Abstract: A method and apparatus for subcooling a liquid composed of a volatile fluid, for instance, a saturated liquid cryogen, in which two chambers are filled with the fluid and are each initially pressurized after filling so that the fluid is converted to a subcooled liquid. The pressurization of the two chambers is maintained as the subcooled liquid is delivered from each of the two chambers. The filling and the delivery of the two chambers is effected in accordance with a cycle in which one chamber is filled and initially pressurized just prior to the completion of the delivery from the other chamber to allow the continual delivery of the subcooled liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending digital audio data and/or digital graphics within available bandwidth used to carry television signals into end-user homes and offices, such as, additional bandwidth which will become available as optical fiber replaces cable currently in use to carry cable television programming. The invention also makes it possible for digital audio and graphics, including computer generated data such as output from a word processing, paint or real time file builder program, to be sent over any regular television channel on any cable system. The system could even be used on a television signal broadcast at a normal broadcast frequency if the signal received in the home is of high enough quality.

Abstract: A yarn positioning apparatus for use in an automated seaming machine for forming a woven join between opposite ends of a length of woven fabric, of the type in which an auxiliary strip of threads are supported in parallel relation to the cross machine direction threads in the woven fabric. The opposite ends of the fabric are supported on opposite sides of the auxiliary threads and each end of the woven fabric includes a fringe of machine direction (MD) threads. The MD threads are successively separated from the fringe and interwoven with the auxiliary thread to form the join. The yarn positioning apparatus is comprised of a yarn gripper for gripping a previously woven yarn from a fabric fringe in a first orientation and repositioning it to a second orientation. The yarn is retained in its second orientation as it is translated for further processing.

Abstract: An edgelit illuminated display system has a transparent medium having first and second opposing surfaces and at least one edge operable with a light source for illuminating the first and second surfaces. A matrix of dots on each of the surfaces is arranged to allow interaction of light between the surfaces. The matrix of dots on at least one of the surfaces substantially covers the entire surface for providing an even increased illumination throughout the surface, wherein when a graphic image is supported over the surface the graphic image is evenly illuminated.

Abstract: A data dial system having at least one matrix switch, one or more user terminals, one or more Touch-Tone push button telephones, and at least one processor. The matrix switch can switch the user terminals between various inputs and outputs. The Touch-Tone push button telephones, each of which has a dual-tone-multiple-frequency keypad, generates signals which can actuate the processor. The processor controls the operation of the matrix switch, for switching signals between signal sources and signal destinations by establishing connections and by performing disconnections of the various inputs and outputs of the matrix switch.

Abstract: A portable tracking system that includes one or more portable units for determining their respective locations and communicating it to another unit or to a remote telephone unit. Each unit includes a global positioning system GPS for determining latitude and longitude, a micro-computer, a cellular telephone, and a digital data to voice for converter and batteries.

Abstract: A torque wrench in which large torquing forces are applied to a workpiece by a ratchet and pawl mechanism allows the workpiece to be pretightened before final tightening by the wrench and includes an adapter assembly for transmitting torquing forces delivered independently of the pawl to the ratchet. The adapter assembly, which may be adapted for use with any ratcheting torque wrench, comprises an adapter member which is interlockingly received at one end within an axial opening of a ratchet gear and which includes at its other end a central aperture, a male extension, or a combination of the two for coupling to an external torque transmitting device such as an open ended wrench or an air powered wrench. Additional transition members are optionally provided to adapt the adapter member for use with commercially available torque transmitting devices.

Abstract: There is disclosed a play kit of detachable plastic components capable of forming either a slide assembly or a teeter assembly. The kit includes an elongated plastic playboard as a basic playing element. The latter has a wavy configuration and is preferables constructed in two symmetrical members abutting one another and releasably locked to each other. When used as a slide, the playboard is removably connected, at one end, to an upper end of a plastic support formed with steps to act as a ladder. The latter and the playboard are held together by removable struts. When the basic element is used as a teeter board, the support is made to act as a base. A prop structure is then detachably connected to the said base and to the playboard to allow the latter to teeter as well as to rotate about a vertical axis.

Abstract: An operator interface for a video editing system provides a visual sense of the content of video sequences, as well as their length, while also providing enhanced interactive control of locations and time alignments of the video. As the video sequence is processed into the system, a small but representative sample of each frame is saved in a local memory, while the video itself is stored in mass storage. These samples are used to provide a video pictorial timeline of the underlying stored video. The location of an operator's view into the video sequence is controlled by a cursor's movement along a detailed video pictorial timeline, a reverse motion area and a forward motion area to provide VTR control for location changes on the video tape. The cursor's movement can be controlled by a mouse or a knob. Icons, either static or dynamic, are produced within the motion areas to indicate the amount of selected velocity.

