Abstract: Systems and techniques for determining a sideslip vector for a vehicle that may have a direction that is different from that of a heading vector for the vehicle. The sideslip vector in a current vehicle state and sideslip vectors in predicted vehicles states may be used to determine paths for a vehicle through an environment and trajectories for controlling the vehicle through the environment. The sideslip vector may be based on a vehicle position that is the center point of the wheelbase of the vehicle and may include lateral velocity, facilitating the control of four-wheel steered vehicle while maintaining the ability to control two-wheel steered vehicles.

Abstract: A submersible floating light (1) having a bulb that (3) that floats under that surface of a body of water, thereby illuminating the water and attracting fish and other aquatic life at night. A weighted base (8) locks onto an electrical power cord (7) that passes through apertures (15, 16) located on a housing (9) of the weighted base. The electrical power cord extends from an electrical power source through the weighted base and to the bulb. Clamps (17) allow the weighted base to be positioned at a predetermined distance from the bulb on the electrical power cord.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improved lumbar-pelvic-hip support for active individuals are provided. Devices can include a body having tapered ends for fastening said body about a user's torso. X shaped members can be configured to bisect the body. A longitudinal reinforcement member can be configured to bisect one or more X shaped members and a pair of elastic straps can be connected to the body for providing lumbar-pelvic-hip support to a user.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improved lumbar-pelvic-hip support for active individuals are provided. Devices can include a body having tapered ends for fastening said body about a user's torso. X shaped members can be configured to bisect the body. A longitudinal reinforcement member can be configured to bisect one or more X shaped members and a pair of elastic straps can be connected to the body for providing lumbar-pelvic-hip support to a user.

Abstract: The foam mattress assembly has a stack of foam mattress elements with one of their peripheral edges joined together such that the stack of foam mattress elements remains in a vertical stack. The containment system which keeps side-by-side mattress together consists of a head and foot containment block extending across the top and bottom respectively of a pair of adjacent mattresses. The head and foot containment blocks make up a portion of the sleeping surface and are of a sufficient size and strength to prevent lateral outward movement of the pair of adjacent foam mattresses. Bedding for the mattress assembly is secured around the outer edge of the mattress or around the outer edge of the containment system by using a retainer rope tensioned around the mattress to hold the bedding into a groove.

Abstract: The multi-layer mattress provides a separation sheet, for example, made of plastic or cloth, between foam layers to allow them to better flex and compress separately.

Abstract: The mattress system provides adjustability for individuals. A stack of individual mattress elements includes separation sheets to allow the mattress elements to flex and compress separately. In a side by side arrangement for adjusting the mattress between sides for each of two users, modulator foam panels and a movement isolation foam block can be provided to reduce disturbance between sides and to make the centerline between sides more comfortable. Between side by side mattresses or between the mattress and a surrounding foam frame, edge separation sheets allow the mattresses to move up and down without catching or wearing at the interfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining a plurality of subcategories of the information content of the input to a reproduction system and generating a set of signals corresponding to each such subcategory for the system output and an idealized output. The sets of signals are analyzed to derive a third set of signals which are used to improve a selected aspect or characteristic of rendition fidelity of the reproduction system output. While the invention is described in the context of video systems the principles disclosed are equally applicable to photography, optical scanners and audio systems as well as other multi-channel reproducing systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus useful in both the recording and playback of audio recordings for correcting the effects of acoustic distortion introduced by the room in which the recording is made and/or played. An acoustic test impulse is generated and the response observed to establish the acoustic properties of the room. The response is sampled and used to generate an equalizing function which may be stored and convoluted with the audio signals being recorded or played to substantially eliminate the distortion. In an alternative embodiment the corrected signals may be further convoluted with a function representing the acoustic properties of a different room environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for correcting the distortion in the output of a playback device introduced by wow and flutter by sampling a constant frequency as reproduced and comparing it with the signal as originally recorded to produce a correction signal for modulating a delay device coupled to the output of the playback device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for developing and recording information relating to the color present in a scene under certain illumination conditions. The developed information may be analyzed and compared against certain standards and adjustments made either before or after the scene is recorded on color film to maximize fidelity of the color reproduction during the processing of negatives and prints from said film. An optimized exposure correction is provided for any given set of specific primary spectra of each film layer sensitivity and print dye component for a preferred set of test colors.

Abstract: Remote control apparatus is disclosed for a television receiver, including controls for turning on and off the television receiver, selecting a channel and for adjusting the volume of the audio portion of the transmitted program. In particular, the television receiver has a housing including a front faceplate having an opening therein, wherein a remote adaptor is inserted to make electrical connection with the TV receiver, and in particular its tuner, whereby a remote transmitter may transmit, as by ultrasonic waves, signals indicative of the desired control function to be effected upon the television receiver. The operations for adapting the television receiver for remote control are carried out without tools and may be readily effected by the viewer.