Abstract: A timing display device is defined by an extended length of indicator lights having a first end, a second end, and at least one intermediate location. A controller communicates with the indicator lights for controlled activation of the lights in a set pattern in conjunction with a clock sequence. The pattern of activating starts in the intermediate location and moves therefrom towards the ends of the extended length. The movement of the light activation includes a first and second projected color, wherein the first color is sequentially activated between the intermediate location and the two ends and the second color is sequentially activated from intermediate location towards the two ends, while overlapping the previously activated first color. The indicator lights may be light emitting diodes and the display may be affixed to a basketball backboard.

Abstract: A timing display device is defined by an extended length of indicator lights having a first end, a second end, and at least one intermediate location. A controller communicates with the indicator lights for controlled activation of the lights in a set pattern in conjunction with a clock sequence. The pattern of activating starts in the intermediate location and moves therefrom towards the ends of the extended length. The movement of the light activation includes a first and second projected color, wherein the first color is sequentially activated between the intermediate location and the two ends and the second color is sequentially activated from intermediate location towards the two ends, while overlapping the previously activated first color. The indicator lights may be light emitting diodes and the display may be affixed to a basketball backboard.

Abstract: An aerial support structure for capturing an image of a target via a camera mounted thereon includes a support platform, a frame mounted to the support platform and a beam movably attached to the frame. A camera platform suspends and is axially spaced from the support platform by a plurality of support cables. An actuator is mounted to one of the support platform and the frame, and the actuator is associated with each of the plurality of support cables. Operation of the actuator causes the beam to move with respect to the frame, thereby moving the camera platform relative to the support platform.

Abstract: An aerial support structure for capturing an image of a target via a camera mounted thereon includes a support platform, a frame mounted to the support platform and a beam movably attached to the frame. A camera platform suspends and is axially spaced from the support platform by a plurality of support cables. An actuator is mounted to one of the support platform and the frame, and the actuator is associated with each of the plurality of support cables. Operation of the actuator causes the beam to move with respect to the frame, thereby moving the camera platform relative to the support platform.

Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.

Abstract: A game table for playing a game with a gamepiece includes a playing surface and the gamepiece is movable along the playing surface through the application of gaming forces. A first endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and has a first wall length. A second endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and is located on an opposite side of the playing surface from the first endwall. A first goal, comprised of at least one proximity sensor, is located along the first endwall and has a first goal length. The first goal length is adjustable.

Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.

Abstract: An aerial support structure for capturing images of objects in an observed area includes first and second anchors and at least one transport cable mounted to at least one of the first and second anchor. A balloon is mounted to the at least one transport cable and is movable relative to the first and second anchors. A camera is suspended from the balloon.

Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system, comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.

Abstract: A game table for playing a game with a gamepiece includes a playing surface and the gamepiece is movable along the playing surface through the application of gaming forces. A first endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and has a first wall length. A second endwall extends generally perpendicularly from the playing surface and is located on an opposite side of the playing surface from the first endwall. A first goal, comprised of at least one proximity sensor, is located along the first endwall and has a first goal length. The first goal length is adjustable.

Abstract: A portable elevator system for transporting a cargo container between a container cell and a mouth of the container cell is disclosed. The elevator includes a frame which is crane transportable and mountable on the mouth of a container cell in an open hold of the ship. A plurality of hoists are mounted on the frame. The hoists are releasably engageable with at least one container so as to transfer the container in either vertical direction through a central opening in the frame between a first location at a mouth of the container cell and a second location in the container cell. The container further includes a plurality of supports, which are releasably engageable with a container in the first location in addition to the engagement of the hoists. Additionally, a connector for connecting two adjacent containers in a single cell is disclosed. The connector is adapted to be transported to one of the two containers on one of the hoists.

Abstract: An apparatus detects the presence and location of at least one object in a field. The apparatus comprises a rotating arm which spins around the field, a position sensor for detecting the angular displacement of the rotating arm relative to a fixed point, and a processor. The rotating arm includes a transmitter and an opposing receiver array mounted thereon and fixed relative to each other. The receiver array includes a plurality of receivers located horizontally coplanar with each other. The receivers are concentrated towards one side of the receiver array which is aligned with a center region of the dartboard. The transmitter outputs a detection beam that emanates from a single point, such as a divergent beam. The detection beam overlaps the field and is simultaneously received at all times by the plurality of receivers of the receiver array. The receivers detect changes which occur in the field as a result of an object being in the field, manifested by shadows on the field.

Abstract: A system for determining position and orientation of a stationary or moving object projects beams of electromagnetic waves, such as light, onto the object. The beams make lines on the object. A camera senses reflections of the lines. The reflections are converted into pixel data which are used to determine the position and orientation of the object relative to a predetermined coordinate system. The system can also maneuver a robot end effector to the object's position and orientation by interactively viewing representations of the object's position and orientation, and the end effector on a computer screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of at least one object in a field having at least one through-beam detection device with at least one transmitter and at least one opposing detector to create a detection beam that overlaps the field.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, microprocessor controlled apparatus for monitoring, storing and transmitting detected physiological information, including an input section for sequentially receiving analog signals corresponding to heart activity for as many as twelve different cardiac sensors. An input section is provided for receiving analog electrical signals corresponding to blood pressure from at least one sensor. An analog to digital converter is provided for converting the received analog signals to a series of digital pulses at a predetermined sampling rate and for receiving and storing the digital pulses in predetermined memory locations. A control section is provided for recalling the stored digital pulses from the memory and for receiving the recalled digital pulses and for transmitting them to a remote location over a communications system.