Abstract: A virtual image display management system using a head-up display that improves the ability of an operator of an automobile, or other equipment, to focus on primary functions, such as vehicle operation, while providing secondary information within the operator's primary visual field without requiring the operator to refocus. The present virtual image display management system integrates one or more secondary function displays into one reconfigurable virtual image head-up display. Several secondary functions are displayed sequentially using analog/digital symbology, icon representation, alphanumeric text or static/motion picture format. The operator may select secondary functions to be monitored, the display format, and the data acquisition intervals. A reconfigurable virtual image display processor accommodates more sophisticated sensor and communication functionality without penalizing efficiency and safety of the operator's primary functions.

Abstract: A System for Collecting Weakly Scattered Electromagnetic Radiation is disclosed. The present invention overcomes problems suffered by previous collection systems by providing a reliable and efficient device for intensifying and collecting the scattered radiation generated by laser induced scattering. The present invention employs a laser source which illuminates an unknown gas contained by a long hollow tube having a highly reflective sheathing. The illuminating electromagnetic radiation from the laser is directed along the entire length of the tube and collides with the molecules of the unknown gas in the tube. The collisions cause the emission of weakly scattered electromagnetic radiation that is shifted in reference to the illuminating radiation. The sheathing is sufficiently reflective of the scattered radiation to substantially contain it. An exit is coupled to the long hollow tube in such a way that the scattered radiation may pass from the reflective sheathing and be collected for analysis.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the composition and concentration of gases present in a patient's airway by measurement of the spectrum of Raman scattered light from these gases. The efficiency is improved by collecting Raman scattered light generated outside the collection region. The gases present are assumed to be drawn from a predetermined set of gases with known Raman scattering spectra, and the concentrations are determined by solution of a matrix equation Ac=b, where the c vector components are the unknown concentrations and the b vector components are determined from measurements of the Raman scattering intensifies in a plurality of wavelength or wavenumber intervals. The linear system of equations represented by the matrix equation may be overdetermined and may require solution by non-conventional methods, such as singular value decomposition.

Abstract: In a manufacturing process using multivariate analysis for statistical process control, data representing a plurality of process and/or product variables is collected during operation of the process. A surrogate variable, representing the overall state of the process is evaluated. The surrogate variable is a function of a plurality of intermediate variables, which in turn are a function of the process and/or product variables. When the value of the surrogate variable is outside of a predetermined limit, the contributions to the surrogate variable by the intermediate variables are calculated. The intermediate variable with the largest contribution is identified and the contributions to the identified intermediate variable by the process variables is calculated., The process variables with the largest contribution to the identified intermediate variable are identified, and used to diagnose and correct the problem with the process.

Abstract: Broadcasting system digitizes audio input signals before RF modulating and transmitting over airwaves to one or more remote receiving stations. Receiving station recovers the digitized signal by demodulating and exponentially expanding the received RF signal. Recovered digital signal is subsequently frequency modulated and sent, via an electrically conductive cable, to an FM radio, over which the original audio input signals are faithfully reproduced. A time switch in series with the RF receiver and the FM modulator is capable of temporarily disabling modulated transmissions to radio through the electrically conductive cable. Relay stations, (either land-based or satellite), allow for transmission beyond the range (i.e. "line-of-sight") of common FM radio transmissions.

Abstract: A vertical form-fill-seal packaging machine controlled by a controller for receiving input data defining the package length, cycle time and sealing time and for controlling the feed of the packaging material as a function of the input data, the machine having a measuring roll for feeding the material forward in package length increments which is also operable to maintain the material tracking properly, further having a control maintaining the material under substantially constant tension, rapid controllable sealing jaw operation, a readily retractable longitudinal seam sealer, and a stripper operable independently of the sealing jaws.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a crankcase, an output crankshaft, and an input shaft assembly. The input shaft assembly has an input shaft and a crank plate press-fit connected to the input shaft. The crank plate comprises a single sheet metal member with slightly elongate radial slots adapted to receive the crankpin of the output crankshaft. The slots are open ended to allow for misalignment between the output crankshaft and the input shaft whereby the crankpin can longitudinally move in its crank plate slot.

Abstract: Broadcasting system digitizes audio input signals before RF modulating and transmitting over airwaves to one or more remote receiving stations. Receiving station recovers the digitized signal by demodulating and exponentially expanding the received RF signal. Recovered digital signal is subsequently frequency modulated and sent, via an electrically conductive cable, to an FM radio, over which the original audio input signals are faithfully reproduced. A time switch in series with the RF receiver and the FM modulator is capable of temporarily disabling modulated transmissions to radio through the electrically conductive cable. Relay stations, (either land-based or satellite), allow for transmission beyond the range (i.e. "line-of-sight") of common FM radio transmissions.

