Abstract: The present invention concerns a way of compressing an initial data structure that defines an image as an array of pixel elements. The method includes generating a new data structure that defines contours at least some of which are contours having a constant color value to within a tolerance.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification system in which the concentrate water which is normally produced by the process is not disposed of by routing it to a drain line or otherwise, but is redirected to the main water supply. The system includes the well-known components of a reverse osmosis membrane, pre-filters which are installed ahead of the reverse osmosis membrane, and an appropriate tank to store the purified water. In addition, the system includes a pump and associated pressure sensor for increasing the pressure of the incoming non-processed water to the reverse osmosis unit, means for directing the concentrate water from the reverse osmosis unit to the incoming main water supply (cold), or to a hot water line. Additionally included is a one-way check valve in the concentrate water line, and a sensor sensing the pressure of water in the storage tank and turn the pump off whenever the pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A number of voltage and ground buses--normally four or more each of which respectively connects to groups of lights within a large number of lights that are typically both multicolored and regularly geometrically arrayed in two and three dimensions--are separately simultaneously selectively energized in order to produce dynamic decorative patterns of display, particularly for use as Christmas lights. Buses are preferably selectively enabled and energized in at least four major and ten or more minor combinations in order to, along with differences in sequencing and phasing and timing, produce great numbers of different display patterns, typically at least ten such patterns that are recognizable to an observer. The progressive displays of a great number of individual light arrays may be coordinated in both (i) synchronization, and (ii) repetition rate, by the simple expedients of (i) applying a.c.

Abstract: Various high-low bases including (i) a frame, and (ii) various lift mechanisms for supporting and for variably elevating the frame above a floor, fit completely under, and within the pedestal base, of a conventional contour bed. In one embodiment a motorized hydraulic drive mechanism variably controllably elevates the entire contour bed, including its pedestal base, in height above the floor, thereby to order to facilitate transfer of a user of the bed to and from a wheelchair, or the provision of care to the user who lies supine upon the bed. In another embodiment the lift mechanism is a motorized screw drive acting through cables to control lifting lever arms. In still another embodiment the screw drive of the lifting lever arms is direct. An upper surface of the contour bed is mechanically adjustable to contour a mattress that rests upon this upper surface independently of the hydraulic adjustment of the height of the bed.

Abstract: An electronic device, for example an irrigation controller, accumulates energy from a source of energy, for example from incident light, in order to progress, over time, from an inoperative un-powered to an operative powered condition in a positively controlled, graceful and orderly manner. The device so progresses to operability regardless that it should, from time to time and at times, be totally devoid of energy, and regardless that it may accrue energy only but exceedingly slowly over periods of days, weeks and longer. A power monitor circuit of the device is made from an electrical circuit technology that is reliably operative at a relatively low voltage level, typically from BICMOS technology, whereas other device electrical circuits are operative only at a relatively higher voltage level, and are typically made from CMOS technology.

Abstract: Leaded electrical circuits and components, typically receivers and amplifiers used in micro-miniature hearing aids, are closely physically mounted by their leads extending within laser-drilled through-holes, typically three such holes, to multiple buried-substrate capacitors within a monolithic ceramic multiple capacitor. Electrical connection to the leads does not transpire within the holes, but rather though soldered or like connection to conductive pads surrounding the holes and continuing first as circuit traces on the top of the monolith, and then as electrically-conductive trace or castellations on the sides of the monolith, until reaching electrodes of the buried-substrate capacitors patterned so as to be brought to side surfaces of the monolith. The direct electrical connection is normally to multiple plates of plural buried-substrate capacitors, typically including a relatively large, typically 1.0 .mu.farad, capacitor in electrical parallel with a smaller, typically 100 picofarads, capacitor.

Abstract: An error amplifier feedback capacitor located between the signal output and the signal input of an error amplifier stage of a voltage regulator is removed, particularly preventing that charge stored on this capacitor should act through an overload protection circuit of a voltage regulator so protected so as to undesirably turn off the output driver (as if there was an overload) in an oscillatory manner, undesirably causing a "pulsing" or "hunting" upon the occasion(s) of high alternator field drive currents. Meanwhile, a new capacitor that is located across a leg of the input voltage divider stage of the voltage regulator and that is called a voltage divider capacitor, is substituted. The combined effect of the (i) removal and (ii) substitution substantially eliminates "ghosts", or such low frequency noise as is commonly called "commutator noise", in any voltage regulator, including those that are optionally protected against failure due to overload.

