Abstract: Feedback cancellation apparatus uses a cascade of two filters along with a short bulk delay. The first filter is adapted when the hearing aid is turned on in the ear. This filter adapts quickly using a white noise probe signal, and then the filter coefficients are frozen. The first filter models parts of the hearing-aid feedback path that are essentially constant over the course of the day. The second filter adapts while the hearing aid is in use and does not use a separate probe signal. This filter provides a rapid correction to the feedback path model when the hearing aid goes unstable, and more slowly tracks perturbations in the feedback path that occur in daily use. The delay shifts the filter response to make the most effective use of the limited number of filter coefficients.

Abstract: An optical system for providing an in-focus, extended depth of field image on a projection surface includes an encoded mask or light encoder for preceding the light to include object information (or, equivalently, information about the desired image), and an extended depth of field (EDF) mask, for extending the depth of field of the projection system. In addition to including object information, the encoded mask encodes the light from the light source to account for the variations introduced by the EDF mask in extending the depth of field, so that no post processing is required.

Abstract: A method for determining a value for an integer number of phases using a computerized device, having steps: (a) providing an initial set comprising a plurality of coded integer ambiguity strings; (b) based upon a computed fitness value for each string in the initial set, choosing a selected plurality of integer ambiguity strings; and, (c) using information components from at least a first and second string of this selected plurality, generating a first and second offspring ambiguity string for evaluation. Additional steps: prior to choosing, calculating a probability of selection in connection with each computed fitness value; and generating additional offspring ambiguity strings for which fitness values can be computed. An optimal determination of the value can be used for determination of a position. The method of the invention can be incorporated into a global positioning system (GPS).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a material and a method of its preparation. The material may be described as hydrophilic microparticles, comprising a cluster of organic substance with a layer of polyelectrolyte on its surface. The present invention establishes an improved method for preparing aqueous colloidal dispersions of water-insoluble organic substances using polyionic hydrophilic polymers by which the stability of the suspension is maintained after removal of the stabilizing and/or solubilizing medium of the drug. This improved method can be utilized to formulate a variety of water-insoluble organic substances.

Abstract: An integrated parking meter system automates the issuance of parking citations. Each parking meter will be equipped with a sonar range finder, mercury type switch and a two way radio that communicates via N-PCS to a host computer back at the control center. When a meter runs out of money it checks to see if a vehicle is present in the parking space. If it is, the meter notifies the host computer that there is a car illegally parked in the space. The host computer correlates the information to identify the exact location of the violator. The host computer then sends this information via wireless network to the parking meter attendants' personal communicator. The parking attendant proceeds to the violator and issues the citation. Included within this technology is the capability to remotely change the rate structure of any or all electronic parking meters. A meter diagnostic feature alerts repair personnel to specific malfunctioning meters.

Abstract: An anti-aliasing filter for use in an incoherent imaging system reduces the resolution of the optical image to prevent aliasing, without requiring a reduction in the amount of light captured by the system, and without adversely affecting image quality or requiring complex optical systems. The filter modifies the wavefront of light emanating from the object in a curved, non-symmetrical manner, in such a way as to effectively attenuate spatial frequencies in the image to values less than some desired small level for all spatial frequencies beyond a predetermined bandlimit. The filter may be reflective or transmissive.

Abstract: A retainer for removably holding an elongated item to a larger member including the following features: a closed-loop band having elasticity for arrangement around a periphery of the larger member; and a loop for retaining the elongated item, wherein first and second ends of this loop protrude from a wall of the band. Also, a retainer including the band and a looped portion (integrated with the band) that has a taper angled to guide an end of the elongated item into the loop to be retained thereby. The band may have an outwardly-facing grip surface against which the elongated item can lean. The loop/looped portion, whether it has a taper, can have gripping teeth or suitable textured surface. A system comprising a retainer with its band arranged around the periphery of a larger member.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a non-toxic lipid conjugated with a cationic amino acid containing a guanidino group. Specifically, the naturally-occuring lipid DOPE is combined with the naturally-occurring amino acid Arginine. These compounds are useful for encapsulating and delivering pharmaceuticals and poly and oligonucleotides. These compound improve over current compounds, because they are composed of non-toxic and, in the case of Arg-DOPE, natural components, and therefore result in minimal unwanted side effects. Methods of use of the cationic lipids are also claimed.

