Abstract: A method for fusing two or more source images to form a composite image with extended information content which may be color augmented and apparatus for forming the composite image from the source images is disclosed. Each source image is decomposed into a number of source images of varying resolution. The decomposed source images are analyzed using directionally sensitive operators to generate a set of oriented basis functions characteristic of the information content of the original images. The oriented basis functions for the composite image are then selected from those of the different source images and the inverse of the decomposition performed to construct the composite image. Color augmentation provides information as to the relative weighting of the contribution of each source to the composite image.

Abstract: Any of multiple landmark regions of a scene being viewed by an image sensor are used for interring the location of a target region of the scene in which a pattern is to be inserted in order to avoid the problem of the view of a region being occluded. Because of changes, such as the pointing angle of the sensor, there is a slight difference in size and position in the location of a target region inferred from one landmark region and from another landmark region. this results in a jitter when a first landmark region being used for inferring the location of a target region is replaced by a second landmark region in response to the first landmark region being occluded. This jitter is eliminated by deriving an error-correcting component that compensates for the aforesaid slight difference in size and position in the location of a target region inferred from different landmark regions.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a base plate having a plurality of pixels on a surface thereof with the pixels arranged in an array of spaced rows and columns. Each of the pixels includes a substantially rectangular region of polycrystalline silicon. A separate select line of polycrystalline silicon extends over and across the polycrystalline silicon regions of each row of pixels adjacent one side of the polycrystalline silicon region. The select lines has two extensions extending over and along two opposite sides of each polycrystalline silicon region. A layer of a dielectric material extends between the polycrystalline silicon regions and the first lines and the extensions of the first lines. Each of the first lines and its extensions forms a capacitor with the respective polycrystalline silicon region of each pixel. Data lines extend along the rows of the pixels and are electrically connected to each polycrystalline silicon region in its respective column of pixels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling wafers. A wafer pick moves along a horizontal x-axis to unload a wafer from a cassette and position the wafer over a chuck. The chuck moves upwardly along a z-axis perpendicular to the surface of the wafer and lifts the wafer off the pick. The pick retracts through a slot in the chuck and a test probe moves along the x-axis to position itself over the wafer and chuck with reference to a calculated wafer center. The chuck then moves upwardly to engage the surface of the wafer with the probe. Wafer characteristics are tested at several test points located on a circle on the surface of the wafer by repeatedly lowering the chuck, rotating the chuck by a small amount, and raising the chuck to engage the wafer with the probe. The probe is then positioned to test another circle of points.

Abstract: An accessory stand for mounting on a wheelchair frame, the stand being particularly suited to receive a rifle, a camera, or other device which must be positioned and aimed at a target. The mounting stand offers a full range of movement when supporting the device being used by the wheelchair operator. The mounting assembly is removably mounted to the frame of the wheelchair and is disassembled into a compact unit for storing and transporting. The accessory stand provides a mounting bracket for mounting an adjustable vertical pole in front of the wheelchair in proximity to the wheelchair operator. A horizontal arm is connected to the top of the vertical pole and the height of the pole and the direction of the horizontal arm are adjustable. A slidable base is mounted on the horizontal arm and can be positioned at any position on the arm. The top of the slidable base is provided with a swivel-pivot mechanism connected to a pair of brackets.

Abstract: An imaging technique, suitable for surveillance use by a moving robotic vehicle carrying two spatially displaced fixed cameras aligned with the direction of travel or, alternatively, a single camera movable to either of two positions on the vehicle corresponding to the positions occupied by the fixed cameras, is capable in a moving object indicator mode of deriving first image data of a viewed scene at a first time from a first position with respect to the vehicle and of deriving second image data of the viewed scene at a second time from a second position with respect to the vehicle that is spatially displaced a given distance from the first position such that the spatial position with respect to the viewed scene depicted by the second image data at least approximates the spatial position with respect to the viewed scene depicted by the first image data.

Abstract: Broccoli fleurettes are rapidly trimmed from broccoli heads by positioning the heads accurately so that the axes of the head stalks intersect the axes of rotation of special U-shaped guillotine blades shaped and dimensioned to trim fleurettes of substantially uniform size. The heads are securely but yieldably pre-positioned in an upward direction, followed by final positioning by a dome shaped cap designed so that optimum trimming is effected and the cut fleurettes are directed toward a collecting station. Denuded stalks are ejected and recovered for further use. The process is characterized by an electronically programmed operation providing both accuracy and speed.

Abstract: An auto-calibrated reference resistor ladder network is disclosed which is suitable for use in a precision analog to digital converter. Resistors in the ladder are connected to an auto-calibration circuit which continually measures the potential developed across each of the connected resistors and adjusts the resistance of the resistor to match the measured potential to a reference potential. In the disclosed circuit, the reference potential is the potential developed across a defined one of the resistors.

