Abstract: A data storage system is described that simultaneously stores incoming data in a plurality of different digital formats linked together to permit economical accessibility and browsing of stored content by providing user access to reduced-resolution versions of stored format. Synchronization information correlates the same content stored in different digital formats to provide a means to reflect an edit of content in one format to the content stored in the other formats without manual editing of content in each format.

Abstract: A dental transilluminating device has a detachable plastic wand which serves as an optical waveguide and illumination aperture. The wand is configured to allow a wide variety of illumination apertures by cutting the tip of the wand at any desired position and/or angle, to allow for flexibility in both localization of the light beam and angle of approach against the lingual surface of the teeth, gums and other structures and tissues. A preferred embodiment of the invention uses an inexpensive self-contained battery-powered light source, with plastic optical wands that are easy to detach and sterilize, and are optionally disposable.

Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer for hitching to a truck by a fifth wheel hitch in a towing bed of the truck wherein a front section of the trailer extends over a cab of the truck when the trailer is coupled to and supported by the fifth wheel hitch. The front section of the trailer comprises a first section extending over the towing bed of the truck and a second section extending over the cab of the truck.

Abstract: A shelf having a light rail extending along a front edge of the shelf which comprises a cover adapted to reflect light onto displayed merchandise while permitting light to pass through selected window portions to illuminate product and pricing information printed on transparent or translucent signage. Signage may also be supported on a sign strip behind the light rails, and along the front edge of the shelf board. In the preferred embodiment wire management is provided by a raceway formed between a cover support and a backing strip for the fluorescent tube. A receptacle in communication with the wiring within the raceway is adapted to receive a connector from the ballust transformer, so that all permanent wiring for the fluorescent tube is concealed within the raceway. The ballust transformer can be unplugged from the wall receptacle and from the raceway receptacle, to thus completely remove the ballust transformer from the shelf for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A high speed analog-to-digital converter utilizes a fine resolution ADC to digitize the low band component of an analog video signal to produce a fine resolution signal and a coarse resolution ADC to digitize the full spectrum of the analog signal and produce a coarse resolution signal. The coarse resolution signal is subtracted from the fine resolution signal to generate a summed signal containing a quantization error, which is filtered through a low pass digital filter to filter out the high band component and pass the quantization error. The filter output is summed with the coarse resolution signal to restore the fine resolution of the low band, producing a digital output signal that has a resolution suitable for high definition applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reproducing real-world lighting effects in a computer animated object, in which a three dimensional virtual set is created in proportion to the physical set, optical parameters of each physical light source used on the real-world set are input into the model and qualified by effects such as dimming, filtration, diffusion, occlusion and attenuation to produce synthetic lighting of the virtual set. The camera lens transmission characteristics and film speed may also be incorporated into the virtual set parameters.

Abstract: A voltage drop compensating reactor connected between the power distribution system and the load provides a flux shifting multiple-winding reactor with a capacitor bank connected between the reactor windings. At least one line winding is oriented in a first polarity on a core, and at least one compensating winding oriented in the opposite polarity on the core and connected between the output of the first winding and the load. The opposing fluxes generated by the line winding and the compensating winding cancel and the total reactance of the device is lower than the reactance of the line winding. The input of a cross-link circuit comprising a capacitor is connected between the line winding and the compensating winding. The reactance through the cross-link circuit to the neutral (or another phase) is lower than the reactance through the line winding.

Abstract: An optical paper sorter that uses diffuse reflectance to identify a sheet of paper as either white or non-white. An illuminating fiber optic bundle carries light from a tungsten halogen lamp onto a sheet of paper. A receiving trifurcated fiber optic bundle collects light that is diffusely reflected from the sheet of paper. The light in each branch of the receiving fiber bundle is incident upon a detector after passing through a color filter positioned between the end of the fiber bundle and the detector. At each detector a specific isolated color (blue, green or red) in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum is incident, causing a photo electric voltage to be produced that is proportional to the intensity of the isolated component. A processor uses the mean and standard deviation of relative reflectances that are obtained based on the three voltage signals to determine if the paper is predominantly white or non-white.

Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of fluids using electrostatic fields generated by a high voltage electric current, which reduces or eliminates calcification, scaling and microbiological contamination. A high voltage DC current is applied to a core electrode, generating an electrostatic field which traverses a dielectric sleeve surrounding the core electrode and charges the exterior surface of the dielectric sleeve, charging inorganic particles and, in the case of a biological contaminant such as bacteria, killing the organism. Fluid flowing through the device is agitated by a combination of spiral vane sections surrounding the dielectric sleeve and helical baffle sections lining the housing wall. Charged inorganic particles coalesce into spherical aggregates which resist adhesion to pipes and vessels and can be filtered by techniques such as reverse osmosis without deteriorating the filter membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding a textile tube to the rollers of a machine, which reduces the tensioning of the fabric and accordingly reduces post-production shrinkage. A feeding arm mounted on a support, preferably at a slight downward incline, provides a spreader having a breadth sufficient to flatten the textile tube. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of feeding arms are rotatably mounted to the support, so that as one feeding arm is being used to feed the fabric into the machine another feeding arm can be loaded with a textile tube.

Abstract: A practice device comprising a plurality of striking targets arranged about a frame in an overall configuration which approximates the shape of an opponent. The targets are individually articulated to the frame, so that each individual target reacts independently in response to a strike. The targets are each in communication with a common force sensor, through a load transfer shaft movable relative to the frame and bearing on a force sensor such as a load cell, which provides feedback to the athlete regarding the force of each strike.

Abstract: A device for protecting a putter head and repairing ball marks includes a body having a protective face for abutting a face of the putter head, at least one prong extending from the body for repairing ball marks and a detachable affixing member for detachably securing the device to the putter head to protect the putter face. In one preferred embodiment a rear face of the body is provided with an absorbent pad for cleaning a golf ball.

Abstract: A tandem press has a moving frame comprising a moving platen moving in a reciprocating motion between stationary outer platens, between a first clamping position in which the moving platen clamps a first mold mounted on one side of the press, and a second clamping position in which the moving platen clamps a second mold on the other side of the press. The tandem press of the invention thus provides two complete clamping cycles within one press cycle. In the preferred embodiment the hydraulic pistons actuating the moving platen also serve as guide bars for maintaining the moving platen in alignment with the stationary platens. In the preferred embodiment the actuating cylinders are small bore diameter high speed cylinders, and the moving platen is provided with larger bore diameter hydraulic clamping cylinders to apply the required clamping force to the mold after the actuating cylinders have moved the moving platen to the clamping position.