Abstract: The specification describes a way of using distance sorting in order not to require a prioritization of those polygons that are to be rendered prior to a pixel-by-pixel construction of an image. The video processor recalls the input data into the pixel processor at least a number of times equal to the number of objects to be displayed.

Abstract: A logarithmic mixer circuit in the form of a conversion circuit for mixing digital representations of logarithmic values eliminating the usual mathematical processes of determining anti-logs, summing them and then determining the logs again, the invention using addition, subtraction and a look up table. Additional utiity is obtained by the use of scaled offset representations of logarithmic values for digital processing and separate representations for zero values. Also the final output values are limited to the range of the inputs in anticipation of further processing.

Abstract: A utility trailer especially suited for transporting an automobile having a vehicle carriage that is reciprocally moveable to longitudinally and tiltable relative to the trailer frame to provide a shallow ramp for loading and unloading the vehicle. The trailer includes a self contained gasoline powered engine for driving a hydraulic fluid actuated system for controlling the position of the moveable carriage and a winch. The trailer includes a stop bar to prevent movement of the trailer during loading and unloading. The carriage is a rigid flat platform connected to an auxiliary frame that is pivotally connected to the main trailer frame. The carriage can be moved parallel to the auxiliary frame by the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a circuit to avoid overloading a computer-generated image system with limited capacity for processing image data in real time. A circuit that is constructed and arranged according to this description avoids such overloads by varying the resolution of the image in real time under the control of a real-time control computer.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system of connecting a plurality of independently operable data processor systems to obtain a substantial increase in power and flexibility. Each of the pluralities of independently operable systems has its own memory, and the respective memories are accessible by a data transfer controller connected to each memory by a common bus. Since all data transfer activity is controlled by the data transfer controller, there is no need for any communication between respective independently operable data processor systems, and in one embodiment of the invention, the data transfer controller has its own separate memory to store data temporarily as it becomes available in one memory which will be needed by another data processor system.

Abstract: A computer-generated image system that is described in the Disclosure has a videoprocessor circuit with an integrator circuit to assign a predetermined identification to each edge of each face of any image that is to be displayed. Also, it has a "skip-over logic" circuit to identify any area in the face of any image to be displayed that requires no further intensity modification.Perhaps a key to the success of this arrangement in accordance with the described invention is its provision of a signal modifier circuit to apply a pre-determined intensity modification factor to any area not identified by the skip-over logic circuit. By this arrangement, any area that is to be displayed behind a translucent area will be visible although at a reduced intensity.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a vehicle simulator visual system for training two individuals, such as a pilot and a co-pilot seated side-by-side to view compound images that are projected on the same large curved screen. Structurally, the system comprises two projectors, each of which has a polarizer to polarize the individual light images in opposite directions in a circular manner. Two separate windshields are simulated and each one supports an analyzer that is polarized in the opposite circular direction from its projector. The polarization of each analyzer is such that one windshield will pass light that is polarized from one projector, and the other windshield will pass light that is polarized by the other polarizer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for texture generation for a digital image generator of an aircraft flight simulator is disclosed in which (a selected two of the three) coordinates of each pixel of an image are inverse transformed to earth coordinates (112-124, in FIG. 11) from which addresses are developed (126, 128 and 130) for accessing a texture table (132 and 134) to retrieve elements from which an appropriate pixel intensity is developed (140). The table stores near (132) and far (134) texture, the far texture elements being interpolated to avoid a checkerboard effect, stores a limited number of texture types, the elements of selected texture types being combined (132 and 134) to develop additional texture types, and stores levels of detail (degrees of filtering) the appropriate levels being accessed (126) to avoid aliasing (scintillation of a scene), adjacent levels being mixed (136 and 138) to provide smooth detail level transition.

Abstract: An improved multiple channel, wide-angle visual image projection system producing a movable displayed image. The system permits the use of two or more light projectors for high resolution wide-angle image display while eliminating image abutment and alignment problems. The system forms a composite image from two or more projectors in a strategically aligned prism array, the composite image being optically transferred to a single wide-angle projection lens, gimballed in azimuth and elevation, through a pair of movable servo-driven prisms for projection onto a two-dimensional screen. The projection system is especially suited for use in an area-of-interest, helmet-slaved visual display in a flight simulator.

Abstract: A data word (bits ID.0.-ID15) is supplied to the address inputs of a memory arrangement U1, U2, U3 whose outputs S0-S3 supply to a parallel shifter SN a control word specifying the number of shifts required. As described, two read-only memories receive respective halves of the data word and feed a multiplexer U3 which selects the outputs of U1 unless the latter indicating that all its inputs are zero (or one, for negative numbers) in which case control is passed to U2. The sign bit (ID15) is supplied to both memories.

Abstract: A digital image generator (DIG) that realizes a modular architecture. The DIG employes a geometric processor that processes a plurality of prioritized faces which comprise an image to be displayed. The faces, in turn, comprise a plurality of picture elements (pixels) which are processed according to whether a skip over logic device determines that the pixels are visible and not occulted. Pixels that are in fact visible are processed, in part, by a Bed of Nails (BON) device-spatial filter device combination. This combination provides quantization of a visible pixel at a subpixel resolution level. Pixels that have been so processed are stored in a frame buffer memory for input to a display.