Abstract: A renewable energy flashlight comprises a housing and a barrel located within the housing. The barrel has a wire coil wrapped around it, between the barrel and the housing. A magnet disposed within the barrel oscillates within the barrel when the barrel is shaken, generating an alternating current in the coil. Two springs at either end of the barrel cause the magnet to recoil when the magnet strikes the springs. An electronics assembly located within the housing includes a capacitor for storing charge, a rectifier connected to the capacitor, and means for conducting current flowing in the coil to the rectifier, to provide rectified current to the capacitor and charge the capacitor. A light emitting diode (LED) is connected to the capacitor by means of a switch, so the LED lights up when the switch is switched on.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate wheel is formed of a polyurethane tire injection molded onto a plastic hub, also formed by injection molding. The hub includes semicircular recesses along the outside rim to prevent the tire from slipping with respect to the hub. The hub also includes sloped surfaces on its outer rim to prevent the tire from slipping sideways with respect to the hub. The hub further includes annular ridges formed on the sloped surfaces, to prevent sideways slippage of the tire with respect to the hub, and also to allow the hub to be removed from the injection mold. The bearing seats of the hub have notches cut out to allow the hub to slide and lock onto the tire injection mold.

Abstract: A disk for throwing or rolling is formed of a central disk shaped core attached to a top and bottom pad assembly. The core includes a slot extending inward from its periphery for the insertion of an accelerator strap. The core includes a plurality of cavities, into which may be inserted plugs of various materials. The disk will possess different characteristics depending upon the composition of the plugs, and where they are placed. Wooden plugs may be used to cause the disk to float, metal plugs may be used to increase the weight of the disk, or porous plugs may be impregnated with scent to train dogs to retrieve. The placement and number of each type of plug affects the performance of the disk.

Abstract: The present invention provides 12 different sequences for soybean .beta.-1,3-glucanases and the proteins for which they encode. Also provided are methods for the utilization of knockout mutants of the sequences which are useful for engineering genic male-sterile plants. Other methods and materials related to these sequences are also provided.

Abstract: A modeling tool for use with moldable materials having a handle with at least one end, a recess in the end for receiving an end-portion of a wire-end which is releasably secured to the handle. The wire-end may take on a variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and cross-sectional shapes; and it can be made from a multitude of materials. The modeling tool has a threaded handle end for receiving a wire-end end-portion disposed within at least one groove of an at least partially threaded pin. The modeling tools could include a second end of the handle having a recess for receiving an end-portion of a second wire-end which can, also, be releasably secured to the handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides bradykin antagonists containing pentafluorophenylalanine which are therapeutically useful. Moreover, the present invention provides methods to antagonize bradykinin receptors in a mammal in need of such antagonism, comprising administering a bradykinin antagonist containing pentafluorophenylalanine. Also provided are methods to treat inflammation in a mammal in need of such inhibition, comprising administering a bradykinin antagonist containing pentafluorophenylalanine. Lastly, a method to treat cancer in a mammal in need of such inhibition, comprising administering a bradykinin antagonist containing pentafluorophenylalanine.

Abstract: In a delta sigma modulator, generally comprising one or more integrators fed into a multilevel quantizer, the output of which is the output of the delta sigma modulator and is also fed through a digital to analog converter in a feedback loop to the integrators, the quantizer is made sparse, i.e. the levels output by the quantizer are not evenly spaced, but rather are closely spaced for small deviations from 0 V, and broadly spaced for large deviations from 0V. The A/D converter in the feedback is matched to the quantizer. For example, the levels might be -1 V, -1/8 V, 0V, 1/8 V, and 1 V. The digital output signal from the sparse quantizer is fed into a correction RAM, which corrects for nonlinearities in the D/A converter before the digital signal is filtered by a low pass filter and frequency down converted. The contents of the RAM are selected whenever the A/D conversion system is powered on.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously decompressing and interpolating compressed audio data. The compressed audio data is stored in differential log format, meaning that the difference between each two consecutive data points is taken and the log of the difference calculated to form each compressed data point. To efficiently decompress and interpolate the compressed data, advantage is taken of the fact that addition of logs is equivalent to multiplication of linear values. Thus the log of an interpolation factor is added to each compressed data point prior to taking the inverse log of the sum. An integrator block completes the interpolation and decompression of the data.

Abstract: A flexible headband for use with personal stereo headphones allows easy adjustment of the headphone speaker position. The headband is formed of a continuous tube of a stretchable material which has a buttonhole opening in the back toward the inside. The speakers are inserted into the buttonhole and worked around either side of the tube until they are located over the user's ears. The stretchable material stretches primarily laterally, squeezing the speakers firmly in place when the headband is worn. The headband may be attached to a hat or a bandanna.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulations useful to treat EPM. It also provides methods to treat EPM in a horse in need of such treatment, comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a triazine-based anti-coccidial. Preferred are methods to treat EPM using clazuril, diclazuril, toltrazuril or letrazuril. The present invention also provides methods to prevent S. neurona infection in horses comprising administering a prophylactic amount of a triazine-based anticoccidial. Preferred is a method to prevent S. neurona infection by using clazuril, diclazuril, toltrazuril or letrazuril, alone or in combination with other known therapeutics.