Abstract: The present invention is a regenerative gas incineration apparatus having three heat regenerators containing refractory heat exchange material. Gas is cycled through the regenerators first in one direction, then in another. The regenerators are each connected to combustion chamber having an air-fuel system and at least one burner. A system of valved ductwork is utilized to direct gas to be processed into and upwardly through a heating first regenerator into the combustion chamber, downwardly through a cooling second regenerator and exhausting the processed gas to the atmosphere. The temporarily idle third regenerator is purged of partially treated gas remaining from a previous cycle and this gas is directed to the combustion chamber. The flow of the gas through the system is periodically changed enable the heat recovered by cooling regenerator in the previous cycle to be used to heat incoming gas in the next.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus particularly adapted for the thorough washing of vehicle wheels including a wheel washing device or unit including a pivotally mounted carrousel supporting a rotary spray head and control means for actuating the carrousel to sweep the spray head across and along the wheel as the wheel moves past the washer unit. The carrousel is preferably computer controlled to move in response to the increments of travel of the vehicle so that the washer unit consistently tracks the vehicle wheels regardless of the length of the wheel base or the speed of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: Audio signals and digital commands are encoded into a standard raster format television signal recorded on a casette for play by a home video cassette unit. The audio signals are encoded in the displayable video as modulated carrier pulses separated by return to median intervals with the audio waveforms being tapered near discontinuities. The digital commands are recorded as binary level pulses, one such pulse occupying substantially an entire video line to permit accurate decoding.

Abstract: An animated figure, e.g. a doll, having the capability of moving its eyebrow, eyelids, eyes and mouth in conjunction with an audio reproducer, i.e. speaker, in its interior is electrically connected to a control box. The control box, which may be powered by household A.C. or by batteries, is connected to the audio and video outputs of a conventional videocassette recorder, (VCR). The VCR is connected to a conventional television set or television monitor. A videocassette recording having a video/audio story line recorded thereon, also contains control data in the video track for animating the dolls moveable parts, as well as routing selected portions of the audio track to the doll's speaker. A preferred video encoding scheme is utilized to embed the control data in the video signal by raising selected horizontal line periods to a new, white level. The illusion created to the human viewer is that of the doll having an animated conversation with characters on the television monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a vehicle includes a telescoping arm member extending the length of the vehicle, inversed v-shaped wheel supports positioned fore and aft of two wheels on a side of the vehicle, attachments to retain the assembly to the vehicle, and support receiving members for supporting the apparatus and vehicle, such as in a semitrailer. The attachments may include a ratchet and a hook.

Abstract: A system providing user interaction with a video display provided to a standard television set by a home video cassette unit employing a standard video cassette having a video signal recorded thereon, the video signal having four or more audio channels and digital commands encoded therein, the system including apparatus for generating and moving a cursor on the television screen and a digital processor responsive to commands encoded on the cassette, to the cursor position and/or to viewer selections to control the video displayed and the audio output by the television receiver.

Abstract: A signal processing device for frequency multiplication of an analog signal by an adjustable multiplication factor. The input analog signal is digitized using a delta modulator and read into a random access memory at a first clock rate. The data is read out of the memory at second clock rate and then converted back to an analog output signal. The multiplication factor is a function of the adjustable ratio of the two clock rates.

Abstract: A signal processing device for frequency multiplication of an analog signal by an adjustable multiplication factor. The input analog signal is digitized using a delta modulator and read into a random access memory at a first clock rate. The data is read out of the memory at second clock rate and then converted back to an analog output signal. The multiplication factor is a function of the adjustable ratio of the two clock rates. Residual noise is minimized by using the circuit slope voltage to trigger a variable pulse width multivibrator which controls switching of charge to a passive integrating circuit.

Abstract: An enclosed trailer apparatus adapted for carrying either vehicles or other types of cargo. The trailer apparatus includes a pair of matched, arm assemblies including several pivotally connected arms operable by a hydraulic system. The arms are mounted to a carriage within the trailer and moveable longitudinally of the trailer. The arms are extendable outside of the trailer to grasp and load vehicles into position within the trailer. Wheel bars for facilitating the carrying of the vehicles and the supporting of the vehicles with the trailer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital electronic watch having a matrix game display comprising a plurality of game display element arranged in a matrix on the display, each having at least two game display element segments and with selective illumination of game display element segments, to simulate movement about the matrix of game play units and interaction between game play units, in response to a stored program with the stored program also including instructions performed in response to player input during the game, and including sound effect generation during the game.