Abstract: The "Master Archer Target" is a 3-dimensional high impact plastic archery target with multiple open bulls-eyes of various sizes to provide a challenge from amateur to expert. By providing multiple bull-eyes, it prevents arrow damage by allowing adequate separation of arrows for each shot and forces the archer to improve their accuracy.

Abstract: In a parallel processing computer containing a plurality of processors, each connected to a memory unit, a method and apparatus for accessing a distributed data buffer. Each of the processors within the computer executes a first routine for processing input data to generate output data. During processing, some or all of the data associated with the processing is temporarily stored within a predefined portion of each of the memory units that form a portion of the distributed data buffer. Upon occurrence of an interrupt signal, execution of the first routine is halted. Also, the status of the computer at the time the interrupt signal occurred is stored in memory. Thereafter, a second routine (an interrupt routine) is executed to access the data stored in the data buffer. Once the data is accessed, the status of the computer is restored in accordance with the previously stored computer status information.

Abstract: An athletic shoe which includes a timing device for measuring the amount of time the athletic shoe is off the ground and in air. The athletic shoe can also include a notification device which can be operatively coupled to the timing device for notifying a wearer of the athletic shoe of a message. The message can include information related to the amount of time the athletic shoe is off the ground and in the air.

Abstract: An interactive data communications system comprises a plurality of subscriber stations each of which has an identification code associated therewith and an entry terminal for manually entering data in response to a broadcast signal. Each entry terminal is connectable to a transmission line, the system including switching means for selectively allowing either data or voice signals to be conveyed down the transmission line. The transmission lines are linked to a data switching mechanism which includes a plurality of voice/data multiplexers. A control station is arranged to communicate with the data switching mechanism via a data link, the control station comprising at least one host computer for processing the data entered from the various entry terminals. The invention extends to a method of establishing a data link between a subscriber station and a host station which utilizes an interactive data communications systems.

Abstract: Apparatus, associated with a cathode ray tube (CRT), containing both a electrostatic focusing lens and a magnetic focusing lens for maintaining the focus of an electron beam within the CRT at any location on a CRT screen. The apparatus applies a dynamic focusing voltage to an electrostatic focus grid of an electron gun and applies a dynamic focusing current to a magnetic focus coil. The focusing voltage and current vary in accordance with the position of the electron beam on the screen. As such, the electron beam remains focused upon the screen for all beam positions.

Abstract: A method and system for extending the service life of an x-ray tube wherein the coolant fluid which is circulated through a closed circulation system to remove heat generated by the x-ray tube and provide electrical insulation between anode connections and ground (and/or cathode connections) is regularly changed based on predetermined criteria. In addition to the fluid change, an on-line fluoroscopy is also regularly performed based on a separate set of predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A lock system adapted to be used with both conventional mortise and cylinder locks includes an electronic socket to removably receive a button-like metal casing having an integrated circuit therein. The socket transmits code to a microprocessor based circuit which control a rotary two-directional motor. In one embodiment, the motor turns a cam which lifts, or lowers, a frame-like slide having a plunger which fits into a cavity of the cylinder to lock the cylinder.

Abstract: A method for amplifying a signal during the detection of target nucleic acid molecules utilizes a primary oligonucleotide probe that binds to a bridging nucleic acid molecule. The bridging molecule hybridizes to a first developer nucleic acid molecule. Each first developer molecule comprises: (a) a first branch having a sequence of at least two different nucleotides and at least six total nucleotides complementary to a sequence of a first branch of a second developer molecule; (b) a second branch comprising a sequence of at least two different nucleotides and at least six total nucleotides complementary to a sequence of a second branch of the second developer molecule; and (c) a detectable label.

Abstract: A security device for a cart wheel utilizing a housing which is mounted to the cart in the vicinity of the wheel. A locking element supported to the housing and is selectively movable into positions engaging the cart wheel or being disengaged from the cart wheel. A motor is employed to move the element in such reciprocal motion and is operated by a controller. The controller includes a counter to determine the number of revolutions completed by the wheel, and a trigger for starting the motor upon receipt of a signal from the counter representing a preselected number of revolutions completed by the wheel.

Abstract: A distributor installation tool for synchronizing valve and ignition timing and for priming an oil pump. The tool is formed having an elongated structure portion that is similar to a gasoline internal combustion engine'distributor shaft and having a head structure that facilitates rotational engine mounting and which provides a marker portion for indicating the relative ignition firing position corresponding to a piston being at top dead center during the compression stroke. The tool finds particular application during rebuilding of an engine where the tool is installed on the engine during adjustment of the intake and exhaust valves. In this particular application, the engine's ignition firing order is tracked by the tool's marker portion during valve adjustment, and other subsequent engine crankshaft movement, prior to installation of the engine's distributor assembly. The tool's marker portion provides a precise mark for installing the distributor shaft and rotor.

Abstract: Low-expansion devitrifying glass compositions exhibiting a negative-slope temperature coefficient of expansion over a temperature range from about 125.degree. C. to about 500.degree. C. are useful for the fabrication of thick film copper via-fill inks of multilayer printed-circuit boards.