Abstract: Methods and systems for geometry compression. In an embodiment, the present invention compresses three dimensional geometry by (1) extracting at least one primitive from the three dimensional geometry, where each extracted primitive includes vertices and property indices that associate properties with the vertices; (2) quantizing, for each extracted primitive, the properties to a fixed grid; (3) converting, for each extracted primitive, the properties from a first data type to a second data type; and (4) encoding property indices, where the encoded property indices and quantized and converted properties are transmitted via a communication network in order to display the three dimensional geometry.

Abstract: A proxy based approach for generation of level of detail. In an embodiment, the present invention generates level of detail using a proxy based approach by (1) receiving a three dimensional polygon mesh with textures; (2) extracting a set of masking primitives above a first threshold from the three dimensional polygon mesh; (3) calculating a set of proxy planes, where the calculation includes associating each proxy plane with at least one of the masking primitives; and (4) optimizing the set of proxy planes.

Abstract: A method for determining a price charged to an advertiser to place a geographically targeted advertisement on an Internet web page or other remote area computer network is disclosed. The method involves the use of multiple databases containing pricing information; audience information, and advertisement information. An advertiser pricing information from a first database, identifies a target audience using information in a second database, defines the characteristics of the advertisement using information in a third database, and calculates a price for the advertisement based on the target audience and the characteristics of the advertisement. A method for allocating the time and day an advertisement appears based on an auction system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly and a method of operating same according to which a surgical tool is connected to a handpiece having an electrically operated motor; and a portable source of electrical energy is provided in a pedal assembly for controlling the tool. The source is electrically connected to the motor; and the pedal can be engaged for controlling the flow of the electrical energy from the source to the motor.

Abstract: For use in a hospital or other medical facility, provided is a powered surgical instrument. The surgical instrument can be used by doctors and the like for the dissection of bone and tissue. The surgical instrument includes a disposable drive unit and a dissection tool. The drive unit is made of a moldable or non-machined material, such as plastic, which does not have to sustain repeated use and sterilization over an extended period of time.

Abstract: The novel card game employs a deck of cards with two or more suits and each suit having cards consecutively numbered starting from zero. The players select how many suits they will hold in, their hand and the number of cards from each suit. The cards are then dealt and each player, in order, places a card face up in the middle between the players. Each consecutive player then places a higher numbered card in the middle of the table until one player has no cards or until no cards can be played by any of the players. A winner is then declared based on the player who has no cards or the player with the lowest total value of face cards in his hand.

Abstract: Direct contact printing methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying screen elements to cathode ray tube (CRT) faceplates. A black-surround, or grille, is first applied to the faceplate, followed by deposition of light-emissive phosphors thereon. Means for repeatable positioning of the screen elements on the faceplate, means for registration of the screen elements with each other, and means for maintaining screen element shape and size are also disclosed. Effective pivot axes for the collector are arranged to lie in the plane of the printing substrates.

Abstract: A localized grinder is traversed in series over flat tension mask support rails affixed to a CRT front panel to produce a constant "Q"-height on the mask support surface above the rails. A local measuring device is used to develop point-specific rail height information relative to the screen edges for operation of the grinder in order to ascertain an effective "Q"-height measurement from the panel surface.

Abstract: A production system is disclosed for registering flat tension masks to screen bearing face panels in the manufacture of cathode ray tubes. Both the panel and mask are supported in modules with identical registration features at loading stations and alternately conveyed to an assembly station with a top mounted laser welder for welding the mask to panel rails. A lift assembly up loads the modules into the assembly station where they are registered with the same registration elements. Screen location on the panel is interrogated by panel module associated cameras that view spaced fiducial marks on the panel previously located with respect to the screen. Mask interrogation is also accomplished by a camera array. Early screen interrogation enables the mask to be preliminarily positioned very close to final positioning.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for differentially stretching a flat tension mask to register apertures in the mask with an undedicated screen on a CRT faceplate. Stretching is accomplished biaxially on the mask with a plurality of separate clamping elements along all four sides of the mask. Various methods and means are disclosed for applying a fixed ratio of forces to the clamps to maintain strain in the mask substantially uniform across the entire mask, such as a "wiffle tree" linkage and selected spring rate springs. Growth of the mask during stretching is accommodated by allowing the clamps to move laterally or perpendicular to the stretching forces. Fragile slit aperture masks are stretched with clamps having tangential component stretching forces. Individual and/or groups of clamps can be controlled independently of others to correct for localized mask or screen defects. The clamps move in unison toward the mask to a clamp engagement position where they are precisely aligned in a starting position.

