Abstract: An anchor system for flexible marker posts comprises an anchor that receives a post before the anchor is driven into the ground. In one version of the anchor system, a V-shaped configuration folded along two longitudinal side axes and one lower lateral axis. This version has front and rear plates, and the rear plate has and combines with two flanges to define a narrow pocket that receives the post. The post is secured in the pocket by deforming the pocket with punches. The anchor is retained in the earth by mechanical interference and friction. Additional embodiments include plates that are pre-bent into a V-shape, tabs for maintaining separation of the plates, and a one-piece anchor having a V-shaped lower portion and coplanar, horizontal, upper surfaces connected to the upper edges of the lower portion.

Abstract: An anchor system for flexible marker posts comprises an anchor that receives a post before the anchor is driven into the ground. In a first embodiment, a flat, rectangular plate of mild steel is folded into a U-shape with parallel upper and lower plates. The lower end of a post is placed within the anchor, and the anchor is driven into the earth with a bladed driver, the anchor bending into a V-shape along an axis defined by the blade of the driver. The anchor retains the post with friction, and the anchor is retained in the earth by mechanical interference and friction. Additional embodiments include plates that are pre-bent into a V-shape, tabs for maintaining separation of the plates, and a one-piece anchor having a V-shaped lower portion and coplanar, horizontal, upper surfaces connected to the upper edges of the lower portion.

Abstract: A source image is encoded into a base layer and an enhancement layer. The base layer represents a standard definition portion of the source image and the enhancement layer represents a high-resolution portion of the source image. The base layer is stored on a first data storage track of a storage medium, such as a DVD, and the enhancement layer is stored on a second data storage track of the storage medium. The first data storage track may be a default camera angle track and then second data storage track may be a second camera angle track. The data is formatted such that a standard definition device will not read the enhancement layer data. A high-resolution decoding system decodes the base layer and the enhancement layer simultaneously to generate a high-resolution image.

Abstract: A flexible marker assembly and base for traffic control markers or other purposes. The flexible marker assembly includes a substantially vertical flat marker mounted in a receptacle in a base. A first and second longitudinal arcuate surface is provided on a first and second side of the marker for supporting the flexible marker when the marker is bent, as may occur when the marker is impacted by a vehicle. The flat marker is inserted within a receptacle and is secured to the base by an anchor plate, which is either inserted within the receptacle or positioned below the base to engage the marker. The longitudinal arcuate surfaces have channels formed therein to allow access to fasteners, which connect the marker to an anchor plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing easily replaceable reflective surfaces for highway barricade barrels. A plurality of plastic bands are provided for securing around the exterior surfaces of the barricade barrels. The plastic bands have outer sides through which a plurality of holes extends. Strips of a reflective tape are secured to the outer sides of the plastic bands. The reflective tape has an adhesive backing which is used for securing the tape to the outer sides of the plastic bands. Mechanical fasteners are passed through the holes to fasten the plastic bands to the barricade barrels. The bands are fastened to the barrels with reflective surfaces of the reflective tape facing outward, away from the barricade barrels.

Abstract: An artificial reef is formed for use in a body of water to provide a habitat for aquatic life. The reef is formed by providing an anchoring structure which is submerged in the body of water. The anchoring structure has a weight sufficient to anchor the artificial reef to the floor of the body of water. Spaced at intervals along the floor of the body of water and attached to the anchoring structure are a plurality of reef assemblies. Each of the reef assemblies is formed from a base which is secured to the anchoring structure. A flexible elastomeric sleeve is coupled to a lower end of a buoyant, elongated member formed from a substantially rigid polymeric material so that the elongated members are held in a general upright position. By providing a plurality of these reef assemblies, an artificial reef is formed.

Abstract: An impact resistant marker having a marker base which is adapted to be secured to the ground or other substructure. The marker base has an upward protruding mandrel to which an elastomeric sleeve is mounted at one end, and at the other end to a substantially rigid, elastomeric mounting core. A pair of retaining lugs are integrally formed and protrude laterally outward from the sides of the mounting core. A replaceable tubular marker post having an elongate central opening is provided with a pair of apertures for receiving the retaining lugs when the mounting core is inserted into the central opening of the marker post. The retaining lugs prevent the tubular marker post from being pulled from the mounting core. The flexible element restores the marker post to its original position after it is struck.

