Abstract: A method for encoding and decoding the digital information sequence uses a combination of two block codes to simultaneously correct and detect errors. The information sequence is encoded by a first stage of the encoder to produce an information code word including an information vector and a primary redundancy vector. The primary redundancy vector is encoded in a second stage of the encoder to obtain a redundancy code word. The information code word and redundancy code word are interleaved and transmitted to the receiver. At the receiver, the information code word and redundancy code word are decoded in a first stage of the decoder to obtain a first estimate of the information code word. The first estimate of the information code word is decoded in the second stage of the decoder to produce a second estimate of the information code word. The distance between the first and second estimates of the information code word is evaluated. If the distance is more than one, the received code word is erased.

Abstract: A two-axis, tilting conveyor cart for a sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. Each of the tilting conveyor carts includes a trailer frame base, a carrying tray for holding the objects and a two-axis tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray above the trailer frame base and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the conveyor to unload objects into unloading stations on at least one side of the conveyor.

Abstract: A package for containing both longer and shorter components and being transformable into a secondary package for carrying the shorter components. The package includes a unitary, tubular base carton having first and second ends and a first length extending between the first and second ends. A tear line is formed in the base carton between the first ends and defines a tubular sub-carton and a remainder portion. The sub-carton has a second length extending between the first end of the base carton and the tear line. The second length is less than the first length. A tray is slidably disposed in the sub-carton. The tray has first and second ends and a third length extending between the first and second ends of the tray. The third length is less than the first length of the base carton.

Abstract: A non-halogenated, tri-laminate fabric for automotive security shades or covers, comprising a layer of reinforcing fabric scrim juxtapositioned between at least two layers of a thermoplastic olefin film comprised of a rubber modified polyolefin compound, said layers being thermally bonded together to form a fire retardant, nontoxic tri-laminate fabric. The rubber modified polyolefin is a rubber modified polypropylene or polyethylene homopolymer and copolymer. The rubber is natural or synthetic. The preferred thermoplastic olefin film has characteristic melt peaks at temperatures ranging between about 61.degree. C. and 100.degree. C. and between about 105.degree. C. and 168.degree. C., with melt peaks forming preferably at about 86.degree. C. and 142.degree. C. Acceptable thermal lamination of the layers occurs at temperatures ranging between about 120.degree. C. and 140.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an untethered microphone associated with a radio telephone base and adapted to provide wireless communication therebetween. The remote microphone may include a rechargeable battery and a solar power supply and associated panel configured to recharge the battery. The remote microphone and base unit are adapted to each transmit and receive data and control signals therebetween. The remote microphone is further adapted to transmit voice signals from the microphone to the base unit during operation. Typically, a first transceiver is located with the remote unit, and a second transceiver is located with the hands-free base unit. Working together, the transceivers carry the microphone's signals to the radio telephone's transmitter. Additionally, the transceivers carry call-in-progress information back and forth between the microphone and the hands-free base unit.

Abstract: A filter cleaning apparatus for removing dust and debris from a stationary filter having a dust an debris collecting surface. The apparatus includes a longitudinally extending duct having a lengthwise slot formed therein. A belt in the duct extends across the slot whereby the duct and the belt together define a plenum. The belt has an opening formed therein adjacent the slot and in fluid communication with the plenum. The belt is mounted for movement along the slot such that the opening may be repositioned along the length of the slot. A nozzle is mounted on the belt for movement therewith and extends outwardly from the belt. The nozzle has an inlet distal from the belt. The inlet has a width substantially transverse to the length of the slot which is greater than a corresponding width of the opening in the belt. The inlet is in fluid communication with the opening and thereby the plenum. The apparatus further includes drive means for moving the belt along the slot.

Abstract: A method of determining the relative impact of a water soluble organic chemical comprising determining the ASRIT value of the chemical, determining the LC50 value of the chemical, determining the biodegradability value of the chemical, calculating a composite score for the chemical based upon the values determined, and comparing the composite score to comparably determined composite scores of other water soluble organic chemicals.

Abstract: An improved sweat band. The sweat band includes an elastic band adapted to fit around a user's head and a length of sponge cloth intermittently attached along spaced apart locations to the elastic band. Only the ends and spaced apart segments of the strips are attached to the elastic band, therefore allowing the elastic band to stretch without being restricted by the inelastic sponge material. In the preferred embodiment, a tubular fabric wrap surrounds the elastic band and the length of sponge cloth to provide additional absorption and also to provide comfort to the user.

