Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically processing returned video cassettes to determine that the appropriate tape cartridges are matched with the appropriate cases, to assure that the tape cartridges are fully rewound, to check the video cassettes back into inventory and then to sort the cassettes by selected entertainment categories for reshelving. A feed chute is provided for receiving the cassettes and passing them to a size sorter for detecting the sizes of the cassettes. Cassettes of inappropriate sizes are then ejected from processing and placed in an unprocessed return staging bin. Cassettes of the appropriate size are then passed through an orientation detection and orientating section in which the video cassette cases are oriented in a particular alignment for presenting to a rewind and bar code reading system. The video cassettes are then automatically checked for an appropriate match between the tape cartridges and the cases.

Abstract: Inhibitors of lactate dehydrogenase stimulate keratinocyte proliferation and collagen synthesis in cutaneous tissues. The inhibitors are used preferably with certain co-active ingredients such as pyruvic acid, acetic acid, acetoacetic acid, .beta.-hydroxybutyric acid, a Krebs cycle pathway metabolite, an aliphatic saturated or an unsaturated fatty acid containing from 8 to 26 carbon atoms, an .omega.-hydroxy acid containing from 22 to 34 carbon atoms, glutamic acid, glutamine, valine, alanine, leucine, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An infra-red remote personal alarm system consists of a portable transmitter unit (10) which is intended to be worn or to be manually carried by the user, and which is operable by the user at any particular location to transmit an alarm signal in an emergency and which is to be received by a central receiving station (41) so that appropriate action can be initiated in response thereto. The transmitter unit is electrically operable and includes means (15) for transmitting pulsed infra-red alarm signals which can be picked-up by an infra-red signal receiver at the location of the user, and then retransmitted as an oscillating electrical signal via direct wiring (38, 39, 40, 42, 43) to the central receiving station (41) as a warning signal indicative at location monitoring points (43, 44) of the location from which the emergency call has been made.

Abstract: The present invention is a multiple range electronic weigh scale which employs a single load cell and selectable amplifier gain. A more sensitive range would employ a higher gain amplification than a less sensitive range. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the amplified load cell signal is applied to an analog to digital converter and the digital output is applied to a microprocessor. The microprocessor enables selection between the weight ranges based upon the relationship of the digital output to upper and lower limit values. The microprocessor also generates the output weight signal for display based upon the product of the digital output and the selected gain. In a further embodiment the microprocessor generates a digital offset signal which is applied to the inverting input of a differential amplified via a digital to analog converter. This permits the starting point of the most sensitive range of the electronic weigh scale to be adjusted to any desired point in the higher range.

Abstract: An automobile rear compartment cover, for use in covering the windowed rear compartment of automotive vehicles such as a hatch back or a station wagon, has an elongated hollow cylinder roller about which is rolled a flexible sheet member and which has a spring loaded pivot device in one end.