Abstract: A method of signal sample interpolation utilizing a second order curve utilizing a linear interpolator to select a mid-point between respective input samples, eliminating phase error and spatial variation, utilizing the interpolated points as reference points for a quadratic interpolation wherein the space between the reference points is one half the distance between respective signal sample points, and thirdly combining the operations of linear interpolation and quadratic interpolation for simultaneous execution. More particularly, the quadratic interpolation is reformed based on the output of the linear interpolation.

Abstract: A device for indicating the alignment of a tool held by the arm of a robot includes a frame mounted at a known coordinate, an electrical switch mounted on the frame and connected to the robot, a lever having opposite first and second end portions and a central portion therebetween pivotally connected to the frame such that the first end portion normally makes contact with the switch in the absence of outside forces on the lever. The second end portion of the lever has a target bore therein for receiving the tool with a given tolerance for misalignment of the tool. If the tolerance is exceeded, the tool engages the second end portion of the lever and forcibly pivots the first end portion out of contact with the switch to indicate misalignment of the tool.

Abstract: A digital filter characterized by a plurality of filter coefficients, positive ones of the coefficients being represented by unsigned binary integers and negative ones of the coefficients being represented by 2's complement binary integers, comprising an input for receiving a digital input signal comprising a first predetermined number of bits; means for truncating or rounding at least one leading "0" or trailing "0" of the positive ones of the coefficients and at least one leading "1" or trailing "0" of the negative ones of the coefficients, such that significance of the integers is removed; means for successively delaying the digital input signal to produce successively delayed versions of the digital input signal; means for multiplying the successively delayed versions of the digital input signal by respective ones of the truncated representations of the respective ones of the plurality of filter coefficients and in response generating a plurality of intermediate product integers; means for restoring signi

Abstract: A hollow shell frame for bicycles and other human powered vehicles is disclosed. The frame is constructed from plastic molded partial shells that are assembled into tubing that comprises the frame. The partial shells have protrusions and receptacles joining faces of their skins that are used to join the shells together to form the tube. This results in a lightweight, durable and aesthetically pleasing frame. In an alternative embodiment, the partial shells have protrusions and receptacles within their interiors for additional strength. Additional fasteners such as screws, bolts or rivets may be used for reinforcement of the partial shells. A method for manufacturing the frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a multi-rate digital signal processing system for re-sizing an image in at least two segments using at least two symmetric T-tap digital filters each having T kernel-function weighting coefficients, where T is an odd plural integer, a first one of the segments being characterized by a first plurality of unfiltered pixels and second adjacent one of the segments being characterized by a second plurality of unfiltered pixels, a predetermined one of the unfiltered pixels being common to both the first and the second plurality at the image boundary of the two segments, the improvement comprising a method of seamlessly extending the image across the image boundary, comprising the steps of multiplying the (T-1)/2 of the first plurality and the second plurality of the unfiltered pixels adjacent the predetermined one of the pixels by two times respective ones of the kernel function weighting coefficients for generating the first and second mirrored half kernel intermediate multiplication products; multiplying the p

Abstract: A composite mixture of spherical objects and lubricant useful for its cushioning properties is disclosed and claimed. The composite mixture may be composed of microspheres typically less than 2000 microns in diameter with inert atmospheres sealed within their interiors and any of a variety of lubricants facilitating sliding and rolling movement between microspheres. Typically the composite mixture includes lubricant in a quantity sufficient to substantially coat the exterior surface of essentially all of the spherical objects, but in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of the spherical objects in the lubricant sufficient to physically separate the spherical objects from each other and substantially reduce the sliding and rolling contact of the spherical objects with each other. A low specific gravity, low thermal mass, low coefficient of heat transfer, insulative and flotation qualities are provided by the invention.

Abstract: Homologous recombination is employed to inactivate genes, particularly genes associated with MHC antigens. Particularly, the .beta..sub.2 -microglobulin gene is inactivated for reducing or eliminating Class I MHC antigens. The resulting cells may be used as universal donors. In addition, embryonic stem cells may be modified by homologous recombination for use in producing chimeric or transgenic mammalian hosts, which may be used as source of universal donor organs, or as models for drug and transplantation therapies.

Abstract: A wire brake for a robotic welding torch includes an adapter which is attached to the upper end of the welding torch and which includes an adapter bore through which the wire electrode is inserted. A cylinder body is threadably attached to the adapter and includes a reciprocating piston having a piston stem which is movable into a brake position engaging the wire electrode so as to hold the wire electrode against axial movement within the adapter bore.

Abstract: A lightweight wheel assembly intended primarily for use on wheelchairs including an injection-moldable fiber-reinforced plastic push rim, injection-moldable fiber-reinforced plastic wedge-bottom spokes, and a lockable static in-hub brake. Important advantages of the invention include very light weight compared to prior art wheel assemblies while achieving the high component strength desired, shock absorption qualities beneficial to wheelchair users not provided by other wheel assemblies, a convenient and easy-to-operate positive-engaging static brake, and components which may be made from the inexpensive injection molding process.

