Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing, generating, and redeeming discount Virtual Coupons.TM., rebate or gift certificates or the like which may be used on conjunction with a frequency card program or the like. Virtual Coupons.TM. may be distributed electronically, for example, in the form of a diskette or CD-ROM software. Software on the diskette or CD-ROM may prompt a consumer to call a 1-800 number for a validation number or code. During the phone call, telemarketing personnel may request consumer demographic and or identification information which may be entered into a centralized database. Once the software is validated, a consumer may print out a list selected Virtual Coupons.TM. displayed on a Graphical User Interface (GUI). When a product is purchased, the UPC code of the product may be compared electronically with a list of Virtual Coupons.TM. authorized for a particular consumer. An appropriate coupon discount may then be applied and the Virtual Coupon.TM. may be considered "redeemed".

Abstract: A trap for trapping and killing small animals such as rats and mice, is described. The trap comprises a stand, a pivoting clamp, journalled in the stand around a first axis. The clamp may be strained against the action of a spring which may be released by a releasing mechanism from a first, loaded position, when an animal acts upon the releasing mechanism. When released, the clamp immediately swings, acted upon by the spring, to a second position, where it hits and kills the animal. The clamp, extending from the first axis is provided with a first arm and a second arm. A first fastening point of the spring is provided at an end that is turned from the first axis of the first arm. The second fastening point of the spring is provided at the stand. The force line between the two fastening points of the spring runs through or in the vicinity of the first axis such that the spring exerts little or no or torque in the direction towards the second position of the clamp.

Abstract: A multiple optical head interferometer comprises one Light Source-Detection-Computing unit and multiple optical heads. The diameters of all of the optical heads are of equal size, and oriented in the same direction. Shutters or adjustable mirrors are provided such that the Light Source-Detection-Computing unit is used with only one optical head at a time. The multiple optical head interferometer of the present invention may measure many workpieces quickly in a short time, as while one workpiece is being measured, others may be setup for measurement or removed for further processing. In a first embodiment, the branching device for branching the laser beam comprises a plurality of beam splitters. Shutters are used to control which optical head is to be used with the Light Source-Detection-Computing unit at a particular time. In the second and preferred embodiment of the present invention, branching out of the optical heads is achieved by using adjustable mirrors and reflection.

Abstract: Electronic lighting devices that simulate a realistic flame are disclosed. The preferred embodiment has a plurality of lighting elements in a plurality of colors which are modulated in intensity by a control circuit with a stored program. The control program includes stored amplitude waveforms for the generation of a realistic flame simulation. The program further contains random elements to keep the flame constantly changing. The control circuit has built in power management functions that can control the mean intensity of the simulated flame based on some power management budget with the ability to measure the charge/discharge duration of the power source, when used with a rechargeable power source. The currents to the individual lighting elements are selectable from a set of discrete quantization values. Tables of amplitude modulated time waveforms are stored in the microprocessor memory, from which the real time control data streams for the individual lighting elements are synthesized.

Abstract: A phased lock loop (PLL) clock circuit generates a clock signal at 1x the desired clock frequency while maintaining substantially a 50% duty cycle. A first loop provides a feedback signal to maintain clock frequency, while a second loop provides a feedback signal and controls duty cycle. Two clock signals from a ring oscillator are fed to a level shifter, where each clock signal triggers a respective rising or trailing edge of the output clock signal. The level shifter is provided with a delay for controlling timing of the trailing edge of the output clock signal. The output clock signal is fed to a equi-current buffer where a charge pump, driven by the output clock signal, charges and discharges a capacitor in proportion to the duty cycle of the output clock signal, producing a feedback control voltage. The feedback control voltage is applied to the delay of the level shifter to maintain a substantially 50% duty cycle.

Abstract: A digital body interface apparatus for use in playing an amusement video game is disclosed. The apparatus provides a unique array of infrared beams and push buttons to achieve a full body interaction between a playing participant and a computer-controlled video game. The apparatus utilizes an infrared beam at the front of each padded target place to detect a punch or a kick by a player. In the preferred embodiment, a padded target is provided with a hollow cavity through which the infrared beam passes. When the target is punched or struck, the cavity is at least partially collapsed, interrupting or attenuating the infrared beam. As with other games, adequate enclosure spaces for a video monitor, a coin mechanism, audio effects, and other necessary hardware, are incorporated.

