Abstract: Data to be processed is stored within data files 20. Associated with each data file 20 is a header file 18. The header files 18 store data specifying a wide range of attributes of the data within the data files 20. A user selects a particular signal processing function 14 that he desires to use and this then accesses one or mope selected data files 20 and associated header files 18. The selected signal processing tool 14 only needs a set of the attributes stored within the header files 18. The signal processing tool 14 reads those attributes it requires and then manipulates the data within the data file 20. The provision of this structure allows a wide range of signal processing function tools to be integrated into a single system which may also be simply expanded.

Abstract: Pairs of temporally adjacent input images are interpolated to produce motion compensated images using motion vectors generated from said but not all of the pairs of input images from which the output images are interpolated.

Abstract: In, for example, a motion compensated video standards converter blocks in a first field or frame of a video signal are each compared with a plurality of blocks in the next succeeding field or frame of the video signal for deriving motion vectors representing the motion of the content of respective blocks between the first field or frame and the next field or frame, motion vectors are allocated to each pixel of each field or frame, the allocated motion vectors are checked to identify spurious motion vectors by comparing the allocated motion vectors with motion vectors allocated to adjacent pixels, and spurious motion vectors so identified are replaced by motion vectors allocated to adjacent pixels.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a video signal to a photographic film image comprises a television standards converter for deriving from an input video signal, which may be a high definition video signal, a motion compensated digital video signal corresponding to 24 progressive scan frames per second, a video signal recorder for recording the digital video signal, a digital-to-analog converter for converting the digital video signal after reproduction to an analog video signal corresponding to 24 progressive scan frames per second, and an electron beam recorder to which the analog video signal is applied to record the content of the analog video signal on photographic film.

Abstract: A mixing and dispensing receptacle including a first container defining a first nozzle portion and a first sealed chamber retaining a first substance and a rupturable wall portion separating the first chamber from the interior of the first nozzle portion; and a second container defining a second chamber retaining a second substance and a second nozzle portion disposed at least partially within the interior of the first nozzle portion and circumferentially sealed thereto so as to sealingly isolate the second substance. The second nozzle portion is movable axially relative to the first nozzle portion so as to pierce the rupturable wall portion and provide communication between the first and second chambers. One of the nozzle portions comprises a tapered outer surface adapted for engagement with a mating coupling member and an aseptic shield covers the tapered outer surface and is removable therefrom.

Abstract: A laboratory gas burner and control apparatus including a burner assembly made from electrically conductive material and adapted for positioning on a counter. Defined by the burner is an inlet for connection to a gas source and an outlet for feeding gas to a flame. An electrically operated valve controls the flow of gas to the burner outlet and an igniter is energizable by a power supply to ignite gas emanating from the burner outlet. Associated with the igniter is an activation circuit that produces either ignition periods during which the igniter is energized by the supply or non-ignition periods during which the igniter is deenergized. Initiation of each ignition period requires manipulation of a manual activation mechanism. Once ignited, the presence of flame at the burner outlet is detected by a flame sensing mechanism. A valve control circuit maintains the supply valve open only during either ignition periods or periods during which flame is detected by the sensing mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave oven for selectively quickly and safely raising the temperature of a plurality of distinct articles. Basic structural elements are a housing that defines an oven chamber, a door providing access thereto and an energy source for transmitting microwave energy into the chamber. Located within the chamber is a support assembly that defines a plurality of heating stations, each adapted to receive a distinct article to be heated. A temperature sensor is disposed in each of the stations so as to sense the temperture of an article retained therein. Coupled between the microwave source and the temperature sensors is a control circuit that automatically deenergizes the microwave source in response to the sensing of a temperature above a predetermined threshold by any of the individual sensors.

Abstract: A permeability separatory device including a shell element that retains a woven mat wound into a roll and composed of a woof portion formed by a plurality of substantially parallel hollow membrane fibers having open inlet and outlet ends so as to provide parallel fluid flow paths and a plurality of warp portions formed by strands of yarn woven transversely to the hollow fibers so as to establish predetermined interstitial spacing therebetween. The open ends of the hollow fibers are sealed from a fluid circulation zone defined by the shell and retaining the wound roll. Also defined by the shell element are inlet and outlet openings for circulating a dialysate fluid through the circulation zone and over the surfaces of the hollow fibers. The warp portions of the woven mat include one warp portion for establishing at one end of the wound roll a given restriction to fluid flow axially therethrough and another warp portion for establishing at an opposite end thereof a greater restriction to fluid flow.