Abstract: A device for supporting a keyboard user's wrists while typing-or entering data at a keyboard is disclosed. The wrist supporting device includes a flexible tubular member fastened, with blind fasteners, to a tray on which keyboard rests. The top surface of the tubular member is positioned horizontally, in normally fixed relation above and along the front edge of the keyboard. The tubular member is made from a flexible material such as conventional polyurethane or vinyl tubing, that allows the top surface of the member to flex toward the top edge of the keyboard when the user's wrists are resting on the member.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for winding or rewinding a running web onto the center core shafts of rolls. While the running web is being wound, at a selected speed, onto a first roll which is, disposed in an operating position, a center core shaft of a new, second roll is disposed in a splicing position so that the center core shafts are side by side and adjacent to each other. A fixed drive assembly and a movable drive assembly control the speeds of the first and second rolls, respectively. The first roll has had a determined amount of web wound thereon, the running web is spliced onto the center core shaft of the second roll and thereafter is wound onto the second roll. Thereafter, the second roll is disconnected from the fixed drive assembly and is removed from the operating position. The second roll, with the running web now being wound thereon, is then moved, with the movable drive assembly, from the splicing position to the operation position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for managing a plurality of computer jukeboxes at different locations from a central station. Each jukebox includes processor means for controlling the computer jukebox, storage and retrieval means for data, display means for selection menus, audio production means for playing musical records, and a user interface enabling patrons to communicate with the processor means. The central station can be used to download musical recording data to each computer jukebox, and each computer jukebox can upload usage data to the central station.

Abstract: A flying paster is disclosed that achieves straight across splicing by utilizing web roll core drive technology. Splice calculations are based on input data sensed during preliminary acceleration of the new roll, which is disposed in a splicing position in the flying paster. Acceleration of the new roll is achieved by engagement between the center core shaft of a new roll and a movable brake and roll accelerator assembly. Then, calculations facilitate speed matching between the web running from a second, running roll mounted in the flying paster and the new roll. Splicing is facilitated by the utilization of two, two-sided adhesive strips. One adhesive strip is used to adhere the leading end of the new roll to the rest of the body of the new roll during the pre-splice speed matching, and the second adhesive strip is used for adhering the leading end of the new roll with the newly cut, trailing end of the running web.

Abstract: A hydrophobic porous inorganic carrier particle having at least a pore volume of 0.1 ml/g consisting of pores with a diameter of 7 to 50 .ANG. and having a perfume absorbed into said particle. The invention also comprises a detergent composition containing the carrier particle and a method of manufacturing the carrier particle.

Abstract: A flying paster is disclosed that achieves straight across splicing by utilizing web roll core drive technology. Splice calculations are based on input data sensed during preliminary acceleration of the new roll, which is disposed in a splicing position in the flying paster. Acceleration of the new roll is achieved by engagement between the center core shaft of a new roll and a movable brake and roll accelerator assembly. Then, calculations facilitate speed matching between the web running from a second, running roll mounted in the flying paster and the new roll. Splicing is facilitated by the utilization of two, two-sided adhesive strips. One adhesive strip is used to adhere the leading end of the new roll to the rest of the body of the new roll during the pre-splice speed matching, and the second adhesive strip is used for adhering the leading end of the new roll with the newly cut, trailing end of the running web.

Abstract: A microcomputer within a duplex RF transceiver operates in an interrupt-driven manner to simultaneously encode and decode CTCSS signalling (with one microcomputer interrupt service routine being devoted to CTCSS encode, and another microcomputer interrupt service routine being devoted to CTCSS decode). Such encoding and decoding of CTCSS signalling is accomplished using minimal external control hardware (e.g., two flip flops and an inexpensive conventional multipurpose counter/timer chip). The resulting arrangement is inexpensive, reliable and requires only a few components in addition to the appropriately programmed microcomputer in order to provide simultaneous encoding and decoding of CTCSS signals in a full duplex RF transceiver context.

Abstract: A LAN multi-node generic digital signal communications link within a radio frequency (RF) base station system communicates control signals within and between base stations. The generic digital signal link eliminates the use of multiple lines for respective functions by using the same generic communications interface for various different functions. By using such a generic digital signal link for inter and intra base station communications, RF and auxiliary control become standardized--reducing complexity in the product, in the documentation and in field repair techniques.

Abstract: Multi-station web handling apparatus having a pair of nip rolls at each station, where at least one of the rolls of each pair of nip rolls is deformed at the nip and having a print-to-print and/or cut-to-print image registration system and method that prevents image mis-register errors from occurring, as opposed to attempting to correct mis-register errors after they have occurred and have been sensed. Each of the stations includes a driven nip roll positioned upstream of and closely adjacent to the nip of the pair of nip rolls of the station. The rolls are driven at the same speed as the pairs of nip rolls at the stations are driven.

Abstract: A high security counting system is shown for counting events represented by an event signal. The counting system includes a nonerasable programmable read only memory which is programmed by a programmer under the control of a controller. The controller is responsive to an event signal for controlling the programmer to program a bit from a first value to a second value wherein each bit programmed to a second value represents a unit of count and the number of bits programmed to the second value represents the count of said counter.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) base station transmitter receiver (transceiver) system includes an audio compression arrangement that compresses a sum of multiple audio signals so that all signals within the sum are equalized to a substantially uniform audio output level despite differences in their input levels. Compression thresholds can be adjusted from a remote location. The RF base station provides audio signal compression using digital signal processing (DSP) techniques such that advanced features (e.g., noise blanking and hard limiting) and flexibility are built into the system. Line audio inputs from several sources are filtered, converted to digital signals, and processed by a digital signal processor (DSP). This DSP provides an audio compression function that selects and applies appropriate gains to the digitized audio signal. The compressed signal is converted to analog form, filtered and routed to a variety of destination such as a RF transmitter modulator or a land line.

