Abstract: A CD Card for packaging card like information and digital information in the basic dimensions (length and width) of a business, credit or collectors card. The CD Card is made up of one, two, or three major components. The first component is a small compact disc with dimensions small enough to be contained within the typical dimensions (length and width) of a business card, credit card, or collectors card. The second component is a container shaped like a business, credit, or collectors card in length and width, but with a depth large enough to hold the small compact disc and adaptor (if required) discussed subsequently. The third component is an adaptor designed to position the small compact disc of the first and third embodiments of the present invention correctly in standard CD drives. A second embodiment of the small compact disc may not require an adaptor or case.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery which may be used with most presently available hearing aids (or other appliances) with no modification to the existing hearing aid is needed in order to use the described wireless charging system. The battery may be known a “Dynamic battery” as the battery is actively charged by means of an inductor circuit built into the battery housing itself or added onto the battery. The hearing aid may simply be placed within the charger housing (or cradle) to charge the battery. No electrical connection by either wires or electrical contacts is needed to recharge the battery, which is located inside the hearing aid housing. Moreover, the battery need not be removed from the hearing aid (or other appliance).

Abstract: A Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) algorithm capable of discriminating among various disc types including double-layer DVD, single-layer DVD, CD-ROM/CD-Audio, CD-R, and CD-RW is used to identify disc type in an optical drive. This FIS optical disc determination algorithm relies on the physical properties of the reflecting layer of an optical disc, using a DVD and CD photo diode outputs, to discriminate among several disc types. Focus error and quad sum data from both DVD and CD lasers is provided as eight inputs to a nineteen rule Sugeno FIS which outputs a value corresponding to drive type.

Abstract: A system for correlating secondary surveillance radar (SSR) data and ACARS data which results in a real time correlation of data which are unique to the separate existing systems. More specifically, a method is provided to attach flight identification data from ACARS signals to real time SSR data from Mode S transponders. Aircraft Mode S addresses are decoded and then converted to aircraft registration numbers using an algorithm or lookup table. Registration numbers are then correlated with registration numbers from decoded ACARS signals. The result is a real-time system which may provide an aircraft's registration information, including registration number, owner, make, and model, as well as its current flight identification number, and ACARS messages. As part of an aircraft multilateration system, the system provides an independent air traffic control picture complete with aircraft position and identification by flight number without the use of active radar equipment.

Abstract: Measurement data collected by isolated ADCs in multiple channels may be related. In such a scenario, data may be transmitted to a microcontroller or programmable logic device for centralized processing. Gain and offset of the ADCs in different channels, particularly their drift relative to one another, is an issue which requires attention. In particular, a pair of precision resistors is provided to calibrate the different channels. The ADCs may be factory calibrated and the ratio between the two precision resistors stored within the ADCs. The ADCs may later self-calibrate by comparing their relative gains to the stored resistor ratio. Gain of one of the ADCs may be adjusted relative to the other in order to maintain a relative gain calibration. Although absolute gain is not calibrated (as the resistors are isolated) for particular applications, only relative gain between the ADCs is relevant.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing a holder to arrange a plurality of roach traps in parallel to form a barrier to the path of the roaches. Roach migration patterns may be readily observed or predicted. Typical pathways include under doorways, near pipe entries, and near sources of water. Placed in the path of the roaches, the plurality of roach traps force a roach to traverse through one of the traps, where it is ensnared. The trap holder may be provided with a attachment point so that multiple holders may be arranged in series to form larger barriers. Individual roach traps, either of the prior art design, or of a specialized design disclosed herein, may be used with the roach trap holder. As individual traps are filled, they may be removed one at a time without having to replace the entire traps and trap holder combination.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated analog-to-digital converter system including an analog-to-digital subsystem including an analog-to-digital converter for converting an analog signal to a digital control stream. A microcontroller subsystem provides power, clock signals, and control signals as a single combined signal for the analog-to-digital converter, the single combined signal comprising a pulse train having a nominal frequency and having control pulse width modulated thereon. An isolation subsystem electrically isolates the analog-to-digital converter subsystem from the microcontroller subsystem. The isolation subsystem includes a first transformer, coupled to the microcontroller subsystem, which receives the single combined signal as a differential input signal. A full-wave rectifier, coupled to the first transformer, rectifies the differential input signal to produce at least one power supply voltage for the analog-to-digital converter subsystem.