Abstract: A vehicular steering wheel security device, having three major members A,B,C each of which is telescoping relative to the others, and also key locks for each of A-B and B-C, separately simultaneously locks onto a steering wheel at rim positions (i) at and about a point where a spoke joins the rim, and (i) from this point across the diameter of the steering wheel to an opposite point. An elongate central member preferably has a double hook that selectively engages and protects not only an interior portion arcuate portion of the steering wheel's rim, but also the steering wheel's spoke. First and second members having single hooks telescope relative to, respectively, first and second ends of the central member for selectively engaging, respectively, (i) the rim of the steering wheel in position about the spoke and (ii) the rim of the steering wheel opposite to the spoke.

Abstract: An enhanced case, strap or bracelet worn upon the wrist contains in separate cavities (i) a watch, calculator, telephone, radio or like device that, among other functions, keeps time, plus (ii) a writing, probing and/or pointing instrument. The case preferably houses a watch in its first cavity. Both (i) a double-ended instrument having a pen suitable for writing on one end, and a probe suitable for activating push button switches on the other end, and (ii) an electrical switch, are preferably housed in a second cavity having the shape of an elongate bore. Extraction or insertion of the instrument from the bore is sensed by the switch, and is electrically communicated to the watch to initiate a countdown timer. The interval of the countdown timer is preferably variably preset.

Abstract: A spring-loaded quick-release mechanism to a locking security grille is triggered by (i) manual activation, preferably through a foot switch, or (ii) fire, typically through a thermal fuse. Fins incorporated in, and/or affixed to the bars of, a security grille are preferably rotating, normally in phase, so as to serve as a louver or, when completely closed, an interlocked security shield, or panel. One locking release mechanism, which may optionally be quick release, has a sliding bar with alternate (i) extension and (ii) notch regions that respective engage the ends of solid, purely cylindrical, elongate prisms, normally cylindrical bars, to respective lock, and disengage, these prisms in a security grille. Finally, a security grille with standard universal retention assemblies variously serves to retain any, and any combinations, of tubular bars, solid bars, fins mounted to bars, and solid fins.

Abstract: A mainframe computer programmed to convert input data sets and build HSG or ISO-9660 Compact Disc (CD) images communicates with a channel attached controller that is in turn attached to one or more writers of respective Writable Compact Discs (CD-Ws). The images generated through batch processing in the mainframe computer are cached on the writers both so as to increase the speed of CD-W generation. Both subsequent labeling, and distribution of the CD-Ws to remotely-situated end users who view the CD-W images on PCs, are automated under positive closed loop feedback, control.

Abstract: A cylindrical central high-strength pipe, normally a custom extrusion of PVC, mounts caps, preferrably of high-strength Rhinite.TM. plastic, at both ends so as to create an interior reservoir that is capable of being pressurized to a working pressure of 230 P.S.I. and a burst pressure in excess of 600 P.S.I. Each end cap, permanently affixed to the pipe end by gluing, includes a cylindrical outer sleeve extending beyond the pipe end and presenting in its extension a circular interior groove. A circular plug, again preferably made from Rhinite.TM. plastic, is inserted into the sleeve extension to form a pressure tight seal against a circular gasket, preferably a robust one eight inch (1/8") thickness "O"-ring. A retaining ring, preferably made of Delrin.TM. plastic, that is expandable and contractible in circumference is inserted in the circular interior grove of the sleeve and against the plug, therein to make that the reservoir is capable of being pressurized.

Abstract: A foundation structure comprises a plurality of light metal parts which assemble and secure in place prior to placement of foundation in situ concrete. Assemblage is supported by coarsely threaded rods which screw directly into earth and attach to parts by various methods. Some parts remain in place as permanent supporting members for superimposed structure. Others, which generally form surfaces of foundation concrete, subsequently relocate to become either similar permanent structural members, or inventory for subsequent projects. Use of a computer aided design program assists in optimal configuration of parts, and creates a list of parts with necessary cut and piecemark information for automated fabrication of any particular length parts. This information, along with a computer produced schematic plan, allows use of parts as collocation elements which define a distinct foundation design by simple field assembly.

Abstract: Hydrofoil watercraft (HFWC)--particularly including extended-performance hydrofoil watercraft (E-P HFWC) characterized by a submerged demi-hull mounting hydrofoils, and also high-performance personal hydrofoil watercraft (P HFWC)--are rendered both tractable and pleasant to operate throughout broad operational ranges by the provision of selective upwards (i) flotation and (ii) planing forces from two sponsons moveable in position at the ends of hinged arms. At their maximally elevated, inboard, positions the sponsons are integrated with the contours of the main displacement hull--preferably a "V"-shape hull--so as to permit the HFWC to operate efficiently and handle well while not on plane, including while cutting through heavy seas.

