Abstract: A high-speed multiplexing technique employs diode bridges to multiplex the outputs of two or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs) together. Like prior art techniques, the diode bridges isolate the DAC outputs from one another and are activated by forward biasing the bridges, one at a time in a staggered-phase, sequential fashion with sequenced biasing currents, to effectively connect the DACs, one at a time to an output signal. Unlike prior art techniques, however, the low capacitance diodes are inserted in series with the sequenced biasing current driving each diode bridge, one on each side of the bridge. The low capacitance diodes are oriented to pass current in the direction of forward bias of the diode bridges. Voltage mode switching is employed to limit the effect of parasitic capacitances on output amplitude. One embodiment is directed to a pair of back-to-back diode bridges driven by a single transformer secondary winding.

Abstract: In vivo irradiation of blood is performed via catheters which can also or alternately be used to introduce fluids into blood vessels. The catheters include narrow tubular portions which are at least partially inserted into blood vessels. The narrow tubular portions utilize optical material to carry light radiation into blood vessels for irradiation of blood therein. In some embodiments, the tubular portions of the catheters are made of optical material to directly carry light radiation. The tubular portions are then made to diffuse the light along at least a portion of their lengths or to carry light to diffusing and preferably radio-opaque tips from which the majority of the light is diffused.

Abstract: A portable ground fault interrupter is provided which includes a strong environmentally durable housing and plug inputs for plugging into an electrical outlet. The housing also contains receptacles to accept an electrical plug. A plurality of first electrical contacts are within the housing and stationary relative to the housing. A second plurality of electrical contacts corresponding to said first contacts are suspended within the housing by electrical conducting strips which biasingly move the second contacts away from the first contacts. A latching assembly selectively and operably engages said second contacts to overcome the force of the suspending strips to move the second contacts into electrical engagement with the first contacts. Occurrence of a ground fault removes the latching assembly from engagement with the second contacts breaking electrical contact between the first contacts and second contacts.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for cooling asphalt, which includes a cooling zone, such as a cooling chamber through which coolants such as air and water are blown or drawn, and an elongated conveyor for transporting asphalt molds through said cooling zone after said asphalt molds have been lined with plastic and filled with hot asphalt.

Abstract: A light guide illumination system is provided for coupling light from an illumination source to a number of output "light guides", which are used for a variety of purposes, such as illuminating pools, spas, hazardous material zones, jail cells, and other applications where direct lighting is dangerous, difficult to maintain, or subject to vandalism. The illumination system employs an illumination reflector which has been customized to maximize the efficiency of light transmission between the illumination source, such as an arc lamp, and the cores of the output light guides. A method of fabricating the customized illumination reflector includes mapping the radiation patterns of the particular illumination source to be utilized, creating a database of those radiation patterns, and utilizing the database to generate an optimal illumination reflector configuration. The computer-generated reflector will virtually always be a non-conic section, because the illumination source is not ideal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for accurately matching colors. The color matching system includes a host computer and a color input device in communication with the host computer. Preferably the color input device is capable of obtaining spectral data, such as that obtained using a spectrophotometer. The host computer includes a color library, a color management system, a monitor, and a user interface. In one aspect of the invention, the user selects a target color, a color library to use for matching, a color distance tolerance, and a light source under which the colors are to be matched. The target color is compared to the colors in the library and the color or colors in the library that are within the specified color tolerance are reported. In a second aspect of the invention, the user selects a color and two illuminants. The color under each of the two illuminants is compared and the color distance between the two is reported.

Abstract: A hollow light guide illumination system is provided for coupling light from an illumination source to a hollow light guide, which is used for a variety of purposes, such as tunnels, hallways, and large rooms where direct lighting is dangerous, difficult to maintain, or subject to vandalism. The illumination system employs an illumination reflector which has been customized to maximize the efficiency of light transmission between the illumination source, such as an arc lamp, and the core of the hollow light guide. A method of fabricating the customized illumination reflector includes mapping the radiation patterns of the particular illumination source to be utilized, creating a database of those radiation patterns, and utilizing the database to generate an optimal illumination reflector configuration. The computer-generated reflector will virtually always be a non-conic section, because the illumination source is not ideal.

Abstract: A peripheral device for a computer or the like comprises: a thin flat housing suitable for resting on a work surface and having a generally plane and smooth top surface; a keyboard, and a flat screen disposed in a central zone of the device; and two blank zones situated on either side of said central zone. The dimensions of the housing are chosen so that it constitutes a desk pad that permanently occupies a portion of a work surface. The invention is applicable to improving workstation or computer ergonomics.

