Abstract: A front projection screen for pictorially displaying upon a front face of the screen an image projected onto the front face from a projector comprises a backing member having a front reflective surface and a polarization rotation plate overlaying the reflective surface for rotating the plane of polarization of light reflected from the surface. A sheet of lenticular lenses overlays the polarization rotation plate and a polarizing film overlays the lenticular lens sheet. The polarizing film has non-polarizing segments at a focal point of each of the lenticular lenses so that light from the projector is not attenuated by the film while light from other sources is attenuated.

Abstract: A multi-layer material suitable for production of divers' suits, such material eliminating the conventional waterproof material characteristic of the prior art. In one form, the multi-layer material comprises an outer layer of Lycra bonded to a first inner layer of a plush-type material which is then bonded to a second inner layer of a denser plush-type material. The bond between the Lycra and first inner plush layer is preferably formed by coating the facing surfaces with a solid film of a water resistant contact cement which resists any transfer of water between the Lycra and first inner plush layer. The first inner plush layer is then bonded to the second inner plush layer by either an adhesive or other fastening means which allows water transfer between the first and second plush-type material layers.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) suitable for lateral illumination lighting installations has a tubular central core (12), wrapped perimetrically with angularly evenly distributed bundles (15) of optical fibers (16) and covered with a transparent sheath (17). The core includes an outer cylindrical surface (14) of reflective material (24) that deflects inwardly directed lateral emissions back outwardly, so they can contribute usefully to the visible light. In manufacture, the bundles are wound about the core by a cabling machine which simultaneously extrudes the sheath about the winding. In a modified embodiment, a cable (10') includes an arcuate cutout (30) that mates with a complementary track (39, 40) of a mounting strip (35). Strip (35) includes a reflective substance in an area (38) between upper and lower cables (10') to present a continuous, top to bottom lateral illumination effect.

Abstract: A triple modular redundant control system which uses four controllers coupled in sets of two parallel controllers on relatively positive and relatively negative sides of a load. One of the controllers on one side of the load is energized only when both of the controllers on another side of the load are energized. The system implements a 2-out-of-3 logic function using only four controllers. The system includes a self-testing feature which allows the controllers to be tested even while a load is being operated without creating undue perturbations in load operation.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display comprises multiple capacitors which apply electric fields to liquid crystal material located between the capacitor plates. In the invention, each capacitor is associated with a sensor which detects the presence of a hand-held stylus. The detection can be done optically, acoustically, by pressure, by temperature, or by other means.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing bar code data obtained from a bar code label including large and small bars. A light source such as a laser beam scans across the symbol on a bar code label. Light reflected from the bar code label is collected as the light source scans across the label. The collected light varies in intensity as the light source scans across the label. An electrical signal is generated which is indicative of the amplitude of the light collected in the collecting step. The electrical signal is sampled at a predetermined data rate to produce a sequence of samples representative of the electrical signal. A sequence of samples is stored in a memory. These stored samples include label space values (LSA's). The samples also include label bar values (LBA's) which include large bar values and small bar values. The sequence of samples is decoded.

Abstract: A torque-latch ring plier system includes a ring plier having a pair of opposed arms with opposed semi-circular segments forming an annular receptacle. A connecting link joins the pair of arms at the annular receptacle for pivotable movement. A lever is rotatably mounted to one of the arms at about its midpoint and is rotatable to engage a reaction device on the other arm for urging the arms to pivot about the link and close the opposed segments. A coupler is associated with the lever to enable a torque wrench to be connected such that operation of the torque wrench is effective to operate the pliers and establish a selected torque at the opposed segments. The system further includes a tilting bench plate for releasably holding a device to be tightened for angularly positioning the device for ease of access.

Abstract: A computer system is provided including a main memory prefetch cache which enhances the retrieval of instructions (code and data) stored in the main memory of a computer. The computer system includes a processor and a processor cache coupled thereto. A memory controller is coupled to the processor and includes a main memory prefetch cache. The memory controller also includes control circuitry which determines if a current line requested by the processor is stored in the prefetch cache, and if so, the memory controller retrieves the current line from the prefetch cache and provides the current line to the processor. The next line is then retrieved from the main memory and is overwritten over the current line in the prefetch cache. Otherwise, if the memory controller determines that the prefetch cache does not contain the current line requested by the processor, then the current line is retrieved from the main memory and is provided to the processor.

