Abstract: A digital dissolver dissolves between two different video signals in synchronism with a composite sync signal. Frame pulses are separated from the composite sync signal and are used to generate a high frequency signal in phase locked relation with the frame pulses. The high frequency signal is fed to a programmable frequency divider under the control of gating and control circuitry to provide an output pulse in response to each occurrence of a selected number of cycles of the high frequency signal, the selected number being a function of the selected dissolve rate programmed into the divider by thumbwheel switches or by signals from a remote location. The pulses are fed to a binary counter which feeds a digital to analog converter to generate a dissolve signal of generally ramp-like waveform. The dissolve signal and its complement are applied to a pair of multipliers to attenuate the two different video signals.

Abstract: An improved scissors lift is provided which includes a working platform, two scissors linkages, a frame, and an hydraulic mechanism, all of which combine to permit the working platform to be elevated in a horizontal plane to any desired height, and to permit the lift to be collapsed to a compact position when not in use. The hydralic mechanism, in the form of one or more hydraulic cylinder/piston units, is mounted on the scissors linkages in an essentially vertical position in appropriate cradles between two of the arm pairs of the linkages, at a position in which there is substantial movement at both ends of the hydraulic unit. The cylinder/piston hydraulic unit is so mounted to exert a thrust primarily in the direction of the load for all positions of the linkages, and to provide an essentially constant load/thrust/speed ratio for all positions of the linkages, and also to permit full extension of the linkages without excessive movement of the hydraulic piston.

Abstract: A liner restrainer which in a first embodiment comprises an extruded synthetic resin clip having a leg portion for retaining the clip in position relative to the interior surfaces of a water bed frame, a central portion bowed to provide a storage space and a spring bias and a head portion for bearing against the frame and a water bed liner to hold the liner in place. In a second embodiment, the liner restrainer comprises two extruded elements, a clip section and a rail section, which function like the first embodiment to hold the liner; each embodiment is inexpensive and very easy to use so that a water bed can be assembled very quickly and easily. Readjustment of the liner can also be accomplished easily and quickly.

Abstract: An underwater mining or dredging apparatus having a supporting vessel and a continuous loop to which is attached a number of containers. In one embodiment, the loop is hollow and has a ballasted fluid in a lower portion while the descending portion is buoyant. This will reduce the likelihood of entanglement of the loop. In another embodiment, a weight sled is used to help gather the underwater aggregates and prevent wear of the loop. The loop may be designed to hydrodynamically resist entanglements and may be disposed laterally relative to the supporting vessel.

Abstract: A frusto-conical protective cover for a wedding cake or other articles. The cover is divided into at least two identical, upwardly convergent sections in the vertical direction, the cover sections being positionable in face-to-face relation to form the cover, and being positionable in nested relation when the cover is not in use. The cover includes integral interlocking means on the cover sections for interlocking same with the cover sections in either their face-to-face relation, or their nested relation. The interlocking means comprises channels interlockable with snap fits and formed in outwardly extending, upwardly convergent flanges extending outwardly from the upwardly convergent edges of the cover sections. The cover sections are provided at their lower ends with outwardly extending base flanges which form an annular flange to stabilize the cover when the cover sections are in their face-to-face relation.

Abstract: Reinforced plastic pipe and similar tubular members are formed by centrifugally casting filamentary strand materials, such as glass roving, in a rotating cylindrical mold. A solvent dispersed mold release agent may be sprayed into the mold prior to the application of the filament. Thereafter, a spray of catalyzed binder resin is added to the filamentary material. A lance is extended into the mold and contains feeding tubes for depositing the filamentary strand, as well as nozzles for depositing the resin on the surface of the mold. Also, the lance contains extra nozzles for the addition of particulate matter such as sand to achieve desired structural quality and economic fabrication of the tubular member. The amount of the components added and the timing of the component addition is determined by the desired end product to be achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the distance between a vehicle to which it is attached and a surface over which the the vehicle may be moving. The apparatus includes a cable and a sheet member which in a first mode is in contact with the surface but in a second mode is out of contact with the surface. Because of design, the sheet member induces a greater tension in the cable when in the second mode than when in the first mode; the increase in tension may be used to actuate a control or indicating devices on the vehicle to maintain the distance within desired limits.

Abstract: An aircraft of the Canard type in which a first airfoil is attached to an aft fin portion of the fuselage at a higher elevation than a second airfoil which is attached to the fore portion of the fuselage. The second airfoil extends outwardly and rearwardly to meet the first airfoil whereby a triangular configuration is formed in plan view and in front elevation view. The airfoils may be flexible; simple cable controls may be provided to control the aircraft so that even inexperienced pilots can easily operate the aircraft. The triangular configuration ensures a lightweight and inexpensive yet rugged and strong aircraft. The aircraft may also include a split rudder and may be hinged for folding to facilitate storage and transportation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing and controlling inventories of food items and the like in which a plurality of individual elements are coded to identify both a corresponding inventory item and a magnitude such as a price associated with that inventory item. A holder member for collecting together a selected group of the individual elements to enable identification of the corresponding food items ordered by a customer as well as sensing the total price thereof. Coding each element so that one dimension thereof extends in a predetermined direction a distance proportional to the price of the corresponding food item.