Abstract: An integral plastic load rest for a pantograph jack having a laterally extending channel to engage a vehicle and a reinforced seat centrally positioned under the channel to transfer vehicle load to the jack while allowing clearance for the jack teeth.

Abstract: A ram baler includes a charging passageway, a compacting chamber that is coupled to the charging passageway, a main platen, which moves back and forth in at least one direction in the passageway and compacting chamber, a floor, which bears the weight of the main platen, a series of guide strips on the floor, and a series of wear shoes which are attached to the bottom surface of the main platen, and the bottom surface of the main platen having one or more jack bolts or levers that allow for repair of the wear shoes without requiring the removal of the main platen from the baler. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing a baler that includes forming holes in the bottom surface of the main platen and coupling to the bottom surface of the main platen one or more jack bolts or levers that allow the main platen to have its wear shoes repaired without requiring removal of the main platen from the charging passageway or compacting chamber.

Abstract: A self keyer with background gap fill adds background video to the gap between the background video and a fill video resulting from self key error. The self keyer performs the general function:Composite=Fill*f(Key)+Background*(1-f(Key)*(Key))where f(Key) is a programmable transfer function used to generate a multiplication factor, f(Key), for shaping or reshaping the fill video and to generate a hole cutting signal, f(Key)*(Key), for shaping the background video. The shaped foreground and background videos are combined to generate a composite video. The transfer function may be generated and stored in a PROM/RAM buffer as a lookup table by a CPU. The transfer function may also be generated interactively by adjusting various points on the transfer function individually, with the CPU storing the resulting transfer function in the PROM/RAM buffer.

Abstract: A gas-lance apparatus and method for injecting a rate-enhancing gas between a flame and a thermal load to augment combustion of fuel undergoing combustion in the flame. A fan-shaped main jet is introduced between the flame for producing a low pressure field of the rate-enhancing gas between the flame and the thermal load. The low pressure field deforms the flame into the shape of the main jet and draws the flame toward the thermal load. The main jet decays along its length due to entrainment of combustion-environment gas in the main jet. In order to delay such decay, a fan-shaped booster jet of rate-enhancing gas is introduced between the main jet and the thermal load. The booster jet has a higher velocity than the main jet and is positioned adjacent to the main jet.

Abstract: A novel joint protection device is disclosed having a rigid outer shell and at least one cushioned pad on its inner face which is placed next to the joint area being protected. The cushioned pad is inflatable or gel-filled for deflection or absorption of the forces encountered upon an impact. The device can be used for a novel method for prevention of joint injury, especially injuries sustained by the elderly due to falls. The novel device is also provided with a strapping means which advantageously stabilize the hip joint.

Abstract: A swivel hardware assembly which includes a bail having a base with an opening therethrough. A shank, terminating in a head, passes through the opening to form a pivotal connection between the bail and the shank. The first thrust washer is juxtaposed between the head and the base. A second thrust washer is juxtaposed between the head and the base. Each thrust washer has at least one surface covered with a self lubricating material, the self lubricating surfaces mating with each other to form a bearing surface.

Abstract: A portable basin is disclosed which is adapted to receive and support a selected part of a person's body for isolatable cleansing, treatment and the like with minimal discomfort to the person. The disclosed basin is of unitary, continuous sidewall construction having certain body supporting contour features on its bottom and top edge and certain self-stabilizing features. More particularly, a basin of this invention provides an integral elevated platform portion feature in its bottom for receiving and supporting a selected body part during cleansing or treatment within the interior of the basin and at least one seat defined in the top edge of its sidewall contoured for concurrently receiving and supporting an associated member of the selected body part. One disclosed preferred basin embodiment is particularly adapted for cleansing and treating the head of a person.

Abstract: A method and device for dispensing .[.T-shirt type.]. plastic .Iadd.merchandise .Iaddend.bags from a roll joined end to end in series but separable along perforated lines where the bag ends are connected, whereby the bags are rolled and the roll of bags is placed in a cradle for unrolling and passing between two bars above and parallel to the axis of the roll, at least one of the bars having a centrally disposed hooking snagging element past which the series of bags is drawn. When the open space between .[.the straps of each T-shirt bag.]. .Iadd.adjacent bags .Iaddend.passes the snagging element, the latter catches the leading edge of the ensuing bag to restrain it sufficiently so that further pulling on the preceding bag results in its detachment along the perforated line for the ensuing bag. .[.Rack means are.]. .Iadd.A rack is .Iaddend.provided to enable the method to be practiced.