Abstract: Animation controls according to the present invention introduce a predictable level of control for animation without the need for iterating the simulation. Controls include shape controls that permit the effect of the simulation to be overridden for cloth and soft body materials. The effect of shape tacks are to control the local shape of objects such as cloth and soft body materials, the shape may be weighted and time varying. Shape tacking is relative to the reference coordinate system of the object being shaped. Position tacks provide control in absolute space and permit accurate placement of an object to be animated overriding the control of the simulation.

Abstract: A laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus for adjustably mounting a laser diode module onto a fixed object, such as a pole, table edge, or refrigerator or the like, or an item of apparel, such as a cap, belt, pants, shirt or the like, thereby enhancing not only the practical applications for the Laser Diode, but also furthering its entertainment appeal. The laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus allows for aiming, and hence projecting, a laser image on a desired target while the laser diode module is either attached to an item of apparel worn by the user or mounted onto an object. The apparatus generally comprises a first means for attaching a laser diode module onto an object, a second means for adjusting a laser diode module, and an attachment mechanism for securing the laser diode module onto the second adjusting means. The second adjusting means allows for rotation, and hence, aiming of the laser diode module around one rotational axis or around a plurality of rotational axes.

Abstract: The invention is a slim, rigid, transparent, one-piece compact disc storage case with two holes for mounting it in a three-ring type binder and two slots for mounting it onto a card index rail, such as those found on a desk-top holder manufactured by the Rolodex Corporation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention is an interlocking structure. It can be shipped in a low volume disassembled state. It is easily interlocked together, without tools or special skills, by the eventual user. The interlocked structure has uncommon rigidity and strength. Containers like dresser drawers, laundry baskets or waste paper baskets, shelters like dog houses and human shelters, or furniture like a portable fireplace can be interlocked together using a plurality of interconnecting rods and hooks. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A device that allows a sitting airline passenger to control the direction and volume of the airflow from an overhead air conditioning nozzle by manipulating a remote control keyboard located near the passenger. It increases an individual's thermal comfort in an aircraft cabin by allowing the individual to regulate the thermal conditions at their seat. The present invention also allows an individual-supplemental air volume to be introduced into an aircraft cabin by means of individual spreadable and adjustable air outlets to provide a “local” climate zone that is distinct from the basic cabin climate or condition. The present invention also provides a means of remote passenger manipulation of the individual-supplemental air volume and direction and all from the comfort of the passenger seat.

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 resides in a pre-fabricated OEM replacement vehicle headrest with a built-in active matrix TFT LCD monitor. The data input cable is run through the seat, through a hollow headrest support tube and into the monitor. The headrest device eliminates the need to modify the original equipment headrests to accommodate the monitor and thereby reduce its safety capabilities.

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: A laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus for adjustably mounting a laser diode module onto a fixed object, such as a pole, table edge, or refrigerator or the like, or an item of apparel, such as a cap, belt, pants, shirt or the like, thereby enhancing not only the practical applications for the Laser Diode, but also furthering its entertainment appeal. The laser diode module attachment and mounting apparatus allows for aiming, and hence projecting, a laser image on a desired target while the laser diode module is either attached to an item of apparel worn by the user or mounted onto an object. The apparatus generally comprises a first means for attaching a laser diode module onto an object, a second means for adjusting a laser diode module, and an attachment mechanism for securing the laser diode module onto the second adjusting means. The second adjusting means allows for rotation, and hence, aiming of the laser diode module around one rotational axis or around a plurality of rotational axes.

Abstract: The present invention satisfies the long felt need in the beverage industry of a method of preparing tapioca starch balls that moves the time consuming, equipment demanding, and labor intensive process of precooking the dried tapioca starch balls to the tapioca starch ball manufacturer. The manufacturer precooks, freezes and conveniently packages the tapioca starch balls. The tapioca starch ball manufacturer will employ and train the personnel needed to precook the balls and not a retailer or a consumer. A retailer or a consumer will quickly and easily thaw or cook the conveniently sized preprocessed frozen packages of tapioca starch balls in a conventional microwave oven to prepare the balls for immediate use in Boba drinks. A retailer or a consumer can quickly react to sudden changes in demand for the balls by using the conveniently sized prepackaged frozen tapioca starch balls and thus reduce wasteful over production.

Abstract: The self-sizing baseball cap with a two or more piece, one or more layer sweatband satisfies the long recognized need of providing a baseball cap that fits a range of head sizes comfortably without any wearer adjustable cap sizing devices. This sweatband is flexibly attached to the self-sizing baseball cap so that it can be in either the stowed or deployed position when wearing the cap. When deployed, it creates an expanded self-adjustable attachment area on the wearer's head and provides more shade and warmth to the wearer. The two or more piece, one or more layer sweatband can be made from one or more than one different material with some or all materials biaxially or uniaxially stretchable. Each piece of the sweatband can be a different color or the same color as the other sweatband pieces.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus that has a magnification means in combination with LED's (Light Emitting Diodes). The LED's are arranged in an array inside a lens hood that surrounds the magnification means and are mounted at an angle to provide optimum lighting onto the focal point of the magnification means. The lens hood is fixed to an adjustable arm that is attached to a base. The adjustable arm allows the magnification means and LED's to be directed at virtually any angle onto a workpiece. The base allows the apparatus to be self-standing and is adapted to receive a portable power source for powering the LED's. The apparatus may incorporate a diffuser lens to provide a softer lighting effect.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a bubble within a microchannel of a microinjector to function as a valve mechanism between the chamber and manifold, that provides for a high resistance to liquid exiting the chamber through the manifold during fluid ejection through an orifice and that also provides a low resistance to refilling of liquid into the chamber after ejection of fluid and collapse of the bubble. This effectively minimizes cross talk between adjacent chambers and increases injection frequency of the microinjector. The formation of a second bubble within the chamber coalesces with a first formed bubble between the chamber and manifold to abruptly terminate the ejection of fluid, thereby eliminating satellite droplets.

Abstract: A method for producing rare earth magnets that results in the magnet having substantially enhanced magnetic properties. This innovative production method reduces the ability of the rare earth-containing magnetic powder, such as an alloy of neodymium, dysprosium or a combination of neodymium and dyprosium, along with iron and boron, to react with oxygen-containing sources during the molding step of production by carrying out the molding step in an isolated environment, wherein the humidity level and the oxygen content, is controlled and minimized. The magnetic powder is also isolated from contact with oxygen-containing sources prior to molding to prevent oxidation as well as during magnetic alignment and compression of the magnet.