Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing a mixture (6) of a first flowable material (4) and a second flowable material (5) has a container (12) having a first chamber (20) and a second chamber (30). The first chamber (20) is adapted to contain the first material (4) and the second chamber (30) is adapted to contain the second material (5). The dispenser (10) further comprises a first membrane (50a) separating the first and second chambers (20,30), and a second membrane (50b) connected to the container (12) proximate the second chamber (30). Pressure applied to the first membrane (50a) fractures the first membrane (50a) wherein the first flowable material (4) and the second flowable material (5) mix to form a mixture (6). Pressure applied to the second membrane (50b) fractures the second membrane (50b) to dispense the mixture (6).

Abstract: A method of controlling frame types in a video compression system having I, P and B frames calculates activity figures of the video signal in vertical, vertical temporal and horizontal directions. Video sequences with low complexity in which the vertical activity within a field is less than the vertical-temporal activity within a frame are encoded without using B frames whereas sequences with high complexity, i.e. spatial detail, are encoded using B frames by the use of the invention, disadvantages associated with B frames are reduced by the selected use of B frames.

Abstract: A key fob for keyless entry into an automobile includes a substantially rigid housing having an outer surface with a ridge or a recess. Signal transmission circuitry is disposed within the housing and is operable to transmit a signal to the automobile. A flexible shell includes a cavity in which the housing is at least partially received. A rim is engaged with the ridge or recess of the housing such that the shell is secured to the housing.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The dispenser (10) comprises a first rupturable container (20) containing the flowable material, and a second container (40) having an applicator (80). The first container (20) is housed within the second container (40). The flowable material is adapted to be dispensed from the second container (40) by the applicator (80).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a muscle trainer and method for exercising a weaker of two opposing muscle groups of a person swinging an implement, such as a golf club, wherein, if the two opposing muscle groups were of appropriate strength, the two muscle groups would desirably apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining the implement in an ideal club shaft plane. The contemplated muscle trainer of this invention includes a body having a grip surface located thereon, and a force generator positioned at a prescribed location on the body, which is spaced from the grip surface, for urging the prescribed location of the body in a direction away from a force direction which the weaker muscle would normally apply to the implement in the swinging thereof by the person.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for use in dispensing liquid or solid material. The dispenser (10) includes wall portions forming a sealed first chamber (18) containing the material and wall portions forming a second chamber (20) and a molded, rupturable membrane (34) disposed between the first chamber (18) and the second chamber (20). The rupturable membrane (34) is preferably a circular disk with a series of molded radial depressions (40) or weld seams (40) extending from a center point of the disk. When pressure is applied directly to the membrane (34), the membrane (34) is fractured along the depressions (40) or weld seams (40). A method is provided for forming the dispenser (10) by injection molding.

Abstract: A highly strain tolerant, substantially moisture impermeable, reflective crack relief interlayer is provided. The interlayer includes a polymer modified asphalt binder mixed with a dense fine aggregate mixture containing a substantial amount of manufactured sand. The interlayer mix is designed using a fatigue test and a stability test. Preferably, a hot mix asphalt overlay that is compatible with the interlayer, as well as the demands of local traffic and climate, is placed over the interlayer so that a protected, smooth paved surface is provided. The interlayer may delay the first appearance of cracks and the severity of cracks for several years compared with traditional hot mix overlays and extend pavement service life.

