Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat display screen including a light-emitting source organized in a first array of strips generally parallel in a first direction, and at least one second opaque array, interposed between the light-emitting source and a display surface, and organized in a second direction generally non-perpendicular to the first direction, at least one of the arrays exhibiting, along an axis parallel to the general direction of the first array and whatever the position of this axis in a perpendicular direction, a constant proportion of transparent surface for an elementary pattern.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for use in a monocular night vision device for electronically controlling a plurality of components within the device, the device having an objective lens assembly for receiving low intensity light, a variable gain image intensifier tube having a user adjustable variable gain controller external to the tube for adjusting the light intensity level of a visible output image, a single eyepiece lens assembly for viewing the output image from the image intensifier assembly; and a non-metallic housing comprising an upper housing for receiving the objective lens assembly, image intensifier assembly, and eyepiece lens assembly, and a lower housing containing a battery cavity for receiving batteries to power the device. The housing aligns the objective lens assembly with the image intensifier assembly and the eyepiece lens assembly along an optical axis wherein the upper and lower housing are coupled to one another along the optical axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using a laser to produce alloyed bands or strips on the surface of a piston for an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser alloying method to produce superior wear resistant properties for an aluminum internal combustion engine piston.

Abstract: A navigation system for a mobile vehicle includes a vehicle position data generator for generating signals indicating location of the mobile vehicle, and scene information provider which generates information representative of the layouts of local environs at various locations and a display. A real environment scene generator, using position data acquired from the vehicle position data generator, acquires information from the local scene information provider representative of the local scene at the vehicle position indicated by the position data. The real environment scene generator generates location pertinent information which is used by the display to display a scene depicting the locality setting in a three dimensional format. The real environment scene generator also generates direction information which is used to display directions overlaid on the displayed local scene.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve contains a control system, which can be actuated by a single operating member. It produces a connection between a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet on the one hand and a mixed water outlet on the other. The control system can in particular have two control disks, whereof one is constructed as a fixed control disk and the other as a rotatable control disk in contact therewith. The control system is designed in such a way that on opening initially only cold water flows out of the outlet. This is achieved in that a direct connection is formed between the cold water inlet and the mixed water outlet. Only on further opening the valve is it ensured that the direct connection is closed, so that the cold water must then flow through the thermostatic valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for movably supporting an article includes a plurality of raising units arranged in a row on a mount, with their outer side surfaces contacting with those of adjacent ones. Each raising unit includes a lifting member including a piston and a ball disposed on top of the piston. A casing has a cylinder bore which is formed therein to open upward and in which the lifting member is disposed to be vertically movable. A pressure chamber is formed beneath the piston. A portion of the ball can protrude through the opening when the lifting member is raised. An air path extends from one to opposite side surfaces of the casing through the pressure chamber. When compressed air is supplied to the pressure chamber of the raising unit at one end of the row, it is also supplied to the pressure chambers of the remaining raising units.

Abstract: A screen bar segment for use in forming a screen and frame assembly in which screen can be adhesively secured to the frame. The screen bar segment includes a tensioning step along one side thereof and adhesive applied along the base of the tensioning step, in an amount to provide a layer having a thickness between about 0.0005 to about 0.250 inches. The adhesive is selected from the group consisting of hot melt adhesives and thermoplastic resins having a heat resistance temperature of not less than about 35° C. and a viscosity of at most about 5000 poise at about 200° C. The screen bar segment can be used in a screen and frame assembly in which screen is adhesively secured to a screen frame. Also disclosed are related methods of making a screen bar and adhesive assembly, adhesively securing screen to screen bar segments of a screen frame and making a screen and frame assembly in which screen is adhesively secured to a screen frame.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the dispensing of a product (liquid or solid) comprising a shaft having a substantially hollow passage therein, a first cone-shaped cap disposed on a first end of the shaft, a second cap disposed on a second end of the shaft, said second cap having an opening therein which is substantially aligned with the hollow passage, and, a spider guide disposed between the second cap and the shaft, wherein the shaft has at least one hole therein disposed at a position closer to the first end of the shaft than the second end of the shaft. The device is preferably inserted into a container which holds product to be dispensed. The device provide a venting and dispensing controlling system whereby defined quantities of product can be dispensed from the container quickly and efficiently. The first cone-shaped cap allows the device to be inserted into containers with smaller necks, while still maintaining a large dose amount.

Abstract: A server/client for a network-based multicast system has a media services manager and one or more media service providers. When functioning as a server, the media service providers receive data corresponding to a channel having one or more related data streams, where each media service provider receives data corresponding to a data stream of the channel. In the server, the media services manager receives the data from the media service providers and transmits the data to the network. When functioning as a client, the media services manager receives data from the network for a selected channel having one or more related data streams. In the client, the media service providers receive and play the data from the media services manager, where each media service provider receives and plays data corresponding to a data stream of the channel. In a preferred embodiment, a channel has logically related audio, video, and/or text data streams.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and system for cleaning the interior of conduits, gun barrels, or pipes, including drain pipes. The pipe cleaning device of the present invention is capable of (a) penetrating and removing restrictions that block flow, (b) scouring the interior wall of conduits or pipes to remove the buildup of undesirable solids that result in flow restriction, and (c) coating the wall of the pipe with a suitable substance. The present invention comprises a connecting member housed within a bendable or flexible conduit, a retraction handle attached to one end of the connecting member, and elastic or flexible strands attached to the opposite end of said connecting member. The strands are outwardly expandable in a radial dimension when said connecting member is retracted.

Abstract: An integrated circuit has a phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer circuit which has a charge pump circuit for providing an output control voltage to adjust an oscillator frequency in response to fast and slow signals provided by a phase detector. The charge pump circuit has first and second current sources, and a switching network for selectively coupling, in response to said fast signal, the first current source to one of an internal node and an output node coupled to an output capacitor and having an output voltage, and, in response to said slow signal, the second current source to one of the internal node and the output node.

Abstract: Nasal dilators and methods for improving the breathing of individuals are provid. The dilator includes an elongated substrate having top and bottom surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. The elongated substrate can be made with resilient or spring material, or a resilient member can be bonded to the substrate to provide a gentle expanding force to the nasal wall tissue when the dilator is adhesively attached to the nose. This invention further includes an aromatic or transdermal substance, or both, disposed on the dilator to further improve breathing. Ideal aromatic substances include camphor and menthol. The aromatic substance can be disposed in a segregate form or in body activatable composition.