Abstract: A remote control system and method comprising a television and a light pointing apparatus adapted, in a first embodiment, to transmit a first narrow beam having a first frequency corresponding to visible light, which is used to give an indication of where the pointer is pointed, and a second expanded beam surrounding the first beam and comprising a second frequency corresponding to infrared light. In a second embodiment, the pointer transmits a single frequency modulated light beam. In operation, the beam of light is shown on the television screen to activate an on screen menu based user interface via a photo sensor, microprocessor and onscreen display controller. Screen menu items appear on the screen positioned around the periphery of the screen. The user then moves the beam of light on the screen to the periphery of the screen to optically engage one of the plurality of photo conductors, which triggers an appropriate menu sequence or the performance of a television function such as, e.g., channel up.

Abstract: A flat projection television comprising an imagine engine mounted adjacent a top of an enclosure and optically coupled to a collimator mirror, a flat mirror, a mirror assembly comprising a plurality of cylindrical mirrors, and a diffuser screen. The image engine includes a cylindrical lens which expands an outgoing image horizontally. The image engine projects the image downward from the top of the enclosure toward the bottom of the enclosure where the horizontally expanding image encounters the collimator mirror which collimates the expanding beam bringing the horizontal lines back into parallel with one another. The collimator mirror also reflects the collimated image towards the front of the enclosure where it encounters the flat mirror oriented to deflect the image upward into the mirror box location of the enclosure at an appropriate angle.

Abstract: An irrigation and seeding mat includes a plurality of flexible drip tubes, arranged longitudinally along the length of the mat and laterally spaced apart along the width of the mat, with each drip tube having a series of openings therein for dripping water from the tube. The mat has a first biodegradable sheet attached to the drip tubes. The biodegradable sheet extends over the length and width of the mat for initially securing the longitudinal and laterally spaced apart arrangement of the drip tubes. The mat further includes: a layer of plant seeds arranged on the upper surface of the first biodegradable sheet; and has a second biodegradable sheet attached onto the first biodegradable sheet for initially securing the layer of arranged seeds within the mat. The mat is deployed with a manifold having outlet nipples connected to each of the drip tubes.

Abstract: Cabinetry for a variety electronic devices that facilitates acoustic attenuation. Although significantly lighter in weight, the structural integrity of the cabinetry tends to be comparable to conventional cabinetry. The cabinetry utilizes expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam to form the basic shell or core with the shape of the desired enclosure. Appropriate coatings are then added to the surface of the EPS shell to ensure durability. The low mass, low modulus of elasticity and high internal damping of the EPS core of the completed enclosure strongly absorbs and, thus, attenuates noise emanating from within the enclosure. The addition of high density coating(s) to the faces of the EPS core provide high weight per unit area material that further blocks the passage of sound through the EPS core.

Abstract: An electric houseboat comprises a hull and a house-like structure mounted on the hull which includes at least one bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen. A Diesel generator comprises the sole power source for the houseboat. The operating temperature of the Diesel generator is controlled by directing coolant through the Diesel generator and through a keel pipe which extends along the hull of the houseboat thereby discharging heat into the water over which the houseboat operates. Exhaust resulting from operation of the Diesel generator is directed upwardly and is discharged at a point substantially above the water and above the house-like structure of the houseboat.

Abstract: A system for extending and retracting an object, such as a camera or sensor, outside and inside a body, such as an aircraft, is disclosed. The system comprises a mounting structure and a linear guide connected to the mounting structure. A platform, to which the object is attached, is extended and retracted by a mechanism. The platform is extended and retracted, along the linear guide comprising one or more tubes to an outside and inside position with respect to the body. The mechanism may be electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically driven, for example. The mechanism may comprise a, linear motion screw. A clutch and brake apparatus may also be provided. Concealment doors may be opened upon extending the object, and closed upon retracting the object. The mounting structure is fitted into the shape of the body so as limit intrusion into the body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mechanized lift platform for extending a camera and sensor, individually or collectively, out of a flying craft and retracting the camera and sensor back into the flying craft upon completion of use. The camera and sensor in the fully extended position provides a full field of view. The camera and sensor is extended and retracted through concealment doors. The concealment doors are closed when the camera and sensor are in the fully retracted position such that the lift platform and camera and sensor are not subject to any outside environment and the flying craft is able to retain its original flying characteristics. The camera and sensor mechanized lift platform has particular application for aerial photography, video, sound collection and multimedia.