Abstract: A system for correlating secondary surveillance radar (SSR) data and ACARS data which results in a real time correlation of data which are unique to the separate existing systems. More specifically, a method is provided to attach flight identification data from ACARS signals to real time SSR data from Mode S transponders. Aircraft Mode S addresses are decoded and then converted to aircraft registration numbers using an algorithm or lookup table. Registration numbers are then correlated with registration numbers from decoded ACARS signals. The result is a real-time system which may provide an aircraft's registration information, including registration number, owner, make, and model, as well as its current flight identification number, and ACARS messages. As part of an aircraft multilateration system, the system provides an independent air traffic control picture complete with aircraft position and identification by flight number without the use of active radar equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to define and sustain such a physical level by connecting the output through a transmission gate to an input pin. For a certain state of the output, one level of an input may be fed through to the output to generate an output voltage level. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a chip select signal {overscore (CS)} is used to define a low level logic signal. An control logic selectively switches a high level logic signal voltage (e.g., V+supply voltage) or the low level logic signal voltage ({overscore (CS)}) to produce an output digital logic signal. In a further embodiment of the present invention, separate logic level signals INH and INL may be selectively switched by control logic to generate an output logic level signal independent of supply voltages V+ and V−.

Abstract: A software graphics engine includes a selectable mode filter for improved texture mapping. An x, y pixel coordinate is mapped into a u, v texture map. The mapped u, v coordinate includes integer and fractional portions. Depending on the location of the coordinate relative to the four nearest texels, which are represented as integers, one of several texture mapping schemes are used to either select or calculate the texel value to be used to render the pixel at the x, y screen location. The three texture mapping schemes include point sampling in which the nearest texel from the texture map is selected, two-texel averaging in which the closest two texels are combined in a weighted average, and four-texel averaging in which the closest four texels are combined in a weighted average. By providing a selectable filter than can perform point sampling or two or four-texel averaging, the speed benefit of point sampling can be approached as well as the superior quality of two- and four-texel averaging.

Abstract: A graphics system includes a graphics controller for rendering polygons with texture using an improved MIP mapping technique. The graphics controller includes a polygon engine for rendering the pixels in a polygon and a texture map engine for selecting texture elements (“texels”) from an appropriate texture map to be applied to the pixels rendered by the polygon engine. The texture map engine generates texel coordinate values from pixel coordinate values provided by the polygon engine. The appropriate texture map is selected from a set of texture maps each varying from the others by the level of detail of the texture in each map. The graphics controller selects the appropriate level of detail texture map to use to increase speed, efficiency, and realism quality of the graphics system. The determination as to which level of detail texture map is appropriate is made by computing the area bounded by adjacent texel coordinates generated by the texture map engine.

Abstract: Graphics software renders polygons with texture using an improved MIP mapping technique in which texels from multiple MIP maps are blended together. The software renders the pixels in a polygon and selects texture elements (“texels”) from an appropriate texture map to be applied to the pixels. The software further generates texel coordinate values to select texel values from a set of texture maps, each map varying from the others by the level of detail of the texture. The software then computes a scale factor for each texel value according an area bounded by adjacent texel coordinates. In one embodiment, vectors are defined for each the adjacent texels and the area is determined from the magnitude of the cross product of the vectors. The scale factor is then used to compute a weighted average of texels from one or more MIP maps. Further, for certain area values, no averaging occurs or, alternatively, the scale factor is set to 1.0.

Abstract: Disposable infant wear garments that are made of soft pliable non-woven fabric in styles with hand and foot coverings, and the option of cutting these coverings off if they are not needed. Garments are designed with the body of each garment in one main piece for minimal seams. The garments have closures for adjustment for proper fit and added warmth. Each garment has openings for the infant's head, arms, and legs. There are openings for closures at the neck area for the purpose of putting the garment on the infant. The closures can then be fastened up to the neck for added warmth.

