Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a directional light source that produces a plurality of light rays. An optical module is coupled to the directional light source to focus the plurality of light rays into a beam of light rays to be output by the lighting fixture. The angular distribution of a majority of the beam relative to a vector normal to a ceiling on or near which the fixture is to be installed is in a range of 70 to 95 degrees. A blocking structure is used to block a direct view of the beam of light when the fixture is installed such that only indirect light is primarily visible from a viewer at least in or around a working plane substantially parallel to the ceiling.

Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a directional light source that produces a plurality of light rays. An optical module is coupled to the directional light source to focus the plurality of light rays into a beam of light rays to be output by the lighting fixture. The angular distribution of a majority of the beam relative to a vector normal to a ceiling on or near which the fixture is to be installed is in a range of 70 to 95 degrees. A blocking structure is used to block a direct view of the beam of light when the fixture is installed such that only indirect light is primarily visible from a viewer at least in or around a working plane substantially parallel to the ceiling.

Abstract: In order for a user to control a machine using hand gestures, free of any contact with the machine, an apparatus generates one or more electromagnetic field, employing receivers to measure an electromagnetic signature caused by gestures of a person's hand within the electromagnetic field. The gestures include variations of hand position, proximity, configuration, and movement. For each measured signature, the apparatus cross-references the electromagnetic signature in a predetermined library to identify a corresponding predefined machine-readable input. Ultimately, the apparatus controls a designated machine pursuant to the person's hand gestures by transmitting the identified input to the machine.

Abstract: An ISDN interface is provided on a card, which is adapted for mounting in a terminal computer and which is operable to exchange data with a terminal computer and an ISDN. The ISDN interface card includes a protocol processor that is programmable to process data encoded in accordance with a number of different protocols and a digital signal processor that is programmable for data compression, encryption and facsimile applications, and u-law and a-law conversion, among other applications. The ISDN card dynamically allocates data calls between one or two B-channels to achieve a data transmission rate of 128 kbps. A power supply with a ring generator is provided to allow for the use of an analog telephone with the ISDN card. The ISDN card is programmable to allow users to create customized screens for various call processes, and to allow for the updating of a flash ROM coupled to the protocol processor through the terminal computer and the ISDN.