Abstract: A method and device for monitoring a multi-program data stream. The data stream preferably contains digital packets multiplexed from different data and control channels. A service information channel or program guide is available from the data stream to identify the various channels and the associated packets in the data stream. The packet stream analyzer verifies the program guide and the contents of the program guide against the packets found in the packet stream. The semantics and sequencing of packets can also be verified. Verification errors can be recorded and displayed via an interface computer.

Abstract: A method and device for aligning a satellite receiver antenna with a broadcast satellite is disclosed herein. The device includes a receiver for measuring a signal strength from the satellite and issuing commands based on the measurement, a receiver antenna capable of automatically changing its alignment, and a rough alignment indicator located remotely from the receiver for signalling when the antenna is pointed sufficiently toward the satellite allow the receiver to maximize the signal strength by aligning the antenna with the satellite via commands from the receiver. The method includes placing the receiver antenna on a stable surface, manually pointing the antenna in the direction of the satellite until an indicator signals that the antenna is preliminarily aligned, fixing the receiver antenna to the stable surface, and activating a device remote from the antenna to automatically perform final alignment of the antenna with the satellite.

Abstract: Adsorbent media are prepared by contacting support material with iron containing solutions, followed by drying to coat the support material with iron. Support materials such as sand and olivine are described. The adsorbent material can be used to remove metal contaminants and natural organic matter from water.

Abstract: A multi-axis profiling x-ray machine for making angiographic examinations includes an L arm rotatable about a first machine axis intersecting an isocenter, the L arm defining a second machine axis intersecting the isocenter and perpendicular to the first machine axis. An offset arm is rotatable about the second machine axis, and includes a curved guide collar holding C arm. The C arm slides along the collar to move an x-ray source mounted on one end of the C arm and an image receiver mounted on the other end of the C arm about a third machine axis perpendicular to the second machine axis. The three axes permit isocenter profiling motion about an arbitrary angle in three dimensions.

Abstract: A spring type hand grip exerciser having a body with a pivoted lever that operates against a spring resistance force when the lever is moved toward the body of the exerciser. The hand grip exerciser contains a counter which counts the number of times a user grips and releases the lever and body. The hand grip exciser is free standing on a level surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow structure of uniform wall thickness comprising the steps of selecting or forming a precursor having one wall surface of desired geometry, treating a portion of the precursor consisting of the one wall surface and a uniform depth of material beneath the wall surface to increase resistance to ablation, and then removing by ablation and discarding the remaining or untreated portion of the precursor.

Abstract: A method of controllably varying the dimensions of cavitated objects such as hollow spherical shells wherein a precursor shell is heated to a temperature above the shell softening temperature in an ambient atmosphere wherein the ratio of gases which are permeable through the shell wall at that temperature to gases which are impermeable through the shell wall is substantially greater than the corresponding ratio for gases contained within the precursor shell. As the shell expands, the partial pressures of permeable gases internally and externally of the shell approach and achieve equilibrium, so that the final shell size depends solely upon the difference in impermeable gas partial pressures and shell surface tension.

Abstract: A rocking lounge chair for children comprising a generally ellipsoidal shaped body particularly adapted for rocking on a ground surface. A body rest formed into a back, seat and leg rest for a child to recline in a comfortable position thereon is fixedly suspended downwardly within a rectangular opening in the top surface. A bumper guard spaced from the ground surface extends around the lower surface to provide the means for limiting rocking of the body in any position.

Abstract: A device for discharging a group of bubbles stuck together is adapted to be operated when held in hand and when mounted on a vehicle such as a bicycle. The device includes a multiple ring structure mounted in the bore of a tube having an air receiving entrance and an exit end. A reservoir which has multiple orifices in its bottom wall is also mounted in the upper wall of the tube. Bubble forming fluid stored in the reservoir is metered through the orifices and directed downwardly to form a film across the openings in the ring structure. In response to movement of air through the tube an expanding curtain of film is formed and released from the ring structure openings and discharged out of the exit end of the tube in an assortment of bubbles. A sump is demountably secured to the bottom wall of the tube for collecting drops of fluid not consumed in forming bubbles.

Abstract: A tethered exercise device for developing muscle tone and coordination in the wrist, arm and shoulder. The device has a handle connected by swivel means to an elongate strap. A ball is mounted on the strap by threading an end portion of the strap through a plurality of displaced slit openings in the wall of the ball for reciprocal movement thereon and adapted to be whirled about at any position on the strap.

Abstract: Game apparatus for playing a game is provided requiring skill, dexterity and body motion. The game apparatus comprises a sheet of fabric, plastic or the like, adapted to lay on a flat surface and tread on by one or more players. The upper surface of the sheet is imprinted with graphic symbols for guiding and scoring the player. To advance to scoring position the player is required to grasp a tethered ball device and cast the ball into the air so as to loop it through an aperture extending through the tethered ball device.

Abstract: A riding type toy comprising an animal-like structure which has a generally ellipsoidal body, an upright neck and head portion. A pair of handhold bars extends from opposite sides of the head. The body has a lower surface and an upper surface for a child to sit on and grip the handhold bars so as to rock and rotate the lower surface of the body slidably on a ground surface. A bumper guard extends around the body between the lower and upper surface to limit rocking in any direction. On the upper surface of the body a shallow dish-like basin seat is formed with a pair of arcuate channels extending therefrom to act as leg supports for the rider. Replaceable coverings simulating different animals may be secured to the body by suitable fastenings.

Abstract: A cabinet for storing oversized documents such as blueprints is disclosed. The cabinet includes a drawer formed of flexible material which is movable between a closed position in which it curls over on itself to form a protective cover about the documents and an open position in which it extends linearly outwardly from the cabinet to permit access to the documents.