Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating an interpolated base frame image; receiving a first previously decoded difference picture; receiving a second previously decoded difference picture; generating a combined motion compensated difference surface; and generating a temporally interpolated enhanced picture based upon the interpolated base frame image and the combined motion compensated difference surface. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprises a base decoder generating a base image of a standard definition picture; a temporal predictive interpolator coupled to the base decoder and generating an interpolated block; and a summing circuit coupled to the temporal predictive interpolator. The summing circuit preferably adds the interpolated block and a difference block.

Abstract: A package for holding and protecting a can includes a six-wall, eight-corner box and inserts in the box where they capture the can at each end of the box. Each insert includes a paper honeycomb panel that corresponds in shape to the cross-sectional shape of the interior of the box and a rigid backing that is attached firmly to one face of the panel. The backing is die cut to provide a segment that corresponds in shape to the ends of the can, with the cut extending partially into the honeycomb cells as well. The cut segment of the backing is forced into the underlying honeycomb cells to provide a pocket that snugly receives an end of the can and a pad behind the pocket. Multiple inserts may be derived from a slab having intermittent cuts at which individual inserts may be detached.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating a interpolated base frame image; receiving a first previously decoded difference picture; receiving a second previously decoded difference picture; generating a combined motion compensated difference surface; and generating a temporally interpolated enhanced picture based upon the interpolated base frame image and the combined motion compensated difference surface. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprising a base decoder generating a base image of a standard definition picture; a temporal predictive interpolator coupled to the base decoder and generating an interpolated block; and a summing circuit coupled to the temporal predictive interpolated. The summing circuit preferably adds the interpolated block and a difference block.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving base layer images of standard definition pictures from a base layer decoder; defining image areas of the standard definition pictures; classifying image areas into image types by assigning a class number; and generating enhanced pictures based upon the standard definition pictures and the classification of the image areas. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprising a base layer decoder; a classifier coupled to the base layer decoder, the classifier generating a class number for image areas of a standard definition picture; a summing circuit coupled to the classifier; an exchange stream decoder coupled to the summing circuit, the exchange stream decoder generating an index; and a codebook table coupled to the summing circuit. The codebook table preferably stores a plurality of codevectors based upon the class number and the index.

Abstract: A pipe coupling with an anchoring arrangement for locking the pipes together axially is described. The anchoring arrangement comprises a tubular casing (10), a frusto-conical gripping ring (40) with inwardly projecting gripping teeth 42 and tensioning bolts (17) for tightening the casing (10) about the frusto-conical gripping ring (40). The frusto-conical gripping ring (40) is formed of a plurality of arcuate segments (40a) and (40b) which overlap to form a complete ring. By forming the gripping ring of segments, the gripping ring is able to adapt to pipes that are not truly circular in cross section and a better grip on the pipe may be achieved than with a single-piece gripping ring.

Abstract: A bait assembly for fishing, e.g. leisure fishing, is described. The bait assembly comprises a hook coupled to a rearward end of a line. A bait body is slideably or detachably mounted with respect to the line so that in normal use a flexible section of the line extends into the bait body. The bait body may comprise an artificial lure, or may comprises a skewer onto which dead bait may be mounted. A retaining mechanism is arranged between the bait body and the line to bias the bait body in a forward position on the line relative to the hook. Thus when a pulling force is applied between the bait body and the line which overcomes the biasing action of the retaining mechanism, the bait body is operable to move backwards with respect to the line (e.g. by sliding or breaking free), thereby causing a relative forward translational movement of the hook with respect to the bait body.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a circuit device includes a first die coupled to a circuit substrate and having a substantially planar surface. The first die includes electrical contacts distributed on the substantially planar surface adjacent to at least three edges of the first die. The circuit device further includes a second die attached to the substantially planar surface of the first die. The second die is rotated by an offset angle about an axis relative to the first die. The offset angle is selected to allow horizontal and vertical access to the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A filter assembly for mechanically removing silicon monoxide during a crystal growth run having a filter housing, a filter mounting plate attached to the filter housing, a sweep plate attached to the filter housing, a plurality of filter elements attached to the filter mounting plate, and a plurality of ring-shaped brushes mounted to the sweep plate, wherein at least one of the plurality of ring-shaped brushes surrounds each of the plurality of filter elements.

Abstract: Cards having functionality of multiple card types. A user simply selects the appropriate card type and date specific to that card type is made accessible to card readers or other data reading means. Certain cards include biometric readers that provide enhanced security against unauthorized use. Only the appropriate owner of the card is able to activate and use a card by way of a biometric scan of his/her own skin.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving base layer images of standard definition pictures from a base layer decoder; defining image areas of the standard definition pictures; classifying image areas into image types by assigning a class number; and generating enhanced pictures based upon the standard definition pictures and the classification of the image areas. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprising a base layer decoder; a classifier coupled to the base layer decoder, the classifier generating a class number for image areas of a standard definition picture; a summing circuit coupled to the classifier; an exchange stream decoder coupled to the summing circuit, the exchange stream decoder generating an index; and a codebook table coupled to the summing circuit. The codebook table preferably stores a plurality of codevectors based upon the class number and the index.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating an interpolated base frame image; receiving a first previously decoded difference picture; receiving a second previously decoded difference picture; generating a combined motion compensated difference surface; and generating a temporally interpolated enhanced picture based upon the interpolated base frame image and the combined motion compensated difference surface. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprising a base decoder generating a base image of a standard definition picture; a temporal predictive interpolator coupled to the base decoder and generating an interpolated block; and a summing circuit coupled to the temporal predictive interpolator. The summing circuit preferably adds the interpolated block and a difference block.