Abstract: A security system for a gaming device prevents a door on the gaming device from being opened during a power failure so as to prevent tampering with the controls of the gaming device when no power is supplied to the system. When power is supplied to the system, a processor logs the time of occurrence of detected door openings in a nonerasable programmable memory so as to provide a record thereof. The information is stored in a sequential manner in accordance with the time of occurrence of the door opening events so that the microprocessor can verify the information stored. If any anomalies are detected in the stored information, the microprocessor 10 can prevent operation of the gaming device or generate alarms.

Abstract: A target for an electronic dart game including a plurality of slidably mounted scoring segments arranged edge-to-edge and in a circle so as to define different scoring areas. Following a conventional layout for a dart game target, the target has twenty (20) pie-shaped scoring partitions that are placed adjacent to each other so as to form a complete circle. Each partition has a designated score value ranging from one to twenty (1-20) points. Each partition is further divided into the standard three trapezoidal and one pie sub-partitions. In the preferred embodiment, the target further includes a double bull's-eye. A different electrical switch is provided for each scoring segment, and each electrical switch conveys a dart-hit signal in response to its corresponding segment being struck by a thrown dart. Separate and isolated signal lines electronically connected to each switch are provided for communicating the dart-hit signals to processing means of the target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting dart leagues or tournaments wherein players participate at multiple remote locations. The present invention provides a plurality of remotely located electronic dart games connected via a communication medium to a central control device enabling bidirectional communication between the central control device and the plurality of remotely located electronic dart games. The invention in a preferred embodiment enables players to participate in a dart league or tournament from various locations, however, it is possible for the plurality of electronic dart games to be at one location. Each electronic dart game is capable of receiving data from and transmitting data to player cards. Each dart game player has a player card that identifies a player to a respective dart game, and the player card also stores player data and game statistics. A master dart game is located at each remote location.

Abstract: A monitoring system for testing the integrity of seal structures, filled with an electrically non-conductive fluid and for validating measurements of a measurement device. The monitoring system includes electrodes disposed in the fluid for measuring an electrical property of the fluid. The system indicates when the measured electrical property changes, which indicates contamination of the fluid.

Abstract: A compliant sealing material with low or no gas permeability and low spring rate is made by coating a metal such as gold, on the surface of a polymer sheet. The metal acts as a complete gas barrier on an atomic level, and the polymer provides structural integrity and mounting attributes without detrimentally increasing compliance. A small number of metal atoms injected at a moderate energy into the near surface of the polymer act as link sites for joining subsequent lower energy atoms forming an impermeable layer. The total heat delivery to the polymer is minimized thereby preserving integrity and continuity. The material is particularly useful in micromechanical devices where high flexibility is needed with complete sealing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a zero-speed, butt splice to join together a web from a new roll of material to a web which is from an expiring roll of material and which should be run, at a relatively high speed, through a web processing operation, such as a disposable diaper manufacturing line, under relatively constant, relatively low tension along a predetermined path of travel that includes a running web festoon means having floating dancer rollers and the running web processing operation. To form the butt splice, the leading end of the new web is trimmed by moving one knife wheel assembly along the cutting edge of an anvil. A piece of tape is applied to the leading end so that a portion of the tape projects downstream from that end. The expiring web is held against the anvil and trimmed along the same cutting edge of the anvil. The trailing end of the expiring roll is also simultaneously adhered to the downstream portion of the tape.

Abstract: An inertia compensated festoon assembly useable to control the tension in a moving web that is subject to tension changes due to, among other things, frequent zero-speed splices of the web to a new web and that must run continuously, downstream from the assembly, at relatively high speed and under relatively constant, relatively low tensions. The assembly includes a first, inertia compensated multiple floating dancer roller festoon, in series with an isolation driven roller, and a second, inertia compensated single floating dancer roller festoon.

Abstract: A knife wheel assembly suitable for forming a butt splice to join together a web from a new roll of material to a web which is from an expiring roll of material and which is being run, downstream from the expiring roll, under tension along a predetermined path of travel that includes a running web storage means and a press or other web handling means. To form the butt splice, the leading end of the new web is trimmed by moving one knife wheel assembly along the cutting edge of an anvil. The trimmed leading end is held against the anvil, and a piece of tape is applied to the leading end so that a portion of the tape projects downstream from that end. The portion of the expiring web, adjacent to the anvil, is then momentarily stopped, held against the anvil, and trimmed by another knife wheel assembly, along the same cutting edge of the anvil, by movement of the knife wheel assembly across the web, from side-to-side, along the cutting edge of the anvil.

Abstract: The disclosed web splicing apparatus and method provide for the in-registry lap splicing of a new web, that has a spaced, regularly repeating pattern thereon to an expiring web that has an identical, spaced, regularly repeating pattern thereon and that is moving under tension and at a relatively high speed along a predetermined path of travel. The leading end =of the new web is prepared for a splice so that a pattern thereon is aligned with a first pre-selected point. During a splice, a portion of the expiring web is substantially stopped and then moved at a relatively slow speed past a sensor that is positioned at a second pre-selected point downstream from the first pre-selected point and that senses the passage of the next pattern on the slowly moving expiring web.