Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting vertical blanking intervals (VBI) is disclosed. The apparatus can identify and filter non-VBI signals, and calculate a level value for digitization corresponding to the type of television signals. The apparatus includes a detecting unit and a coupled computing unit. The detecting unit is for generating a detecting signal according to a television signal. The computing unit is for calculating a slope of the detecting signal, and for determining whether the television signal contains a clock run-in signal according to the slope.

Abstract: Seamless BB paintballs are formed by utilizing the principle of repulsion between oil and water, the differences of surface tension of oil and water, and the character of melting of gelatin materials in high temperature and solidification in cold temperature to produce a biodegradable seamless paintball. The seamless paintballs contain a colored edible oil solution for improved safety for accidental ingestion and rupture on impact to improve safety relative to similarly-sized solid projectiles. The seamless paintballs may be produced at consistent sizes and weights, thereby reducing the possibility of jamming during shooting and/or unintended rupture during loading. The seamless paintballs may also be configured to improve storage stability and the trajectory consistency, thereby overcoming common limitations of conventional BB and paintball projectiles.

Abstract: This invention is utilizing the principle of repulsion between oil and water, the differences of surface tension of oil and water, and the character of melting of gelatin materials in high temperature and solidification in cold temperature to produce a biodegradable seamless BB paintball for BB guns. It contains a colored edible oil solution and is safe when it hits the target to produce an obvious mark that is edible. The seamless paintballs so produced are consistent in size and weight. It reduces the possibility of jamming during shooting and loading of BB guns which are common complaints of the conventional BB paintballs. A specially designed double nozzled machine can produce oil-in-water perfectly round and seamless droplets. The oil solution contains the dyes and the water solution contains a specially formulated gelatin. The droplets are then solidified by a chilled cooling oil flow.The oil solution comprises of 1%-5% (W/W) edible dye in edible oil.

Abstract: An optical network element using steerable mirrors in an optical switch. A steerable mirror in the switch is connected to a potential bias having a magnitude greater than zero in order to reduce the operating potential of the integrated control system that steers the mirror.