Abstract: A thermo-optic switch is operated in a novel near-impulse mode in which the drive pulse width is shorter than twice the diffusion time of the switch. The drive pulse width is less than the rise time of the steady-state optical response and also less than the rise time of the deflection efficiency response to the applied drive pulse. The drive pulse can further include a sustaining segment following the initial short pulse segment, if it is desired to maintain the switch in an ON state for a longer period of time. A number of additional techniques are described for further reducing the response time of the switch. An array of thermo-optic switches operated in this manner can form a display which, due to the fast individual switch rise times, can operate at an overall fast refresh rate.

Abstract: A removable shelf assembly for vehicles (e.g., sport utility vehicles) to increase storage capacity in a generally flat rearwardly extending bed defined by a floor and pair of upwardly extending side walls, the shelf assembly comprising a frame composed of a plurality of U-shaped members, each member having a base and two spaced apart arms extending perpendicular to the base, a plurality of telescoping members associated with the arms, means for removably locking each arm of each the U-shaped member, whereby to adjustably fix the spaced apart bases; and, a first and second generally planar panel members positioned on the frame for receiving items to be transported thereon, the panel members associated with the frame to allow movement between the panel members. The frame preferably has a raised lip extending substantially around the frame so as to reduce movement of items placed on the frame. A downwardly depending leg which is able to pivot out of the way when needed provides additional load support.

Abstract: A thermo-optic switch is operated in a novel near-impulse mode in which the drive pulse width is shorter than twice the diffusion time of the switch. The drive pulse width is less than the rise time of the steady-state optical response and also less than the rise time of the deflection efficiency response to the applied drive pulse. The drive pulse can further include a sustaining segment following the initial short pulse segment, if it is desired to maintain the switch in an ON state for a longer period of time. A number of additional techniques are described for further reducing the response time of the switch. An array of thermo-optic switches operated in this manner can form a display which, due to the fast individual switch rise times, can operate at an overall fast refresh rate.

Abstract: A thermo-optic switch is operated in a novel near-impulse mode in which the drive pulse width is shorter than twice the diffusion time of the switch. The drive pulse width is less than the rise time of the steady-state optical response and also less than the rise time of the deflection efficiency response to the applied drive pulse. The drive pulse can further include a sustaining segment following the initial short pulse segment, if it is desired to maintain the switch in an ON state for a longer period of time. A number of additional techniques are described for further reducing the response time of the switch. An array of thermo-optic switches operated in this manner can form a display which, due to the fast individual switch rise times, can operate at an overall fast refresh rate.

Abstract: A slidable and adjustable shelf assembly adapted to be fitted to the rear of a pickup truck, more precisely the side walls. While overriding such side walls, the shelf assembly is in rolling contact with a rigid canopy or camper shell fixed to the side walls. The assembly includes a pair of U-shaped members which telescopically engage a pair of intermediate joining members to form a generally rectangular frame sized to fit the truck side walls, and to receive a pair of overlapping planar panel members. The respective U-shaped members are each provided with at least a pair of spring biased, roller members that include complementary roller wheels maintained in rolling contact with the side walls and rigid canopy during sliding movement of the shelf assembly, even where the canopy walls are in a nonparallel relationship. Further, a clamping device is provided to prevent premature movement of the shelf assembly.

Abstract: A dual roller assembly adapted to simultaneously rotate along perpendicular surfaces. The roller assembly comprises a pair of telescopically engaging shaft members sized to rotate and move axially of one another. A first of the shaft member, mounts first and second interfitting cylindrical members receiving a rotary caster ball, where the rotary caster ball is supported for rotative movement within the roller unit formed by the interfitting cylindrical members, by a first ball bearing ring. The second shaft member mounts a cylindrical cap member for receiving a second ball bearing ring in rotary contact with the second cylindrical member, and finally, the second shaft member further mounts a fixed annular ring spaced from the cylindrical cap member, and an encircling compression spring on the second shaft member extending between the cylindrical cap member and the annular ring, to provide shock obsorbing features thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use with a sampled input signal having an input sampling frequency F.sub.S. The apparatus including M digital filters, each receiving the input signal, each having a respective transfer characteristic h.sub.m [n] and each producing a respective output signal updated at the input sample rate F.sub.S, each m'th one of the filters updating its output signal in response to a respective m'th phase of the input sample clock, M.gtoreq.2. The apparatus then combines the output signals of the digital filters to produce a combined output signal having a sample rate of at least MF.sub.S. The apparatus may also be viewed as a hybrid digital/analog filter. The method includes steps of receiving the sampled input signal, filtering the sampled input signal through P filters, combining the outputs of the P filters to produce M output signals, 1<M.ltoreq.P, each m'th one of the M output signals being updated in time for respective m'th one of the phase of the input sampling frequency F.sub.

Abstract: A digital filter transfer function is implemented using at least two implementing filters, one of which has a transfer function which guarantees an output which is unconditionally within a predefined output compliance range, and the other of which has a transfer function equal to the difference between the overall desired transfer function and the transfer function of the first implementing filter. Typically, the output samples produced by the two implementing filters are summed to provide an overall output sample. However, if the sum of an output sample from one of the implementing filters and the corresponding output sample from the other implementing filter falls either above or below predetermined threshold values, then the output of the first implementing filter, instead of the summed output, is provided as the sample output of the overall filter. Transient undershoots and overshoots are thus prevented, while the response of the filter is degraded only when necessary to avoid compliance range violation.

Abstract: Gamma correction is performed by dividing the total gamma transfer function input value range into a plurality of segments. The source RGB data is then mapped into an associated x-position in a "standard" segment, and gamma correction is performed on the mapped value as if it was initially in that standard segment. The resulting corrected value is then de-mapped back into the original input value segment. Only the portion of the gamma correction curve which is within the "standard" segment is processable by the circuitry. The segments into which the input value range is divided may occupy ratiometrically increasing portions of the input value range, with the high-order half of the range designated as the standard segment. The lowest-order portion may be approximated linearly. Mapping into the standard segment then involves shifting the input value to the left until the highest order logic 1 is in the highest order bit position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for digital multiplication based on sums and differences of finite sets of powers of two. It is observed that for a given multiplicand signal A, multiples of the form A.multidot.P/Q can be defined by adding or subtracting term signals when each term signal (T.sub.i,T.sub.j) is selectively made representative either of the multiplicand (A) multiplied by a power of two (T=A*2.sup.-i) or representative of a nullity (T=0*A). A mapping unit is provided for controlling responsive barrel shifters and for controlling one or more responsive adder/subtractor units so that the resultant system has a transfer function equivalent to that of an n-bits by m-bits multiplier.

Abstract: A slidable and adjustable shelf assembly adapted to be fitted to the rear of a pickup truck, more precisely the side walls. While overriding such side walls, the shelf assembly is in rolling contact with a rigid canopy or camper shell fixed to the side walls. The assembly includes a pair of U-shaped members which telescopically engage a pair of intermediate joining members to form a generally rectangular frame sized to fit the truck side walls, and to receive a pair of overlapping planar panel members. The respective U-shaped members are each provided with at least a pair of spring biased, roller members that include complementary roller wheels maintained in rolling contact with the side walls and rigid canopy during sliding movement of the shelf assembly, even where the canopy walls are in a nonparallel relationship. Further, a clamping device is provided to prevent premature movement of the shelf assembly.