Abstract: A two color radiation detector. A dispersive lens with a spectrally selective central obscuration focuses a first radiation band on a central location on focal plane array. The dispersive lens also focuses an annulus of out of focus radiation of a second radiation band concentric with the central location on the focal plane array. For point target detection the dispersive lens transmits plume band and guard band radiation to the staring focal plane array sensor. The staring focal plane array is located at the focal point of the plume band radiation. A spatial filter detects target signatures using information from the plume band and guard band radiation.

Abstract: An implantable intramedullary bone lengthening device for correction of limb length deficiencies without a need for transcutaneous connections. The implantable intramedullary bone lengthening nail has an implantable housing, an adjustment mechanism attached to the telescoping cylinder housing, and a drive assembly attached to the housing and the adjustment mechanism for transmitting an expansion force to the adjustment mechanism. The implantable housing may be sealed, encapsulating the unit. The intramedullary bone lengthening nail is inserted into the intramedullary cavity of a bone, which may have been enlarged by reaming. The implantable housing of the intramedullary nail is formed from two telescoping cylinders and is affixed at either end to the bone using pins. The adjustment mechanism is attached to both cylinders of the housing and includes a mechanism for expanding the nail and a ratcheting mechanism for regulating the expansion.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus provides support and coordination of exercise motions to the user. The exercise apparatus has two exercise bars, two short exercise bars, a stabilizing bar, and a device for coupling the two exercise bars or the two short exercise bars at one end. The exercise bars have removable hand grips for helping the user maintain a grip on the exercise bar, wrist straps to provide for a level of safety when exercising with others when the grip is lost on the exercise bar, and a shoe that mounts on the stabilizing bar. One or both of the exercise bars may include lights mounted along the length of the bar. The lights provide an apparatus to help the instructor and user determine the position of the bar in space and also provide aesthetic appeal. The stabilizing bar attaches securely to the floor, and includes recesses for mounting the exercise bar. The stabilizing bar attaches to the floor and provides a stable point of reference.

Abstract: Autocorrelation processing finds a series of equally spaced pulses and noise. Pulses that are very narrow with inter-pulsed durations of several hundred times the width of the pulse are processed. A threshold detector receives an input from a sensor, the sensor providing the pulses. The threshold detector enables a flip flop which receives the output of a free running counter. The output of the free running counter is sent to a buffer such as, for example, a first in, first out circular buffer. The events held in the buffer are processed later for further autocorrelation processing.

Abstract: A drive tube apparatus for providing a precisely adjustable linear range of motion to orthodontic devices. The drive tube apparatus includes a threaded tube with a roughened surface for secure attachment to a mounting. A drive screw engages the threaded tube through a predetermined range of motion. A ball and socket rotatably attaches the drive screw to the drive shaft allowing the drive shaft to move within a linear range of motion without rotating with the drive screw. The drive shaft attached to and accomplishes the positioning of an adjustable appliance.

Abstract: An overload protection circuit for a photomultiplier tube. A light source illuminates a photomultiplier tube which produces a signal proportional to the incoming radiation which is sent to photon counting electronics. The photon counting electronics produces a signal in proportion to the input photons to the photomultiplier tube and also provides an output to a frequency to voltage converter. The frequency to voltage converter is used to modulate a high voltage amplifier which controls the output of the photomultiplier tube. When the photon counting electronics indicate to the frequency to voltage converter that the photons produced by the photomultiplier tube exceed a predetermined maximum the high voltage amplifier reduces the gain of the photomultiplier tube. The gain of the photomultiplier tube is gradually reduced in proportion to the incident light level.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus comprising a first apparatus for supplying power having a first power output, a second apparatus for supplying power having a second power output and a load monitoring apparatus for monitoring a third power output. The load monitoring apparatus has an input coupled to the third power output, and the load monitoring apparatus also includes a monitor output. A switching apparatus connects the first power output and the second power output to the third power output, wherein the switching apparatus has an input connected to the monitor output and switches in response to the monitor output.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for correcting an image signal received from a camera wherein the camera includes a plurality of charge coupled devices, each for providing a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident thereon and wherein the plurality of light signals from the plurality of charge coupled devices are indicative of an image received by the camera. The correction circuit includes a gain memory for storing a plurality of gain correction factors wherein each gain correction factor is associated with a respective charge coupled device of the camera. The correction circuit further includes an offset memory for storing a plurality of offset correction factors wherein each offset correction factor is associated with a respective one of the plurality of charged coupled devices. The gain memory is responsive to a control circuit for multiplying the plurality of electric signals by the appropriate gain correction factor.

Abstract: An automatic engraving system scans an image such as a photograph, samples and resizes the image to provide a masterized gray scale data base of the image. The image is then logarithmically corrected and noise is removed from the image using the Outlier noise reduction method. The Outlier noise reduced image is then smoothed and edge detection methods are used to provide an output that represents the initial image filtered smoothed and edge detected. The edge detection image is then converted to a bilevel image using thresholding. The bilevel image is then converted to a vector form and speckle noise removed. The speckle noise removed image is then converted to a vector engraving file which is sent to an engraving machine. The engraving process then can batch create one or more than one image or multiple numbers of a single image. The output can be printed rather than engraved to produce the artistic effect of traditional engraving on paper.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus for treating skeletally based dental malocclusions. The orthodontic apparatus includes cooperating upper and lower surface apparatus for causing a mandibular displacement in a desired direction during an act of biting. An adjustment apparatus sets a relative position of the cooperating upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A submersible well probe sleeve made of a cylindrical tube attached to a submersible pump. The cylindrical tube has a number of slots exposing access to a protective pouch. Inside the protective pouch a fluid level sensing probe is placed. The fluid has access to the pouch through slots in the sleeve. Opposite the pouch at a predetermined level is a number of fluid inlet holes which provide access to the center of the cylinder by fluid in the well. The submersible pump draws fluid into the center of the cylinder past the probe. The submersible well probe sleeve provides a fixed relative position between the probe and the inlets such that the level of the well can be maintained at a precise level and the probe can be installed in the well while under the protection of the sleeve.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus are provided for performing parallel and pipeline processing of data sequences. The apparatus includes a plurality of memory circuits and a plurality of data processors wherein each data processor is constructed for parallel and pipeline processing of data sequences. Address controllers are provided for routing data between the memory circuits and the pixel processors. The address controllers are capable of directly coupling any memory circuit to any pixel processor so that data may be simultaneously transferred from a plurality of memory circuits to a plurality of pixel processors. Further, the pixel processors are provided with processing elements for performing data processing on neighboring data words of a data sequence.