Abstract: A CRT beam control apparatus wherein a microprocessor drives the CRT beam for controlling the beam characteristics, including writing speed, slope, position and intensity. The apparatus includes a single digital-to-analog converter supplying sample-and-hold circuitry through a selector and further includes a pair of active integrator circuits switchable to connect the output of the digital-to-analog converter or sample-and-hold circuits. The microprocessor is operative to provide digital words to the DAC representative of the differential X and Y values of a line segment to be drawn. The analog representations of these digital words are coupled to the integrators. The outputs of the active integrators provide the deflection signals causing deflection of the CRT beam. The apparatus is particularly adapted to drawing a series of connected line segments, due to the integrator operation.

Abstract: A security system for ascertaining the authenticity of removable video game cartridges adapted to interface with a video game system having a CPU. The system includes the comparison of the contents of predetermined addresses in the memory unit of the game cartridges with a security message stored in the CPU, and the rejection of the cartridge unless the contents of these predetermined memory locations are the same as the security message. The system further includes means for displaying a proprietary notice message to the operator of the video game system before substantive interfacing between the CPU and remote software unit occurs. Control over game operation will occur only if the CPU recognizes the cartridge as an authorized unit.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus is disclosed herein which includes tracks adjustably mounted within a trailer body and having a first position for the transporting of automobiles and a second position permitting the carrying of other types of cargo. The tracks are hingedly mounted to the inside of the side walls of the trailer body and pivot downwardly for the carrying of automobiles and upwardly against the side wall to permit the carrying of other types of cargo. Front and rear doors are provided on the trailer and incorporate a track for allowing the loading and unloading of automobiles onto the tracks within the trailer body.

Abstract: A multiple position switch having a plurality of contact regions on, e.g., a PCB and corresponding conductive regions mounted on a piece of resilient material resting on the surface, with each conductive region contained within a hollowed portion of the resilient material to be thereby spaced apart from the respective contact region, and having a swivelingly mounted joystick, the joystick having a plurality of urging members positioned radically outward from the longitudinal axis of the joystick corresponding in number and position to the number and position of the respective contact regions.

Abstract: A game-calculator having a single housing for a handheld calculator and an electronic game each sharing the same display, with a sliding mask to alternatively cover in a first or second position either the calculator keyboard input keys, or both the game input keys and that portion of the display panel not used to display the calculator functions, with the slide also serving to position a switch which is coupled to the programmed data processor, responsive to movement of the slide from the first position to the second position, or vice versa.

Abstract: A radio controller for radio control of model vehicles and the like. The controller can be placed in a control mode wherein vehicle functions such as motor speed, direction, horn and lights are controlled by control signals. In addition, the controller can be placed in a voice transmission mode wherein an audio signal is transmitted to the vehicle and broadcast from a speaker mounted on the vehicle. The receiver of the radio controller is switched from the control mode to the voice transmission mode by way of the control signals. When the receiver is placed in the voice transmission mode, the control signals are ignored with switching to the control mode being accomplished by receiver circuitry which detects a momentary absence of the transmitted carrier signal.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic program playing device having a flat panel electro-optical display unit incorporated in a housing, is disclosed. Circuitry suitable for driving the display unit and manually operable controls for providing a plurality of control functions are incorporated in the housing. A replaceable cartridge unit which fits into and mates with the housing incorporates a microprocessor and supplementary circuitry. The cartridge unit can include a transparent overlay which incorporates one or more graphic patterns. When the cartridge is placed into the housing the overlay is disposed relative to the display unit so that the visual image of the display unit is viewed through the overlay. The microprocessor and overlay in the replaceably cartridge define the program such as a game that can be played by the housing and cartridge combination.

Abstract: A toy track system having an electro-optical sensing device in the roadway senses the passage and identity of a plurality of individual cars on that roadway and provides the sensed information to a microprocessor based operator control panel. The operator control panel provides visual information to the operator by individual LED's and an alpha-numeric display and provides audio information by a speaker. The operator control panel receives information from the operator through a 4.times.4 matrix keyboard. The microprocessor of the control panel is programmed to permit the operator to test his skill in manipulating the train cars in a dictated sequence and within a certain time frame. The operator can also direct the control panel microprocessor to activate a plurality of accessory devices in the system in a desired sequence and time span.