Abstract: Portable automatic video device tester including a programmable video generator and analyzer, a signal conditioner/switching device, a command module, a portable computer (laptop) with an integral monitor and a portable VXI chassis for housing the video generator and analyzer, the signal conditioner/switching device and the command module. The programmable video generator and analyzer is connected to one or more video devices being tested and includes a generating mechanism for generating various forms of video test signals. The signal conditioner/switching device is also arranged in connection with the chassis and adapted to be connected to one or more of the video devices being tested. The computer communicates with the video generator and analyzer and the signal conditioner/switching device via the command module in order to conduct test operations and enable display of test results on the monitor.

Abstract: Video processing arrangement including a host computer having a monitor, a video asset coupled to the computer for generating video signals and an interface for connecting the video asset to the computer to enable the display of video signals on the monitor. The video asset includes various primary elements including a primary composite video module for producing different types of a primary video signal and outputting the primary video signal via output channels, a stroke generator module for generating a stroke XYZ video signal and outputting the stroke video signal via output channels and a real time capture module for capturing video signals in a plurality of different modes. The video asset also includes a common distributed time base module for generating and distributing clock signals to all of the primary elements.

Abstract: There is disclosed a DC cast alloy of composition (in wt %): Fe 0.8-1.5 Si 0.7-0.95 Mn 0.2-0.5 Zn 0.2-0.8 Mg up to 0.2 Cu up to 0.2 Ti<0.1 B<0.01 C<0.01. Unavoidable impurities up to 0.05 each, 0.15 total AI balance. Also disclosed is a method of DC casting the alloy to form an ingot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying broadcast digital audio signals include structure and/or function whereby the digital audio signal is provided to processing structure which is configured to (i) identify a program-identifying code in the received digital audio signal, (ii) identify a program-identifying code in a decompressed received digital audio signal, (iii) identify a feature signature in the received digital audio signal, and (iv) identify a feature signature in the decompressed received digital audio signal. Preferably, such processing structure is disposed in a dwelling or a monitoring site in an audience measurement system, such as the Nielsen TV ratings system.

Abstract: A picture frame is constituted of a flat front glass plate and a rear frame back that is secured to the glass plate by double-sided tape. A border is screen printed onto the back surface of the glass so that it surrounds and defines a clear viewing area in which the picture is to be mounted. A design is printed on the glass in register with the border area so that the design and border are visible to a person observing the framed picture. The design can be on the front of the glass or on the back surface beneath the printed border, or designs may be printed in both places.

Abstract: A ruler or similar flat article is provided with an upstanding handle in the form of a decorative design. The ruler and handle may be formed by a photoetch or chemical milling process, with full etching through the metal at edges and partial etching at the design elements in the body portion and handle portion. The handle portion can be unitarily formed and bent at a partially etched join line, and then reinforced using a solder or a braze. Brass or another metal may be used. The partially etched design detail in the handle portion creates a textured surface that facilitates gripping.

Abstract: Method for controlling stroke video generation components by creating a program to command the video generation components to provide video signals and integrating high level software constructs into the program. Integration of the high level software constructs into the program may entail integrating a GOTO command to enable repetition of a section of the program and repetition of a display sequence provided by implementation of that section, integrating a GOSUB and RETURN command to enable multiple use of a single section of the program at different locations within the program, integrating a conditional command to enable one portion of the program to be implemented when the condition is satisfied and another portion to be implemented when the condition is not satisfied, and/or integrating a DO-WHILE loop to enable repetition of a section of the program when a condition is satisfied and continuation of the program when the condition is not satisfied.

Abstract: A method for producing a static composite video signal, e.g., for delivery to a unit under test (UUT), in which a prime image memory (PIM 28) holding a main bit mapped image is provided, sync and blanking patterns for lines of the video signal being generated are held in a composite sync memory (C-Sync 32), and a series of arbitrary bit line patterns defined in a test program are held in two user specified pulse memories (USPs 36,38). Data blocks are arranged in a circular queue in a line parameter memory (LPM 40), each data block corresponding to a complete video line and containing pointers to specific entries in the PIM (28), the C-Sync (32) and the USPs (36,38) and a flag indicative of scan direction. Production of the video signal is initiated by reading the LPM (40)and extracting the pointers from the data blocks for a first line of the video signal being produced.

Abstract: A curved decorative structural member, e.g., an architectural panel is formed of an array of marbles or other translucent or transparent beads or spheroids that are sandwiched between curved front and rear apertured grids. There are spacer members fastened to the front and rear grids, and the marbles are held in respective grid openings in the grids. The lateral distance between grid openings, and the width of the land or bar between openings is different between the front and rear grids in response to the curve. The lands in the rear grid are narrower for convex portions and wider for concave portions. The panels may have a single axis of curvature, or may be of a more complex curved shape such as spherical or conic. The spheroids may be arranged in a design, and can produce a dramatic effect when illuminated from behind. An unapertured curved plastic sheet or plate can be used in place of the rear grid member.

Abstract: A molded selective solder pallet and a method for fabricating a molded selective solder pallet for use in a wave soldering process to selectively affix solder to an area of a circuit board having an electronic component thereon. The selective solder pallet according to the present invention includes a mold base configured having an aperture formed through its cross-section. A high temperature casting material is molded within the mold base and configured to have at least one recess and at least one solder flow opening. A high temperature silicone casting material may be employed as the high temperature casting material.

