Abstract: A cleat that increases the adhesive friction between a base pad of a stabilizer and an unstable ground surface, for inhibiting the base pad from inadvertently moving relative to the unstable ground surface is provided. The cleat inhibits the stabilizer and its utility vehicle from becoming unstable, when the vehicle is positioned on an unstable ground surface, such as sand, snow, ice, mud, or several other well known unstable ground surfaces. The cleat of the present invention is adapted to be detachably coupled to the base pad of the stabilizer. The cleat can be quickly installed on the base pad or easily removed for cleaning. The cleat includes a base plate that is configured complementary to the cross-sectional configuration of the base pad and a base member coupled to a bottom surface of the base plate. The base member is configured to increase the adhesive friction, between the base pad and ground surface, for inhibiting the base pad from inadvertently moving relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: A device that incorporates magnetic componentry frictionally engage one or more sheets of paper therebetween is provided. The magnetic componentry of the invention is selected to exert sufficient magnetic force therebetween to retain the paper. The invention includes a magnetic backing member and a ferromagnetic retaining clip rotatably coupled thereto for frictionally engaging paper therebetween. The retaining clip may have an upturned end to facilitate disposing paper between the clip and backing member. The backing member and retaining clip are selected so that the backing member exerts just enough magnet force on the retaining clip to draw the clip against the backing member with enough pressure to retain up to several thin sheets of paper therebetween. The present invention is well suited for one-handed operation thereof.

Abstract: A TV graphical user interface includes a graphical channel changer for enabling a user to select a required TV channel among about 1000 channels provided by a satellite TV system. The graphical channel changer contains a vertical channel bar composed of channel boxes that display numbers and logos of selected TV channels. To switch the TV set to a required TV channel, the user directs the pointing device at the graphical channel box that indicates the required channel. A direct access channel bar is arranged on a screen so as to cause the channel boxes to display the number and logo of a selected TV channel when the user directs the pointing device at the point on the direct access bar that represents the selected channel. The direct access channel bar is provided with an absolute cursor position indicator that indicates to the user the numbers of TV channels represented by various points on the direct access channel bar, when the user moves the pointing device over these points.

Abstract: A first-in first-out (FIFO) memory interface is provided by coupling an input register and an output register to a conventional static random access memory (SRAM). The registers and SRAM are coupled to control logic that controls the timing of shift-in (write) and shift-out (read) operations. Upon receipt of a write request signal, input data is received from the requesting device and buffered within the input register. The buffered data is then stored in the SRAM during a write operation. Upon receipt of a read request signal, the data previously buffered in the output register is provided to the requesting device and during an associated read operation the next stored data in the SRAM is retrieved and buffered within the output register. The control logic is programmable and is therefore capable of supporting different SRAM configurations. The control logic can also be implemented in a conventional programmable logic device.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for receiving a compressed video stream and generating a decompressed video signal and closed caption data therefrom employs a video decoder a video decompressor that decompresses the compressed video stream to generate a decompressed video signal. The video decoder has a closed caption data embedder that produces closed caption data contained in the compressed video stream for embedding into a video output signal of the video decoder. A single video signal output port is coupled to the video decompressor and the closed caption data embedder and produces the video output signal which includes the decompressed video signal and the embedded closed caption data.

Abstract: A power amplifier device for amplifying an audio signal from sound generating circuitry in a micro-computer is provided. The device is retained in a housing secured in a drive bay of the micro-computer containing a disk drive such as a compact disc read only memory drive, a compact disc recordable drive, a digital video disc drive, etc. The amplifier device and disk drive may also be configured in a unitary housing. The device receives a line-level audio signal from the audio circuitry and transmits the signal to a frequency and time response contouring device, to adjust the response of the signal. A power level adjusting mechanism, such as a volume control, adjusts the power level of the signal generated by the frequency and time response device. Amplifiers are coupled to the volume control to amplify the audio signal to a level determined by the volume control. The amplification device connects to at least leftwardly and rightwardly positioned loudspeakers to provide stereophonic sound at the desired level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the position of an antenna to improve reception at a television includes a signal generator which measures the signal strength received by the antenna. The signal generator sends a low frequency coded signal to a display visible to a person who is adjusting the antenna. The display provides a quantitative indication of the signal strength to the installer of the antenna, allowing precise adjustments to be made in accordance with the displayed value. The signal generator provides the coded signal to the display via the same cable used to carry the received signals from the antenna to a receiver, such as a set-top box.