Abstract: A method for part placement of a semiconductor chip for inspection where the semiconductor chip has a plurality of leads defining a seating plane and a body having a top. The method includes the steps of placing the body on a platform in an up position where the plurality of leads are suspended and probing the top of the body. Next measuring the position of the top of the body with reference to a predetermined coordinate system is done. Then the part is moved until the part is suspended on the plurality of leads on a reference plane. The top of the body is then probed for a second time, and the second position of the top of the body is measured with reference to the predetermined coordinate system. The thickness of the part is then determined as the distance between the top of the part and its seating plane.

Abstract: A battery charger employing the gassing point of a lead-acid battery to determine the end of charge time and voltage. A charging level sensor takes two voltage samples of a predetermined time period to determine the change in voltage rate. If the change in voltage rate exceeds a predetermined amount the batteries are considered to be gassing. The batteries are further charged for a predetermined amount of time after the gassing phase has been entered. The invention provides a load management control function to provide a safe DC charge voltage when a hall effect sensor senses a DC load. The charger is cut off if a house load is used while the battery is being charged. The charging circuit achieves different end of charge voltages depending on a user selected battery type. The battery charger is a constant voltage temperature compensated current limited charger.

Abstract: A rugged O.sub.2 microsensor constructed from Si, and Pt, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 and ZrO.sub.2 thin films which is free standing and isolated from the silicon substrate in combination with a counter electrode and a heater in a bow-tie configuration. The sensor combines an integral heater made from platinum which is deposited on a silicon wafer as a thin film. The thin film heater heats a small yttria-stabilized zirconia sensor that sends a signal proportional to the amount of oxygen in the ambient environment through a counter electrode. The sensor and heater are supported on the silicon wafer by a thin layer of silicon nitride.

Abstract: A part scanning and part calibration method for the inspection of printed circuit boards and integrated circuits includes a camera and two rotating mirrors to scan an image of a pattern mask retical upon which a precise pattern has been deposited. Small parts are placed upon the retical to be inspected. The third overhead mirror is provided to view the part under inspection from another perspective. The scene of the part is triangulated and the dimensions of the system can thus be calibrated. A precise retical mask is provided with dot patterns which provide an additional set of information needed for calibration. By scanning more than one dot pattern the missing state values can be resolved using an iterative trigonomic solution.

Abstract: In a pre-weaned piglet protector, sharp bursts of compressed air from dome shaped nylon air nozzles located one foot away from each other longitudinally in a farrowing area are used to irritate baby piglets. The farrowing area has a safety zone where the sow cannot sit. The area beneath the sow is covered by these sharp bursts of air. The nozzles keep bursts of air away from the baby pigs in the safety zone so they have a tendency to move to the safety zone to avoid the irritation of the air bursts. The air bursts are of a pressure and duration which is uncomfortable for the baby piglets but not sharp enough to cause any harm. The bursts of air are under the control of a controller which opens and closes the air solenoid with precisely metered intervals. The controller is activated by a diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor switch that hangs directly above the sow and detects her inclinations.

Abstract: A truck mounted boring system providing a high degree of radial and longitudinal freedom. The system provides a method of quickly setting up a boring system used for directional drilling of underground cabling bore holes. A hydraulic system providing power to the boring system is run by a power take off of a truck. The truck is used to position the boring system. The boring system employs a rotatably mounted hydraulic actuator which radially and axially changes the orientation of the drilling system. The drill bit is driven into a boring hole using a linear chain drive. The chain drive is mounted on a boring platform that can achieve motion relative to the truck or drive the drill toward the bore hole in response to a restraining bar.

Abstract: An information storage envelope for holding literature and mounting onto a sign post includes a first pocket which has an open top and a drainage mechanism. The first pocket includes indicia silkscreened thereon. A second smaller pocket has an open top and is attached to the first pocket. First and second straps are attached to the first pocket and each strap has first and second ends wherein the first and second ends include mating fastening elements. The straps are attached to the first pocket so as to allow fastening of the straps and pocket snugly about a post. A flap is attached to the top of the first pocket so as to provide closure for the openings of the first and second pockets. The flap also includes first and second mating flap fastening elements where the first fastening element is attached to the inside of the flap and the second mating fastening element is attached to the second smaller pocket and located so as to be aligned with the first fastening element when the flap is closed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for fabricating buttable infrared detector arrays by dimensionally controlled cleaving of a single crystal wafer substrate having well defined cleavage planes. The single crystal wafer substrate is first cleaved along its natural cleavage planes so as to form a plurality of cleavage lines defining rectangular detector array regions. A layer of infrared sensitive material is epitaxially grown on the cleaved single crystal wafer substrate. Infrared detector arrays are fabricated on the layer of infrared sensitive material within the rectangular detector array regions defined by the cleavage lines on the single crystal wafer substrate. The fabricated infrared detector arrays are then separated at the cleavage lines so as to form individual buttable infrared detector arrays.