Abstract: A mechanics' limited-access nut starter instrument 1 may provide a precision hexagonal nut holding capability in limited-access mechanical areas commonly encountered by mechanics. Because a hexagonal recess is provided slightly undersized with respect to its intended nut size, the instrument 1 actually begins to hold a nut prior to locking with serrated locking extensions 6a and 6b. Engaging locking extensions 6a and 6b will apply a clamping pressure on the held nut. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a pistol-type tool grip may be provided for a tool (including the nut starter of the first embodiment). The pistol-grip afford better gripping and control over the tool, reducing fatigue and more importantly, reducing the risk a tool may be dropped or lost into a limited-access area. A lanyard or the like may be attached to the pistol grip to attach the tool to the wrist of the worker to prevent loss. The lanyard may also be used to hold the tool in a clamped position.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for automatically controlling the degree of temporal integration in a real time video image processor. The degree of integration may be determined by a combination of image brightness detected over a specific area of an image and motion detected within specific locations within the image. The apparatus comprises two main components, an integrating processor and integrating controller. The integrating processor receives an incoming analog video signal and converts it in an A/D converter into a series of digital pixel values. These digital pixel values may then be passed through an arithmetic processing unit where each pixel value may be fractionalized and summed with a fractionalized value of a geometrically corresponding pixel or pixels stored in a memory (i.e., temporal or recursive filtration). The sum of these fractionalized pixel values may then in turn be stored in memory as a new pixel values.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for correcting buoy motion in Doppler moment estimates. In the present invention, it is assumed that the buoy is stationary over short periods of time, 0.5 seconds for example. The average pitch and roll angles are measured for the 0.5 second period. A short-term Doppler spectrum for a particular beam is computed and stored along with the corresponding average pointing angle. This short-term Doppler spectrum must be averaged with many others to be able to detect the clear air signal. To correct for motion broadening, the present invention shifts each short Doppler spectrum some number of velocity bins before averaging them together. This shifting scales the measured radial velocity at some measured pointing angle to the radial velocity that would have been measured if the antenna was pointing at some initial pointing angle, typically the steering angle if the antenna was level.

Abstract: An oscillator runaway detection circuit is provided with a synchronous delay line such that energy saving or sleep modes of operation are not mischaracterized as oscillator runaway. A Schmitt trigger monitors oscillator control voltage at a filter capacitor. If the control voltage is below a predetermined limit, indicating a possible runaway condition, a signal is output to a synchronous delay line. The output of the Schmitt trigger is propagated through the synchronous delay line comprising a plurality of flip-flops clocked by the system reference clock. The output of the synchronous delay line drives a transistor which in turn may charge the filter capacitor to reduce the control voltage and thus lower the frequency of the oscillator. A one-shot coupled to the clock tree monitors for clock activity in the clock tree.

Abstract: A tooth brush holder adapted to contain at least one tooth brush is provided with a switch and circuitry such that when the tooth brush is removed from the holder a sound producing device is actuated which device can continue to produce sound for at least a predetermined time. In one preferred form of the invention, the sound producing device may incorporate an audio chip on which a pre-recorded message is located and, in a second form, may include a recordable chip recorded by a user or some other person. The apparatus may be provided with a control apparatus to monitor the amount of time the toothbrush has been removed from the holder to insure that proper brushing has taken place. If the toothbrush is replaced in the holder before the predetermined time period has elapsed, a warning message or tone (and/or light) may be activated advising the user that more brushing is needed.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises two parts; an apparatus for automatically installing the supplemental (shunt) joint, and the shunt joint itself. The shunt joint provides both mechanical and electrical connection between two ends of an electrical cable, augmenting the existing joint which may remain in place. The installation device comprises a frame which may be lifted into place over the power line by a crane or helicopter. The frame is provided with a first linear actuator for placing at least first and second wedge elements fitted at each end of an existing socket joint. The frame also comprises a second linear actuator for placing first and second wedge sockets at least partly surrounding the line and cooperating with corresponding wedge elements. At least one threaded shaft, powered by an actuator motor, is provided to pull together the wedge sockets with the wedge elements. Together, the wedge elements and wedge sockets surround and lock around the line at each side of the socket joint.

Abstract: An improved animal barrier material and an improved fastening system to simplify its knotting process are disclosed. The animal barrier material comprises a see-through cable netting characterized by strong and secure knots. An improved fastening system may be employed to simplify knotting and produce superior cable connections. The improved fastening system requires only a single spool of cable to form grids for netting; its simplified knotting process does not require passing a spool of cable through any previously-tied portion of the net. The resulting cable netting provides a superior see-through netting for simultaneous containment and visual enjoyment of zoo animals.