Abstract: A home network architecture has an internal digital network interconnecting devices in the home. Entertainment services are introduced into the network through network interface units that are coupled to an external network and to the internal network. The network interface units perform the necessary interfacing between the external and internal networks, and make the entertainment services available to all terminals connected to the internal network. A plurality of set-top electronics that do not have network interface units connect to the internal network and prepare the information in the digital data stream for display, by a television, for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the loss of a remote control input device used with a stationary device provides the stationary device with a transmitter and a signal generator that generates signals transmitted by the transmitter. The remote control input device communicates wirelessly with the stationary device, and has a wireless signal receiver that receives the signals from the signal generator, and a distance warning circuit. A distance warning output signal is produced by the distance warning circuit when the input device is beyond a specified distance from the stationary device, as a function of the signals received by the wireless signal receiver. The remote control input device also has an indicator that produces a human-perceptible distance warning signal in response to the production of the distance warning output signal by the distance warning circuit.

Abstract: A magnetic closure device for personal effect carriers such as purses, pouches, day packs, and backpacks is provided. The invented closure device comprises a flap assembly affixed to a flap of the carrier and a receiving assembly affixed to the sidewall of the carrier. The receiving assembly is configured similar to the flap assembly, so that the receiving assembly mates with the flap assembly. The receiving assembly is provided with a projecting member configured to extend through the opening in the flap assembly, without projecting substantially beyond a cover plate thereof. The projecting member and opening coact as a guide to enable a user to locate the receiving assembly for quickly interconnecting the two assemblies. A magnet is retained in the receiving assembly for positively securing the flap assembly to the receiving assembly, to inhibit the device from inadvertently releasing.

Abstract: An improved portable cigarette lighter closure device that provides facile pivoting of the cover between open and closed positions, and which securely retains the cover in the closed position is provided. The closure device incorporates a magnet affixed in the cover of a cigarette lighter, for securing the cover to a body of the lighter and to securely retain the cover in the closed position. The magnet exerts sufficient force on the body to retain the cover in the closed position, while enabling one handed pivoting of the cover by the user. Additionally the invention may be provided with an insulating sleeve. The ferromagnetic insulating sleeve prevents the magnetic field radiated by the magnet from passing through the cover of the lighter, for preventing magnetically attracted objects located in a pocket of the user's clothing such as the users keys and change for example, from being inadvertently drawn against the cover of the lighter.

Abstract: A 1-port tunable frequency discriminator that is incorporated into a frequency lock loop (FLL) for providing an improved FLL having reduced phase noise and settling times is provided. The invented 1-port tunable delay line discriminator reduces the phase noise generated by VCO's to approximately 105 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz, to better than 120 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz. The invention additionally reduces post tuning drift to less than 10 kHz after one microsecond. A secondary feedback loop, such as a conventional phase lock loop, can be incorporated into the invented FLL for providing phase and frequency coherency. The invention is formed by coupling a voltage controlled oscillator source (VCO) to a microwave signal detector and to an open ended delay line. When a microwave signal generated by the VCO reaches an end of the open ended delay line, a majority of the signal is reflected back along the line.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for washing foodstuffs is provided. The invented apparatus utilizes hydro-energy to sufficiently clean a number of different types of foodstuffs processed thereby, while effectively using water circulating therethrough. The apparatus is configured to clean various types of foodstuffs ranging from different plant products to fish, such as sardines. The apparatus comprises a product loading assembly coupled to a cleansing flume, that is coupled to an overflow assembly. The loading assembly comprises a conical receiving section having a plurality of spray nozzles positioned about its inner periphery to form a turbulent water flow therethrough, that completely submerges product as it passes through the assembly. The conical receiving section ensures that a maximum product-water mixture is achieved to form a slurry that optimizes water usage and quickly cleans the product.

Abstract: An extension for use with different pneumatically powered tools is provided. The extension comprises an elongated body for coupling the extension to a pneumatic source and a sleeve for coupling a pneumatic tool to the extension, coupling the tool to the source. The extension has a small diameter to enable the extension to be disposed in substantially small workspaces, for enabling facile operation of a pneumatic tool coupled to the extension in such workspaces. The extension is sufficiently long, to enable a tool coupled to the extension to access fasteners located in deep and narrow workspaces. The body has a handle that includes a control switch for controlling activation of a tool coupled thereto, thus remotely controlling activation of the tool. A passageway extends through the body to provide an air flow path therethrough pneumatic air source to the pneumatic tool coupled to the extension.