Abstract: The surveillance system provides a means to measure Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and decode identification of signal source transmissions. TDOA and identification information received from a minimum of two receiving means is used to supplement non-cooperative surveillance systems (e.g., primary radar, acoustic sensors) with target identification. The system uses a Line Of Position technique to determine position. The system can be implemented as a standalone multilateration surveillance system, which provides signal source position determination when reception is available from a minimum of two receiving means. The system provides position aiding when implemented to supplement non-cooperative surveillance systems.

Abstract: A Ground-Effect Flying-Boat system with a special hull producing a very low drag, but high lift, both in the water and in the air. A high pivoting-wing of an auto-stable airfoil, and one or more rear spoilers fitted on the hull-stern of the vessel having a special airfoil and determined horizontal and vertical slots producing very low drag, but a strong downward airstream deflection so as to increase the height of the ground-effect. The wing configuration allows for automatic maintenance of horizontal flight and automatic inclination in turns as well as an automatic anti-crash system against strong descendent gusts. These automatic stability features allow the craft to fly in rain or foggy weather without need of I.F.R. instruments, due to slide and spin resistance. In addition, the craft will not stall "nose down", but lose altitude slowly, with the hull remaining always practically horizontal. Water-landing is possible at a very reduced speed and even vertically into very strong winds and waves.

Abstract: An apparatus for sizing bulk sandpaper to produce individual sandpaper sheets suitable for use in hand and powered sanders. A planar member, typically made of clear plastic is provided with a number of marked indicia indicating standard sizes for sander sheets. One or more sides of the planar member may be provided with a cutting edge whether attached to or molded onto the planar member. A handle is provided attached to the planar member to hold sandpaper in place for sizing. In use, a user places the device over a sheet of sandpaper on a workbench or the like and aligns the sandpaper to the desired size indicia. Applying mild pressure to the handle, the user may then tear or cut the sandpaper to the desired size. The apparatus may be economically made without multiple or moving parts and may be readily transported in a tool box, pail or the like.

Abstract: A display system in a computer or multimedia system maintains a predetermined image quality. The display system includes an intelligent display driver controller (IDDC), a serial PROM, display screen, and sensors. The IDDC controls display of input image data on the display screen based on a control set. The serial PROM stores a plurality of such control sets, each of which has a predetermined effect on the image quality. The sensor measures a parameter, a change in which may degrade the image quality on the display screen. In response to such a change, the IDDC retrieves a new control set from the serial PROM, and controls display of input image data based on the new control set retrieved. As a result, the IDDC maintains the predetermined image quality on the display system independent of change in the measured parameter.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of estimating the symbol time offset in a received signal of a data modem using only one received synchronization symbol. This estimate of the offset is used for a rapid synchronization during the starting phase or for resynchronization during a micro-interruption. The method estimates the offset by comparing the frequency domain constellation obtained by transforming the received synchronization symbol using the current sample pointer setting with the frequency domain constellations stored as templates. (A constellation point for a channel is phase and magnitude values in frequency domain for the channel). It chooses the template which is closest to the received constellation and declares the offset corresponding to the chosen template as the estimated offset for the received symbol. The templates are obtained by the following process.

Abstract: An audio signal time offset estimation algorithm estimates a time offset between two audio signals. The audio signal time offset estimation algorithm provides a way to measure that delay, even when the audio equipment causes severe distortion, and the signal coming out of the equipment sounds very different from the signal going in. Normalizing block algorithms provide perceptually consistent comparison of speech signals. These algorithms compare the sounds of two speech signals in a way that agrees with human auditory perception. This means, for example, that when these algorithms indicate that two speech signals sound identical, it is very likely that persons listening to those speech signals would describe them as identical. When these algorithms indicate that two speech signals sound similar, it is very likely that persons listening to those speech signals would describe them as similar.