Abstract: An electromagnet is mounted beneath the playfield. Sensors, such as optical switch pairs, are positioned on the playfield in operative relation with the electromagnet to detect the ball and to produce a signal in response thereto. The microprocessor, in response to such signals, briefly pulses the magnet to accelerate the ball or energizes the electromagnet for an extended period to grab and hold the ball. When the ball is held, the magnet is thereafter deenergized and briefly pulsed to propel the ball on the playfield. In one embodiment, a plurality of electromagnets are provided along a ball path which are operated sequentially by the game microprocessor to move the ball from magnet to magnet in a stepped manner.

Abstract: The invention consists of a pair of flippers located adjacent the bottom of the playfield. A pair of ramps or other similar ball conveyors are provided where each ramp delivers the ball directly to one of the two flippers. A third ramp is provided that connects the first ramp with the second ramp such that a ball riding on either the first or second ramps can bypass the flipper associated with that ramp and be conveyed via the third ramp to the opposite flipper. Automatically operated gates control the access of the ball to the third ramp such that the game can control to which flipper the ball is delivered.

Abstract: A catalyst precursor is provided that is useful in the selective hydrogenation of olefinic unsaturation in polymers or copolymers. The precursor comprises a palladium salt that is complexed with a complexing agent selected from the group consisting of organic phosphates, dialkylidene acetones, and tetraalkyl ammonium hydroxides. The catalyst precursor may be used in batch, step-wise addition, or continuous systems.

Abstract: In a reel-type slot machine, indicia (reel spin time, reel spin speed, sound, lights, etc.) are varied based on the manner in which the handle is operated. Microswitches are provided to start and stop a timer circuit such that the time required for the handle's rotation can be measured. The game microprocessor looks up the set of values in a ROM table which correspond to the measured timing interval and then implements those values.

Abstract: Propagation delays in signal paths leading to respective pins in an array of test system pins are determined using a probe which is wiped across the pins. Timing signals are applied to each of the signal paths in parallel, and pin identifying signals are applied to each of the signal paths such that each signal path and the pin to which it is connected receives a different pin identifying signal. When the probe is wiped across the pins, it detects signals on each of the pins with which it comes into contact. Any pin with which the probe is in contact is identified by detection of the pin identifying signal. The identifying and timing signals alternate, and once a pin has been identified, the timing signals on that pin are detected. The propagation delay in the signal path to the identified pin is then calculated from the detected timing signals.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing aluminum alloy can body stock including a continuous, in-line sequence of hot rolling, annealing and solution heat treating without intermediate cooling and rapid quenching.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, texture mapping display system for displaying three-dimensional projected polygons with texture map on a two-dimensional raster display screen includes a host processor and a graphics co-processor. The host processor is responsive to input data from a host memory defining an overall image that is to be displayed on a three-dimensional form on a raster display device for generating command signals, screen coordinates on the display device, and corresponding texture space coordinates on a texture memory. The graphics co-processor is responsive to the command signals, screen coordinates, and corresponding screen space coordinates for determining destination addresses for each pixel on the screen space of the display device and for determining a corresponding source address applying surface texture data to the image for each destination address.

Abstract: A game cabinet is supported on legs that are provided with apertures for receiving fasteners such as bolts. The bolts engage mating receptacles formed on the game cabinet. The game cabinet is provided with a greater number of mating receptacles than the legs are provided with holes. Thus, the position of the legs relative to the game cabinet can be changed by aligning the holes with different receptacles thereby to adjust the height of the game.

Abstract: Ink jet printers used for printing large characters employ a separate solenoid valve for each drop stream which forms part of a printhead matrix. By optimizing the frequency response of the nozzle/valve sub system (primarily the connecting tubing), higher operating frequencies can be obtained. It has been found that a ratio of six to one between subsystem resonant frequency and operating frequency provides greatly improved printing.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing decay time weighted information (e.g. a decay time weighted image) of a luminescent sample, comprises an excitation light source arranged to illuminate the sample, means for modulating or pulsing the intensity of the excitation light in a predetermined cyclical manner, detector means for detecting photons emitted by the sample as a result of luminescence, means for storing data representative of detected photons, the stored data being weighted as a function of phase difference between detection of photons and the cyclically varying modulation, and means for producing decay time weighted information from the stored data.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a microprocessor based reel-type slot machine. The payoff is randomly determined before any symbols are displayed. Two or more multiplier factors are randomly selected from separate predetermined groups. The factors are multiplied together to calculate the payoff. For each payoff, there are a predetermined number of symbol combinations corresponding thereto. One of the corresponding symbol combinations is randomly selected and displayed on the pay line. Zero payoffs are indicated by displaying a randomly selected losing combination.

Abstract: The video game machine of the invention consists of a space located in the game cabinet for receiving the video monitor where a support plate is located on either side of the space and where each support plate includes a pair of tracks. The video monitor is provided with lugs extending from the sides of the monitors that face the support plates. The lugs engage the tracks such that the video monitor is supported and can be lowered into the cabinet gradually. A blind mating connector connects the video monitor to the logic for controlling the game.

Abstract: A system for crystallization of polymers involving the use of a stationary housing with a rotor mounted for rotation within the housing. The rotor supports a plurality of spaced apart hollow discs and heated fluid is delivered to the interior of the discs. The polymer material to be treated is fed into the housing for heat exchange contact with the exterior surfaces of the discs. The rotation of the discs in addition serves as the propelling force for the material along the length of the housing at which point the material is discharged. The speed of rotation of the rotor is controlled to influence agitation and conveying of material in the housing to thereby control the crystallization reaction. A holdup mechanism which operates independently of the speed control is located adjacent the discharge location to contribute to the fixing of the residence time.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a protective garment such as a firefighter's coat or trousers having a lumbar support belt attached to the innermost layer of the garment. As a result, no portion of the garment is disposed between the wearer of the garment and the lumbar support belt such that maximum support is achieved. The belt can be releasably secured to the garment such that it can be worn without the garment or the garment can be worn without the belt.

Abstract: A blend and a process for producing that blend in which a high ethylene content ethylene-propylene polymer and a lower ethylene content ethylene-propylene polymer are subjected to simultaneous blending and shearing to reduce their molecular weights and molecular weight distribution and to yield a product that can be recovered as a solid using conventional plastic processing equipment. The sheared blend of polymers can function as a shear stable viscosity index improver with improved lower temperature properties.

Abstract: A blend and a process for producing that blend in which a high ethylene content ethylene-propylene polymer and a lower ethylene content ethylene-propylene polymer are subjected to simultaneous blending and shearing to reduce their molecular weights and molecular weight distribution and to yield a product that can be recovered as a solid using conventional plastic processing equipment. The sheared blend of polymers can function as a shear stable viscosity index improver with improved lower temperature properties.