Abstract: A rescue device with a GPS receiver, a computer, and vibration sensors. The device detects and distinguishes vibrations and sends a radio message to a Low Earth Orbit satellite that relays messages to a monitoring facility indicating the type of vibration detected. The geographic location of the device is included in the message. The entire device is constructed to resist vandalism and to permit it to be dropped from an aircraft for installation.

Abstract: In a system of seamless splicing of multimedia data streams, the method includes the steps of scanning forward in time until a first audio Packetized Elementary Stream (PES) header with an Audio Presentation Time Stamp (APTS) greater than the Video Presentation Time Stamp (VPTS) is detected. Then, continuing to scan audio packets until an audio frame header is detected, and replacing each audio packet encountered that did not contain this specific audio frame header (or Audio PES header) with a null packet. By these steps, an audio splice-in point that does, in fact, support a near-seamless audio splice is determined. The method of accomplishing a near-seamless audio splice includes the steps of scanning forward in time until the first audio PES header with APTS greater than VPTS is detected, and replacing each audio frame header with a null packet.

Abstract: A mechanical, electrical and optical scanning apparatus for producing a digital image of a two-dimensional original object that can be either opaque or transparent. A platform supports a camera with precision zoom/focus control for receiving light energy from the object, and the light is converted into electrical energy in a digital format. Opaque objects are supported separately from transparent objects on a carriage, and a light source is supported pivotly for illuminating these objects during scanning in a different manner.

Abstract: A mechanical, electrical and optical scanning apparatus for producing a digital image of a two-dimensional original object in which the combined motions of multiple platforms or carriages along one dimension of the two-dimensional original object provides both low resolution scan of the original object and high resolution scan of the original object as well as intermediate resolutions. One of the platforms carries a camera with precision zoom/focus control for receiving light energy from said original object along the other of its dimensions converting it into electrical energy in a digital format. This platform provides low resolution scanning. The other platform carries the original object and provides high resolution scanning but moves only a fraction of the length of the original object. Combined motion of the two platforms provides high resolution scanning along the entire length of the two-dimensional original object.

Abstract: A multi-stage inflatable bag for vehicular airbag safety systems in which multiple stages are used to control its inflation and deflation characteristics. The described multi-stage bag is inflated at a predetermined and controlled rate by port means that exhaust gas from a first inflatable bag into a second inflatable bag.

Abstract: A method for determining which objects are visible in each pixel of a digitally-generated image is described. The method uses comparison of distances from the viewpoint (Z-sorting) for occlusion. The number of Z comparisons required is minimized by utilizing a hierarchy of regions in the screen area, and thereby, resolving occlusion for areas larger than pixel areas where possible. Use of the area hierarchy increases the efficiency of the occlusion processing. In a preferred implementation, the screen is divided into equal-sized horizontal regions each corresponding to typically four scanlines. Polygons for each image are subdivided into pieces that correspond to the preset hierarchy of regions, and occlusion processing occurs independently in parallel for two or more regions. Each region is subdivided further into smaller regions, each level of the hierarchy having regions half the size of a higher level region.

Abstract: A security device for personal property at a beach includes two rods of a particular construction to permit ready mounting in loose soil or sand. A bar is formed to be attached readily between the two rods, so that neither rod can be turned to remove. A chain is secured at one end of the bar which prevents removal of the bar, and a padlock secures the chain to an item to be protected.

Abstract: The disclosure describes the use of an image generator connected to receive at least two, and preferably three, base colors that have been previously compressed using two blend factors to interpolate degrees of color intensity in a texture image. A decoder circuit to restore the compressed image color data for each data path from memory uses a color blender circuit to restore the color components from data from each path to produce that color at an output terminal. A provision is described for including translucency also.