Abstract: A digital audio reproduction system has a manual control input, e.g. rotary encoder, to control the audio output to achieve interesting audio effects. A forward turn causes data to be skipped whilst a reverse turn causes data to be repeated, all the time the direction of play being forward.

Abstract: A data communications system for communicating a data signal formed of successive data elements, said system comprising a transmission node; a reception node; and a link providing a data connection from said transmission node to said reception node; in which: said transmission node comprises a clock signal transmitter for transmitting a synchronisation clocking signal to said reception node via said link, said synchronisation clocking signal having synchronising features occurring at a frequency lower than a data element rate; an assembler for assembling elements of said data signal into data frames, each data frame having a plurality of successive data elements of said data signal, for transmission to said reception node via said link, said assembler being responsive to said synchronisation clocking signal so as to set a synchronisation flag associated with a data element having a first predetermined temporal relationship with a synchronising feature of said synchronisation clocking signal; and said receptio

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing holographic stereograms. Holographic stereograms have made possible the creation of holograms of both real objects in natural or studio lighting and virtual objects created using three-dimensional graphics. There are several approaches for creating holograms from digital graphics. This paper discusses the application of the light valve to the process along with other related developments. Artists can now produce high quality inexpensive, medium-format holograms using this direct-link to digital media. Future developments will led to even higher resolution Digital Image-Light-Amplifier (D-ILA) systems.

Abstract: A computer system having at least primary and secondary partitions, a primary write filter for write-protecting the primary partition, and a state machine. The state machine, in response to a need to write persistent data to the primary partition, boots to the secondary partition, disables the primary write filter, boots to the primary partition, writes persistent data to the primary partition, re-enables the primary write filter, and then reboots to the primary partition.

Abstract: A computer system having at least primary and secondary partitions, a primary write filter for write-protecting the primary partition, and a state machine. The state machine, in response to a need to write persistent data to the primary partition, boots to the secondary partition, disables the primary write filter, boots to the primary partition, writes persistent data to the primary partition, re-enables the primary write filter, and then reboots to the primary partition.

Abstract: A multi-piece applique for a pillar (e.g., B-pillar) or other suitable structure of a vehicle. An applique is a decorative member which is fastened to a vehicle surface (e.g., to a door frame structure adjacent a pillar) in order to add styling and/or to functionally cover unsightly portions of the vehicle. In certain embodiments of this invention, the applique includes multiple pieces. Optionally, different pieces may be painted different colors (e.g., a first piece red or green, and a second piece black or silver). In such a manner, a multi-color applique is provided that is easy to mount on a vehicle and is aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: An applique for a pillar (e.g., B-pillar) of a vehicle is disclosed, wherein the applique is a decorative member which is fastened to a vehicle surface (e.g., to a door frame structure adjacent a pillar) in order to add styling and/or to functionally cover unsightly portions of the vehicle. In certain embodiments of this invention, the applique includes a glass receiving channel defined in a portion thereof, as well as a hook-shaped retainer member extending from one wall of the channel.

Abstract: A multi-piece applique for a pillar (e.g., B-pillar) or other suitable structure of a vehicle. An applique is a decorative member which is fastened to a vehicle surface (e.g., to a door frame structure adjacent a pillar) in order to add styling and/or to functionally cover unsightly portions of the vehicle. In certain embodiments of this invention, the applique includes multiple pieces. Optionally, different pieces may be painted different colors (e.g., a first piece red or green, and a second piece black or silver). In such a manner, a multi-color applique is provided that is easy to mount on a vehicle and is aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A latching system for a battery housing for a portable electronic device comprises a housing with an orifice, a button projecting through the orifice in the housing; with a cam on the end of the button in the interior of the housing, and a springy metal sheet attached to the interior of the housing, wherein the springy metal sheet has an orifice. The movement of the button causes the cam on the end of the button to deflect the springy metal sheet, causing an orifice on the springy metal sheet to engage or disengage a projection on the electronic device to which the battery housing is attached.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a monitoring circuit adapted to sense the current drop that occurs through the solenoid coil when the solenoid armature moves correctly, sensing of the drop being used to cause a neon to glow continuously so as to indicate correct operation of the solenoid. If the drop is not sensed, the neon is caused to blink so as to indicate incorrect operation of the solenoid. The circuit may in addition or alternatively be arranged to generate a voltage signal, upon correct operation of the solenoid, for transmission to a remotely located programmable logic controller used to control operation of the valve and like valves that form part of a pneumatically controlled machine.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator comprises a cell through which a normally laminar flow of air passes between an inlet and an outlet to provide, in the outlet, an output pressure. The cell includes an electro-acoustic transducer, for example a piezo-electric element arranged, in response to an oscillating electrical signal, to produce an acoustic signal that disturbs the laminar flow whereby at least some of the air exhausts from the cell via one or more exhaust ports and the output pressure falls. The difference in the output pressures may be used to control a pneumatic device optionally via a pneumatic amplifier. The electrical signal is produced by an opto-electrical transducer to which optical control signals are transmitted, for example along a fibre optic cable.

Abstract: In order to ensure that the vibrations of a system under test are in accordance with a reference spectral density Z(w), the system is driven by a signal x.sub.n (t) provided by an inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) with random phases introduced by a function R.sub.n (w) and the response spectral density Y.sub.n (w) provided by a DFT is brought into agreement with Z(w) by a feedback loop. Moreover, in order to ensure that this is done in one iteration, X'.sub.n (w) is derived from x.sub.n (t) by a DFT and divided by Y.sub.n (w) and the quotient is multiplied with Z(w) to provide the new input x.sub.n (w) for the IDFT. The division cancels out the random factor which is present in both X'.sub.n (w) and Y.sub.n (w).The system thus equalizes both rapidly and stably.