Abstract: A decoder for a series of received digital signal samples which are encoded as points in a 2-dimensional constellation of points corresponding to authorized code values, which constellation is sub-divided into a plurality of subsets. The branch length .mu. between a received point and the closest authorized point in a subset is calculated as a function of the magnitude and sign of the error distance between the received point and the closest authorized point of the constellation, and of the displacement between successive authorized points in the subsets. It is thus possible to determine branch length without calculation of squared values and without employing any approximations.

Abstract: A bicycle mounted bulletproof armor shield system comprising a bicycle and two triangularly shaped body structures, the first structure is dimensioned to be contained within the area of the bicycle defined by the top tube, the down tube and the seat tube. The second structure is dimensioned to be contained within the area of the bicycle defined by the seat tube, the seat stay and the chain stay. Both structures are made of a bulletproof material. Handles are provided on the first body structure to facilitate positioning.

Abstract: Automatic gain control circuit comprising amplifier means (10) which produce an output signal that has an amplitude controlled by a control signal (CT). Recursive filter apparatus (20) (22) measures the power of the output signal and yield a measure of power which is compared (24) with a window of permitted power values to generate the control signal (CT). Depending on the result of the comparison, an initialization signal (INI) is transmitted which enforces a reference power value on a recursive filter to accelerate the gain control. Utilization in apparatus that use signals that have fast and considerable amplitude variations, as in digital modulation signal receivers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for saving energy in a chilled water air conditioning system employing secondary pumping for supply chilled water and primary pumping for return chilled water wherein the primary pumping is eliminated comprising directing all of said supply chilled water to the secondary pumps and eliminating any flow of return chilled water through the secondary pumps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the amount of energy consumed in heating a building with a direct fired boiler having a supply reheat line and return reheat line including operating the direct fired boiler at full capacity until the supply reheat water temperature reaches a preset temperature, and varying the total water in the return reheat line and the supply line to maintain the temperature differential between the temperature of the water in the return reheat line at a preset value. A method and apparatus for turning off one or more direct fired boilers utilizing two or more direct fired boilers connected in parallel when one or more of the direct fired boilers is not needed to heat the building is also disclosed. Each of the direct fired boilers having a supply reheat water line and a return reheat water line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving energy in the operation of a conventional air conditioning system in a large building employing a condenser, an evaporator, a chilled water circuit, and a refrigerant compressor or heat source in an absorption-type air conditioner wherein the chilled water flow is modulated to match the actual cooling load needed in the building, and when utilized in an air conditioning system having multiple air conditioning units one or more of the air conditioning units is turned off along with associated pumps and valves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving energy in the operation of a conventional air conditioning system in a large building employing a condenser, an evaporator, a chilled water circuit, and a refrigerant compressor or heat source in an absorption-type air conditioner wherein the chilled water flow is modulated to match the actual cooling load needed in the building, and when utilized in an air conditioning system having multiple air conditioning units one or more of the air conditioning units is turned off along with associated pumps and valves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing heated water from an air conditioning condenser to heat water used to control temperatures in a large building including a heat exchanger connected to an air conditioner condenser for receiving water heated by the air conditioner condenser and transmitting said water from said heat exchanger to a cooling tower, the heat exchanger also having connected thereto a liquid circuit means for circulating hot water to heating coils located in the building, the heat exchanger effecting a heat exchanger between the hot water received from the condenser and the water to be utilized for heating the building.

Abstract: A modular construction for chairs, couches and the like having a base supporting frame provided with sides formed with horizontally arranged spaces or slots. Garnishing or veneering, elbow rest and seat back elements are provided with battens or tongues which are received in the spaces or slots of the base frame and are secured thereto by fastening elements, such as screws or the like. A foundation or support is provided on the base frame to receive and support a seat cushion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving energy in the operation of a conventional air conditioning system in a large building employing a water cooled condenser, an evaporator, a chilled water circuit, and a refrigerant compressor or heat source in an absorption-type air conditioner wherein the compressor or heat source is not energized, the cooling tower is operated, and the water tubes in the evaporator and the water tubes in the condenser are connected to a heat exchanger to effect heat exchange therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving energy in the operation of a conventional air conditioning system in a large building employing a refrigerant evaporator, a water cooled refrigerant condenser, a refrigerant compressor, and a cooling tower, wherein the compressor is not energized, the condenser and evaporator are flooded with refrigerant from a reservoir, and the refrigerant from the reservoir is circulated between the condenser and the evaporator while the cooling tower is in operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving energy in the operation of a conventional air conditioning system in a large building employing a water cooled condenser, an evaporator, a chilled water circuit, and a refrigerant compressor or heat source in an absorption-type air conditioner wherein the compressor or heat source is not energized and the water tubes in the evaporator are connected to the water tubes in the condenser to allow the water from the evaporator to flow directly into the water tubes of the condenser.