Abstract: A multi-user turbo decoder combining multi-user detection and forward error correction decoding is disclosed that utilizes iterative decoding of received, interfering signals, and the construction of a decoding tree of the decoder is changed for each iteration of the decoding based on the previous conditional probability estimates of the value of the data bits of each signal making up the received, interfering signals. Before each iteration of multi-user decoding, a probability estimate is calculated that the value of the bit in a signal has a certain value for all of the data bits. Using the probability estimate a new decoding tree is constructed before each iteration of decoding such that the signal bit having the most reliable estimate is assigned to the lowest or root level of the tree.

Abstract: An ornamental article is disclosed that is spherical in shape and has a plurality of clear cups covering the surface of the sphere with their open end facing outward. The ornamental article has a plurality of lighting strings each with a plurality of lights, with a light from each string extending through the bottom of each of the cups. A control circuit energizes the lights of each of the plurality of lighting strings to produce different lighting patterns for the lights. The light is refracted through the clear material of the cups to enhance the ornamental quality of the ornamental assembly.

Abstract: A turn signal warning device that uses logic circuits to monitor power leads to lights on vehicle that are lit for turn signals, brakes, and emergency blinkers. This device functions on vehicles whereon the same set of lights are used for turn signals and for brakes; and on vehicles on which separate sets of lights are used for turn signals and for brakes. The logic circuits function with a timing circuit and a piezoelectric alarm to provide an audible signal to an operator of the vehicle a predetermined length of time after the turn signals have been activated. The logic circuits sense when the brake pedal has been depressed and the emergency blinkers have been activated to prevent the audible signal from being generated.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a resealable flip-top beverage can having a rotatable sealing top mounted above the can top of the beverage can, and the sealing top is rotated into a first position to open a hole in the top of the beverage can and through which the contents of the can are dispensed, and is rotated into a second position where the sealing top reseals the hole. Sealing means are provided on the top of the can top and on the underside of the sealing top that cooperate to prevent beverage from getting between the can top and the sealing top when the can is opened, preventing matter from entering the can when it is resealed, and holding carbonation in said can when it is resealed.

Abstract: A face mask is disclosed that can be reusable or disposable, and which filters particulate matter and noxious and poisonous gasses from breathed air. The mask has a mask shell that is thermoformed of cross-linked, closed-cell foam sheet that is impermeable to air while having good shape retention and elasticity. The mask shell is perforated with multiple holes in its central area to permit inhaled air to pass through the otherwise impermeable shell. This mask shell is stiff enough to support filter liners made of, for example, an activated charcoal impregnated fibrous sheet that covers the holes and is retained to the inside and/or the outside of the mask shell by a retainer which is easily removed to replace the filter liner(s). Alternatively, the filter liner(s) may be bonded to the inside and/or the outside surface of the foam mask shell to make a disposable mask. A one-way valve is mounted through the wall of the mask shell to exhaust exhaled air.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a resealable flip-top beverage can having a rotatable sealing top mounted above the can top of the beverage can, and the sealing top is rotated into a first position to open a hole in the top of the beverage can and through which the contents of the can are dispensed, and is rotated into a second position where the sealing top seals the hole. Sealing means are provided on the top of the can top and on the underside of the sealing top that cooperate to seal the beverage can. A separate actuating means may be snapped onto the top of the beverage can and is coupled to the sealing top so that as the actuating means is rotated the sealing top is rotated. Alternatively, the sealing top may have a downturned, knurled edge extending over the side of the beverage can, and the edge is grasped and rotated to open and close the beverage can.

Abstract: A face mask is disclosed that can be reusable or disposable, and which filters particulate matter and/or noxious or poisonous gasses from breathed air. The mask has a shell that is formed of polymeric closed cell foam that is impermeable to air while having good shape retention that enables the edge of the mask shell to conform and seal to the face of a wearer around their nose and mouth. The foam mask shell has one or more holes through the central portion thereof and a filter is mounted to cover said hole(s) to thereby filter all inhaled air passing through said holes. A one-way valve is mounted through the wall of the mask shell to exhaust exhaled air.