Abstract: A test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid comprises: a housing (2) having an opening and containing a stack of sensors (16); a transport member (4) rotatably mounted in the opening of the housing, having an axis of rotation which spans the opening; a spring (24) which urges the stack against the transport member; and sealing means (20, 34) for making a moisture tight seal between the transport member and the sensors when the transport member is in a specified rotational position. An outer surface of the transport member has a recessed region (12) which is adapted to receive a single sensor from the stack. Rotation of the transport member with a sensor in the recessed region transports the sensor to a location where it can be connected to a meter (6, 8) and receive a drop of fluid to be tested.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing device (1) comprises a cartridge (2) having an outer casing (11) and a plurality of sensors (6) arranged one upon another in a stack. The cartridge has a first dispensing end (13) and a second opposing end (14) spaced a fixed distance apart, and the cartridge includes a first aperture (15) for the ejection of a sensor closest to the first end and a second aperture (16) opposed to the first aperture, for access by a pushing member (25). The first aperture and the second aperture are each provided with compliant sealing means (17) which are at least partly disposed outside the outer casing. The sealing means have first and second sealing surfaces which are capable of co-operating to releasably form a substantially moisture-tight seal when acted upon by suitable clamping forces. The device has a housing (34) for receiving the cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a target object having a plurality of surfaces, within a pulsed light sterilization chamber including a treatment zone within which pulsed sterilizing light is emitted, comprises: a transmissive carrier within the treatment zone detachably coupled to the target object, the transmissive carrier having a transmissivity of at least about 10% to light within the 250 to 350 nm wavelength range; and moving means coupled to the transmissive carrier for moving the target object on the transmissive carrier through the treatment zone, the plurality of surfaces of the target object being sterilized by the pulsed sterilizing light in the treatment zone.

Abstract: A video encoder (300) for compressing and encoding frames of an image sequence for transmission and a method of video encoding. The video encoder (300) has segmentation means (322) for recognising at least one object (450) in a frame (400) of an image sequence, and an encoder (304) for encoding blocks of the image sequence into a single bitstream for transmission, wherein blocks containing the at least one object being transmitted preferentially over other blocks. The segmentation means (322) may operate under user control (324). The video encoder (300) may be made compatible with the H.263 standard, whereby a standard H.263 receiver can then decompress and decode the transmitted image sequence. The invention may be incorporated into a mobile or a portable radio, or a mobile telephone.

Abstract: A degaussing coil is retained on the conical portion of a cathode ray tube by a resilient clip which snaps over a lug which is used to mount the cathode ray tube in its associated cabinet. The clip can be snapped over its respective mounting lug after the cathode ray tube has been mounted in its associated cabinet.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the amount of data used to transmit still images during the transmission of a video sequence from a first to a second location are disclosed. The apparatus of one embodiment comprises encoding means (105) arrange for intraframe encoding still images for transmission and intraframe encoding part or all of selected video sequence frames, calculating means (106) for determining the data size of intraframe encoded video sequence frames and control means (107) for controlling intraframe encoding of still images for transmission in dependence on the determined intraframe encoded size of a previous video sequence frame. The system can be operated in a way so as to remain H.263 compliant. Other embodiments control the data size by adjusting the quantization used for each Macroblock and by reprocessing each Group of Blocks until a desired data size is reached.

Abstract: A test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid to be applied thereto, the device comprising a plurality of test members (8) arranged in at least one stack and electrodes (26) for engaging with electrode tracks on a test member (8). A pusher (16) pushes a single test member from the stack so that it can engage with the electrodes. An actuation member (6) is operably connected to the pusher (16), and moves it when operated by a user. The or each stack of test members is enclosed in a magazine (10) which is initially sealed by a moisture impermeable seal (20), and means (22, 24) are provided for breaking the seal (20) and permitting a test member (8) to be pushed from the magazine (10) by the pusher (16) when the first test member (8) from the magazine (10) is to be used.

Abstract: A test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid comprises: a housing (2) having an opening and containing a stack of sensors (16); a transport member (4) rotatably mounted in the opening of the housing, having an axis of rotation which spans the opening; a spring (24) which urges the stack against the transport member; and sealing means (20, 34) for making a moisture tight seal between the transport member and the sensors when the transport member is in a specified rotational position. An outer surface of the transport member has a recessed region (12) which is adapted to receive a single sensor from the stack. Rotation of the transport member with a sensor in the recessed region transports the sensor to a location where it can be connected to a meter (6, 8) and receive a drop of fluid to be tested.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus designed to allow a golfer to practice full swing motions while actually hiring a golf ball. The device is light weight and of simple construction. It provides for optimization of practice time by allowing instant feedback as to progress, or the lack thereof, in the golfer's technique. The device monitors the lateral and forward leg and knee motion during the full swing motion. Moreover, the device provides swing plane indicator rods which may be positioned at any useful angle for a full range of golf swings.