Abstract: An improved method and container providing a root housing assembly to the plant which restricts the plant's thickest roots (greater than 1.5 millimeters in diameter) to remain within specified parameters. Regardless of the preferred container size, the lower seven eights portion of a container, perforated with a plurality of holes encircling the container permits fine, fibrous roots (less than 1.5 millimeters in diameter) to penetrate through to the soil surrounding the outside of the buried container's walls, whereas, the upper one eighth of the container is used for handling purposes, is not perforated, and provides a line of demarcation which will not permit root penetration into the soil environment outside of the container's walls. The holes with diameters of substantially 1.5 millimeters are equally spaced at distances of 3 millimeters apart. The roots which pass through these holes are not air-pruned, since the container is buried, but are restricted to the diameter of 1.5 millimeters.

Abstract: A molded selective solder pallet and a method for fabricating a molded selective solder pallet for use in a wave soldering process to selectively affix solder to an area of a circuit board having an electronic component thereon. The selective solder pallet according to the present invention includes a mold base configured having an aperture formed through its cross-section. A high temperature casting material is molded within the mold base and configured to have at least one recess and at least one solder flow opening. A high temperature silicone casting material may be employed as the high temperature casting material.

Abstract: With the present invention, a circuit card assembly having a nonvertically approaching device may be manufactured with reflow soldering. The circuit card assembly includes a circuit card and a nonvertically approaching device such as an edge connector, which is soldered to the circuit card with reflowed solder. The device is soldered to the circuit card by initially heating the circuit card, along with included reflow solder, prior to mating the device to the circuit card. Once the solder has melted and while it is in a liquidus state, the device is mated with the circuit card. In this manner, the nonvertically approaching leads of the device slide into the solder as they are positioned onto their circuit card soldering surfaces. Once cooled, the solder solidifies to conductively mount the device to the circuit card.A mating pallet is provided for soldering a device having nonvertically approaching leads to a circuit card.

Abstract: A seed-sowing preparation press is a tool which will make quick and accurate impressions in nursery beds. The sowing press consists of a plurality of square rods each with screws at one end and receptacles at the other end so to be interconnected at will. On one side, and along the entire length of each rod, ruler impressions in inches and centimeters are printed. The rods are connected with a plurality of outer-press attachments, consisting of two square tubes, stacked and fixed perpendicularly, which allow for upper rods to cross perpendicular to lower rods, and thus forming the seed-sowing press framework. Along the length of the lower rods, a plurality of inner-press attachments, having only one square tube, are fastened at desired intervals within the framework. Two detachable thumbscrews fasten into the upper portion of each outer-press attachment and one detachable thumbscrew fastens into the upper portion of each inner-press attachment, securing rods and attachments at desired positions.

Abstract: With the present invention, a reflow soldering method is provided for soldering a nonvertically approaching lead, which is part of a nonvertically approaching device (e.g, an edge connector), to a corresponding soldering surface (e.g., a pad on a circuit card) that includes solder. The soldering surface and solder are heated in an oven to melt the solder. While the solder is liquids, the nonvertically approaching lead is mated with the soldering surface as it is inserted into the solder. The soldering surface, solder, and nonvertically approaching lead are then cooled, and the solder solidifies to conductively mount the nonvertically approaching lead to the soldering surface.

Abstract: An engine comprises two counter rotating multilobate cams which are acted upon by a pair of diametrically opposed pistons which are rigidly interlinked by connecting rods. Differential gearing is provided to time the counter rotation of the cams.The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for allowance: The prior art fails to teach or fairly suggest the invention as a whole including a shaft having a first multilobate cam axially fixed to said shaft and an adjacent second multilobate cam differentially geared to said first multilobate cam for axial counter rotation about said shaft, at least one pair of cylinders, the cylinders of each pair being diametrically opposed with respect to said shaft with said multilobate cams interposed therebetween, and a piston in each said cylinder, said pistons of a pair of cylinders being rigidly interconnected.

Abstract: The protector comprises a protective element, e.g. a cap (16), movable in use along the implement between an inoperative position in which it exposes the pointed end or sharp edge portion of the implement and an operative position (FIG. 3) in which it covers the pointed end or sharp edge portion of the implement. The protector also comprises a holder (15) for fitting to the implement and a device, e.g. arm (17), connecting the protective element to the holder to in use allow the protective element to move along the implement between the inoperative and operative positions but to prevent separation of the protective element from the implement. In a preferred embodiment, the protective element flips into a tilted position to prevent unintentional movement of the protective element from its operative to its inoperative positions.

Abstract: A refueling system for a nuclear power plant utilizing a data network to provide for automatic control and enhanced monitoring of the entire fuel transfer process. The refueling system of this invention provides integrated control of the refueling machine within the containment building, the spent fuel handling machine within the fuel storage building, and the fuel transfer system between the buildings. The system provides supervisory control of the overall system operation via a remote control station, while at the same time, having the capability for local on-line control of each element of the system in the event of network failure. The system may automatically identify individual fuel assemblies with an optical scanner. An in-mast sipper connected to the network automatically tests for leaking fuel assemblies. A revised core load pattern and a revised sequence plan can be calculated by the system in the event of the discovery of a leaking fuel assembly.

Abstract: A method for improving the productivity of a well by separating and disposing of at least a portion of the water which is produced from a subterranean producing formation. The water is allowed to separate from the produced fluids under the influence of gravity while in the wellbore. The separated water is then disposed without removing it from the wellbore by flowing it into a subterranean disposal formation which has a pressure less than that of said producing formation. Preferably, the well is completed with an inclined wellbore which significantly aids in the gravity separation of the water from the produced fluids (e.g. hydrocarbons).