Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for reading a multilevel signal from an optical disc. The method includes reading a raw analog data signal from a disc using an optical detector and adjusting the amplitude of the raw analog data signal. A timing signal is recovered from the amplitude adjusted analog data signal and correction is made for amplitude modulation of the raw analog data signal by processing the raw analog data signal and the timing signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus consistent with the present invention provide additional services, such as cashless gaming and player tracking, at a conventional gaming machine. One such gaming machine includes a game processor, a peripheral device, and a linking component connected between the game processor and the peripheral device. The linking component emulates or relays communication signals sent between the game processor and the peripheral device using the communication protocol used for communication between the game processor and the peripheral device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for reading a multilevel signal from an optical disc. The method includes reading a raw analog data signal from a disc using an optical detector and adjusting the amplitude of the raw analog data signal. A timing signal is recovered from the amplitude adjusted analog data signal and correction is made for amplitude modulation of the raw analog data signal by processing the raw analog data signal and the timing signal.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for reading a multilevel signal from an optical disc. The method includes reading a raw analog data signal from a disc using an optical detector and adjusting the amplitude of the raw analog data signal. A timing signal is recovered from the amplitude adjusted analog data signal and correction is made for amplitude modulation of the raw analog data signal by processing the raw analog data signal and the timing signal.

Abstract: A method and corrosion inhibitor for inhibiting corrosion of metal equipment in an aqueous medium comprising components selected from the group consisting of Skeletonema costatum, fish, other algae, and a combination thereof. The method comprises incorporating into the medium a corrosion inhibiting amount of a water soluble corrosion inhibitor comprising an N-ethoxy, 2-substituted imidazoline. The N-ethoxy substituent comprises a quantity of ethylene oxide effective to render the imidazoline water soluble. The corrosion inhibitor is rendered more environmentally compatible by shortening the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain at the 2-position of the imidazoline. The fatty acid chain consists essentially about 18 carbon atoms or less, preferably about 10 carbon atoms or less, most preferably from about 6 to about 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A balanced fluid pressure regulator of the disclosed embodiment comprises a balancing bellows inside a sensing bellows to minimize the supply pressure effect for improved performance while reducing the size and weight of the regulator in comparison to a conventional regulator. A sensing duct communicates the enclosed space between the bellows with the fluid passage of the regulator downstream from a poppet valve. The cross-sectional area of the fluid passage is reduced in the vicinity of the sensing duct for decreasing the pressure in the enclosed space at high gas flow rates. The valve seat in the regulator is supported so it is free to move during assembly of the regulator to self-align the seat with the poppet valve.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for reading a multilevel signal from an optical disc. The method includes reading a raw analog data signal from a disc using an optical detector and adjusting the amplitude of the raw analog data signal. A timing signal is recovered from the amplitude adjusted analog data signal and correction is made for amplitude modulation of the raw analog data signal by processing the raw analog data signal and the timing signal.

Abstract: Cylindrical surface regions (1) of cutting tools (2, 21), such as drills, boring tools, reamers or the like, that is, cutting tools formed with chip removal grooves or flutes or recesses (6), are ground by engaging a rotary cutting disk (3) against the ribs (5) between the chip removal grooves. The cutting tool (2, 21), during the grinding operation, is rocked or oscillated to-and-fro (24) about its longitudinal axis (18) in such a manner that the cutting disk (3) covers the cylindrical surface portion in circumferential direction at least several times. The cutting disk (3) also may rock or oscillate about an axis perpendicular to the axis (7) of rotation of the cutting disk (3). Suitable frequencies are between about 0.1 Hz and 1 Hz, preferably 0.5 Hz, for the rocking movement of the cutting tool (2, 21), with the oscillatory movement of the grinding disk being higher than that of the cutting tool, and for example between 1 Hz and 10 Hz.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming foundry sand by (a) providing a treatment tower having a plurality of heat conductive tubes extending across the interior of the treatment tower, the tubes being arranged in rows and staggered with respect to tubes in adjacent rows to create close spacing therebetween sufficient to permit the sand to flow continuously and non-turbulently along the contours of the exterior under the influence of gravity before dropping to the next adjacent tube to thereby again flow continuously and non-turbulently in successive sequence downwardly of the tower; (b) quiescently heating the interior tower space and tubes to a temperature in excess of 1300.degree. F.