Abstract: An anchoring device for a pipe coupling including an annular channel of generally U-shaped cross-section. The channel has a web portion with flanges and projecting radially inwardly. A frusto-conical gripping ring is located in the channel with its outer edge inside the web portion adjacent one of the flanges and its inner edge adjacent the other flange and projecting inwardly beyond this latter flange. The annular channel forms an incomplete ring and is compressible circumferentially. The anchoring device is fitted inside a clamping device, which fits around a pipe coupling. The clamping device has a tensioning for tightening the clamping device around the pipe, compressing the annular channel and causing the inner edge of the frusto-conical gripping ring to engage the outer surface of the pipe and thus grip the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe coupling (11) comprises a tubular casing (12) and a sealing gasket (13), which fit over the ends of the pipes to be coupled. The casing (12) is formed from a strip of rolled steel into a cylindrical shape, with a longitudinal gap (14). The free ends of the strip, which forms the casing, are bent outwardly to form radially projecting flange (15) along opposite edges of the longitudinal gap (14). The outer ends of the flanges (15) are bent back at right angles to form stiffening flanges (16) along the longitudinal outer edges of the flanges (15). A bridging member (18) fits inside the casing so as to span the longitudinal gap. Tensioning screw bolts (25) pass through reinforcing plate's (20) and the flange (15). A hexagonal nut (34) is threaded onto the end of each screw bolt. The nuts fit into the channel but are prevented from turning. The heads (35) of the bolts have a hexagonal recess to take an Allen key so that they can be tightened to clamp the coupling around the pipe ends.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving an encoded video signal having a plurality of headers; maintaining a plurality of codebooks based upon the differences between a standard definition picture and a high definition picture; and providing a pointer to a particular codebook of the plurality of codebooks when decoding a frame of the video signal.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating an interpolated base frame image; receiving a first previously decoded difference picture; receiving a second previously decoded difference picture; generating a combined motion compensated difference surface; and generating a temporally interpolated enhanced picture based upon the interpolated base frame image and the combined motion compensated difference surface. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprising a base decoder generating a base image of a standard definition picture; a temporal predictive interpolator coupled to the base decoder and generating an interpolated block; and a summing circuit coupled to the temporal predictive interpolator. The summing circuit preferably adds the interpolated block and a difference block.

Abstract: This application comprises a plane medical electrode for dissipating signals from the human skin having a carrier element and at least one tapping pad projecting over the outer edge of the carrier element, wherein at least one contact point for picking up the signal from a patient's skin is provided in the area of said carrier element and a means for transferring/relaying the signal to a signal-acquisition or signal-processing unit is provided laterally offset from said contact point on said tapping pad, wherein the at least one contact point for picking up the signal from the skin is connected to the means for transferring/relaying the signal by a signal conductor, characterised in that to said contact point at least one additional means for transferring/relaying the signal to a signal-acquisition or signal-processing unit is assigned, said means being provided laterally offset on a tapping pad.

Abstract: A system for tracking railcar identification and location within a rail yard including readers positioned near rail yard switches and remotely connected to a system data processing computer, typically a PC. The readers include antennas for interrogating RFID tags attached to railcars with radio waves. Identification data obtained from the RFID tags is transmitted from the readers to the system PC via electrical power lines within the rail yard. Processing of the data to standard T-94 format is shifted from the readers to the system PC thereby reducing the processing capability required at each reader.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving base layer images of standard definition pictures from a base layer decoder; defining image areas of the standard definition pictures; classifying image areas into image types by assigning a class number; and generating enhanced pictures based upon the standard definition pictures and the classification of the image areas. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprising a base layer decoder; a classifier coupled to the base layer decoder, the classifier generating a class number for image areas of a standard definition picture; a summing circuit coupled to the classifier; an exchange stream decoder coupled to the summing circuit, the exchange stream decoder generating an index; and a codebook table coupled to the summing circuit. The codebook table preferably stores a plurality of codevectors based upon the class number and the index.

Abstract: A system and method is presented that leverages independent innovation in entertainment content and graphics hardware. In this system and method, the current image generation run-time application is replaced with a new framework defining the connectivity, features, and behavior necessary to implement a graphics system. All this takes place in the context of a software platform utilizing a late-integration mechanism that dynamically integrates the various real-time components in a run-time application. Ultimately displacing hardware as the central focus of development efforts, this software platform functionally is the graphics application, at least as viewed by the simulation host computer, database developers, and those responsible for visual system procurement and maintenance. An innovative software architecture, the Graphical Application Platform (GAP) is presented.

Abstract: A multimedia card, including, a multimedia card portion, a multimedia card holder portion, and a multimedia cover portion, wherein the multimedia cover portion including a magnetic stripe containing magnetic information, and wherein the multimedia cover portion and the multimedia card holder portion releasably cover the multimedia card portion in between the multimedia cover portion and the multimedia card holder portion.