Abstract: The present invention provides a laser heterodyne interferometer based system for audibly producing sounds recorded on a cylinder recording, such as an Edison type wax cylinder, or a 33, 45 or 78 RPM LP (long play) record. The system generally comprises an optical system mounted on an optical platform, and an audio recording medium mounted on a platform operatively positioned relative to the optics platform. The optical system comprises an interferometer type structure that uses laser generated light propagated either through free space or through fiber, a platform on which the optical system is mounted, and a platform on which the recording media (e.g., cylinder or record) is mounted.

Abstract: A conveyor system for use in combination with a portable sawmill that generally includes an upper frame assembly, a lower frame assembly, an outgoing belt mounted on the upper frame assembly, and an incoming belt mounted on the lower frame assembly. A motor and gear assembly operably coupled to the outgoing and incoming belts drive them in opposing directions. A portable sawmill blade may be positioned in spaced relation above the outgoing belt to cut wooden cants into individual boards, and the lower frame assembly is adapted to carry the remaining cant and processed board back towards an operator station.

Abstract: A system and method that efficiently, accurately, and simply detect reliably least-significant-bit (“LSB”) embedding of a secret message in randomly scattered pixels. The system and method apply to both 24-bit color images and 8-bit grayscale or color images. Many commercial steganographic programs use Least Significant Bit embedding (LSB) as the method of choice to hide messages in 24-bit, 8-bit color images and in grayscale images. They do so based on the common belief that changes to the LSBs of colors cannot be detected because of noise that is always present in digital images. By inspecting the differences in capacity for lossless (invertible) embedding in the LSB and the shifted LSB plane, the present invention reliably detects messages as short as 1% of the total number of pixels (assuming 1 bit per sample). The system and method of the present invention are fast, and they provide accurate estimates for the length of the embedded secret message.

Abstract: A chip package having an array of leads, wherein successive leads are staggered in all three dimensions (X, Y, and Z) relative to one another. Such a staggered arrangement permits a large number of leads available in a confined space while maintaining the minimum separation necessary between adjacent leads. The leads are formed by placing asymmetric top and bottom masks on a lead frame, and partially etching the top of the lead frame, while partially and over etching the bottom of the lead frame. Although the resulting leads are staggering in three dimensions, no additional processing steps are needed beyond those used to fabricate conventional packages.

Abstract: A two-part, upper and lower portion, connector system for coupling together grid-work forming runners and cross members for forming a suspended ceiling or raised floor.

Abstract: A quick-release fish hook enables an angler to one-handedly release a fish caught on the hook without dangerous hand exposure to sharp fish teeth or the hook itself. A forward hook shank portion with an interior channel is connected to a slotted rear shank portion extending obliquely from the rear end of the forward hook shank portion. A generally U-shaped hook member with a sharp tip and an opposed locking notch is rotatively attached in the slot in the rear shank portion by a swivel pin which is displaced from the axis of the forward hook shank portion. A lock rod rides in the interior channel and is rearwardly spring-biased at all times to be disposed in the locking notch. The hook is released by pulling a distal button connected to the lock rod to retract the lock rod from the notch. A cam surface is adjacent the locking notch and forces retraction of the lock rod from an extended position and into the interior channel when the unlocked hook member is rotated.

Abstract: A bandstop filter for use in CATV applications is formed by a pair of diplexers, a lowpass filter and a highpass filter. Signals having a frequency range of, e.g., 0-3 GHz enter at a first node connected to the inputs of both the lowpass and highpass filters. Signals having frequencies below a first, predetermined value pass through the lowpass filter, and signals having frequencies above a second, predetermined value pass through the highpass filter with signals having frequencies between the first and second values being blocked, i.e., “stopped.” The outputs of both the lowpass and highpass filters are connected to the second diplexer at a second node which is connected to the single output.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector used to interconnect a hard-line coaxial cable to an equipment port. The connector of the present invention essentially comprises a main connector body in which the various connecting and sealing members are housed, and a compression body attached to the connector body for axial, sliding movement between first and second terminal positions relative to the connector body. The port side of the connector includes a conductive pin extending axially outwardly therefrom that is adapted to be inserted into the port provided in the equipment box, and an axially extending bore is formed though the distal end (cable side) of the connector and compression bodies for receiving the central conductor of the hard-line cable therein.

Abstract: A heat exchange system utilizing flow reducers at 180 degree bends in the tubes includes a first set of media tubes in which heating/cooling media flows, and a set of product tubes positioned concentrically within the media tubes and in which liquid product flows in a counter direction to the heating/cooling media. The tubes are arranged in a serpentine, back and forth manner, and U-shaped tubes interconnect successive pairs of product tubes to achieve the 180-degree change in flow direction. The U-shaped tubes are of a cross-sectional diameter greater than the product pipes. Tapering flow reducers extend between the opposing ends of the U-shaped tubes and the product tubes. The exit flow reducer is eccentrically formed to facilitate a smooth transition of the product from the U-shaped bend to the product tube and prevent liquid product from becoming entrapped along the bottom of the flow reducer.

Abstract: An oxygen mask assembly including an oxygen dilutor assembly with air inlet apertures located in a top wall thereof for diluting the oxygen flowing therethrough. In one embodiment, the mask assembly additionally includes an air reservoir bag assembly, a one-way inhalation valve for maintaining continuous positive airway pressure in the mask and a pressure valve on the mask for adjusting the air pressure in the mask.

Abstract: An F-type connector for mounting to a prepared terminal end of a coaxial cable for threaded engagement of a nut on the connector to a threaded shaft at a port on video equipment to which the coaxial cable is to be electrically connected. In the connector of the present invention, the nut is mounted for limited axial movement with respect to the post, body and compression ring. A coil spring biases the nut toward a rest position with respect to the other elements wherein not more than three revolutions of the nut into engagement with the shaft are necessary in order to bring the post of the connector into contact with the shaft on the equipment, providing a satisfactory coupling. Upon further revolution of the nut, the post and shaft remain in contact as the nut moves axially away from the rest position with respect to the other elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conventional cable connector, such as a UMTR (Universal Male Terminator type connector), that further comprises an element for protecting the electrical components positioned within the connector from high voltage surge. The surge protection element comprises a ring that is positioned in circumferentially surrounding relation to the input pin that carries the signal being transmitted by the coaxial cable. The ring includes at least one, and preferably three prongs that extend radially inwardly therefrom and terminate in close, but non-contacting relation to the pin. If a high voltage surge of electricity is carried by the coaxial cable transmission line, such as might occur if it is struck by lightening, a spark will be formed in the gap between the prongs and the cable due to the conductive composition of the surge protection element.

Abstract: A readily attachable and removable hanger for suspending flexible bags such as plastic grocery bags filled with groceries and other items, for transport in a vehicle. The bag hanger includes a plurality of shaped hooks and is engageable with a portion of the vehicle for use when transporting filled grocery bags, but which may be quickly removed when not in such use.