Abstract: A collapsible battery charger having a casing with one or more folding supports that generally conform to the casing when closed and that provide receptacles when opened that position rechargeable batteries so as to form an electrical connection between the batteries and the charger. Preferably, an electronic circuit for converting supplied ac or dc current to dc current suitable for recharging batteries is housed in the casing. Interchangeable cords with a variety of plug conformations adapt the charger to standard electrical outlets. The folding supports can accommodate batteries of varying size and capacity and preferably are configured to mate with structural features on the intended batteries in order to securely support and accurately position the batteries on the charger. In a preferred form of the invention, the casing comprises a first support that pivots open to an obtuse angle and a second support that pivots open to an acute angle.

Abstract: A target output device such as a printer is characterized in a manner that primary colorant amounts can be determined on the basis of a pair of chromaticity coordinates in a chromaticity space having a pair of chromaticity coordinates that span hue and chroma (saturation) and a luminance correlate (monotonic function of luminance). Lightness (or darkness) of the colors is handled largely independently. This makes it possible to store the colorant information in a two-dimensional table indexed by chromaticity coordinates. The information in the table is for colors that are characterized by the highest luminance that the target printer is capable of rendering for a given chromaticity (hue and chroma).

Abstract: An integrated power supply and battery charger with interchangeable and collapsible plug capacity and interchangeable power input modules includes a casing, an electrical plug detachably mounted in the casing and including collapsible prongs, allowing the user to accommodate myriad combinations of power source configurations, electrical devices and rechargeable batteries therefore and to power and charge same in a safe and convenient manner. A cradle accommodates a battery to be charged. Releasable locking mechanisms are included to both engage the interchangeable electrical plug and battery and to lock the collapsible prong in the extended position. The locking mechanisms can be released by a user to allow the plug or battery to be moved to the detached position. A preferred form of electrical connection between a detachable plug and casing comprises a submerged pin and sleeve configuration to protect the user or passerby from electric shock.

Abstract: An acoustical assembly and methodology for mounting audio speakers 28 in automotive vehicles an acoustical speaker (28) for generating sound waves including a pair of acoustical horns for directing sound in opposite directions from speakers (28) disposed at the center of the roof (12) toward the adjacent edge of the roof (12). The horns define a box-like central section (32) which is generally square in cross section and enclosing the the speakers (28). A tapered section (34) decreases in thickness from the central section (32) laterally in opposite directions to a rectangular cross section. A rectangular exit opening (38) faces generally transversely to the tapered section (34) and an exit section (36) interconnects the tapered section (34) and the exit opening (38) and the exit section (36) extends through a bend to direct the sound from the lateral direction of the tapered section (34) through the bend to a direction transversely to the tapered section (34) and generally at the window.

Abstract: A portable ground fault interrupter is provided which includes a strong environmentally durable housing and plug inputs for plugging into an electrical outlet. The housing also contains receptacles to accept an electrical plug. A plurality of first electrical contacts are within the housing and stationary relative to the housing. A second plurality of electrical contacts corresponding to said first contacts are suspended within the housing by electrical conducting strips which biasingly move the second contacts away from the first contacts. A latching assembly selectively and operably engages said second contacts to overcome the force of the suspending strips to move the second contacts into electrical engagement with the first contacts. Occurrence of a ground fault removes the latching assembly from engagement with the second contacts breaking electrical contact between the first contacts and second contacts.

Abstract: A roasting apparatus for coffee beans and other food includes a removable drum on the housing rotatable about a horizontal axis and drive means on the housing for supporting and rotating the drum. The drum has a plurality of internal vanes arranged such that i) as the drum is rotated in one direction the beans are stirred and retained by the vanes within the drum, and ii) as the drum is rotated in the opposite direction the beans are moved by the vanes toward the drum opening for dispensing from the roasting apparatus. A removable cover includes a safety interlock which, when activated, prevents opening of the cover when the drum is at bean roasting temperature and which automatically deactivates upon cooling of the drum to permit opening of the cover to remove the drum.

Abstract: An interchangeable plug device includes a casing, an electrical plug detachably mounted in the casing and movable between a detached and an operative position, and a releasable locking mechanism designed to engage the electrical plug to maintain the plug in an operative position. The locking mechanism can be released by a user to allow the plug to be moved to the detached position. A preferred form of locking mechanism is a depressible lock bar connected to or integral with an electrical plug body, which is designed to engage a detent in a casing. A preferred form of electrical connection between a detachable plug and casing comprises a submerged pin and sleeve configuration to protect the user or passerby from electric shock. A preferred form of conducting prong is collapsible within the carrier and is securable in an extended position to avoid inadvertent collapse. A variety of interchangeable electrical plugs can be fitted to the same casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a quick-opening wrapping for packaging objects, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:an embrittling agent is added to at least one extrudable plastics material;a monolayer film is made from said composition by monoextrusion; andsaid objects are surrounded at least in part by a portion of said film, and tear initiator means are provided in said portion of the film whereby it is possible to tear said wrapping in the direction that is predetermined by said initiator.