Abstract: High quality intraframe-only compression of video can be achieved using rate distortion optimization and without resizing or bit depth modification. The compression process involves transforming portions of the image to generate frequency domain coefficients for each portion. A bit rate for each transformed portion using a plurality of scale factors is determined. Distortion for each portion is estimated according to the plurality of scale factors. A scale factor is selected for each portion to minimize the total distortion in the image to achieve a desired bit rate. A quantization matrix is selected according to the desired bit rate. The frequency domain coefficients for each portion are quantized using the selected plurality of quantizers as scaled by the selected scale factor for the portion. The quantized frequency domain coefficients are encoded using a variable length encoding to provide compressed data for each of the defined portions.

Abstract: Smoothing operations on a three-dimensional geometrical primitive, such as a mesh, are restricted by filtering the set of smoothing vectors to apply a user-selected restriction to the set of vectors. The user-selected restriction limits the set of smoothing vectors according to a normal of a surface corresponding to the primitive. The filtered set of vectors are applied to the primitive to smooth the primitive. Thus, smoothing may be applied proportionally to the convexity or concavity of the surface. Smoothing also may be applied to move a control point of the primitive, such as a vertex in a mesh, only in a direction parallel to the normal of the surface at that control point or perpendicular to the normal of the surface at that control point. Each control point also may be reprojected after smoothing onto the original surface along the normal of the smoothed surface, or the normal of the original surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the distribution of cluster ion sizes in a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) and for determining the mass distribution and mass flow of cluster ions in a GCIB processing system without necessitating the rejection of a portion of the beam through magnetic or electrostatic mass analysis. The invention uses time-of-flight measurement to estimate or monitor cluster ion size distribution either before or during processing of a workpiece. The measured information is displayed and incorporated in automated control of a GCIB processing system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heat-treating fine-grained materials which tend to agglomerate at high temperatures and which have an average grain size of preferably 0 to 1000 &mgr;m within temperature ranges around and above the agglomeration temperature, in a fluidized bed of another, coarse-grained material. The temperature range in which the coarse-grained material tends to agglomerate and sinter to the reactor walls is higher than that of the fine-grained material. The coarse-grained material used is a material of the same type, a similar type or a different type with an average grain size of 1 to 10 mm. The fine-grained material is fed in directly over the tuyere bottom of a closed furnace chamber containing the fluidized bed, performs a circulating movement in said fluidized bed and once the heat treatment has been carried out, is pneumatically withdrawn from the fluidized bed into the top section of the furnace, and cooled immediately.

Abstract: A flowable, granular abrasive material and method of manufacture thereof. The material is comprised of at least one abrasive grain selected from aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, cubic boron nitride and/or diamond and has a organic or inorganic coating comprised of a binder and an abrasive filling material in the amounts of 0.5 to 8% and 1 to 15% by weight, respectively. The filling material may include sulfides, phosphates, carbonates, halogenides, and/or sulfide-, carbonate- and/or halogenide-containing complex compounds. The binder may include a low-viscosity phenol resin, epoxy resin and/or polyurethane resin.

Abstract: A web-based implemented system in which observers may pinpoint locations on a scalable map in order to fix data by latitude and longitude and to collect data describing that location. Also permitted within the system is the selection of non-contiguous groups of geographic data points for analysis. Although not limited thereto, the system may be used to track bird sightings and migration patterns as well as other bird related information and data. The mapping is scalable and can be integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS), e.g. elevation, vegetation or city maps. Variations over time can be analyzed for a specific point, and pattern movements across points can be tracked.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the communication and recovery of supplementary data encoded in the primary information transmitted from a source to a receiver for both audio and television transmissions. The method includes modulating a carrier signal with the supplementary data using a spread spectrum approach and demodulating the carrier signal to recover the embedded supplementary data.

Abstract: A detector apparatus and its use for cluster ion beam diagnostics are described. The detector has a Faraday cup with a conductance path to a gas pressure detector and a conductance to the detector exit. The detector acquires ion current, which is a measure of the ion beam flux, and also acquires mass flux, through a pressure measurement. The pressure measurement responds to the mass of dissociated gas clusters and is combined with information about instantaneous ion current to estimate mean gas cluster ion size ({overscore (N)}i).

Abstract: This device aims at correcting distortions in spatial geometry and function of the heart muscle, thereby restoring valvular integrity and optimizing myocardial performance. The device is applied externally to the heart, fixed in the chest cavity or wall, while maintaining flexibility and selectively targeting specific points of varying size, tension, and force requirements. This minimally invasive device and method of application will contribute toward a reduced rate of mortality and morbidity from heart disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature lighting system which is durable, inexpensive and yet versatile. The lighting system has a light source and electrical component assembly located within a housing. The electrical component assembly is surrounded by a sealant in order to prevent any water or moisture from reaching the electrical connections and to permanently seal and unitize the circuitry with the housing. The housing is shaped so as to surround and protect the light source without allowing the sealant to reach or coat the light source.