Abstract: In a calligraphic scene display, occulting or masking of information stored in a data base can take place due to occulting surfaces. To determine whether occulting occurs for any given data item, a comparison is made first with data held in a surface memory circuit (34) indicating generally the area occupied by the surface. When occulting is indicated, a more detailed check is made against data held in a line memory circuit (36) and addressed with the aid of an address held in the surface memory circuit. If the line check indicates occulting, the occult logic (50) is instructed accordingly.

Abstract: A bathing system for ambulatory or non-ambulatory patients that includes a bathing cabinet with associated showering plumbing and a patient transporter cart that is moveable into and out of the cabinet, eliminating bodily transfer of the patient into and out of the bath from a wheelchair. The bathing cabinet has water shielded channels that receive and protect the wheels and casters of the transporter cart from becoming wet during the bathing operation when the cart is locked inside the bathing cabinet. The transporter cart includes a perianal spray that has a pipe coupling element that connects automatically during insertion of the cart to a pipe fitting disposed in the cabinet. The bathing cabinet includes a foot bathing receptacle that can be emptied with a mechanical flipper valve.The arm and foot rests of the transporter cart are removeable and can be stored on the outside of the cabinet during the bathing operation so that they do not get wet.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated bedknife alignment and positioning mechanism which uses the hydraulic power source to precisely adjust the distance between the blade of a reel-type lawn mower and the bedknife for proper cutting action. The system includes a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure, a hydraulic cylinder (mounted to the frame of the mower) which houses a piston connected by a linkage arm to the bedknife that is biased relative to the reel blade and attached pivotally to the frame. During adjustment, the cylinder is pressurized, forcing the piston to move the bedknife into contact with the blades of the mower. When the hydraulic pressure is removed, the biasing force pushes the bedknife away from the reel blade, but a hydraulic locking valve in the actuating cylinder line limits precisely how far the bedknife is biased away from the reel blade before sealing shut, effecting proper distance setting. The hydraulic adjustment may be remotely actuated by the operator of the mower.

Abstract: A liquid impervious closure for a sewer system manhole opening having a single bi-directional pneumatic breather valve that allows for pneumatic pressure equalization on either side of said closure. The closure is comprised of a pan-shaped barrier and the breather valve mounted there through, said valve having a housing of threadably joined casings enclosing a single moveable sealing plug that engages a gasket to prevent liquid flow in one direction while permitting air flow in either direction.

Abstract: An electrically operated automatic adjustment system for a reel blade lawn mower to provide the proper contact pressure and cutting clearance between the reel blade and the bedknife at all times. An electrical signal is generated across the bedknife and reel blade that functionally represents the contact pressure. One or more measurable parameters of the signal define an optimum contact pressure. A control circuit uses signal values to continuous monitor and drive (if necessary) a motor or other control device connected to either the bedknife or the reel blade to maintain the optimum spatial relationship between the bedknife and the reel blade for optimum cutting.

Abstract: Visual system (37) for providing high detail, high resolution imagery anywhere a trainee is looking throughout a wide field of view. An image generation system (38) of visual system (37) accepts inputs from a helmet mounted oculometer system (30) which determines a trainee's instantaneous eye line-of-sight. The image generation system (38) provides a foveal view of high detail, high resolution imagery at the eye line-of-sight. The foveal view is projected on a screen (46) by a foveal projection system (40). The image generation system (38) further provides a peripheral view of low detail, low resolution imagery that is projected on screen (46) by a peripheral projection system (42). The foveal view is merged with the peripheral view by a merge electronics system (44).

Abstract: A unitary garment generally known as a "jump suit" having hidden access flaps in the seat portion which can be easily opened and closed to allow the wearer to use toilet facilities without completely removing the garment. The access flaps are formed from a horizontal separation across the garment back at the waist and an invisible zipper which starts at the crotch rear area and extends vertically to and intersects the waistline area at the separation. A piece of elasticized material is attached to the garment above the separation and extends downward and covers the separation when the zipper is closed. A plurality of snaps or hook fasteners are spaced apart along the edges of the waist separation to secure the flaps to the upper waist portion of the garment. In another embodiment the elasticized material is integral the garment, giving even a more finished appearance to the garment.

Abstract: An improved anterior splint that enhances fitting a wire mesh strip to the lingual surfaces of the teeth regardless of tooth crowding, for enhanced bonding, and adds increased labial stability to prevent labial tooth movement that can act after installation to peel away the wire mesh from the lingual surface. One or more small elongated tabs, interproximally disposed, are provided that are initially employed to manipulate and fit the wire mesh along the lingual teeth to be stabilized. Each tab is sized and fastened to the wire mesh to permit the dentist to pull labially on the tab, forcing the wire mesh into interproximal spaces, against the lingual surfaces, in spite of crowding. After the fitting is completed, the wire mesh and the tabs are bonded to the teeth, lingually and interproximally. Excess tab, projecting in front of the teeth is removed, presenting an aesthetic pleasing view.

Abstract: An outdoor barbeque cooking unit suitable for outdoor cooking including simultaneous baking, grilling, roasting using charcoal, wood and the like for fuel comprising a vertical frame having an upper surface, a tray for holding the charcoal slidably mounted at the top of the frame, a hood slidably engageable with the upper surface of the frame and having an access door hingedly secured thereto and a cooking grate connected to the top edge of the tray for suspending the food to be cooked over the charcoal. A portion of the upper surface of the frame can be used as a cooking surface, with the hood placed over that portion in order to cook the food without having the food directly exposed to the charcoal.