Abstract: A video data compression system and method for use in minimizing the amount of data necessary to store and recall a black and white video image. An image is obtained by vertically scanning a selected document. The image is then represented by a series of consecutive vertical scans identifying particular sections or cells of the image as black or white. A plurality of consecutive scans are then temporarily stored and analyzed horizontally. Analysis circuitry is utilized to identify certain consecutive black or white sections of the image, repetitions of previous sections of the image or repetitions of certain selectable patterns within the image. The coded output of the analysis circuitry is then stored and may be utilized to reconstruct the image.

Abstract: A single or multiple evaporator vapor-compression refrigerant system for single or multi-story structures includes a lubricating oil collection reservoir and a separate oil pumping unit for returning oil separated from the refrigerant fluid in the refrigerant flow circuit to the compressor unit. In multi-story, direct expansion, vapor-compression, air conditioning systems, a simplified generally vertical refrigerant vapor return riser is provided with an oil reservoir at the lowest elevation point of the riser and a liquid level sensing switch for energizing and deenergizing the separate lubricating oil pumping unit. The pumping unit may include an electric or refrigerant fluid driven motor connected to a pump or the pumping unit may include a pressure vessel into which high pressure refrigerant vapor is admitted to displace oil back to the compressor through an oil return conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for rolling elongated tubular fabric surgical drapes and the like comprising an arrangement of at least four opposed drive belts mounted on a support frame for receiving an open end of the tubular article engageable with longitudinal runs of the belts to propel the article along the frame and into engagement with a second set of belts having longitudinal runs disposed at acute angles with respect to the direction of the runs of the primary drive belts. Propulsion of the end of the article along the primary drive belts and into engagement with the secondary drive belts results in forming the article into a toroidal rolled configuration. A support frame for the primary drive belts is mounted on a linear actuator which provides for movement of the support frame with respect to the secondary drive belts in response to operation of a control circuit to complete the rolling process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electronically verifying the originating station for calls made from one of a plurality of station lines of a private branch exchange. An electronic memory is utilized to store the telephone number input by a station user at one of said station lines. An audio message is generated which requests that the user enter the identifying number corresponding to that selected station. Automated dial equipment is utilized to access the station corresponding to the identifying number entered by the user and a verification signal is generated if the station corresponding to that identifying number is engaged. An appropriately programmed microprocessor is then utilized to transmit the telephone number stored in memory and to generate and store billing data associated with each station.

Abstract: A document processing system including a modular transport system which includes a digital image capture system, character recognition circuitry, document encoding systems, endorsers, audit trail printers and an in-line microfilm record system. Associated video terminals and non-impact printers are utilized to provide visual images of documents processed by the system. Selected documents may be read, endorsed, encoded, digitally imaged, filmed and sorted in a single continuous pass through the document processing system of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is both a system for supplying high frequency alternating current to gas discharge lamps, such as fluorescent lamps, and the like and a unit that can be placed in or adjacent to a lighting fixture to convert a direct current supply into high frequency AC and also provide the ballast needed for operation of the gas discharge lamps. This unit contains a symmetrical, class B, push-pull current-limited, tuned-collector, sinusoidal oscillator which is self starting, highly efficient and stable over a wide range of input voltage, with or without load. The number of parts is a minimum and the parts are relatively low cost, the power losses are very low and the system operates at high power factor with low acoustic and radio noise and low flicker.

Abstract: An inflatable container having an inflatable peripheral side wall formed by inner an outer essentially concentric cylindrical members to define an essentially annular thermal insulating inflatable air space. The inflatable container includes two inflatable end walls, each watertight sealed to respective ends of the inflatable peripheral side wall in order to define a closed, watertight cylindrical enclosure. The inflatable container includes along a linear top portion thereof, a zipper mechanism attached to opposed linear edges of the peripheral side wall for permitting access into the cylindrical cavity defined by the container. Proper radial spacing of the inner and outer cylindrical sheets of the peripheral side wall is maintained by a plurality of individual point attachments therebetween which maximize the effective insulating surface area of the side wall, while simultaneously improving the structural rigidity in the linear and transverse directions.

Abstract: A mechanism for encoding continuously moving documents. Documents are transported between a plurality of fixed dies and a plurality of electronically controlled hammers. An ink bearing ribbon is interposed between the documents and the fixed dies and is momentarily transported at the same velocity as the documents. As the documents traverse the plurality of fixed dies, the electronically controlled hammers are cycled, in a selected sequence and at selected positions, to provide the desired encoding. In those applications wherein the cycle time of the electronically controlled hammers is too slow to allow identical encoding in adjacent positions, a second plurality of fixed dies and electronically controlled hammers may be located adjacent to the first plurality or interspersed among the first plurality of fixed dies.

Abstract: A tensioner assembly pre-stretches a film web prior to unitizing a pallet load. The film web undergoes three stages of stretching by the tensioner assembly which includes two driven rollers and a resiliently biased dancer roller. The dancer roller engages the film and maintains it under continuous tension loading as the pallet load rotates. An electrical control signal proportional to the angular position of the dancer roller is employed by a control circuit to vary the rotational speed of the pretensioner drive rollers. The film web is stretched in a first stage between a feedstock roll and the first drive roller. A second stage of stretching occurs between the first driven roller and the second driven roller. Finally, the film web undergoes a third stage of stretching between the second driven roller and the pallet load, with the web being maintained under tension at all times by the resiliently biased dancer roller.

