Abstract: A trajectory detection and feedback system is described. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched tile object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area The feedback information may include one or more trajectory parameters that the human may use to evaluate their skill at sending the object along a desired trajectory. A non-intrusive machine vision system may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. After the system has evaluated a plurality of shots by the player, the system may provide 1) a diagnosis of their shot consistency, 2) a prediction for improvement based upon improving their shot consistency and 3) a prescription of actions for improving their consistency.

Abstract: A decorative chair base having a metal substructure, a single molded plastic cover and a plurality of decorative inserts. The metal substructure has a central hub and radiating leg portions. At the extended ends of the leg portions are sleeves for mounting casters. The plastic cover also has a central hub and leg portions. The central hub of the cover fits over the central hub of the substructure and each leg portion of the cover overlays a leg portion of the substructure. Each leg portion of the cover has a raised end section, and a recess and there is a raised section surrounding the hub portion. An insert is mounted in each recess so as to be flush with the raised portions.

Abstract: A chair or other seating unit comprises a seat, a backrest, and an adjustable lumbar support, the adjustable lumbar support comprising a lumbar pad and a position adjustment means. The position adjustment means comprises a vertical adjustment means for mounting the lumbar support pad to the back rest, a substantially stationary support means that receives the vertical adjustment means, and a tension adjustment means, that releases the tension between the vertical adjustment means and the substantially stationary support means to allow the lumbar support to be positioned, and that increases the tension to hold the lumbar support means in a preferred selected position. The stationary support means is fixedly secured to the backrest.

Abstract: A chair having a metal rod frame back assembly where the frame includes generally horizontal top, bottom and middle members and spaced apart generally vertical side members. Two seat brackets are welded to the middle and bottom members and attach to a seat board and two rod segments are welded to the side members. The seat board is covered with foam and upholstery. The back frame may be covered with springy mesh to give a thin elegant, yet comfortable back structure. Alternatively, foam is glued to a structural material and the material and foam combination and the frame are covered with upholstery. Arms and armrests are attached to the seat board and the seat and back assemblies with arms are mounted to a pedestal connected to a five spoke base riding on casters.

Abstract: A decorative chair base having a metal substructure, a single molded plastic cover and a plurality of decorative inserts. The metal substructure has a central hub and radiating leg portions. At the extended ends of the leg portions are sleeves for mounting casters. The plastic cover also has a central hub and leg portions. The central hub of the cover fits over the central hub of the substructure and each leg portion of the cover overlays a leg portion of the substructure. Each leg portion of the cover has a raised end section, and a recess and there is a raised section surrounding the hub portion. An insert is mounted in each recess so as to be flush with the raised portions.

Abstract: A chair or other seating unit comprises a seat, a backrest, and an adjustable lumbar support, the adjustable lumbar support comprising a lumbar pad and a position adjustment means. The position adjustment means comprises a vertical adjustment means for mounting the lumbar support pad to the back rest, a substantially stationary support means that receives the vertical adjustment means, and a tension adjustment means, that releases the tension between the vertical adjustment means and the substantially stationary support means to allow the lumbar support to be positioned, and that increases the tension to hold the lumbar support means in a preferred selected position. The stationary support means is fixedly secured to the backrest.

Abstract: A retail terminal and/or a method of operating a retail terminal having a first weight scale associated therewith includes the step of weighing an item by using the first weight scale. The method also includes the step of producing a first output signal dependent upon the weighing step. The first output signal includes a first weight signal and a first noise signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of estimating the first noise signal to produce an estimated first noise signal. Yet further, the method includes the step of subtracting the estimated first noise signal from the first output signal. A retail checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: The backpressure flow control mechanism is widely used in telecommunications network. Actions of the flow control scheme are not instantaneous in that latency always exists between action and reaction, resulting in a flow control round trip time. This flow control round trip time causes ambiguity in determining the amount of traffic in transit. The invention monitors the amount of traffic which is on the way toward the queue during the past period of the round trip time, thus eliminating the ambiguity. A more precise control of traffic flow is possible, realizing reduction of storage space in the queue by one half. In one embodiment, the invention keeps a historical record of flow control signals sent back during the most recent flow control round trip time.

Abstract: The method applies to a telecommunication network having IP packet-supporting capabilities when said network includes a load distribution processing function which is either centralized or distributed and by means of which a load distribution function is applied to sets of paths between network nodes and/or sets of links (Lk1, Lkp) of network trunks (12).

Abstract: A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. The feedback information may include one or more trajectory parameters that the human may use to evaluate their skill at sending the object along a desired trajectory. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and/or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for sealing a closed chamber in which equipment is to be replaced and especially to a chamber in which equipment is to be replaced while the chamber is to be maintained closed. The arrangement includes a channel filled with a fluid, such as water, and a skirt arranged to extend into the fluid to form the seal. As the skirt extends down into the liquid, a portal space is formed at the opening in the chamber and the opening preferably includes a gate for closing the chamber from the portal space and the outside.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for sealing a closed chamber in which equipment is to be replaced and especially to a chamber in which equipment is to be replaced while the chamber is to be maintained closed. The arrangement includes a channel filled with a fluid, such as water, and a skirt arranged to extend into the fluid to form the seal. As the skirt extends down into the liquid, a portal space is formed at the opening in the chamber and the opening preferably includes a gate for closing the chamber from the portal space and the outside.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling system for connecting one or more fluid conduits wherein the system is adapted for lateral entry of one pipe or conduit to the other. The coupling system is also suited for making a connection in an environment which is relatively inaccessible to personnel and may be remotely operated.

Abstract: A flash spin pack for a flash-spinning apparatus is provided in which the pack includes a spin mixture inlet, that communicates with a spin mixture passage, that discharges through a spinning orifice that opens into a slot defined by two opposing faces of the body of the spin pack. The slot is 0.25 mm to 7 mm wide proximate the spinning orifice outlet, 0.25 mm to 10 mm at the slot outlet, and the distance from the orifice outlet to the slot outlet is 1.5 mm to 40 mm. The spin pack may have five or more spinning orifices that each discharge into a different slot so configured.