Abstract: An actuator for use in an IC package test fixture has a base element and a float. The float is attached to the base element with a gimbaled mount. At least one resilient element such as a compression spring biases the float away from the base element and against a retainer. The float has a presser surface for pressing against an IC package surface opposite the IC package contacts, to thereby force the contacts of the IC package against test contacts. The float's gimbaled mount in one embodiment provides up to two rotational degrees of freedom and one translational degree of freedom in the motion of the float. The resilient element provides a predetermined preload force at the presser surface.

Abstract: Groups (e.g. 3) of parallel digital video input signals having a first frequency are provided, each group having a first number (e.g. 8) of binary bits. The parallel signals in each group correspond in gray scale to the signals providing one of the colors in a single color pixel. The parallel signals may have a first particular frequency. The parallel digital signals are serialized at a second frequency constituting an integral multiple (e.g. 3) of the frequency of the parallel signals. The serialized signals are converted in a look-up table to serialized signals having the second frequency. The number of bits in each group of the signals from the look-up table have an arbitrary relationship to the number of the binary bits in each group introduced to the look-up table. For example, the number of binary bits in each group from the look-up table may be ten (10). The signals from the look-up table are converted to analog signals which produce a gray scale image on a monitor face.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking meats, such as chicken are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base having an upstanding member positioned thereon. The upstanding member has a chamber to receive food seasoning. The chamber is adapted to form a seal with the cavity of the chicken to promote seasoning of the meat from within during cooking and to allow the seasoning vapors to enter the meat, thereby promoting a moister cooked product.

Abstract: To compress a digitized medical image, a first wavelet including quadrants respectively having LL, LH, HL and HH frequencies is provided, preferably in parallel. L and H respectively represent low and high frequency ranges. L and H representations may be respectively provided by averaging, and taking the difference between, two (2) successive pixels values. The first and second letters in each quadrant respectively refer to the frequency range in a pair of co-ordinates. A second wavelet may include, in the first wavelet LL quadrant, quadrants respectively having LL, LH, HL and HH frequency ranges. Successive wavelets may be similarly provided. Each wavelet is provided from the LL quadrant of the previous wavelet because most of the frequency information resides in the LL quadrant. Individual compressions may be provided in parallel of the representations in the LH, HL and HH quadrants in the first wavelet, preferably on a lossy basis (e.g. discrete cosine transform and then Huffman coding).

Abstract: A clamp for clamping heater assemblies onto cylindrical bodies such as injection molding nozzles that require heating. The clamp includes a mandrel that slips over the nozzle, and has a heater wound on the exterior. The mandrel has a longitudinal slit that will permit the bore of the mandrel to be reduced in size when a lateral width of the slit is reduced. The mandrel carries outwardly facing cam surfaces, and an overlying sleeve has inwardly facing cam surfaces which mate, and upon relative longitudinal movement, the cam surfaces cause the lateral width of the slit to reduce and clamp the mandrel onto the nozzle. The clamping can be effected by differential movement due to differences in thermal expansion of the mandrel and the sleeve, or by mechanical movement of the sleeve relative to the mandrel to obtain the cam action.

Abstract: Heat transfer systems for maintaining a thermal balance between a gas turbine engine and heat generating accessory components of the engine are disclosed. In the embodiment illustrated, heat is removed from the cooling system 48 of an electrical generator 46 and is transferred to the fuel supply system 32 of the engine. In one detailed embodiment, the cooling system 48 is in direct heat transfer communication with the downstream portion 62 of the fuel supply system through a heat exchanger 76 and in indirect heat transfer communication with the upstream portion 60 of the fuel supply system through the fuel recirculation system 42.

Abstract: An illuminated number display device is disclosed which includes a generally rectangular housing having a front wall on which is mounted one or more number plates so that each number plate overlies an opening in the front wall. Each number plate defines a number visible in daylight and has a plurality of frustoconical light passages therethrough which outline the number and facilitate improved illuminated number display at night from a plurality of low energy light bulbs mounted internally of the housing so that the light from each bulb passes through at least two openings in the front wall and through the light channels in the corresponding number plates. Light diffuser plates are preferably disposed between the front wall openings and the light bulbs, and, optionally, over an opening in a bottom wall of the housing to provide downwardly directed auxiliary lighting.