Abstract: An insert system for repairing defects in underground conduits in situ comprises a tubular inner liner of stiff material having a generally smooth inner surface and a plurality of integral outer circumscribing ribs defining a plurality of valleys between the ribs. An outer sleeve circumscribes the inner liner and is formed of an elastomeric material. A mid-layer of reinforcing woven material is wrapped about the inner liner within the outer sleeve. A hardenable resin saturates the mid-layer and fills the valleys. The resin bonds to the inner liner to form a structural insert, and the outer sleeve provides a deformable seal against an inner surface of a conduit when the insert system is operatively positioned.

Abstract: A framework connector comprises a main body having a hemispherical surface with a plurality of non-circular projections extending outwardly from the hemispherical surface. Each of the projections have at least three longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced land areas. Two of the three land areas are relatively closely spaced and define a projection surface therebetween. Another of the land areas is located opposite the projection surface. A post extends vertically outward from the projection surface. Each connector includes an elongate tubular member for connecting one connector to another connector. The tubular member has an inner diameter selected to slidingly engage the land areas of the projection when the member is inserted over a projection. The tubular member has a hole for receiving the post for releaseably coupling the member to the connector.

Abstract: An exercise method for strengthening the lower back muscles has a horizontally-movable plunger that contacts the abdomen of a user for linearly applying the force of a weight stack to resist lower back and pelvic muscle flexion and extension by a seated user. The plunger is attached to a carriage mounted for horizontal movement on rails. A cable connection between the carriage and the weight stack includes a cam for varying resistance with changes in position of the plunger. The backrest and seat are made optionally tiltable.

Abstract: A system for automatic loading, unloading and charging of rechargeable batteries used in battery electric traction motor powered vehicles comprises a battery recharge station, a battery load and unload station adapted for positioning a battery powered vehicle in a preselected position, and a programmable battery transport apparatus programmed for automatically removing discharged batteries from the vehicle, transporting the discharged batteries to a battery recharge station, unloading the discharged batteries into the recharge station, retrieving charged batteries from the recharge station, transporting the charged batteries to the vehicle and loading the charged batteries onto the vehicle.

Abstract: A light source for illuminating a fiber optic cable comprising a housing having an internal cavity and an aperture communicating said cavity externally of said housing, an optical system located within said internal cavity; said optical system comprising a reflector and a high intensity lamp positioned within said reflector for directing light along an optical axis, a plate of heat absorbing material spaced from said reflector, and at least one color filter spaced from said plate and said reflector.

Abstract: A tool for tensioning safety cable to a predetermined tension limit includes a reciprocally rotatable wheel mounted for rotation about a point on the tool for incrementally advancing the cable. A gear assembly is coupled to the rotatable wheel and has at least one driven gear connected to affect rotation of the wheel. A power actuator is coupled to the gear assembly and adapted for affecting reciprocal rotation of the at least one driven gear to thereby affect rotation of the wheel. The cable is attached to the wheel after being drawn through bolts to be restrained by the cable. The tool includes apparatus for terminating the cable to restrain it with the desired tension.

Abstract: In a method of operating a vending machine, a glass container is dispensed with its vertical axis tilted in the vending machine in response to the selective generation of a preselected vending signal. The vertical axis is predeterminately altered into a generally vertically extending position in the vending machine, and the glass container is dropped base portion first in a generally vertical free fall path of the vending machine with the vertical axis of the glass container disposed in its vertical extending position. A vending machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable, conveniently usable, and inexpensive non-contact bar code verifier permits testing of bar code labels at some arbitrary but constant distance from the verifier. Means are provided for analog analysis of bar code label contrast levels, and for derivation of new, instructive indices characterizing the readability and print quality. Additionally, a new method for determination of absolute bar code label dimensions is disclosed. The method of calibration for arbitrary scanning distance and angle standardizes not only the verifier's ability to measure absolute dimensions at unknown distances, but also its ability to discern contrast under arbitrary lighting conditions and scanning equipment. This is accomplished by employing calibration standards of known characteristics. Bar code verification information may be stored and/or employed for a variety of control and analytical functions as recognized in the art.

Abstract: A safety holster for a handgun comprises a holster adapted for receiving a barrel and receiver portion of a handgun with a handgrip and hammer portion extending outward of the holster. The holster has an outer surface and a reverse surface with a belt loop attached to the reverse surface of the holster for enabling the holster to be carried on a person's belt. A flexible strap has one end attached to the reverse surface of the holster and a second end extendable over at least the hammer portion of the handgun to the outer surface. A two-member locking device has a first, fixed member attached to the outer surface of the holster and a second, releasable member attached to the second end of the strap. The releasable member comprises at least two spaced cross-pieces integrally formed within a slotted area of the releasable member and the strap is looped over and around the cross-pieces so that the releasable member is adjustably coupled to the strap.