Abstract: In a two-way interactive communication video network having a network switching center for point-to-point communications between subscribers at different geographic locations, a local base station configuration is provided for facilitating low power battery operated portable subscriber units. The local subscriber units surrounding a base station are adapted for multiplex transmission of digital messages synchronously related to a broadcast television signal for system coordination. Digital messages are transmitted from the local subscriber units to the base station data processing facility through a set of receive only cell site subdivision zones distributed over the base station transmitter geographical range, which communicate with the base station data processing facility over a communication link such as wired cable. Messages are compiled and relayed by satellite to a network switching center transmitter site for nationwide point-to-point communications.

Abstract: A golf simulator is provided with an improved trajectory sensing and spin detector. The trajectory sending system includes a first row of light sensors located adjacent to a tee and receiving light from a first light source directly above the tee. Second and third rows of light sensors are positioned away from the tee. The second row receives light from a second source directly overhead. The third row receives light from the first light source where a plane of light is defined between the first light source and the third row of sensors. The time intervals between a golf ball passing from the tee to the first plane of light and to the second plane of light, where the second plane of light is defined by the second light source and the second row of sensors are detected by the first, second, and third rows of light sensors. The angle of elevation of a golf ball is determined as a function of the ratio of the first and second time intervals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an x-ray and for determining the depth of penetration of an x-ray into a semiconductor strip detector. In one embodiment, a semiconductor strip detector formed of semiconductor material is disposed in an edge-on orientation towards an x-ray source such that x-rays From the x-ray source are incident upon and substantially perpendicular to the front edge of the semiconductor strip detector. The semiconductor strip detector is formed of a plurality of segments. The segments are coupled together in a collinear arrangement such that the semiconductor strip detector has a length great enough such that substantially all of the x-rays incident on the front edge of the semiconductor strip detector interact with the semiconductor material which forms the semiconductor strip detector. A plurality of electrodes are connected to the semiconductor strip detect or such that each one of the of semiconductor strip detector segments has at least one of the of electrodes coupled thereto.

Abstract: A noise-suppression logic system suppresses a noise signal having a time duration which is less than a predetermined time. A delay circuit has a delay which is equal to the predetermined time. A logic combining circuit is coupled to the system input terminal and to the output terminal of the delay circuit. A R-S latch circuit, having a RESET input terminal, a SET input terminal, and an OUTPUT terminal provides a delayed output signal corresponding to an input signal which has a time duration greater than the predetermined time. A set circuit has a first input terminal coupled to the system input terminal, a second input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the delay circuit, and an output terminal coupled to the SET input terminal of the R-S flip-flop circuit.

Abstract: An improved packaging technique for packaging a thermally-enhanced, molded-plastic quad flat package (TE-QFP). An integrated-circuit die is attached to a thermally conductive, electrically-insulated substrate having a stepped area formed into the outer margins thereof. A lead frame has inwardly-extending fingers, which are attached to the stepped areas in the outer margins of the thermally conductive, electrically-insulated substrate. The stepped area centers the thermally conductive, electrically-insulated substrate and attached integrated-circuit die within the mold cavity so that the flow of plastic material is balanced over the top and bottom of the substrate to provide a molded package body substantially free of voids.