Abstract: A new class of packet-switched extended generalized-shuffle self-routing multistage interconnection networks provides a continuous performance-cost tradeoff between, on the one hand, the knockout switch or buffered crossbar and, on the other hand, the tandem banyan network. Multiple copies of the new networks may be serially cascaded back-to-back, and connected in parallel. A particular concentrator circuit in the network concentrates active communications packets randomly distributed on many lines onto selected lines. Another, second, network communicates synchronization information communicable point-to-point and multipoint while performing arithmetic and logical operations on the synchronization information so communicated. A hybrid parallel combination of both the first and second networks serves to efficiently communicate information point-to-point while simultaneously communicating synchronization information both point-to-point and multipoint.

Abstract: Multiple, typically 5+, trays of an identical special configuration are vertically stacked one atop the next, end-to-end reversed. Each tray has an overflow feature, normally in the form of either (i) a portion of a side that is reduced in height so as to form a lip, (ii) a corner hole protected by a removable baffle of selectable height, or (iii) a threaded standpipe that may be screwed to variable height. The overflow feature permits that liquid will overflow each tray only upon reaching a predetermined height in a reservoir of the tray. A liquid poured in the top tray cascades downwards from tray to tray, filling each tray to a uniform even level and ultimately reaching the bottom tray of the stack. The liquid that is within each tray is permitted to gel, forming thereby a gel state material that is suitable to receive samples upon which electrophoresis may be conducted. Combination spacer and toothed comb elements are optionally inserted between the stacked trays.

Abstract: A high-low base including a lower frame member supported upon a floor, an upper frame member, and an elevation assembly for variably elevating the upper frame member in height above the lower frame member, fits completely under, and within the pedestal base, of a conventional contour bed. A motorized drive mechanism variably controllably elevates the upper frame member in height above the lower frame member, and the entire contour bed including its pedestal base in height above the floor, in order to facilitate transfer of a bed user to and from a wheelchair, or the provision of care to the user supine within the bed. An upper surface of the contour bed is adjustable to contour a mattress that rests upon this upper surface mechanically and electrically independently of the adjustment of the height of the bed.

Abstract: An electronic coin tracker for coin-operated machines, particularly video games, is retrofittable to most such coin-operated machines as produce an electrical signal upon the deposit of coins. The coin tracker is physically and electronically secure in its function to monitor both (i) the deposit of coins and (ii) the activity of the coin operated machine (whether such activity is responsive to, or only to, the deposit of coins or not). The coin tracker reports the monitored (i) coin deposits and (ii) machine activity electronically, preferably through an infrared light data link. The reported data may readily be analyzed to determine whether or not the machine operation and/or machine receipts have been subject to fraud or embezzlement.

Abstract: A highly accurate and stable, but continuous fixed-phase fixed-frequency, quartz crystal oscillator frequency source, typically of 80 Mhz frequency, is used as the primary frequency standard for (i) synchronized, and (ii) variable, pixel placement timing in a bee-scanning image generator. A fixed-frequency timing chain appropriately synchronized to the scanning energy beam is generated by selecting, in accordance with a sensed start-of-scan condition, from among a number, typically 23, of variably-phase-delayed, typically by less than 1 nanosecond and normally by 0.8 nanosecond, replications of a fixed-phase timing chain that is produced from the crystal oscillator. The synchronized fixed-frequency timing chain so derived is then converted to the required variable-frequency pixel placement timing chain by timing-data-driven recombination of variably-phase-delayed replications, typically 13 such replications at a delay of 1.

Abstract: An inexpensive disposable plastic flow body interchangeably flow connects in line a conduit flowing fluid, and also, concurrently, acoustically connects to one or more ultrasonic transducers, so as to serve as an acoustic chamber for use with an ultrasonic flowmeter in the measurement of fluid flow velocity and/or volume. The flow connection is preferably accomplished by plugging, preferably by inserting nozzles into surgical tubing. The external ultrasonic transducer(s) is (are) normally connected under pressured contact, typically under spring forces which are preferably of external origin. Acoustic-coupling elements in the walls of the acoustic chamber serve to match the acoustic impedance of the flow body to acoustic impedance of blood. The disposable plug-connected flow body is particularly safe, sterile and convenient for extracorporeal ultrasonic blood flow measurement.