Abstract: A document holding and segregating device includes a generally cylindrical body member having radially projecting partitions forming a plurality of compartments for holding documents such as communication memos, etc. The body member includes a central hub having a hollow axial bore and a thrust bearing surface at one end of the bore. The body member is mounted on a cylindrical base member having an upstanding bearing post insertable in the bore in the hub of the body member whereby the body member may be mounted for rotation on the base to enhance its use in receiving and dispensing documents.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for heat sealing strips of encodable material to documents, a continuous supply of the encodable material being fed, by way of a discrete loop feed assembly, to an alignment station where defined lengths thereof are aligned along the edge of documents transported thereto. A heater-drum assembly effects the heat-sealing of the aligned combination which is then transported, by way of a stacker-deflector assembly, to an output station. The transport of the documents and encodable material are assisted by a continuously running friction belt drive assembly with the severing of the encodable material into strips equal to the length of each document effected in response to photosensor actuated controls responding to the transport location of the documents and material.

Abstract: A carrying case comprising opposed cover members hinged to a central spine portion. The cover members are adapted to be secured together by a slide fastener to form a closed case or laid open to allow viewing of one or more pages of a folio arrangement supported by a frame member which is secured within the case on the spine portion by self-adhering fastener means of the Velcro type. The folio assembly includes an elongated flat metal or plastic frame member which is adapted to support one or more elongated elastic folio support rods for pivotally supporting the folio pages to be turned in the manner of turning pages of a book. The support rods may be elastically deflected to insert separate folio pages in or remove separate folio pages from the folio assembly frame or the entire folio assembly may be quickly inserted in and removed from the case, as desired.

Abstract: An air conditioning control system has inputs for room temperature and air velocity voltage signals. Both signals are scaled and compared to determine which signal is larger, and the magnitude of the difference. The control circuit drives a variable speed damper motor in a direction determined by the greater of the two scaled input signals. The motor is driven at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the difference between the two signals. Means for setting the maximum and minimum open damper positions are provided within the control circuit.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower is provided with a grass collection bag arrangement comprising a bag holder having a flexible skirt for supporting a disposable collection bag. The bag holder is mountable on a mounting plate facing rearwardly on the mower housing and close coupled to a grass discharge chute formed on the housing. The bag holder is retained on the mounting plate by a pivotally mounted lever engagable with the bag holder frame and operable in the release position to actuate an ignition grounding switch to ground the ignition system of the mower engine. The mower engine power takeoff shaft is coupled to a rotary blade which is mounted on a hub having a cylindrical brake drum fixed thereto. A spring coil brake band is disposed around the brake drum and pivotally mounted at one end to the mower housing and connected at the opposite end to a flexible cable which is connected to the bag holder retaining lever.

Abstract: A velocity sensor enclosed within a venturi housing is disposed in a moving fluid stream. A self-heated, negative coefficient thermistor is supported in the interior of the housing to sense changes in velocity of the stream. A positive coefficient thermistor is supported on the exterior of the housing and compensated for fluctuations in the ambient air temperature. The negative coefficient thermistor is operated at a temperature substantially above ambient. An automatic starting circuit is provided for cold start-up and initially heats the negative coefficient thermistor to the elevated operating temperature.

Abstract: A firearm support for holding and steadying a small arm such as a rifle is disclosed. The firearm support includes a barrel support for supporting the barrel end of the firearm, a stock support for supporting the stock of the firearm and at least one adjustable slider rod interconnecting the barrel support with the stock support.

Abstract: An elongated, resilient member such as a coiled spring or a belt of elastic material is disposed in lapping engagement with first and second drive rollers for engaging and threading a web around the rollers in response to rotation of the rollers. The drive rollers are rotated in opposite directions and the belt or spring is disposed in a twist, thereby defining a figure "8" lapping pattern. In a preferred embodiment, each roller is circumscribed by a groove in which the spring or belt is reeved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a frequency converter system for altering the frequency of a-c power supplied from a distribution network to a load, the system including a pair of mechanically coupled rotating alternating current machines, the alteration of the rate and direction of rotation of the prime mover altering the frequency of the power. A variable impedance network comprising saturable core reactors and connected in the rotor circuit of the prime mover is utilized to effect the change of rate and direction of prime mover rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for monitoring and controlling the normally inaccessible dynamic operating conditions, such as well fluid head and motor terminal voltage, of a well pumping operation, in response to monitored conditions at the top of the well. At the heart of the system is a computer having, stored therein, coded data representative of the fixed well, motor, and pump characteristics and programs defining the mathematical relationship between the stored fixed data, dynamic operating conditions of interest, and the monitored conditions. Feedback control for regulating the well fluid head and motor terminal voltage include the computer and uniquely designed frequency converter and line drop compensator apparatus.