Abstract: A binding system for loose-leaf sheets of paper that securely retains the paper and provides facile removal and addition of paper bound by the system is provided. The system provides a variable width binding, for addition and removal of papers, and a flexible spine. A plurality of resilient connecting members extend arcuately between first and second backing members, when the system is in an open position. The connecting members extend through openings in an adjustment assembly coupled to the second backing member. The adjustment assembly is provided for simultaneously increasing and decreasing the length of the connecting members, and for maintaining the connecting members at different desired lengths for binding paper with the system or removing paper from the system. Paper having a plurality of slots is positioned on a cover, with a connecting member extending through each slot.

Abstract: A device for measuring changes in the relative height or depth of microscopic surface features of a sample that allows crater depth measurements to be made while depth profile analyses are proceeding is provided. The depth monitor comprises a dual beam optical interferometer, that is preferably adapted for use with analytical instruments, such as SIMS, XPS, ESCA, and AES instruments. The monitor provides substantially accurate depth measurements and a continuous readout for monitoring the sputter rate of an ion beam etch in real time, for correcting for any variations in the sputter rate as craters are formed in the sample. The invention also allows integration of real time depth measurements into data collecting software to eliminate the assumption that the material comprising the sample has the same sputter rate as a reference material. The in situ depth measurements provided by the invention are more accurate than prior art crater depth analysis and reduce processing times.

Abstract: An improved and simplified apparatus and method for washing leafy plant products is provided. The invented apparatus utilizes hydro-energy for sufficiently cleaning plant products being processed thereby, while effectively using water recirculating therethrough. The apparatus comprises a plant product loading assembly coupled to a cleansing flume. The loading assembly comprises a conical receiving section having a plurality of spray nozzles located about the periphery thereof to form a turbulent water flow through the loading assembly that completely submerges plant product disposed in the receiving section. This ensures that a maximum amount of plant product mixes with the water to form a slurry that optimizes water usage and quickly cleans the product. The flow rate of the water flowing through the spray nozzles does not damage the plant product. The configuration of the loading assembly inhibits collection of debris for maintaining sanitation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An impact tool useful for performing a number of different surgical and industrial functions is provided. The invented tool can perform such surgical functions as freeing cement, implanting pins, and setting guides and industrial functions such as installing various fasteners. The tool comprises a body having a quick disconnect assembly coupled to a second end for quickly attaching and detaching different desired surgical and industrial implements to the tool. The quick disconnect assembly communicates with an impact inducing assembly is retained in a channel in the body. The impact inducing assembly causes an implement retained in the quick disconnect assembly to deliver an impact with a calibrated force to a desired object. The orientation of the components of the impact inducing assembly can be inverted so that the tool is actuated to apply an instantaneous extraction force to the desired fastener or surgical aid.

Abstract: An electronic bookmark for a copy holder that aids a user's ability to ascertain viewed text on paper retained by the copy holder is provided. The invented copy holder includes vertically adjustable indicating device that directs the user's attention to text adjacent without the use of a guide or illumination of the paper, so that text is not obscured or distorted. The copy holder comprises a backboard for retaining paper thereon and a plate rotatably coupled thereto. The plate has a bottom surface configured to releasably couple the plate to the backboard without interfering with paper interposed therebetween. The indicating device comprises a display that extends along a top surface of the plate. The display preferably comprises an array of electrodes, such as a liquid crystal display, light emitting diodes, or signal lamps, with desired segments of an array activated for directing a users attention to a selected portion of text on the document.

Abstract: A processing apparatus and method for removing rind from a spheroidal food article, such as a melon is provided. The apparatus includes infeed and outfeed componentry for conveying melons to be processed into and out of the apparatus, providing an apparatus well suited for use in an automated environment. The infeed componentry includes a positioning device for positioning a melon to be processed between revolving mandrels, for achieving a desired orientation of the melon relative to the mandrels. The mandrels retain the melon on its axis and revolve the melon on its equator. Knife members are positioned on either side of the melon and aligned with the equator thereof when the melon is in an initial position. The knife members have detachable blades to accommodate rinds of different thicknesses, so that the blades extend through the rind, without extending into the flesh. Rollers are secured to the knife members to control the cutting depth of the blades and to enhance the ease with which the rind is cut.