Abstract: A line-filtering antialiasing apparatus for a computer graphics display, with a set of parallel pixel processors functioning independently in a line drawing system and with plotting apparatus assigning individual pixels to the processors so as to track to the line. An optimum number of sixteen processors filter proximity data based on the vertical distance from a pixel center to the line center for shading pixels to gray-scale intensity in an area of influence four pixels wide. Line terminations are extended and shaded at the termination area. Pixel values for individual lines are summed to develop a total display image.

Abstract: An improved method for making solar cells of the type wherein a thin film silicon hydrogen alloy structure is deposited upon a transparent zinc oxide conductive film. Before deposition of the TFS film, the zinc oxide film is treated with a glow discharge comprising oxygen.

Abstract: An electronic device which includes multiple components separately housed in electromagnetically isolating modular units, which units are interchangeably and detachably mounted in a frame. The frame and modular units are formed to releasably connect the various components to sources of electrical and/or microwave energy.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the performance of an automated machine tool. Specifically, the device of the invention monitors the operation of a reciprocating appliance. The device of the invention measures the amount of force being exerted by the appliance during each operation. This information is analyzed by the device to determine the dimensional characteristics of each work piece. If the device calibrates that a particular work piece possesses an improper dimensional characteristic, e.g. thickness or hardness, then the device is designed to initiate a safety function, e.g. terminating the operation of the machine tool.

Abstract: A modification unit for a musical instrument amplifier includes a modification circuit and a connector for connecting the modification circuit to a tube socket in place of one of the tubes in the pre-amp stage of the amplifier. The pre-amp includes at least a gain stage with a gain tube and a socket for receiving the gain tube where the tube socket has at least one plate contact, at least one cathode contact and at least one filament (heater) contact. The modification circuit includes a jack for receiving an electronic signal originated by the musical instrument and a circuitry for modifying the received electronic signal to generate a modified signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for the removal of selenium from soil or drain water, which comprises adding to the soil one or more members of the group consisting of pectin, corn straw, starch, galacturonic acid, cellobiose, glucuronic acid, glucose, albumin, casein, gluten, methionine, ethionine, and cobalt, zinc or nickel ions to form volatile alkylselenides.

Abstract: A railway signalling system includes a plurality of trackside equipments (11,12) and means (1,2,3,4,6, 15,16) for transmitting control information to the equipments and receiving status information therefrom, each of the trackside equipments being provided with a respective microprocessor (13 or 14) via which such control information is transmitted from the said means to the equipment and via which such status information is received by said means from the equipment.

Abstract: An improved spin-on, throw-away type fluid filter assembly which is capable of withstanding operational pressures in excess of 1000 psi adapted to by threadably affixed to a filter mounting means. The improved filter assembly includes a housing having a closed end and an open end which receives a base plate. The open end of the housing is folded inwardly over the base plate. A cap having a downwardly extending skirt is then press-fitted over the open end of the housing and extends substantially coexistent with the base plate and is then roll-formed so that the periphery of the skirt engages the exterior of the housing at the lower surface of the base plate to add strength to the structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rendering a spacial contour texture map onto a generally planar polygon for display on the screen of a video monitor in a computer graphic system includes a memory for storing spacial distance measures between the individual texels of the contour texture map and a boundary on the contour texture map as well as an indentifier flag to define whether the texel is on one side of the boundary or the other. The contour texture map is applied to a modeled polygon by computing the intersection of each direction vector extending from an eyepoint through the center of a selected pixel to the contour texture map in a map space coordinate system. The projected size of a pixel on the contour texture map is also computed. The distance between the intersection point of each direction vector and the boundary of the contour texture map is computed and is projected onto the pixel space, that is, the screen of the display monitor.

Abstract: An article of seating furniture of the upholstered type that can be readily assembled and disassembled. Back and front panel members are attached to two spaced apart inner side-support panel members and two spaced apart outer side-support panel members; a seat member is mounted between the front and back panel members and the inner side-support panel members; and a back support member is mounted above the seat member and against the back panel member. Cushions and coverings, attached to the outer side-support and back panel members, are draped over the sides of the furniture to provide and aesthetically pleasing appearance associated with full-size furniture.

Abstract: A system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual terminals Tl-Tn of a telephone network facility C, at the terminals callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data that is identified for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller's identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement, sequence or demographics. Callers are assigned random designations that are stored along with statistical and identification data. A break-off control circuit may terminate the computer interface aborting to a terminal for direct communication with an operator. Real-time operation processing is an alternative to stored data. The accumulation of stored data (statistical, calling order sequence, etc.) is variously processed and correlated as with developed or established data to isolate a select group or subset of callers who can be readily identified and reliably confirmed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an apparatus for handling tarpaulins for load hauling vehicles. More particularly, this invention pertains to an apparatus which can roll up the tarpaulin used for load hauling tractor-trailer systems, the handler being of adjustable height and position relative to the load on the trailer. The handler is powered so as to assist in spreading the tarpaulin over the top of the load, and when the tarpaulin is not in use, winding the tarpaulin on the spool of the handler. An apparatus for storing and handling a tarpaulin for a vehicle hauling freight on its deck comprising: (a) a spool means for rolling up a tarpaulin; (b) means for supporting the spool means and enabling the position of the spool to be varied according to the position of the freight on the vehicle.

Abstract: Stress to a flexible structure in a dynamic environment is suppressed by controlling at least one variable parameter of an associated damper in accordance with sensed information as to movement of the structure. In a preferred embodiment, the damper is an impact damper having an auxiliary mass mounted for movement within a variable clearance permitting the timing of impacts to be controlled. In either case, impacts between the auxiliary mass and the flexible structure occur substantially when the flexible structure passes through a preselected neutral position, at which the velocity of the structure is a maximum.

Abstract: A method for removing phase errors from RF signals generated by movement of the cable interconnecting a network analyzer and a device under test. The method includes the steps of measuring the phase difference between incident and reflected signals during calibration to establish a reference, measuring the phase difference between incident and reflected signals during device testing, comparing this result to the reference to generate an error signal from phase correction.

Abstract: A bag assembly which includes a sealable bag and an insert slidably positioned therein, which assembly inlcudes a mechanism for restraining the complete withdrawal of the insert from out of the bag. The insert is formed to be at least lengthwise arcuately flexed in a manner to substantially open the bag mouth and allow for the disposal of materials into the bag.

Abstract: An asynchronous FIFO incorporates a series of interconnected cells alternately oppositely inverted to provide forward and retrograde data paths, so as to selectively establish virtual flip flops as needed at interfaces between cells. Each cell combines an inverting amplifier for data, switch structure and a binary control for the switch structure to provide the data path. The controls are interconnected in a sequence along with logic to set the state of each control according to an instruction: copy the state of your predecessor in the sequence if the states of your predecessor and successor differ, otherwise hold your present state.