Abstract: An anvil having a uniquely configurable support surface is provided for use in the manufacture of a face panel for a tension mask color cathode ray tube. The anvil is uniquely configurable for the panel and provides for contacting and conformably supporting the panel and preserving its intrinsic contour against gravitational deflection or other loading.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel. The mask aperture pattern is registered with a cathodoluminescent screen pattern of corresponding geometry and position on an inner surface of the panel. The shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable. In a preferred arrangement, signals are developed which are indicative of the positions of a mechanically stretched mask aperture pattern and an associated front panel screen pattern relative to a reference or to each other. Responsive to such signals, there is effected a relative positioning of the mask and screen until registration between the patterns is achieved.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a foil tension mask with a central pattern of apertures. A transparent flat front panel has a cathodoluminescent screen pattern on its inner surface. A plurality of mask support means, located on opposed sides of the screen pattern, have respective mask-receiving surfaces for receiving a shadow mask in tension. Q-height error data is developed according to the invention, and the aperture pattern of the mask in expanded and positioned in response to the error data to compensate for errors in Q-height to bring the mask apertures into registry with the screen pattern. Apparatus for measuring Q-height is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a foil shadow mask includes a plurality of elongated, generally linear spacers affixed to an inner surface of the flat glass faceplate of a color cathode ray tube (CRT) and arranged in a generally rectangular array. Attached to each spacer substantially along the length thereof is a respective elongated mounting spring. Each mounting spring includes a first portion attached to its associated spacer and a second flexible, resilient U-shaped portion to which a mask anchor is securely attached. Each peripheral edge portion of the foil shadow mask is attached to a respective mask anchor for maintaining the foil shadow mask in registration with light emitting phosphor elements on the CRT's faceplate.

Abstract: A slit-type foil tension mask and associated front assembly for a color cathode ray tube comprise a series of parallel strips separated by slits. The strips are loosely coupled by widely spaced ties, the wide tie spacing being such as to produce a strip coupling which promotes handleability of the mask during mask and tube fabrication and facilitates damping of strip vibration when mounted in a tube, but which is insufficient to induce unacceptable Poisson contraction of the mask when uniaxially tensed along the direction of the strips in the plane of the mask, or to permit an unacceptable thermal expansion perpendicular to said strips.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel. The mask aperture pattern is registered with a catholdoluminescent screen pattern of corresponding geometry and position on an inner surface of the panel. The shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable. Signals are developed which are indicative of the positions of a mechanically stretched mask aperture pattern and an associated front panel screen pattern relative to a reference or to each other. Responsive to such signals, there is effected a relative positioning of the mask and screen until registration between the patterns is achieved.

Abstract: A slit-type foil tension mask and associated front assembly for a color cathode ray tube comprise a series of parallel strips separated by slits. The strips are loosely coupled by widely spaced ties, the wide tie spacing being such as to produce a strip coupling which promotes handleability of the mask during mask and tube fabrication and facilitates damping of strip vibration when mounted in a tube, but which is insufficient to induce unacceptable Poisson contraction of the mask when uniaxially tensed along the direction of the strips in the plane of the mask, or to permit an unacceptable thermal expansion perpendicular to said strips.

Abstract: A reusable factory fixture frame is disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a flat faceplate and a tensed foil shadow mask. The frame provides for mounting an in-process shadow mask during photoexposure of an in-process faceplate in a lighthouse. The frame includes a generally rectangular frame structure having grooves thereabout for receiving an edge of the shadow mask. Quick-release mechanical spring clips are provided for temporarily and removably supporting the in-process shadow mask in tension in the grooves. The shadow mask is heated and allowed to expand prior to being temporarily and removably supported on the frame, and the shadow mask is allowed to cool and shrink in tension while so being supported to effect tensing of the shadow mask in clamped condition on the frame.

Abstract: This disclosure describes method and apparatus useful in the manufacture of shadow mask color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type, wherein the shadow masks and associated glass front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly.

Abstract: A front assembly for a color cathode ray tube is disclosed that as having improved means for mounting components for electrical interconnection and magnetic shielding. The assembly comprises a faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed, electrically conductive phosphor screen. A peripheral sealing area is located on the inner surface of the faceplate for receiving a funnel, and the funnel has an internal electrically conductive funnel coating adapted to receive a high electrical potential. A metallic shadow mask support structure is secured to the inner surface of the faceplate between the screen and the peripheral sealing area, and encloses the screen and is in contact with the screen. The structure supports in electrical union therewith a tensed foil shadow mask. The structure has a side adjacent to the sealing area essentially perpendicular to the screen which has secured thereto by weldments an internal magnetic shield.