Abstract: Shaping of automatic audio crossfade is accomplished by adding a shaping function to the theoretical logarithmic crossfade function to decrease the rate of gain change at the limit of audibility. The gain change at each sample time within a crossfade interval is computed as a logarithmic function of the fractional part of the crossfade interval completed and the gain differential between the sources. The shaping function may be in the form of a cosine function that can be accessed with a look-up table that is added to the fractional part of the crossfade interval so that the gain change is expressed by:ti G.sub.delta =20*log{(k-s(k))*10.sup.(G.sbsp.1.sup.-G.sbsp.2.sup.)/10 }where S(k) is the shaping function, k is the fractional part complete and G.sub.1 -G.sub.2 is the gain differential between sources. The gain change is added to the current gain for the particular audio source and applied to a variable gain element for that source.

Abstract: User selection of meter ballistics is accomplished by separating the meter display from the meter drive circuitry. An input signal is input in parallel into appropriate level determining circuits, with the outputs being selected for processing by a microprocessor. The microprocessor processes the selected outputs according to a ballistic standard selected by an operator to generate a display signal. For LED displays the display signal has a bar component that illuminates all the LEDs up to the maximum level of the displayed output and a dot signal that illuminates only one or a very few LEDs around the maximum level of the displayed output.

Abstract: An audio mixer architecture using virtual gain and switching has a single gain stag in each audio input signal path. A plurality of audio input signals are input to respective audio input channels having two or more active gain elements at the output to provide parallel signal paths for each audio input signal. The audio signals from the active gain elements are combined to form up to four audio output channels in any desired combination of audio input signals. The individual audio input signal gains and the master audio output signal gains are synthesized together as a single gain control signal for each active gain element to simulate successive gain stages for each audio input signal path within a single gain stage for that path.

Abstract: An ice dispensing mechanism for use with an ice dispensing machine having an ice storage area and a transfer path for communicating ice from the storage area to the dispensing mechanism; the dispensing mechanism includes first and second enclosures which are arranged subjacent the ice storage area, the first enclosure being adapted to receive ice from the ice storage area, and the second ice enclosure being adapted to receive ice in metered quantities from the first enclosure and move from a position arranged generally vertically below the first enclosure to a second position disposed laterally therefrom wherein the ice within the second enclosure may drop downwardly under the influence of gravity into a suitable ice receptacle or the like.

Abstract: An ice dispensing machine including an ice storage bin having a rotatable ice agitating mechanism disposed internally thereof and adapted to move ice within the bin toward a discharge opening located in the bottom wall of the bin; an ice discharge chute is disposed below the opening and includes a wall portion inclined upwardly in the direction of rotation of the ice within the bin to prevent ice jamming between the agitating mechanism and the periphery of the discharge opening; a sink assembly is arranged below the ice dispensing area of the machine and includes a sink that is removably mounted so that it may be conveniently detached for inspection, cleaning and the like without requiring disconnection from associated drain conduits and the like.