Abstract: An interactive projected image video display system which includes a computer for generating video images, a projection apparatus coupled to the video output port of the computer for projecting computer-generated video images onto a projection screen, and at least one video camera for visually recording the projected image. The computer includes a frame grabber board coupled to the video camera for capturing individual frames or series of frames from the video recording of projected image. The captured images are compared to the computer generated images to detect for the presence of recognizable features introduced onto the projected image by a user to instruct the computer to trigger a computer operation. The system can also simulates a mouse to be used with any off the shelf application that uses a regular mouse.

Abstract: A portable acoustical shell for the performing arts and the like, and which includes a plurality of generally quadrilateral, and preferably trapezoidal, sound reflecting panels arranged together as an assembly along adjacent long side edge margins in substantially abutting juxtaposed relation to form a forwardly open, arch-like configuration. The arch-like panel assembly is supported and held in place by a modular frame assembly formed from a plurality of pyramidal frame modules, each of which is associated with a respective one of the plurality of sound reflecting panels. The modular frame assembly further includes a number of cross members which connect the apexes of adjacent pyramidal frame modules to one another. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the cross members are length-adjustable and thereby permit the arch-like curvature of the acoustical shell to be flattened or steepened as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording, categorizing, organizing, managing and retrieving speech information obtains a speech stream; stores the speech stream in at least a temporary storage; provides a visual representation of portions of the speech stream to the user; categorizes portions of a speech stream, with or without the aid of the visual representation, by user command and/or by automatic recognition of speech qualities; stores, in at least a temporary storage, structure which represents a categorized portions of the speech stream; and selectively retrieves one or more of the categorized portions of the Speech stream.

Abstract: A method of producing an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface and whereby the image is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, opposite direction. The method substantially eliminates the corona effect of the image while viewing the display panel in the through-viewing direction, the corona effect being the result of stray ink which has traveled from the image layer into the through-holes of the perforated membrane during the image printing process.

Abstract: A composition and method for producing a low density, high stiffness aluminum alloy which is capable of being processed into structural components having a desired combination of tensile strength, fracture toughness and ductility. The method includes the steps of forming, by spray deposition, a solid Al-Li alloy workpiece consisting essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Li.sub.a Zr.sub.b wherein "a" ranges from greater than about 2.5 to 7 wt %, and "b" ranges from greater than about 0.13 to 0.6 wt %, the balance being aluminum, said alloy having been solidified at a cooling rate of about 10.sup.2 to 10.sup.4 K/sec. The method further includes several variations of selected thermomechanical process steps for: (1) eliminating any residual porosity which may be present in the workpiece as a result of the spray deposition step; and (2) producing components for a wide range of applications.

Abstract: A shim structure for sound dampening brake squeal noise in a disc brake apparatus, when installed on the piston and/or caliper engaging surface of a steel backing plate of the friction pad structure, is composed of a sheet of aluminum and a continuous membrane of a high temperature acrylic adhesive on one surface only of the sheet of aluminum. The sheet of aluminum has a thickness large enough to provide, in combination with the membrane of high temperature adhesive, effective sound dampening of the brake squeal noise. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the silhouette periphery of the shim structure is shaped to closely match the silhouettes of a number of related but differently configured friction pad structures.

Abstract: An astrological comparison device for providing an astrological analysis of the relationship between two people based on the specific birth information of each person. The invention includes an assembly pair of rotatably interconnected wheels including a large diameter base wheel and a smaller diameter top wheel. Each wheel is divided into twelve equal segments which are individually provided with identical astrological indicia representing the ten planets of Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto and the two angles of Midheaven and the Ascendant. In addition, for each wheel, indicia is provided to indicate the zodiac sign and/or house position and house rulerships of each of the ten planets as well as the zodiac sign of the Ascendant and Midheaven based on the birth information of each person. Each wheel refers to one person only. Code indicia is provided in the various segments of the base wheel.

Abstract: A thermal writing device which changes color in response to induced temperature changes and a method for making such a device is disclosed. The thermal writing device includes a flexible substrate with low thermal mass for rapidly assimilating temperatures. Thermochromic inks which change color when subjected to temperature changes are printed upon or incorporated within this flexible substrate. The flexible substrate is disposed upon a support material having low thermal mass and poor heat conductance to facilitate rapid color transitions by the thermochromic inks with minimal expenditures of energy.

