Abstract: An image formed on an array of photosensitive elements is scanned and stored. A defocussed image is scanned and subtracted from the stored signals. The frame-to-frame subtractive algorithm permits simultaneous image enhancement and elimination of sensor induced noise. Required storage capacity is reduced by separately storing the high frequency information-bearing components and the low frequency components of the video.

Abstract: A curling iron, having a single stepped barrel having a different diameter at each step, to enable a hairdresser to perform lift operations for providing body and gentle curvature to the hair, and curl operations for curling the ends of the hair, without changing curling irons. The iron can also be effectively used to make a number of different size curls in the same strand of hair. The barrel sections of different diameter sizes are arranged substantially tangent to one another, instead of being concentric, so that the clamp which clamps hair against the barrel section can function without large steps therein which might snag on hair and also permits hair to be smoothly slid from one barrel section to the next.

Abstract: A stereo speaker system removably mountable on the back of a seat includes two speaker assembly enclosures pivotally mounted on a spacer bar to maintain the speakers at a desired separation and orientation and a strap for securing the enclosures and spacer bar to the back of the seat. Each enclosure includes a chamber substantially occupied by a speaker assembly and a duct portion for directing the sound.

Abstract: A hand truck powered by pressurized gas for transporting a load up one or more steps, having a unique mechanical design permitting it to execute a smooth climbing motion up nosed or unnosed steps, and further having a power control system implementing several novel safety and convenience features.

Abstract: Solid state digital circuitry is used in an apparatus which receives standard, continuously variable 4 to 20 milliampere analog signal information, continuously stores this information in a digital format and, after a preselected time interval measured in minutes, reproduces this information in its original smooth analog form with a fidelity of .+-. 1/2%.

Abstract: In a multi-pane window structure for use between a cold region and a warmer region, where the first pane adjoining the warmer region is electrically heated to prevent condensation or frost, the improvement comprising an infrared-reflective coating transparent to visible light applied to the second pane from the warmer area on the surface thereof facing the warmer region.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing sensitive apparatus from translational and rotational vibrations of the structure on which the apparatus is mounted uses a conventional bearing or a flexure pivot to achieve angular isolation in series with a compliant isolator for attenuating translational vibrations. Wideband corrective torques are applied to the apparatus by linear actuators connected between the vibrating structure and the sensitive apparatus, in parallel with the isolator and bearing combination. Motion of the apparatus is sensed by rate gyros and angular accelerometers mounted on the sensitive apparatus. These instruments through servomechanism loops, drive the linear actuators to oppose the motions.

Abstract: In an electronic system employing an array of detectors which have been compensated for any fixed pattern noise present, further compensation is provided for any deviation in sensitivity (gain) of each detector from a standard by measuring the output of each detector under uniform level of incident energy, and comparing the amplitude measured with a standard while multiplying the measured output by a factor that is varied until the product equals the standard. The final factor is then stored for use as a gain compensation factor during normal system operation.

Abstract: A hair brush, particularly useful for blow waving has a back of open frame construction to facilitate the flow of hot air. Folded single bristles are inserted into holes on the front surface of the brush in a staggered relatively uniform arrangement. The bristles are relatively thick in diameter and include a bead at one end to avoid scratching the scalp. The thickness of the bristles enables them to withstand the heat of the air used in blow waving.

Abstract: A motion picture film and sound editing-projecting system which utilizes a single sprocket wheel to advance the film and which includes record and reproduce heads within the sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel is directly connected to the armature shaft of a stepping motor, and a flywheel is frictionally coupled to the armature shaft to eliminate the cogging effect without preventing rapid acceleration.

Abstract: A plastic drum having a cylindrical mid-section and tapered shoulders terminating in generally planar end walls is adapted to receive and retain at its upper and lower shoulders, ring-shaped attachments encircling the circumference of the drum to facilitate handling and stacking.

Abstract: A stereo speaker system for portable use having two loud speakers mounted side by side in a common housing which may be divided. The housing substantially surrounds the speakers and the speakers substantially occupy the chamber defined by the housing. The chamber has two ducts for directing the sound produced toward the listener's ears. These ducts open into the speaker chamber adjacent the speakers.

Abstract: A kite having separate forward and aft sails, each arched about a common longitudinal kite axis and each sail disposed concave downward in flight. The concave shape of the sail funnels the wind through the kite. Lift is derived from the central portions of the sail while the lateral portions of the sail, which are nearly vertical and are parallel to the wind direction, provide lateral stability. The proportional lift and weight balance provided by the aft sail, in combination with the bridle arrangement, provide longitudinal stability.

Abstract: For use with a one- or two-dimensional charge-coupled photodiode array, apparatus for modulating an optical image formed on the photosensor portion of the array with a predetermined pattern of density variations and for causing the pattern to move in a predetermined manner with respect to the image.

Abstract: A circuit employing an oscillator having a feedback loop for supplying operating current at a frequency in the range 20-25 kilohertz to a pair of fluorescent lamps connected in series. The heater filament of the first lamp is made a series element in the feedback loop of the oscillator, so that removal of that lamp disables the oscillator. Switching means is provided to bypass the open socket terminals of the second lamp when it is removed from its sockets, permitting power to continue to be supplied to the first lamp.

Abstract: A transducer head assembly supported above a surface has the spacing of its transducer head from the surface maintained at a predetermined value by a pressure-sensitive regulator which responds to changes in fluid flow pressure resulting from spacing changes to correct variations from the predetermined spacing. The assembly includes a pair of expandable chambers which are coupled to each other through a fluid restrictor and which carry the transducer head, the expandable chambers being sensitive to pressure changes and causing the transducer head to move toward and away from the surface in response to such changes to correct the fluid flow pressure.

Abstract: A capsule made from a heat-shrinkable film by overlapping and bonding ends of said film to form a cylindrical body such that a non-bonded overlapping portion provided between the bonded ends of the film, then inserting a certificate stamp or the like into said non-bonded overlapping portion and forming guide lines for cutting in crossed relation with said certificate stamp or the like.

Abstract: In a refrigerator door mounting frame, the use of a thermal barrier between the cold portion and the warm portion of the frame in combination with a divided thermal conduction path extending from an intermediate portion into the cold portion. The divided path comprises a thick load-bearing section through which conduction is impeded by the thermal barrier, in parallel with a thinner sealing face plate section exposed to the air outside the refrigerator and electrically heated to prevent condensation. In this way condensation is prevented and the heat load on the refrigerator is minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting perishable commodities provides recirculation of moisture saturated air at a predetermined optimum storage temperature through the cargo from bottom to top of individual van containers. Temperature sensors are provided in each container and, if possible inside the commodity itself to enable monitoring of the conditions of storage by remote recorders. A central station powers the containers and maintains records for all containers of selected storage parameters such as temperature and humidity.

Abstract: The inherent phase ambiguity that results from the measurement of the phase difference between a reference signal and a data signal having a zero phase relationship is eliminated by adding 360.degree. to phase differences between 0.degree. and 180.degree.. Phase differences between 180.degree. and 360.degree. are measured in the conventional manner. Both the reference signal and the data signal are divided in frequency and the phase difference between the divided signals are compared. The data signal is inhibited for only 180.degree. of the original reference signal to prevent an initial comparing of phase differences between the data signal and the reference signals to establish the proper polarity relationship between the half rate data signal and the half rate reference signal.