Abstract: A checkers type board game is provided where movement of playing pieces is determined by the role of the dice. The board is similar to a checkers board, but with 10 longitudinal rows and eight latitudinal rows, for a total of eighty squares. Each player initially places twelve pieces on the board, eight pieces occupying a back row and four pieces centered in the second row. When a player rolls the dice, he or she may move a playing piece diagonally in any direction equal to the number indicated by one or both of the dice. When a player's piece lands on an opposing player's piece, that piece is captured by the player. Once a player's piece has reached the far opposing row, it may not be moved or attacked. Play ends when a player has advanced eight pieces, or remaining pieces, to the opposing row from their starting position. The winner is determined by which player has captured the largest number of pieces.

Abstract: A lifting device for the controlled vertical movement of objects, especially such objects, to which is conveyed an electric current through a line, such as chandeliers, is described. It is especially characterized by the combination of a relatively longitudinal support, provided with a longitudinal guide. A threaded, preferably trapezoidally-threaded driving shaft journaled in the ends of support which shaft is driven by a motor via worm gear unit. A carriage guided by the longitudinal guide which carriage is movable in the longitudinal direction of support with a nut fastened to carriage, cooperating with the driving shaft. A shaft provided perpendicularly in support carrying a first ring gear and chain relatively heavy and stable to turning, running over first ring gear, chain being driven by carriage to change its position in relationship to support as the position of carriage is changed in relationship to support by driving shaft, chain carrying in a first end the object.

Abstract: A method for removing any single component or mixture of fats, oils and greases which have been added to or rendered out of an animal or vegetable product during cooking, thereby leaving the remaining commodity substantially fat-free without removing the water and water soluble flavor and nutrient salts. The product nearly instantaneously absorbs said fats, oils and greases onto a fabric substrate which is hydrophobic or repels water and oleophilic or attracts and absorbs hydrocarbons. The method works effectively on animal and vegetable fats, oils and greases through a temperature range from ambient or room temperature through boiling. The method removes fats, oils and greases from sauces, gravies, soups and any other cooking product regardless of type of cooking or type of fat, oil or grease and has the same removal effectiveness when used in waste treatment processes. The products are safe for use in microwaves.

Abstract: An attractive and portable object holder which can grip, hold, and contain objects, e.g., pens, pencils, tools, and artists' paint brushes, and the like, is disclosed. The rectilinear holder, along with its interior gripping bristles, is injection molded with polyethylene, polypropylene, or other similarly resilient plastic in a single mold. The flexible bristles act to grip and hold objects that are inserted between the bristles. The bristle qualities are chosen to be resilient and flexible to repeatedly grip, hold, and contain quantities of inserted objects without the bulky design or the ineffective grip-and-hold associated with the prior-art devices.

Abstract: A device and a method for engaging and disengaging of a towing line from a tow boat to and from a ship. At the ship there is a hawse hole (5), a bollard head (1) and a working for inhauling of a messenger rope (4), attached to the lop of the towing line (3). The device is especially characterized in that a guide means, like a hook (2), is attached to the ship in such a way, between the bollard head (1) and the working (7), so that the messenger rope (4) guided by the second guide means (2) can pull the loop of the towing line (3) near and above the bollard head (1) so that this easily can be engaged around the bollard head (1), whilst the messenger rope (4), free from the second guide means (2), by the working (7) can lift the loop inwardly, up above the bollard head (1) so that the towing line can be taken on board by the tow boat.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for measuring force components, acceleration, and/or angular rate, formed from a single crystal (monocrystalline semiconductor substrate) comprises at least one cantilever beam inclined to the main surface of the monocrystalline material of the monocrystalline semiconductor substrate. At least one interial mass may be coupled to a corresponding at least one cantilever beam and be integrally formed from the monocrystalline semiconductor substrate. The angle of the cantilever beam to the main surface of the monocrystalline material of the monocrystalline semiconductor substrate is achieved through etching of the monocrystalline semiconductor substrate and is defined by the inclination of crystal planes constituting the beam. The bending of the inclined cantilever beam principally occurs in a direction toward the beam.

Abstract: A pallet and pallet foot is made of corrugated materials such that the entire pallet and pallet foot may be recycled with other corrugated materials (e.g., boxes or the like). The pallet foot is made from shredded corrugated waste which is then placed, along with an adhesive, in a mold under pressure and elevated temperature to form a molded pallet foot. The pallet foot may be glued to a corrugated deck provided with cutouts in the deck surface. Cutouts accept pallet feet from another pallet such that multiple pallets may be stacked in a nesting manner. The pallet feet have high resistance to dampness and may be further fortified with a water resistant coating. The resulting pallet is lightweight, strong, and readily recyclable.