Abstract: A protective cage for footwear bladders is disclosed. The protective cage includes a cage base and a plurality of support members that extend outwardly from the cage base. The support members extend across the side wall of the bladder to protect the device from abrasion and to prevent fatigue. The use of the support members, which selectively bend and buckle under loaded conditions, control the amount of perimeter deflection of the bladder, while allowing for complete deflection at the center of the bladder.

Abstract: A television receiver which is coupled to a digital VCR to receive an ATSC-encoded multi-program stream containing video, audio and data programs. The receiver recognizes one of the data programs as containing computer software for the digital television receiver, extracts the data program from the multi-program stream into a memory area which is separate from the memory areas used to decode the audio and video programs and then uses data in the extracted data program to update information which controls the operation of the television receiver. The television receiver includes a microprocessor which is coupled to a video processor via an IC bus. The video processor includes registers which are coupled to the IC bus. The microprocessor updates these values from the information in the extracted data program. The extracted data program may include a program image for the operational software for the microprocessor and may replace the operational software to update the operation of the television receiver.

Abstract: A wafer cleaning brush roller having uniform and non-uniform protrusions via compression. The protrusions are formed by an inner PVA sponge compressed through an outer sleeve formed of a resilient mesh that does not react with DI water or other CMP surfactants. Directional channeling of DI water is also provided to the protrusions. Edge cleaning of the wafer as accomplished by having a thicker brush extension at each end where the wafer's edge would rub and provide added cleaning capability.

Abstract: An electronic processing device for producing digitally processed audio-signal effects is provided. The electronic processing device comprises, an audio-signal input circuitry for receiving an audio input signal from a peripheral audio device, an audio-signal output circuitry for outputting the received audio-signal, the signal comprising a throughput signal after signal processing, a digital signal processor for applying audio-signal effects to the throughput audio-signal, one or more memory slots for receiving one or more modular memory components and an input control mechanism for controlling parameters of the throughput audio-signal. The one or more modular memory components are used as storage for externally sourced audio-signal effects such that when the one or more memory components are plugged into the electronic processing device, the processing device may utilize the effects applications stored on the one or more memory components in the processing of the throughput audio-signal.

Abstract: A method and device for improving a signal-to-noise ratio measurement range of a monitoring device operating on a fiber optic network. The method includes receiving a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal including a plurality of optical signals centered at different wavelengths within a range of wavelengths. The wavelength division multiplexed optical signal is dispersed to form a discrete power spectrum. The discrete power spectrum is measured, and data representing the measured optical signals is generated. The measured optical signals include a point spread function response of a pixelated optical detector. A deconvolution operation is performed on the generated data to create an estimate that is more representative of the power spectrum by compensating for the point spread function of the pixelated optical detector.

Abstract: A network-based CODEC (coder-decoder) includes an echo canceler. This CODEC recognizes the presence of a data call by detecting predefined signaling portions of a modem handshaking process. For each detected data call, the CODEC uses a stored channel model for performing echo cancellation during the data call. The CODEC trains off-line during selected segments of the modem call and then stores the new channel model for use in a future data call.

Abstract: A web-enabled VBI printing system including one or more cryptographic modules and a central database. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing a variety of required security standards. A client system is integrated with HTML and provides a user friendly GUI for facilitating the interface of the user to the system. The client system includes wizards that help the user step-by-step with processes of installation, registration, and printing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a Value Bearing Indicium (VBI) for on-line ticketing applications. A VBI may be generated by hashing user information to create a message digest that is used to create a digital signature. The digital signature is combined with the user information to create a VBI that can be validated by a variety of stand-alone or on-line methods. An on-line ticketing application using the VBI is described.

Abstract: A television receiver which receives an ATSC multi-program stream for a single major channel and generates a status display which displays the major channel identifier and a plurality of indicators, each corresponding to a respective one of the minor channels associated with the major channel. The indicator corresponding to the minor channel that is currently selected is highlighted with respect to the other indicators. The television receiver includes an image format converter and the status display also includes information concerning the format of the received signal and any format conversion that is currently being performed. The television receiver is also coupled to a digital VCR via a digital communications link.