Abstract: A method of signal sample interpolation utilizing a second order curve comprising the steps of utilizing a linear interpolator to select a mid-point between respective input samples, thereby eliminating phase error and spatial variation, utilizing the interpolated points as reference points for a quadratic interpolation wherein the space between the reference points is one half the distance between respective signal sample points, and thirdly combining the operations of linear interpolation and quadratic interpolation for simultaneous execution. More particularly, the quadratic interpolation is reformed based on the output of the linear interpolation.

Abstract: An improved process for reducing sulfur oxide emissions from the combustion of coal is disclosed wherein a fuel mixture comprising calcium-containing sorbent and coal is fed to the burners and sulfur oxides react with calcium from the sorbent in a high temperature sulfur capture region, followed by additional sulfur capture in a lower temperature, high humidity sulfur capture region prior to separation of particulates from the flue gas. Sulfur capture using calcium-containing sorbents can be combined with aggressive coal beneficiation techniques to further enhance reduction of sulfur oxide emissions. The process of the invention provides a process for reducing sulfur oxides that efficiently uses calcium-containing sorbents to enhance sulfur capture while reducing the need for expensive equipment or process modifications.

Abstract: A circuit for filtering an input digital image comprising: first storage apparatus for storing the input digital image; apparatus for retrieving the input digital image from the first storage apparatus and generating a first resized digital image of reduced spatial frequency relative to the input digital image and being of smaller size than the input digital image; second storage apparatus for storing the first resized digital image; apparatus for retrieving the first resized digital image from the second storage apparatus and generating a second resized digital image of equal size to the input digital image, wherein the second resized digital image is a lowpass filtered version of the input digital image due to the reduced spatial frequency of the first resized digital image; and third storage apparatus for storing the second resized digital image.

Abstract: A transport assembly for use, for example, in mass transportation, comprises a track and a frame mounted to the track for motion therealong, the frame including a housing which defines a traction chamber in communication with the track. At least one traction wheel is rotatably mounted to the frame in friction contact with the track. The traction wheel is at least partially disposed in the traction chamber. A car with a passenger compartment is coupled to the frame via a shock absorbing linkage so that the car is substantially isolated from irregularities in the track during motion of the frame and the car along the track. A suction source is operatively connected to the housing for generating a vacuum in the traction chamber during motion of the frame and the car along the track. A drive mounted to the frame is operatively connected to the traction wheel for drivingly rotating the wheel to propel the frame and the car along the track.

Abstract: Chimeric proteins and DNA sequence encoding chimeric proteins are provided, where the chimeric proteins are characterized by an extracellular domain capable of binding to a ligand in a non-MHC restricted manner, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic domain capable of activating a signaling pathway. The extracellular domain and cytoplasmic domain are not naturally found together. Binding of ligand to the extracellular domain results in transduction of a signal and activation of a signaling pathway in the cell, whereby the cell may be induced to carry out various functions relating to the signalling pathway. A wide variety of extracellular domains may be employed as receptors, where such domains may be naturally occurring or synthetic. The chimeric DNA sequences may be used to modify lymphocytes as well as hematopoietic stem cells as precursors to a number of important cell types.

Abstract: A device for lengthening bone in an human or animal by incrementally extending the distance between discrete separated portions of the bone to permit continued bone growth between the separated portions comprising an intramedullary nail having distal and proximal portions both of which are secured with the medullar canal of the bone. A hydraulic cylinder comprises the proximal portion of the nail and a piston comprises the distal portion of the nail. An implantable supply of operating fluid communicates with the cylinder. A ratcheting mechanism, between the piston and cylinder, limits their relative movement. A shock absorber mechanism permits limited lost motion between the piston and cylinder and ratcheting release mechanisms are employed to permit the piston and cylinder to reverse directions.

Abstract: Fine particle coal is beneficiated in specially designed dense medium cyclones to improve particle acceleration and enhance separation efficiency. Raw coal feed is first sized to remove fine coal particles. The coarse fraction is then separated into clean coal, middlings, and refuse. Middlings are comminuted for beneficiation with the fine fraction. The fine fraction is deslimed in a countercurrent cyclone circuit and then separated as multiple fractions of different size specifications in dense medium cyclones. The dense medium contains ultra-fine magnetite particles of a narrow size distribution which aid separation and improves magnetite recovery. Magnetite is recovered from each separated fraction independently, with non-magnetic effluent water from one fraction diluting feed to a smaller-size fraction, and improving both overall coal and magnetite recovery.

Abstract: A syringe for controlling the amount of material or medical fluid in a syringe body which is expelled therefrom upon depression of a plunger in the syringe body. The syringe includes a syringe body having a chamber and a discharge end portion and an open opposite end portion, with a plunger received in the syringe body. A measuring ring having an inner thread in mesh with an outer thread on the plunger, with latch means for setting and holding the measuring ring and plunger and thus, permit an exact volume to be expelled from said chamber.

Abstract: A process for applying particles to a geographic region. The process involves flying a balloon over the region. The balloon carries a nozzle with a pipe communicating the nozzle with a ground supply of air and a source of particles. A mixture of air and particles can be forced up the pipe to the nozzle. The particles are then discharged over the region according to a pre-determined pattern. The process permits the accurate measured application of fertilizers and the like to a forest region.