Abstract: Disclosed is a swim trainer using a laterally displaceable torso support pad and two cables interconnecting the swimmer's opposite hands and feet: right hand with left foot, left hand with right foot. It incorporates tension physics with applied tension force displacement wherein the torso is supported with two degrees of motion, i.e., hinged front-to-back tilt and left-to-right displacement of the torso. The user's opposite hands and feet are interconnected by cables passing through pulleys located below the torso. As the user performs a simulated swim stroke, force is asserted on the cable ends, moving the entire body to the right or left along a defined lateral displacement path. The user controls the swimming stroke speed, therefore controlling the amount of resistance applied between hands and feet based on the lateral motion torso speed against torso weight pressing down on the central support.

Abstract: Concepts for presenting display features to a user of a system which comprises a display, an acquisition device, and a controller system. In various embodiments, the acquisition device is configured to capture image data of one or more items moving along a conveying mechanism and read item identifiers associated with each item. The system then associates or identifies display features with each item identifier and presents the captured image data with the display features presented on or near the image data of the items.

Abstract: Methods of identifying activators and inhibitors of voltage-gated ion channels are provided in which the methods employ electrical field stimulation of the cells in order to manipulate the open/close state transition of the voltage-gated ion channels. This allows for more convenient, more precise experimental manipulation of these transitions, and, coupled with efficient methods of detecting the result of ion flux through the channels, provides methods that are especially suitable for high throughput screening.

Abstract: A foam container includes a content indicator in the form of a depressible foam area. The raised area has an increasing thickness from the outer edge to the When used in conjunction with alphanumeric characters, symbols or graphics, the depressible raised area, when depressed, indicates specific contents of the container, or that one or more specific items need to be inserted into the container.

Abstract: A multimedia communication arrangement processes and multiplexes different types of data, including data from an adaptive data rate data source and a nonadaptive data rate data source, to substantially increase data throughput over a communication channel. The rate at which data is collected from the adaptive data rate data source varies based on the available channel bandwidth of the modem. The transmission rate is optionally adjusted in response to a detected error rate. Furthermore, the amount of filtering performed by a video camera on an image before the image is encoded by a codec can be adjusted. In addition, a data recovery terminal optionally selectively adjusts intervals at which received audio data is sampled to potentially reduce latency periods.

Abstract: Configuring a communication arrangement that transmits video and other signal types using operational modes includes constructing a hierarchy of nodes representing the operational modes. The hierarchy also includes null nodes and a root node. Scores are collected as the nodes are traversed. The score represents a difference between the operational modes represented by the nodes along the path and desired operational modes received from a data recovery terminal. When the sum of scores collected for a set of nodes exceeds a threshold, the order of traversal is reversed. Reversing the order discards inefficient solutions and avoids dedication of system resources to evaluating such solutions. In addition, decreasing the number of paths evaluated permits more rapid determination of the operational modes best matching the desired operational modes.

Abstract: A multimedia communication system processes and multiplexes different types of data, including data from an adaptive data rate data source and a nonadaptive data rate data source, to substantially increase data throughput over a communication channel. The system includes: a first data source, responsive to a control signal, including a video image processor constructed to capture images and to present the images as a first type of data at a rate determined as a function of the control signal; at least one additional data source generating at least one additional data signal; a data signal processor that determines an available bandwidth factor for the communication channel, generates the control signal in response to this factor, collects the first type of data at a rate that varies in response to the available channel bandwidth of the modem, and collects the at least one additional type of data at at least one established rate.

Abstract: An instant tennis game simulating a real game of tennis is presented. A pneumatic tennis ball delivery machine replaces the normal opponent. The court is slightly crowned and has sloping gutters so that all balls are automatically, gravity-returned to the machine. Solenoid controlled, motor-spun rollers permit simulation of various types of spins. Ball trajectory from the machine is controlled by barrel angle, vertical and horizontal. The ball machine control system allows for repetition of one "shot condition" endlessly or a completely random variety of shots as directed by a programmed mini-computer or manually set "user controls," a program, or the equivalent.