Abstract: A bladder for use as a cushioning element and footwear incorporating the bladder. The enclosed core is formed of spaced apart first and second fabric layers connected together by a plurality of connecting yarns. The shell is formed of see-through plastic material whereby the connecting yarns are visible through the sidewall. The plurality of connecting yarns preferably are arranged in bands with gaps devoid of connecting yarns between adjacent bands, and the ends of the bands and the gaps are visible through the sidewall.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for forming a resilient bladder structure for use in the sole of footwear.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring an optical target affixed to a surface of a package with an optical scanning device. Height information associated with the height of the surface of the package is sensed and a height signal representative of a scanning distance between the optical target and the optical scanning device is generated. The package surface is scanned with the optical scanning device to generate an optical target input signal. The optical target input signal is converted in accordance with a first sampling frequency to provide a converted input signal, and a second resampling frequency is adjusted in accordance with the height signal. The converted input signal is reconverted in accordance with the second resampling frequency to generate a frequency shifted optical target signal, and the optical target on the surface of the package is acquired in accordance with the frequency shifted optical target signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna system that is particularly suited for use in mobile communications applications. The antenna system includes both a transmit array and a receive array in a side by side configuration. In one embodiment, the radiating elements used in each of the arrays consist of air loaded microstrip patch antennas. The elements in each array are linearly arranged and polarization diversity is utilized so that the transmit and receive arrays can be spaced closely together.

Abstract: A handrail assembly comprises a substantially continuous length of handrail having therein a longitudinally extending groove and a connector device (12,72) which enables a support post to be secured in a selected orientation relative to the length of the handrail. The connector device comprises a first member (72) which is an insert slidable lengthwise of the handrail in the longitudinally extending groove in the handrail (70), a second member (12) adjustably associated with the first member by a retention assembly (48), the first member having formed in an external surface thereof a recess (30') of part spherical shape, the second member (12) comprising an elongate body having a hollow head portion (40) and a tubular tail portion (43), these portions being aligned with one another along the longitudinal axis of the body. The head portion (40) of the second member comprises a part-spherical outer surface (41) which conforms with the shape of the recess (30') in the first member.

Abstract: A tube connector (10) to enable a straight tube or even a curved tube of tight radius of curvature to be connected to a structural member has a flat cutter disc (11) shaped to fit in the end of an internally splined tube (20). The outer edge of the cutter disc has a series of teeth (12) which cut into and locate with the splines when the cutter disc is rotated in the tube. The cutter disc may have a floating central insert (25) screw threaded to allow connection to another structural member without a need for precise alignment.

Abstract: A wall panelling system comprising two upright posts 13, a panel 11, a hinge 19 connecting the panel to one of the posts 13 and a lock 21 for locking the panel to another post. The posts 13 have a cross-sectional shape which provides features for the attachment of the hinge 19 and the locking means 21. The locking means comprises a latch member 23 pivotally mounted with respect to its post 13 and a catch 22 fixed relative to the panel 11. The latch member 23 is movable by means of a pinion 28 which meshes with teeth 27 on the latch member 23.

Abstract: A method and system for localizing a diagnostic or therapeutic agent to an internal target site. The system includes (1) an epitopic compound, (2) a binding protein which is effective to bind specifically with the compound and capable of localizing selectively at the target tissue, when administered parenterally, and (3) a clearing agent which can bind to and cross-link the binding protein, to form a protein aggregate which is readily cleared from the subject's bloodstream. In practicing the method of the invention, the binding protein is administered to the subject parenterally, and allowed to localize at the target site, typically within 1-4 days. This is followed by a chase with the clearing agent to remove circulating, but not target-localized binding protein. When the epitopic compound is administered, binding of the compound to the localized binding protein, and rapid clearance of unbound compound by the kidneys, results in selective localization of the compound at the target site.

Abstract: A panelling system for the construction of cubicles having two upright posts, a panel connected to one of the posts by a hinge and two cross rails running between the posts. Each of the upright posts has a similar, but laterally inverted, cross-sectional shape. The posts are attached to the floor and ceiling by means of channel members and to a rear wall by means of wall brackets which also serve to support service supplies. The panels may support various items, such as W.C.'s, washbasins, etc.

Abstract: Leukocytes are radioimmunoimaged by injecting patients with an immunoreactive nonleukocidal conjugate of an anti-leukocyte antibody and a gamma-emitting radioactive metal chelate, waiting for the conjugate to localize on the leukocytes, injecting the patient with an antibody to the conjugate to clear the blood of background nonlocalized conjugate, and visualizing the leukocytes by scintillation scanning.