Abstract: An audio type signal is encoded. The signal is first divided into bands. For each band, a yardstick signal element is selected. The yardstick may be the signal element having the largest magnitude in the band, the second largest, closest to the median magnitude, or having some other selected magnitude. This magnitude is used for various purposes, including assigning bits to the different bands, and for establishing reconstruction levels within a band. The magnitude of non yardstick signal elements is also quantized. The encoded signal is also decoded. Apparatus for both encoding and decoding are also disclosed. The location of the yardstick element within its band may also be recorded and encoded, and used for efficiently allocating bits to non-yardstick signal elements. Split bands may be established, such that each split band includes a yardstick signal element and each full band includes a major and a minor yardstick signal element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator for a percussion instrument, such as a hi-hat cymbal, that is sounded by motion of a sound initiation member. The actuator includes a heel driven member, which translates vertically under the user's heel, and is connected to the sound initiation member, so that the user can activate the percussion instrument by moving the heel up and down. An inclined pedal that rotates about an axis may constitute the heel driven member. The connection between the heel driven member and the sound initiation member may be a hinged action lever, which is connected to the heel driven member so that it pivots in response to vertical heel motion. The action lever is connected to the sound initiation member by a cable, which is drawn in response to the pivoting motion of the action lever. The drawn cable pulls the sound initiation member, causing the instrument to sound.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of encoding location information pertaining to a source position signal characterized by positions of a set of selected coefficients, ordered in at least one dimension, there being a generally expected pattern of selected coefficients in the position signal with respect to the type of source signal. The method includes the steps of: for a first component of the position signal, generating a signal encoding the locations of the selected coefficients by a method that has a relatively high efficiency with respect to the generally expected pattern of selected coefficients in the first component; and for a second component of the position signal, encoding the locations of the selected coefficients by a method that has a relatively high efficiency with respect to the generally expected pattern of selected coefficients in the second component. For instance, runlength encoding can be used for both components, with different codebooks being used for each.

Abstract: The invention is a baseball bat having a handle portion and an end portion, the end portion having a generally cylindrical surface, and a striking portion, the surface of the striking portion impressed with a plurality of shallow depressions. The depressions are sized and located so as to increase the turbulence of the boundary layer of air flowing over the bat, as compared to the turbulence that would arise under identical conditions due to flow of air over a substantially smooth surfaced control bat, so as to trip the boundary layer and reduce the drag coefficient experienced by the bat, as compared to the drag coefficient that would be experienced by said control bat. Suggested parameters for optimization of the dimple sizes are provided.

Abstract: A yarn carrier for a circular knitting machine has a swing member swingably attached to a support member and a spring between the swing member and the support member so that if an accidentally closed latch of a latch needle accidentally hits the swing member, such as may occur during unintended stopping of the machine, the swing member is pushed rearward, away from the latch needles, to effectively cushion the contact pressure and protect the latch needle from suffering physical damage. The swing member may also have two depressions, one to provide clearance for the latch needles when moving relative the swing member in a generally vertical direction as the thread is engaged, and one to provide clearance for the latch needles when moving in a generally horizontal direction, after the thread has been engaged and the latch needle is moving away from the support member.

Abstract: In a first preferred embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for generating radiation comprising: means for generating a beam of electrons; means for constraining the beam of electrons to travel in a substantially straight path over a predetermined distance; means for generating a standing wave of light; and means for causing the beam of electrons to pass through the standing wave of light during a portion of the straight path, thereby causing certain of said electrons to emit radiation. The standing wave of light is preferably generated by a continuous wave beam of light that is circulating in a power build up cavity. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of generating radiation, the method comprising the steps ofU.S. GOVERNMENT INTERESTThe U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. F19628-90-C-0002, awarded by the United States Air Force (Electronic Systems Division), which supported some of the work that contributed to this invention.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for measuring the position of a point with respect to at least one axis. The apparatus includes a reference electrode located at the reference point and at least one axial electrode fixed along the at least one axis. The axial electrode has a signal transmission property, such as resistivity, as measured between a first end and a point along the axis, which signal transmission property varies with the location of the point of measurement. The axial electrode is coupled to the reference electrode, typically capacitively. The apparatus also includes means for applying an electric signal to the reference electrode; means for measuring an output electric signal at the first end of the at least one axial electrode; and means for evaluating the relation between the output electric signal and the input electric signal to determine the position of the reference point relative to the axis.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to dredging under harbors and waterways and fabricating building materials and more particularly to an apparatus for dredging that produces no waste and uses the dredged material for useful building products. Furthermore, all off the equipment that is used for the dredging and fabricating building materials from the dredged materials placed upon at least one floating badge.