Abstract: A calcining kiln for decontaminating and detoxifying materials, such as earth, contaminated by hazardous chemicals and substantially incapable of autogenous combustion, consisting of an elongated kiln body through which the material to be treated is conveyed in the form of a tumbling bed, and apparatus for directing flame jets of high temperature against and into the tumbling bed at closely spaced intervals along the length of the kiln body to stir and agitate the material. The tumbling and the stirring and agitation reduce the material to a pulverized form of fine particle size so that all of the contaminating chemicals may be reached and destroyed by the high temperature flame jets. Various fuel gases may be used depending on the heat producing capacity required under any particular circumstances, and the heat produced in successive longitudinally spaced zones of the kiln body may be independently controlled according to the heat requirements in each zone.

Abstract: A rear vision mirror especially adapted for use at the right side of truck cabs consisting of a frame attachable to the right side door of the truck cab and projecting outwardly therefrom, a vertically disposed mirror mounted in the frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis, an adjusting and locking device mounted inside of the cab and operable by the driver, and an operating connection between the adjusting and locking device and the mirror, such that the adjusting and locking device is rendered operable to turn the mirror adjustably on its vertical axis to vary the scope and angle of the rear vision provided thereby, and to lock the mirror at the desired angle.

Abstract: A container adapted to contain a number of ingredients separated until intermixture thereof is desired, consisting of a bottle having a plurality of sections each adapted to carry one of the ingredients, successive pairs of sections being separated by partitions each carrying a normally closed valve which when opened establishes communication between the associated bottle sections. The valves are individually operable manually, so that if three or more materials are to be intermixed, the order of intermixture may be controlled, and also may be closely regulated as to the degree of opening, whereby to control the rate on intermixture. A lock is also provided to prevent accidental opening of any of the valves until intermixture is desired.

Abstract: An elevating leg rest assembly or a shoe to be worn by a user when either necessity or comfort requires that his foot and leg be supported in a position elevated above the floor when he is seated, the leg rest assembly consisting of a sheath extending longitudinally of the shoe, and having one or more leg sections normally telescoped into aid sheath to permit normal walking movements, but which may be extended rearwardly of the sheath to adjustably variable distances whereby to support the user's foot and leg in an elevated position above the floor when the user is seated. The sheath may be permanently encased within the thick and rigid soles of certain types of orthopedic shoes, or may be disposed at one side of the shoe and be rigidly but detachably mounted to a rigid portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A container for facilitating the manufacture, handling, shipping and storage of products to be produced by the intermixture of a plurality of ingredients, the intermixture of which for various reasons should not be performed until a time just prior to the application of other end usage thereof. The container is provided with internal partitions dividing its interior into a plurality of compartments, in each of which one of the product ingredients is initially stored for shipping and handling. The compartments are sealed from each other to prevent premature intermixture of the ingredients. Opening of the container in a prescribed manner removes the partitions to permit intermixture of the ingredients at the desired time, that is just prior to actual usage.

Abstract: A light bulb organizer and storage device consisting of a board on which light bulbs may be mounted and which may be mounted on the inner surface of a closet wall above the door opening of the closet, the board being movable from an elevated horizontal storage position above the level of the top of the door opening, in a zone normally considered to be waste space, to a lowered vertical position so that the bulbs are displayed through the door opening. The bulbs are protected against blows or other damaging contacts when the board is in the storage position. The board is provided with a spring urging it either to said storage position, or to its display position.

Abstract: A furnace for the selective incineration or carbonization, by a process of distillation to remove its volatile components, of waste materials, the furnace consisting of an elongated, slightly inclined, rotatable cylindrical kiln, waste material being introduced into its upper end, moved along the length thereof in the form of a tumbling bed at its lower portion by rotation thereof either at higher rates to produce higher turbulence of the material as is useful in the incineration mode of operation, or at lower rates for less turbulence of the material as is useful in the carbonization mode. Air is introduced into the kiln either in large amounts supplying ample oxygen for full combustion as is useful in the incineration mode, or in sub-stoichiometric amounts as is necessary in the carbonization mode.

Abstract: A fishing unit consisting of a drum, a fishing line secured at one end to the drum and being wound on the drum with a fishhook and casting weight secured to the other end of the line extending from the drum, and a handle for the drum arranged to be grasped by the user with his forefinger extended to overlie the line windings on the drum to prevent unwinding of the line, with the drum axis substantially parallel to the forefinger, so that when the user moves his forearm and wrist forwardly with a snapping motion, and releases his forefinger from the windings, the hook and weight will be propelled forwardly by their own momentum, with the fishing line spinning freely from the forward end of the drum. The drum is hollow and sealed to be buoyant, so that it will not sink if dropped in water, and the hollow interior is specially configurated to permit the storage of additional fishing line, hooks, bait and other fishing gear.