a plurality of integrally molded radially extending ribs, each of the ribs having a length LR. According to one advantageous aspect of the invention, the ratio LR/LS is within a range of about 1.0 to about 4.0.