Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and tracking a coded signal within a noisy background environment, wherein the signal is correlated over subintervals of time both in-phase and in quadrature, stored indices which represent all possible paths of the signal phase are retrieved, in-phase and quadrature sums are formed wherein the first term of the in-phase sum is the in-phase correlated signal over the first time subinterval and the first term of the quadrature sum is the quadrature correlated signal over the first time subinterval and wherein successive terms are correlated signals from successive time subintervals which are selected based upon the value of the retrieved index, and the true phase path of the signal is estimated by determining the correlation sum having the maximum absolute value.

Abstract: The invention is a vehicle wheel with a removable vehicle wheel ring and vehicle wheel sized and shaped to simulate the look of a bead-lock vehicle wheel. It has the same appearance as an off road bead lock vehicle wheel. This vehicle wheel can be fabricated without modifying an existing wheel and is street legal wheel and capable of mass-production. The wheel is capable of production at a fraction of the cost of an actual bead lock wheel. The wheel can be produced with a matching or contrasting color for the simulated outer bead lock ring. The simulated outer bead lock ring can have a light reflective surface so that the ring will become much more distinguishable when a light source strikes it. The simulated outer bead lock ring has a far greater ease of interchangeability than a conventional bead lock vehicle wheel.

Abstract: This invention satisfies a long felt need to protect a typical baseball type cap from the crushing forces often associated with shipping and packaging. This invention incorporates the not previously used idea of a half-crown or full-crown insert to support the cap from underneath against crushing forces occurring during shipping which tend to make an unsupported hat have a sloppy, wrinkled and undesirable appearance. The insert is retained inside the baseball type cap by tucking it into or around the sweatband. The industry has typically used outer rigid packaging covers to protect the cap during shipping and packaging. While these covers protect the cap from crushing forces, they do not support the crown portion from underneath. An underneath supporting insert will force the cap to retain its shape for long periods of time and can be used by the retail purchaser to retain the cap's shape when not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for interchangeably displaying on an apparel or a cap, a generally planar item containing informational material imprinted thereon, or otherwise graphical, comprising in combination, a fabric of a cap or of an apparel, a frame assembly, an opening, a generally transparent material, a cell, and a means for inserting a planar item into the cell. The frame assembly is attached to the fabric and includes an opening therein. The transparent layer encompasses the opening and forms the cell between the fabric and the transparent layer. The frame assembly includes a member that borders the cell. The inserting means is in communication with the cell and allows for the insertion and removal of the display item into the cell for display through the opening.

Abstract: A frame member having a centrally disposed opening, a plurality of louvers pivotally disposed within the opening of the frame member, a relief notch on the lateral edge of the louver, and a louver adjusting member attached to the plurality of louvers. The louver adjusting member is completely disposed within the relief notch of the louvers, thereby maintaining at least a flush profile on either the inner surface or outer surface of the window shutter when the louvers are in the closed position. The window shutter apparatus further comprises a hanging strip that includes pivotally attaching the frame member thereto, a compliance strip for attachment to the hanging strip, and a T-strip attached to either the hanging strip or frame member. The compliance strip adjusts for dimensional variations in the side surfaces of the window opening that leave a gap when the hanging strip is placed adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An ornamental display apparatus suited for the Christmas season having a concealable figurine that is movable from a concealed position to a display position. While the figurine is in the display position, seasonal music is broadcasted. The ornamental display apparatus generally comprises a base, a botanical model, a housing, a figurine, a motorized drive assembly and a music broadcasting means. The botanical model is disposed on the base, and the housing is enclosed within the botanical model. The botanical model is movable between an open and closed position. The figurine resides atop the base and is movable between a concealed position within the housing and an exposed position external to the botanical model. The motorized drive assembly moves the figurine between the concealed and exposed position, as well as the botanical model between the open and closed position.