Abstract: A new and improved display control system which includes a logic arrangement for causing a displayed image indicative of a portion of a corresponding larger image to be displayed upon an input command from a user. A line control circuit responsive to user input commands enables the displayed image to be shifted visually from a current visualization position, up or down, row by row for line pan visualization of corresponding portions of the larger image. A pixel control circuit also responsive to user input command enables the displayed image to be shifted visually from a current visualization position right or left, column by column, for column pan visualization of corresponding portions of the larger image. The line control circuit and the pixel control circuit operate independently of one another or in combination with one another to achieve any desired panning effect.

Abstract: A compiling system which can mass produce individually customized media, such as videotapes in a highly efficient and cost effective manner. High volume production is realized by matrixing synchronized system resources, such as videodisc players, videocassette recorders, and graphic generator units. The resources are managed using a predetermined client/server model of computing over a local area network. The resources are synchronized by supplying all time dependent system nodes with the same time base criteria, which in turn, is also utilized to synchronize non-time dependent resources.

Abstract: A plastic open frame basket is made by molding from plastic material, a tapered body portion, having integrally interconnected smoothly contoured longitudinal rib members and cross members in an interconnected, open frame configuration. A plurality of raised diagonal parting lines extend between said outer and inner corners formed by adjacent cross members to define a stepped configuration, thereby enabling the resulting plastic molded open frame basket to be made from a relatively inexpensive mold apparatus.

Abstract: The display device image stabilization apparatus is utilized in a display system having a frame buffer coupled to a display device. The apparatus includes a sampling arrangement coupled to the frame buffer for sampling input video data to generate a display signal, wherein the display signal is stored temporarily in the frame buffer as buffer information. A control device is coupled to the frame buffer for comparing the buffer information with reference information to determine whether the buffer information and the reference information are similar to one another. The control device generates a gain adjustment signal when the buffer information and the reference information are different from one another. Coupled between the control device and the sampling arrangement is a phase lock loop circuit for varying the display signal in response to the gain adjustment signal.

Abstract: A body decoration, and a method of using it, includes a main ornamentation body, secured and supported in place on the body of a wearer by a flexible pliable fine threadlike line such that it remains substantially invisible to an observer, to enhance the appearance of the wearer. A cushion device is attached to the line to protect the skin of the wearer. Embodiments of the present invention can be adapted to be worn in various locations on the body, such as the head, the face, the ear, the neck, the finger, the hand, and the hair.

Abstract: A safe and effective, neutral, non-toxic cleaning agent composition containing a surfactant, nonylphenol ethoxylate, and a wetting agent alkane sulfonate, for rapidly and economically removing oils and greases. The composition is safe in handling, and enables more rapid oil and grease removal than prior art cleaners. The composition is aqueous based, and therefore more environmentally safe and able to be used in conjunction with biodegradation systems without detrimentally effecting microorganisms performing the breakdown of waste.

Abstract: An image projection system includes a bright light source of polarized light, and in one form of the invention, a spatial light modulator, having an alignment layer, to modulate the polarized projection light, wherein the bright polarized light source is aligned with the alignment layer to permit the polarized light to pass therethrough without the need for unwanted light blocking polarizers. The spatial light modulator generates output light representative of the image, which is projected by a projection lens system onto a remote viewing surface to form a bright image thereon. In another form of the invention, three different colored images are each produced by three separate polarized light sources illuminating three individual light valves, and are superimposed to produce a full color image while all three light sources are maintained fully activated to provide a brightly illuminated image.

Abstract: A computer input system for a computer generating images appearing on a screen. For the purpose of modifying the images appearing on the screen, a light generating device causes an auxiliary light image to appear on the screen. An image sensor responds to the auxiliary image, and a circuit responds to the sensor for causing auxiliary image information to be stored concerning the auxiliary light image. Another circuit responds to the stored auxiliary image information to supply the auxiliary light image information to the computer for utilization therein.

Abstract: Light pre-polarized in a particular plane is divided into a plurality of paths, where each path includes a reflecting mirror, a dichroic mirror and a liquid crystal display. The light in each display is selectively modulated and combined for projection purposes. The displays are rubbed in directions coordinate with the display peripheries to enhance the contrast of the light passing through the display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects disposed in close proximity to a conductive loop, includes the use of a sensitivity selection circuit to compensate for loop sensitivity to metal and other conditions, and a microprocessor circuit for helping to prevent false detections or undesired interruptions of valid detection due to changes in environmental conditions.