Abstract: A composite tubular member having an outer cylindrical member containing fibers oriented to resist internal pressure and provide low bending stiffness, and two inner smaller core members located near the neutral axis of the composite tubular members containing fibers oriented to provide high axial stiffness, high tensile strength and low bending stiffness and fibers oriented to resist shear stress, positioned opposite each other and adjacent to the inner walls of the outer cylindrical member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for converting the 35 mm image from a conventional fundus camera into a size suitable for recording by a conventional solid state CCD module. The CCD camera connects to the fundus camera using a bayonet attachment. The aerial image created by the fundus camera is received and transmitted through the CCD camera along a folded mirror optical path, and is reduced and aligned for detection by the CCD module. The optical path contains a pair of adjustable mirrors to allow compensation for variations in the focal lengths between various fundus cameras. An articulating mirror may be included to enable the user to pan across the aerial image while recording segmented views for reconstruction by an external computer into a composite, high resolution image.

Abstract: A wheel formed of a rim joined to a hub by a multi-spoke foam structure that is coated with a fiber reinforced resin material is defined by particular relationships between the spokes and the radiused sections joining the spokes to the hub and the rim.

Abstract: This invention relates to the application of an audible logo to a telecommunications call, for identifying the common carrier serving that call. A call is received in an operator assistance system. After applying a calling card prompt tone and prior to connecting the call to an operator position or receiving further digits such as those for a calling card number, the operator assistance system connects an audible logo, identifying a common carrier, to the call. Advantageously, a telephone customer receives the information necessary to identify whether his/her preferred common carrier is going to be used on this call at a sufficiently early time to make it convenient to disconnect and reoriginate. This information is particularly important for calls originated away from home or office, calls that are likely to be operator assistance (0 or 0+ directory number) calls. Subsequently, the operator assistance call is processed as in the prior art.

Abstract: A rivet setting apparatus having a first driver with a rivet deforming piece and an opposite second driver with a rivet deforming piece. One of the rivet deforming pieces has an outer housing with a deforming seat in its front end and an aperture into the deforming seat. Located in the aperture is a movable ram that can extend into the deforming seat. The ram and outer housing are movable at different rates and distances from home positions to deform a rivet.

Abstract: A stretch broken fiber reinforced resin tow is formed from resin reinforced with continuous filaments by tensioning the tow while heating it to a temperature sufficient to soften the resin in the tensioning zone to break all of the filaments in a random manner.

Abstract: A cover for an open-bodied truck is movable between retracted and extended positions. A pair of guides are mounted on the side walls of the open body, and a cover assembly includes a plurality of rectangular panels linked to one another and extending across the open body. End portions of the panels are slidably mounted in the guides. A drive mechanism is provided for translating the cover assembly between the retracted and extended positions, and an enclosure is mounted at the forward end of the open body for receiving and storing the cover assembly in its retracted position. The tailgate of the open body is maintained in a closed and locked condition when the cover assembly is in its fully extended position.

Abstract: A shredder attachment for use with lawn machines having vacuum or fan movement of shreddable material. The attachment comprises a frame suitably sized and shaped to be substantially mounted inside a conduit of a lawn machine. The attachment further comprises a cutter for cutting material passing through the conduit and a motor for driving the cutter. The attachment can be used in such lawn machines as a discharge conduit for a riding mower bagging system, an auxiliary cutter for a walk behind mower or a hand-held leaf vacuum.

Abstract: A stretch broken fiber reinforced resin tow is formed from resin reinforced with continuous filaments by tensioning the two while heating it to a temperature sufficient to soften the resin in the tensioning zone to break all of the filaments in a random manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to the application of an audible logo to a telecommunications call, for identifying the common carrier serving that call. A call is received in an operator assistance system. After applying a calling card prompt tone and prior to connecting the call to an operator position or receiving further digits such as those for a calling card number, the operator assistance system connects an audible logo, identifying a common carrier, to the call. Advantageously, a telephone customer receives the information necessary to identify whether his/her preferred common carrier is going to be used on this call at a sufficiently early time to make it convenient to disconnect and reoriginate. This information is particularly important for calls originated away from home or office, calls that are likely to be operator assistance 0 or 0+ directory number) calls. Subsequently, the operator assistance call is processed as in the prior art.

Abstract: A wheel formed of a rim joined to a hub by a multi-spoke foam structure that is coated with a fiber reinforced resin material is defined by particular relationships between the spokes and the radiused sections joining the spokes to the hub and the rim.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a single stage snowthrower wherein a flat rear wall section of an impeller housing, a rear wall of a chute opening and the central axis of an external chute are all aligned to more efficiently remove snow. A gate is also provided to control the recirculation of snow through the impeller housing. The gate may comprise a sliding dam movable along a straight line into the housing. In a further embodiment of the present invention a pivotable dam is disposed between sidewalls of the impeller housing to vary the throat area into the chute opening in accordance with the wet or dry conditions of the snow.