Abstract: The video signal enhancement unit (100) and the image display apparatus containing the unit have a processing unit (102) for contrast modification of the video signal. The processing unit (102) receives input data from a contrast counter (112), designed to store a contrast count. The contrast count is decreased by a pixel counter (104) each time the total number of pixels, that occur within a predetermined period of time and which have video signal levels that are higher than a predetermined video level, exceeds a predefined threshold. This predetermined period of time is a number of times shorter than one video field interval. The contrast count is increased each time a trigger means (114) generates a pulse. A contrast comparator (116) can be coupled to the contrast counter (112) to limit the contrast count to a maximum contrast value.

Abstract: A light with a lamp and a reflector, includes a reflector formed by one surface of a kitchen utensil and having a reflector surface, and at least one lamp incorporated in at least one egg-shaped body which is transparent or translucent and which is fixed to the kitchen utensil in front of the reflector surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for subfield coding a large-screen display. The device comprises means for generating a digital value for a picture element of the display and means for determining a first number and a second number of subfields of a predetermined total number of subfields from the digital value, for which determined subfields the picture element emits radiation. In order to improve the dynamic range while maintaining the maximally obtainable brightness, the device comprises means for determining the first number of subfields from the digital value, the first number of subfields having a different on-period during which the picture element emits radiation, and means for determining the second number of subfields from the digital value, the second number of subfields having a fixed on-period during which the picture element emits radiation.

Abstract: An egg cooker has a holder forming at least one egg seat and adapted to be set in a body of water with an egg in the seat at least partially below a level of the water. A temperature sensor on the body detects a temperature of the body of water and an acoustic emitter on the body can emit an audible signal. A circuit including a timer and connected to the sensor and emitter starts the timer when the sensor detects a predetermined elevated water temperature and emits a first audible signal at a predetermined interval after the timer is started and a second audible signal different from the first signal at a predetermined interval after the first signal.

Abstract: A dispensing package system for a liquid product including first and second components which must be mixed together prior to use, includes a first container for containing the first component, and a second container for containing the second component prior to use. The first container includes a top dispensing nozzle sealed off by a cap when not in use, and a bottom port sealed by a removable plug from the interior thereof. To mix the components together a user unscrews a cap from the second container, and screws the neck of the second container into a threaded boss of a skirt secured to the bottom of the first container, for forcing a top portion of the neck of the second container into the bottom port of the first container for frictional engagement therewith, and for forcing the plug out of the port into the interior of the first container.

Abstract: A grater assembly for foodstuffs according to the invention has a grater board having an outer frame and a central panel formed with an array of small, throughgoing, sharp edge grater holes. A brush has a rigid handle and an array of bristles projecting therefrom, and a holder formation on the frame shaped to interfit with the handle of the brush retains the brush on the frame.

Abstract: Envelopes which are about to receive developed photographic films and/or prints are advanced toward a stacking station in a predetermined orientation and each envelope is provided with one or more fold lines extending in the direction of advancement of envelopes. The fold lines serve to straighten the envelopes which are delivered in rolled, creased and/or otherwise deformed condition such as could interfere with predictable stacking of envelopes in a predetermined sequence which is necessary to ensure that each envelope receive a proper set of film frames and/or prints for shipment or delivery to the parties whose names and/or addresses appear on the envelopes. The fold lines straighten the originally deformed envelopes (which are in random distribution with non-deformed envelopes) for an interval of time which suffices to ensure proper stacking, even if the envelopes exhibit a pronounced tendency to reassume their deformed state.

Abstract: Production of mixed-oxide nuclear fuel pellets of uranium dioxide (UO.sub.2+x) and plutonium dioxide (PuO.sub.2) which are soluble in nitric acid. The powder mixture of oxides is added to a halogen-free milling aid, such as propane diol, then is milled and subsequently granulated, pressed and sintered. The milling aid is expelled by subsequent drying processes or heat treatments (sintering). The milling process is controlled to obtain a primary grain size of less than two micrometers.

Abstract: Production of UO.sub.2 nuclear fuel pellets containing PuO.sub.2 in set amounts, which pellets are soluble in nitric acid and suitable for reprocessing without the aid of a special additive. Uranium oxide powder is mixed with 15 to 50% by weight of the mixture of plutonium oxide powder; the mixture milled and pressed into pellets. The pellets are sintered, comminuted, pressed to form pellets and the pellets comminuted to free-flowing granules. The free-flowing granules are mixed with UO.sub.2 granules to obtain a desired UO.sub.2 /PuO.sub.2 ratio, and the mixture pressed into pellets and sintered to form UO.sub.2 nuclear fuel pellets containing PuO.sub.2 soluble in nitric acid.

Abstract: Method for controlling desired redox potential in hydrogencontaining protective gases used in high-temperature furnaces in powder-metallurgical processes. A sample of the protective gas is withdrawn from the furnace and the redox potential of the sample measured at the high temperature to produce treated bodies of good quality. Humidifying the gases blowing through the furnace is employed to erase or minimize a deviation of the redox potential of the sample from a predetermined redox potential. Ax oxygen-hydrogen mixture may be obtained by electrolysis of water as a function of the measured redox potential and this mixture may be used for humidification. In this manner good quality end products are assured despite fluctuations in throughput and properties of material entering the furnace.

Abstract: Sintering nuclear fuel pellets of nuclear fuel oxides having oxygen in stoichiometric excess of the dioxides by passing the nuclear fuel pellets through a reduction furnace having a reducing atmosphere under regulated exposure time or residence time to produce reduced nuclear fuel oxides of desired oxygen content. The reduced pellets are cooled and sent to an intermediate station for checking or holding. The cooled pellets from the intermediate station are sent through a sintering furnace with means for independently regulating the exposure time or residence time in the sintering furnace. Additional features are the independent control of the atmospheres and temperature as well as the humidity concentration in each furnace. Less expensive nitrogen gas may efficiently be used in the process.

Abstract: An arrangement has a hand-operated piston pump mountable on a neck of a bottle, and having a first portion outwardly embracing the neck and a second portion inwardly extending into the neck of the bottle. The first portion of the piston pump overlaps the neck over at least a part of its height and is supported by the same. The second portion is formed as a ring-shaped collar. For sealingly connecting the second portion to the neck of the bottle, there is provided as a rubber stopper located between the outer surface of the second portion of the piston pump and the inner surface of the neck of the bottle. The second portion may be provided with an inner thread which can mesh with an outer thread of the neck serving for screwing on a threaded cap. A member is further provided for detachably connecting a drink container to the arrangement so that the liquid withdrawing from the bottle travels directly into the container.

Abstract: A ski pole assembly in which a snow engaging disc or like member near one axial end of the ski pole is biased toward a rest position by a resilient tubular mounting member, approximately coaxial with the pole and having respective axial parts fastened to the main portion of the pole and the snow engaging member respectively. The snow engaging member covers the free end of the pole in its rest position only.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel comprising a hard radially extending core enclosing a hub sleeve, and a soft casing enclosing the core around its circumference and its flanks up to the hub sleeve.