Abstract: A compact projection illumination system includes a display controller, a condenser lens assembly including a light source, and a pair of finely faceted mirrors angularly disposed relative to one another to spread projection light emitted from the high intensity projection light source in two directions, and direct the reflected light to an image forming display device where an image is formed for projection purposes. The light is spread to illuminate precisely the light impinging surface of the image forming display device. To reduce image distortion caused by the faceted mirrors forming beam segments, the condenser lens assembly and the light source are arranged and constructed to permit the reflected beam segments to converge sufficiently to fill in dark or shadow areas between the beam segments prior to the segments impinging on the image forming display device, so that the resulting image is formed uniformly and substantially distortion free in a narrowly defined, compact space.

Abstract: An optical input arrangement and method includes an optical device for sensing a projected image and for detecting the presence of a high intensity optical input signal light by discriminating it from the entire projected image and the ambient light reflecting from a viewing surface. A determination is made as to when the differences in intensity of sequentially measured pixel intensity values of the light reflected from the viewing surface exceeds a positive threshold amount and substantially immediately thereafter decreases more than a negative threshold amount, to facilitate an even more precise discrimination between the input signal image and the overall projected image. An alignment device generates an optical signal for facilitating the alignment of the arrangement to capture the entire image reflecting from the viewing surface.

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement with a pair of angularly disposed, spaced apart groups of character keys dedicated for operating use respectively by the left hand and the right hand of a user. A space bar key is operable by either thumb of the user and bridges between the two groups of character keys. The rows of keys in each group are staggered, and each key bears character indicia disposed at an angle to the transverse direction of its group of keys.

Abstract: A new and improved transport apparatus which can be used to transport a load between different level surfaces according to a novel method of use of the present invention. The transport apparatus includes an undercarriage including a front and rear trucks having an elongated upright track assembly mounted therebetween for defining a predetermined path of travel that a load will follow as it is moved between a ground level position and an upper load destination position substantially above the ground. A load carriage unit mounted movably to the upright track assembly is coupled to a motor adapted to move the load reciprocatively rectilinearly along the predetermined path of travel. The front and rear truck construction facilitates transportation over a variety of terrain. Substantially, the trucks and upright track assembly are coupled together in a set of triangular arrangements that form a rigid, stable, load moving construction.

Abstract: A rotatable mulch bin is formed from two similar drum members (1) and (2), typically plastics moldings which are joined together by bolts through interconnecting flanges (4). One, but preferably both ends of the bin are provided with lids (7) and (9) for adding or removing material. The rotatable bin is mounted on a stand (12) by way of a pivot tube or rod extending diametrically through the bin on axis (13), acting as a clump breaker for material within the bin when the bin is rotated. The two drum members (1) and (2) are designed to nest within one another when dissembled giving a compact configuration for transportation or storage.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) electrical motor system includes a DC electrical motor having energy conversion armature windings conducting a first electric current, and an electromagnetic field windings conducting a second electric current. The system also includes means to maintain the magnitude of the second electric current in the electromagnetic field windings at a substantially constant ratio of the magnitude of the first electric current in the energy conversion armature windings. Thus, the magnitude of the ampere-turn strength of the electromagnetic field of the motor is substantially always a ratio of the magnitude of the electric current in the energy conversion armature winding circuit of the motor, and the DC electrical motor of this invention performs substantially the same as a conventional series wound DC electrical motor.

Abstract: The wheel alignment kit and method related to a wheelless alignment technique employing a pair of alignment fixtures which cooperate with a corresponding pair of turntables to support the vehicle in place of its wheels and to facilitate easy access to the strut assemblies of the vehicle for alignment purposes. The kit also includes an electronic camber gauge tool adopted to be mounted on the fixtures to provide a user with an instantaneous camber reading. A pair of toe gauge tools adapted to be mounted on the fixtures cooperate with a datum line to provide the user with an instantaneous toe reading.

Abstract: A new and improved software development system which can be utilized to create a presentation program includes a high speed memory device for storing data files indicative of an untested presentation program and a processor coupled to the storage unit for sending desired data files in place of target files at a start time corresponding to actual access time exhibited by a low speed drive unit in retrieving the target files from an associated storage media device for transfer to a host computer. Subsequently, after a user has developed a tested presentation program, the development system retrieves and supplies the tested presentation program to a low speed drive unit which causes the program to be stored on a master storage media device.