Abstract: A case for transporting exhibits and other materials includes a container having a bottom, two opposing sides, two opposing ends, and an open top. A wheel assembly is mounted at a first end of the container adjacent the bottom. First and second handles are disposed at respective ends of the container adjacent the open top. The first and second handles allow the container to be carried by two persons lifting on the first and second handles. A third handle is disposed at the end of the container opposite the wheel assembly and adjacent the bottom of the container. The third handle allows the container to be moved by lifting on the third handle and rolling the container on the wheel assembly. Integrally molded hand holds are also formed in the sides of the container adjacent the open top. To facilitate stacking of the containers, a pair of stacking feet project outwardly from one side of the container.

Abstract: Water is prevented from entering the wall interior of a building from in and around a wall component, such as a window, mounted in the building wall, by positioning a diverter directly beneath the wall component. The diverter includes an upper surface that slopes toward the wall exterior, a plurality of spaced, parallel ribs extending upwardly from the upper surface and beyond the exterior wall to form a plurality of downwardly sloping channels, a cover over the outer ends of the ribs to form drainage openings at the ends of the channels, and filters in the channels to prevent water from entering the wall interior through the channels.

Abstract: An accessory attachment/conversion assembly is disclosed for use on a small front-end loader type of construction implement. One form of accessory would be a backhoe bucket. The attachment assembly includes a frame for detachable mounting to the implement and includes a rotatable drum pivotally secured to the frame and rotatable in its mounting by means of chains, or other suitable forms of transmission means, which are secured at one of their ends to the drum and at their other ends to a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the frame. An elongated arm or boom is secured at one end to the drum and extends outwardly thereof. The outer terminal end of the boom can carry a bucket or other suitable accessory. The arrangement being such that the boom and bucket can be swung approximately full left to full right, almost 180.degree..

Abstract: A composition for the elimination of cellulosic dye cross staining when dyeing cellulosic and synthetic blended fabrics in a dye bath. The composition includes a first component including polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer having a mwt. of between about 15,000 to 40,000 and the balance water. In the preferred embodiment, the composition includes a second component including dyestuff including dyes and polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer. Dyeing textile articles having at least two different types of fibers selected from the group consisting of cellulosic and synthetic fibers using the present invention produce a dyed article in which the cellulosic fibers are dyed and the synthetic fibers have a Class Value of greater than about 3 when measured according to the AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change.

Abstract: A rigid plastic dye tube. The tube includes a pair of solid end caps and an open structure between the pair of end caps to permit dye to pass through the structure. The open structure includes a plurality of rings arranged axially along the length of the tube and a plurality of rigid ribs extending between the end caps and through the plurality of rings. The open structure is closed and impermeable to dye flow adjacent to each of the end caps to prevent dye "blowout" during processing. In the preferred embodiment, the tube is formed from a homopolymer of polypropylene plastic having an ASTM D-256A notched Izod impact score of greater than or equal to 0.5 ft-lbs/inch, an ASTM D-790A flexural modulus of greater than about 200,000 psi and an ASTM D-648 heat deflection value of greater than about 200.degree. F.

Abstract: A frame for holding a cap of the type having a bill and a front crown. The frame includes an inner subframe having an inner band and an outer subframe having an outer band. The inner and outer bands are hingedly joined on one end so that the outer band may be selectively folded between an open position wherein the outer band is spaced from the inner band and a closed position wherein the outer band is disposed adjacent the inner band. Latch mechanisms are provided for selectively securing the outer band in the closed position. Spaced apart support arms extend upwardly from the inner band. Spaced apart clamp arms extend upwardly from the outer band. When the outer band is in the closed position, an outer opening defined between the clamp arms is disposed adjacent an inner opening defined by the support arms, and the clamp arms are disposed adjacent respective support arms for clamping portions of the crown of the cap therebetween. Each of the support arms includes a reinforcing rib integrally formed therein.

Abstract: A rotary valve engine includes an engine block having at least one combustion chamber which is sealed by a rotary valve which also can function as a head. The rotary valve includes an intake passage and an exhaust passage for directing intake air into the combustion chamber and for exhausting combustion gases from the combustion chamber as the valve rotates. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a single rotary valve is associated with a plurality of combustion chambers for directing intake air into the combustion chambers and exhaust gases from the combustion chambers in succession as the valve rotates. Also, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a spark plug and fuel injector are mounted on the rotary valve for injecting and igniting fuel in each combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention is a telescoping bed slat easily assembled for beds of various widths and heights. In particular, the invention includes a telescoping slat, one or more telescoping supports and securable mounts at terminal ends of the slat for anchoring the slat to respective bed rail cleats. Each slat includes two telescopically joined tubular sections. Preferably, the tubular sections are rectangular and include coinciding, longitudinally extending slots. The supports include a mounting head portion adapted to slideably engage the coinciding slots and extend downward from the slat toward a floor. The supports may include two telescoping tubular sections. An upper section attaches to the mounting head portion which slideably engages and extends within the slat via the longitudinally extending slot. A lower section attaches to a threadably mounted fine adjustment that permits fine adjustments in the height of the support.