Abstract: A universal decoder consisting of modules that may be exchanged with a module of a like type which provides automatic frequency changes and remote system control of the decoder by a host computer. The decoder minimizes signal invasion by providing a data signal frequency change device between a broadcast station and subscriber terminals. Converters modules are classified into fixed function and variable function modules. The fixed function module is a singularly-bodied unit assembled onto a PCB while the variable functions are modularized based on their functions. The connecting circuitry and the data communication protocol between fixed functions and the variable functions is standardized thereby improving the lifetime of the converter. Hacking is solved by allowing the scramble system to be changed. Compatibility problems are eliminated since the modules are made in accordance with internationally uniform or standardized specifications.

Abstract: A turbocharger includes a main shaft carrying a turbine wheel and an impeller. The shaft is supported in a housing by means of a floating bearing and a ball bearing which is particularly effective in resisting axial loads tending to move the shaft toward the impeller. A preload spring positioned between the stationary race of the ball bearing and a thrust plate fixed to the housing provides a force urging said ball bearing against a shoulder on the main shaft against thrust forces tending to move the shaft toward the turbine wheel.

Abstract: A method of soft tissue cephalometric analysis for diagnosis and a method for cephalometric planning treatment for aesthetic correction of facial imbalance in a patient. Normal size, distance, and angle ranges and harmony values of various facial landmarks of aesthetically pleasing faces from a population group are established. The patient will place his or her head in a natural head position. Markers will be placed on soft tissue landmarks and an image will be taken of the patient's head. A true vertical line will be established, and soft and hard tissue landmarks will be measured to the true vertical line. Dentoskeletal measurements will be taken of the face. Finally, in the method of cephalometric planning treatment necessary orthodontic and orthognathic action will be taken to bring measurements into normal range to improve facial balance and aesthetics.

Abstract: A slidable bagging rack system. The rack has a slanted back portion which slants downwardly from an upper portion to a lower portion, and has a pair spaced apart support arms with risers which extend above the upper portion of the rack. Spaced midway between the support arms is a hook member. A pack of bags, such as T-shirt bags, is loaded on the rack by pushing the risers through apertures formed in the handles and by pushing the hook member through a mouth tab aperture formed in a mouth tab of the bags. Pulling a front wall of the bag tears the handles free of their handle aperture from the risers and tears the mouth tab of the front wall free, thereby readying the bag for loading with merchandise. The slanted back not only supports the bags, but effectively lowers the level of the open mouth of the bag.

Abstract: A pack of self-opening plastic T-shirt bags for use with a bagging rack. Each plastic bag in the pack of bags has a mouth tab portion between its two upwardly extending handles, which are at the sides of the mouth of the T-shirt bags. The mouth tab portion is located on the front and rear walls in the mouth region of the plastic bags. The mouth tab portion has an aperture for receiving a retaining projection of a bagging rack. Frangible pressure bonding is formed along the perimeter of said mouth aperture. Flapless handle apertures are also formed in the handles, with frangible pressure bonds formed along their perimeter edges. Due to the frangible bonding formed between adjacent bags, as a frontmost bag is removed from the pack of bags on the bagging rack, the next bag in the pack of bags will automatically self-open into a open position for loading with merchandise.

Abstract: A method and kit for cleaning jewelry and small parts to 95% and greater clean. A holding basket has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and is adapted to securely retain jewelry and small parts therein. Jewelry is placed in the holding basket and dunked into a container filled with cleaning solution to coat the jewelry with cleaning solution. The holding basket is removed from the container of cleaning solution, and is placed in an automatic dishwasher and run through a wash cycle and dry cycle, thereby exposing the jewelry to impinging water and the action of steam to remove the cleaning solution and grime from the jewelry and small parts. The steam helps prevents formation of water spots. The kit includes a hinged jewelry holding basket with handles and a container filled with cleaning solution. The hinged jewelry holding basket is sized to be dunked into the cleaning solution.

Abstract: A kit for making boxes from paper card stock. The kit has a flat plate with a guide rail with a vertical edge projecting above the surface of the plate parallel to one edge of the plate. A scoring groove traverses the plate parallel to the vertical edge of the guide rail. One or more spacing strips, each having a vertical edge, may be placed between the vertical edge of the guide rail and the scoring groove to vary the depth of the box. The overall size or "footprint" of a box made in accordance with the invention is determined by the distance of the scoring groove from the nearest vertical edge and the size of the blank card stock employed. Two identical sized card stocks are used for each box. A slightly wider spacing strip is used to form the top than the spacing strip used to form the bottom of the box. This also makes the depth of the box bottom slightly greater than the box top.