Abstract: A bendable marker for use in areas where the marker is required to be flexible is provided with a base and a marker post which are joined together by a flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve has a plurality of evenly spaced ribs which extend longitudinally along the sleeve from an upper end to a lower end. The ribs are evenly spaced apart with a groove being formed between each of the ribs. The ribs protrude from both the inner and outer surfaces of the flexible sleeve. If the marker post is struck, the flexible sleeve allows the marker post to bend relative to the base. The ribs strengthen and enhance the resiliency of the sleeve.

Abstract: A flexible sign post for use along roadsides which allows a sign to be deflected when hit by a passing object. The sign post consists of a number of mounting brackets which are spaced apart and secured to a substantially rigid vertical sign post. Each mounting bracket has a mandrel over which an elastomeric sleeve is fitted.A number of substantially rigid braces are connected to the mounting brackets by the elastomeric sleeves. The sign can then be attached to the ends of the braces in a vertical position.

Abstract: An impact resistant marker for highway marking has facilities that cause it to deflect if struck by a vehicle. The marker has a base and a post. The post connects to the base by means of a flexible element. The post has a longitudinal hole through it. A stiffener core locates in this hole and extends part of the distance of the hole. The lower end of the stiffener core is spaced above the upper end of the mandrel by a clearance. If struck, the stiffener core causes the post to deflect at the elastomeric element.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for attaching a flexible marker shaft to a roadway. The flexible lower part of the marker shaft slides over a mandrel, and into a maker shaft cavity. Locking wedges are positioned in the cavity to surround and support the flexible marker support shaft in the cavity. A locking pin passes through a locking pin hole and locks the wedges and the marker shaft into the marker shaft cavity.

Abstract: A foreground music sound system includes at least one complementary array of speakers (12) comprising a bass frequency speaker (20) and a plurality of microspeackers (14-18). The complementary speaker array may be designed to provide full frequency response with substantially uniform sound coverage for a wide variety of acoustic environments. A current amplifier (25) is responsive to a music signal input and a microphone signal input to directly drive the speakers. The amplifier (25) is a high current, low impedance amplifier so that it is capable of driving a large number of speakers, without the need for matching transformers at each speaker.

Abstract: A marker supported in the ground allows a reel-type grass mower to cut grass around the marker without requiring the removal of the marker. The marker has a flexible elastomeric element coupled between a substantially rigid shaft and a substantially rigid stake and for urging the shaft into axial alignment with the stake and for allowing a reel-type grass mower to bend the rigid shaft over at the elastomeric element to a position with a sign member substantially flat with the ground, and includes first and second raised side edges which serve to protect the signage surface of the marker from damage.

Abstract: A foreground music sound system includes at least one complementary array of speakers (12) comprising a bass frequency speaker (20) and a plurality of microspeakers (14-18). The complementary speaker array may be designed to provide full frequency response with substantially uniform sound coverage for a wide variety of acoustic environments. A current amplifier (25) is responsive to a music signal input and a microphone signal input to directly drive the speakers. The amplifier (25) is a high current, low impedance amplifier so that it is capable of driving a large number of speakers, without the need for matching transformers at each speaker.

Abstract: A mower has features that allow it to mow directly over a flexible marker shaft without damage to the shaft. The mower has front and rear rollers mounted directly in front and behind each blade. These rollers engage the ground in rolling contact and support the housing. The rollers are spaced together a distance less than the height of the marker. The front roller contacts the marker and causes it to bend over. Before the front roller leaves the marker, the rear roller will be in contact with the marker to keep it in a prone position until the mower passes from the marker.

Abstract: A marker supported in the ground allows a reel-type grass mower to cut grass around the marker without requiring the removal of the marker. The marker has a flexible elastomeric element coupled between a substantially rigid shaft and a substantially rigid stake and for urging the shaft into axial alignment with the stake and for allowing a reel-type grass mower to bend the rigid shaft over at the elastomeric element to a position with a sign member substantially flat with the ground.

Abstract: A marker supported in the ground allows a reel-type grass mower to cut grass around the marker without requiring the removal of the marker. The marker has a flexible elastomeric element coupled between a substantially rigid shaft and a substantially rigid stake and for urging the shaft into axial alignment with the stake and for allowing a reel-type grass mower to bend the rigid shaft over at the elastomeric element to a position with a sign member substantially flat with the ground.