Abstract: A translator demodulates a received digital television signal so as to produce a digital data stream, a symbol clock, and a byte clock, wherein the symbol clock and the byte clock are corrupted by phase noise. The digital data stream is written into a buffer in response to the corrupted byte clock. The corrupted symbol clock is applied to a frequency/phase locked loop having a narrowband loop filter. The frequency/phase locked loop produces a regenerated symbol clock having substantially no phase noise. The digital data stream is read from the buffer in response to the regenerated symbol clock. The digital data stream read from the buffer and the regenerated symbol clock are applied to a modulator for re-broadcasting of the received digital television signal.

Abstract: A wirelaying apparatus and method using a tool (30) having a cutter (31) operatively opening a cut in the interior bore surface (11) of a cylindrical pipe fitting (10), laying wire (12) into the cut and closing the cut using a flange closer (33). The wire (12) is delivered into the cut via an aperture (32) through the cutting means (31). Delivery of the wire (12) into the cut is thereby improved. overcoming the problem of wire running free within the fitting. In a second embodiment (see FIG. 12) the cutter (31) is rotatably mounted allowing a double helical coil to be formed without removing the cutter from the bore surface.

Abstract: A wirelaying apparatus and method using a tool (30) having a cutter (31) operatively opening a cut in the interior bore surface (11) of a cylindrical pipe fitting (10), laying wire (12) into the cut and closing the cut using a flange closer (33). The wire (12) is delivered into the cut via an aperture (32) through the cutting means (31). Delivery of the wire (12) into the cut is thereby improved, overcoming the problem of wire running free within the fitting. In a second embodiment (see FIG. 12) the cutter (31) is rotatably mounted allowing a double helical coil to be formed without removing the cutter from the bore surface.

Abstract: The contents of a container 1 are non-intrusively monitored by probing the container with an ultrasonic signal, and measuring changes in the ultrasound signature of the received signal after the signal has passed through the contents of the container.

Abstract: A thermal equalizer for use in a paper web drying machine and process is disclosed. The equalizer is located at the junction of a crescent header and the associated nozzle box and its use results in a more uniform temperature and nozzle velocity in the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: A stop bar for use in a refuse collection vehicle with a rear hopper having an opening defined by sidewalls, an upper edge, and a loading sill. The stop bar includes an elongated bar with support arms secured to each of its ends. The support arms are pivotally mounted to the sidewalls of the hopper and two stops are provided for limiting the pivoting movement of the stop bar between a first, non-engaged position and a second, fully engaged position.

Abstract: A thermal equalizer for use in a paper web drying machine and process is disclosed. The equalizer is located at the junction of a crescent header and the associated nozzle box and its use results in a more uniform temperature and nozzle velocity in the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: A reference generator includes a memory that stores reference data which, when clocked out of the memory, produces an ATSC compliant VSB reference signal substantially free of sub-harmonics of the clock signal. A digital-to-analog converter converts the clocked out reference data to an analog signal. The analog signal may be at low IF. An up converter is arranged to upconvert the output of the digital-to-analog converter to an RF reference signal. The RF reference signal can be used, for example, to calibrate a VSB demodulator.

Abstract: A standing push/pull exercise machine includes a frame with first and second frame sections located on opposite sides of a midplane, and defining a standing exercise position therebetween. Each frame section includes a pivotal lever which is pivotal against a selected weight resistance, preferably along a movement path which converges toward the midplane with respect to the forward facing direction of an exerciser. One of the frame sections and its corresponding levers is located further rearward of the other frame section and lever, and it is adapted for movement against a weight resistance via a pushing motion, while the other lever is adapted for movement against a weight resistance via a pulling motion.

Abstract: A method is provided for allowing a WINDOWS computer user to effectively utilize audio applications in a WINDOWS 95 or WINDOWS NT operating system by individually setting the controls of the computer sound card by an improved dialog-based tabbed menu system. Upon loading and starting the computer software system of the present invention in the WINDOWS based computer, the WINDOWS 95 or NT operating system is queried for the type of computer sound card driver installed. Next, the computer sound card driver software is queried to determine the capabilities and requirements of a computer sound card and is adjusted to meet the specifics capabilities and requirements of the computer sound card detected. Further, the present software system allows the user to conveniently organize dialog-based tabbed menus for controlling the computer sound card settings with provision for simplifying the configuration of microphone related settings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a flash-free weld between the ends of thermoplastic members, wherein the members are held in position by holders, the ends of the members are softened by a heater, the members and holders are brought together until the ends of the members are joined to result in a flash-free weld.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a flash-free weld between the ends of thermoplastic members, wherein the members are held in position by holders, the ends of the members are softened by a heater, the members and holders are brought together until the ends of the members are joined to result in a flash-free weld.