Abstract: A pulsed electron spin resonance spectrometer is provided with a first microwave oscillator for generating measuring signals of a high microwave frequency of about 80 GHz or above. A second microwave oscillator generates auxiliary signals at a lower microwave frequency of about 12 GHz or below. A first mixer generates mixed signals by mixing a measuring signal with an auxiliary signal. A pulse shaping channel generates pulsed mixed signals having a pulse length sufficient for carrying out pulsed electron spin resonance experiments. Moreover, a measuring resonator is provided to which the pulsed mixed signals are applied. A second mixer generates an output signals of a lower microwave frequency by mixing the mixed signal outputted from the measuring resonator with a signal being derived from the first microwave oscillator. A pulse shaping channel is switched between the second microwave oscillator and the first mixer.

Abstract: Dispersive microlens apparatus and methods are used in one mode for detecting multiple, different wavelengths from a bandwidth of wavelengths (existing within an image plane blur spot) and are used in another mode for combining a plurality of different, emitted wavelengths into a bandwave of wavelengths (at a blur spot in an image plane).

Abstract: An open mesh material for use as a high performance RF reflective antenna surface and which is formed as a Leno type weave using electrically conductive composite yarns which have a construction for avoiding loose metal-to-metal contacts which generate undesirable passive intermodulation products (PIM). The composite yarns are formed by counter-wrapping stretch resistant nonconductive strands about an insulated metal strand and a stretch resistant nonconductive filler yarn. The insulated metal strand preferably includes a beryllium-copper wire which is encapsulated within a polyamide coating. The woven mesh is coated with a RF energy transparent silicone-based paint to provide additional insulation to the plastic coated wires at the weave junctions and has a surface resistivity sufficiently low to facilitate bleed off of building electro-static charges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape for seaming together RF shielding thermal blankets of the kind used for covering the metal components of high power RF transmit and receive communications systems which are susceptible to generating passive intermodulation products, such as the high power transmit antenna boom assemblies of communications spacecraft. The tape is constructed as a composite lay-up of materials which preferably include a plastic film top or outboard layer, a metallized plastic film or metal foil middle layer, and a transfer adhesive bottom layer for securing the middle layer to the outboard layer. The transfer adhesive functions both as a substrate attaching medium and as an electrical isolator for encapsulating the metal surfaces of the middle layer.

Abstract: A safe, vault or container 10 has a laminate wall that is resistant to the cutting effects of a high-temperature torch. The wall of the safe, vault or container 10 comprises a hardened steel outer panel 21 and a hardened steel inner panel 22. A refractory abrasive layer 23, as of Carborundum, is disposed adjacent the outer panel 21 to break any drill that might penetrate through the outer panel 21. A thermally conductive layer 24 is disposed adjacent the abrasive layer 23 to conduct heat rapidly away from any localized hot spots that might develop within the abrasive layer 23 when heat from a high-temperature torch is applied to a region of the outer panel 21. A thermally insulating layer 25 is disposed between the thermally conductive layer 24 and the inner panel 22 to inhibit heat transfer from the thermally conductive layer 24 to the inner panel 22. The thermally insulating layer 25 comprises a porous ceramic material consisting of vitreously fused ceramic fibers.

Abstract: A method for sewing a plurality of gore-shaped metalized mesh fabric panels to each other to form a parabolic dish-shaped reflector surface for subsequent attachment to the radially extendable rib members of a deployable parabolic reflector. The method includes using a template having "cut" and "sew" lines indicated thereon for cutting out a desired number of gore-shaped panels from a bolt of metalized mesh fabric and sewing the panels together along adjacent side edges thereof to form the dish-shaped reflector surface. The dish-shaped reflector surface is then attached to the reflector by sewing the mesh fabric panels to stitch holes provided in each rib member. The reflector surface is accurized by using a wedge-shaped tool which is placed on a slack reflector panel adjacent a gore seam.

Abstract: A frame apparatus is constructed to be mounted on and conformed to the trunk of a tree for use by arborists in handling loads involved in an arbor rigging procedure. The frame apparatus engages a curved surface of the trunk of the tree at three triangularly disposed locations. In one embodiment an angled spike structure at one lower end of the frame structure penetrates the trunk at an angle which utilizes circumferential shifting and inward pulling of the frame apparatus on the tree to secure the frame apparatus to the tree. In another embodiment resilient pads are mounted at each of the three triangularly disposed locations for resiliently gripping the opposed portion of the trunk to minimize damage to the tree.