Abstract: A high Cv bulk process valve, control system and method convey a process gas or liquid for manufacturing semiconductors through a fluid passage. The fluid passage contains an aerodynamically shaped expansion chamber within which a valve seat and a moveable poppet are arranged for opening and closing the fluid passage. The aerodynamically shaped expansion chamber includes a conically expanding entry and a conically contracting exit and is shaped such that the resistance to flow of the process gas or liquid through the fluid passage of the valve is very nearly the same as through a straight tubing having a cross-sectional area of an inlet to the valve and a length of the fluid passage through the valve. The valve can be added or subtracted from a gas or liquid control system with virtually no changes in pressure drop of flow restriction, when the valve is in the open position. The valve minimizes the energy consumed by valves in semiconductor gas systems.

Abstract: A golf club ball-striking face (6) utilizing a metal with ten times or higher damping capacity compare to the steels presently in use for club faces. The metal has the strength near that of the steels. The preferred metal is of the class of shape memory metals of alloys including: copper, nickel, aluminum, and manganese. The face is an insert plate whose front ball striking surface is narrower than its rear surface and is secured into a cavity formed in the club head, where the plate may be as thin as 0.010 inches or the plate may extend to nearly the entire thickness of the club head.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting corrosion in an aqueous medium is disclosed. The method comprises incorporating into the medium an amount of a water-soluble corrosion inhibitor sufficient to inhibit corrosion. The corrosion inhibitor comprises an N-ethoxy, 2-substituted imidazoline, the N-ethoxy substituent having from one to about thirty ethoxy units and the 2-substituent being an unsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty chain of from about six to about thirty carbons. If the medium is sweet, the inhibitor further comprises a phosphate ester derived from a water-soluble oxyethylated, straight chain alcohol of from about two to about thirty carbons. Corrosion inhibitor compositions useful in such method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel method for inhibiting oxygen corrosion in an oil well, and an emulsion useful therein. The method comprises introducing into the well a pourable emulsion comprising about 50 to about 95 volume percent discontinuous aqueous phase, about 5 to about 50 volume percent continuous oil phase, and a corrosion inhibiting amount of a composition comprising a corrosion inhibitor selected from among thiophosphates containing both oxygen and sulfur, pyrophosphates containing both oxygen and sulfur and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A refrigerated container is provided which has a refrigeration system and a controlled atmosphere system. The refrigeration system and the controlled atmosphere system are both provided with electronic controllers. The refrigeration controller is programmed with certain acceptable conditions under which the controlled atmosphere system will be allowed to operate. When these conditions are satisfied the refrigeration controller will send an enabling signal to the controlled atmosphere systems controller allowing it to operate. If at any time during operation the refrigeration controller determines that the controlled atmosphere system should not operate, it removes the electrical enabling signal, causing the controlled atmosphere system to stop.

Abstract: An oilless reciprocating compressor for use in a refrigerated controlled atmosphere has an uncooled, fully sealed crankcase. A bypass tubing connects the interior of the crankcase with the inlet of the cylinders, so that blow-by is returned from the crankcase to the inlet of the cylinder for recirculation. In consequence no blow-by gas escapes into the controlled atmosphere. The device includes standard pistons, and has an improved cylinder head seal utilizing o-rings.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a system for controlling the atmosphere within a confined space. The system has an electrical control having a display and electrically controlled components. The components include an air compressor, a filter, an air heater, a separator for dividing air into streams of oxygen and nitrogen, and flow control valves for varying the purity of the nitrogen stream. The system also includes sensors for indicating the temperature leaving the heater and the temperature within the confined space. A sensor indicates the pressure upstream of the control valves. An oxygen sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor are included.

Abstract: An oilless reciprocating air compressor that is mountable on the inside wall of a cargo container. The compressor has a high strength cast metal crank case and a lighter motor housing attached thereto. A special bracket is provided that attaches to both the crank case and the motor housing to support the motor shaft in a horizontal plane and the opposed cylinders of the compressor in a vertical plane adjacent to the wall. Because this compressor mounted inside the container cooling fans and the like are not required, thus lightening the compressor and allowing for a compact unit that can be safely secured to the cargo container wall.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting corrosion of metal surfaces in an aqueous medium, comprising incorporating into the medium a corrosion inhibitor in an amount sufficient to inhibit corrosion, the corrosion inhibitor comprising a water-soluble agent selected from the group consisting of compositions of the formula ##STR1## compositions of the formula ##STR2## and mixtures thereof, wherein R is R.sup.2 .paren open-st.OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 .paren close-st..sub.x, wherein R.sup.2 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl group of from about five to about fifteen carbon atoms, each carbon atom having at least one hydrogen and x is an integer of from about one to about ten, and R'N is a basic nitrogen compound that is at least water-dispersible.