Abstract: A body extension exercise machine includes a frame, an elongated support connected to the frame and defining a reclined exercise position for an exerciser and a lever connected to the frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis oriented transverse to and located below the support. A lower end of the lever includes a weight holder for holding a predetermined weight, and an upper end of lever includes a plate. When in the exercise position and reclined on the support, with at least one leg retracted and in contact with the plate, an exerciser pushes outwardly against the plate and against the held weight resistance to pivot the lever with respect to the frame from an initial at-rest position to a leg-extended position. Thereafter, the exerciser reduces the force applied to the plate and allows the lever to pivot back to the at-rest position, corresponding to the legs retracted position.

Abstract: An abdominal hip/flex exercise machine includes a frame, a seat located at a first end of the frame for supporting an exerciser in an upright exercise position facing the second end of the frame, and a lever pivotally connected to the frame between the first and second ends thereof. At the second end of the frame, the lever includes at least one hub for holding weighted plates, while the opposite end of the lever located adjacent the seat includes spaced pads and handles adapted to be engaged by the arms and hands of an exerciser supported on the seat in the upright exercise position. The exerciser acts on the pads via a downwardly directed abdominal/hip flex motion to pivot the lever about the axis against the weight resistance held at the second end thereof. A leg brace may be included to restrain the exerciser from upward movement during performance of the downwardly directed flexing exercise motion, with the leg brace and the seat being vertically adjustable to suit the height of the exerciser.

Abstract: An improved calf exercise machine includes a frame with a seat for supporting an exerciser in an exercise position with the legs extended horizontally, a lever pivotally connected to the frame in front of and below the seat, and an engagement plate secured to the lever and adapted to be engaged and acted upon by the upper portions of the feet of the exerciser via an outward toe extension movement followed by a rearward toe retraction motion. This movement arcuately rotates the lever about its pivot axis, with a corresponding flexion and then extension of the calf muscles. Weight holding hubs connected to the lever hold a selected number of weighted plates to provide a desired weight resistance to pivotal extension of the lever via the outwardly directed foot movement. This machine optimally isolates the calf muscles during calf flexion/extension.

Abstract: A military press exercise machine for exercising the arms independently against a selected weight resistance includes a frame symmetric with respect to a midplane, a seat connected to the frame to define a declined exercise position for an exerciser, and a pair of levers with rearward ends pivotally connected to the frame on opposite sides of the midplane, above and behind the exercise position. Hubs located near the forward ends of the levers are adapted to hold weighted plates to resist upward movement of the forward ends of the levers with respect to the pivot connections. Handles located adjacent forward ends of the levers are adapted to be grasped by an exerciser in the exercise position and then raised upwardly in a military press motion against the weight of the plates. During upward movement, the handles move toward the midplane. When the arms are extended, the handles reside above the pivot connections of the levers.

Abstract: A shop towel is wrapped around a retainer having a base with a ratchet bar extending upwardly from one surface of the retainer base. The ratchet bar extends into a recess of a handle of a body portion having a contoured surface for receiving at one end the retainer and at the opposite end the hand of an operator. The ratchet bar is advanced into engagement with a spring actuated-pawl that extends transversely through the handle body portion. The pawl is axially movable in the handle and maintained by a spring in engagement with the ratchet bar. The ratchet bar is freely advanced into the recess and engaged by the pawl to maintain the retainer movably connected to the handle body portion. The engagement of the pawl with the ratchet bar prevents the retainer from being inadvertently disconnected from the handle until the pawl is pulled by a lever out of contact with the ratchet bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering caffeine from caffeine-loaded activated carbon using a circulated inert gas sweeping stream held at a temperature of 250.degree. to 460.degree. C., in which process the activated carbon is preheated prior to the desorption of the caffeine with heat sources other than the sweeping gas and held during the desorption step at a uniform temperature or at a temperature increasing from the inlet to the outlet of the inert gas sweeping stream within the range of 250.degree. to 460.degree. C. and the caffeine is subsequently separated from the inert gas sweeping stream by conventional means.

Abstract: An exercise machine for performing an incline press includes a frame, a declined seat connected to the frame along a vertical midplane and two independently maneuverable levers with upper rearward ends pivotally connected to the frame above the seat, on opposite sides of the midplane. The lower, forward ends of the levers are adapted to hold removable weights. Handles also extend inwardly, rearwardly and upwardly from the lower ends of the levers. Each handle is adapted to be grasped by a person supported on the seat and upwardly extended and adducted in an incline press motion against the held weights to move the respective lever along a vertical plane that converges inwardly with respect to the vertical midplane. This incline press exercise machine accommodates the natural musculoskeletal movements of the arms and shoulders of a person, thereby maximizing muscular benefit while minimizing joint stress.