Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane filter system comprising an integral plastic holder (1, 23) having a filter receiving section (2, 24) for receiving a membrane filter (3, 30) that collects target microorganism contained in sample solution, a funnel mount (9, 25) positioned at a level higher than the filter receiving section for carrying thereon a cup-shaped paper funnel (12, 33) adapted to receive the sample solution, and a drainage (7, 28) communicated with the filter receiving section. The funnel has a bottom sheet or a paper filter (14, 35) and a bottom peripheral flange (15, 36) surrounding the bottom sheet. Resin seal means (11, 22) is fitted to the funnel mount to provide liquid-tight engagement between the funnel and the holder. The bottom sheet of the funnel is positioned above the membrane filter and serves as a primary filter for collecting particles in the sample solution larger than the target microorganism before the sample solution reaches the membrane filter.

Abstract: A filter bag (1) comprises a first thin plastic film (22); a second thin plastic film (21) having substantially the same size with the first plastic film and sealed to the first plastic film at a first side-peripheral edge (2a), a second side-peripheral edge (2b) opposite to the first side-peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge (2d) thereof to provide an open-top interior, and a filter sheet (5) having a length substantially equal to the first and second plastic films and a width smaller than the first and second plastic films. The filter sheet has a first longitudinal edge (5a) interposed and sealed together between the first side-peripheral edges of the first and second plastic films and a second longitudinal edge (5b), opposite to the first longitudinal edge, sealed to the inside of the first plastic film at an intermediate position in width of the filter bag.

Abstract: A header conduit assembly for a sediment collecting apparatus includes a tubular member having a plurality of mutually spaced (suction) orifices disposed in a linear array extending parallel to an axis of the tubular member. The conduit assembly further includes at least one elongate deflector member mounted to the tubular member in effective proximity to at least some of the orifices to guide sediment toward the orifices during a sediment evacuation process. Preferably, the deflector member extends parallel to the axis of the tubular member. Inasmuch as the tubular conduit member extends perpendicularly to a direction of movement of the conduit assembly on the floor of a clarification basin or tank, the deflector is oriented orthogonally to the path of the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A method of chemically cleaning normally immersed suction driven filtering membranes involves backwashing a chemical cleaner through the membranes while the tank is empty in repeated pulses in which the chemical cleaner is pumped to the membranes separated by waiting periods in which chemical cleaner is not pumped to the membranes. The duration and frequency of the pulses is preferably chosen to provide an appropriate contact time of the chemical, preferably without allowing the membranes to dry between pulses and without using excessive amounts of chemical. In other aspects, such membranes preferably used for filtering water to produce potable water in a batch process are backwashed with a chemical cleaner substantially at the same time as the tank is being drained. The chemical cleaner is optionally supplied in pulses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing arsenic from water at point of entry or point of use particularly for residential application. The point of entry system comprises a first stage having a manganese greensand oxidizer to convert arsenite (As+3) present in the water to arsenate (As+5) and a second stage for passing the water through an anion exchange resin. Each stage includes a control head for automatic regeneration at a predetermined frequency. The manganese greensand is regenerated with a solution of potassium permanganate and the anion exchange resin is regenerated with a salt solution. An alternate embodiment for point of use application comprises a manganese greensand oxidizer cartridge to convert arsenite (As+3) to arsenate (As+5) followed by removal of the arsenate (As+5) with a reverse osmosis system.

Abstract: A cross-linked water-insoluble ion exchange resin comprised of polymerized monomers having a phenyl ring is disclosed. A contemplated resin contains (i) polymerized phenyl ring-containing monomers having a phosphonic acid ligand linked to the phenyl ring, (ii) about 2 to about 5 millimoles per gram (mmol/g) of phosphorus as phosphonic acid ligands, and (iii) a sufficient amount of a sulfonic acid ligand such that the ratio of mmol/g of phosphonic acid to mmol/g sulfonic acid is up to 3:1. A process for removing polyvalent metal cations from aqueous solution, and a process for removing iron(III) cations from acidic copper(II) cation-containing solutions that utilize the contemplated resin or other resins are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting blood substantially free of residual air and undesired matter also assure that accurate crossmatching and typing of cellular blood components can be done prior to transfusion.

Abstract: A magnetic separator and process involving a train of parallel, spaced magnetic bars connected together to form a closed loop disposed in a tank able to receive a liquid containing ferromagnetic particles which are to be removed from the liquid. The liquid is introduced by an inlet extending within the closed loop so that the liquid is constrained to flow out through spaces between the magnetic bars. Flow out of the tank is through perforate distributor plates and over a pair of weirs, the perforate plates and weirs extending along a respective side of the closed loop to distribute the flow through all of the bar spaces.

Abstract: A process for treating waste water containing a resin is disclosed, which includes the steps of adding a polyamine compound to waste water containing at least a resin to coagulate at least water-insoluble matter in the water to form coagulated particles, adding a polyacrylamide polymer to cause those particles to grow into flocculated flocs, and separating the flocculated flocs. The process of the invention can treat waste water containing a resin in an industrially beneficial way without producing a large amount of sludge is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a metal residue from a process waste stream. In one aspect, an apparatus for a waste stream treatment assembly is provided which includes a waste stream metal removal reactor having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a fluid delivery system connected to the at least one inlet of the waste stream metal removal reactor and a chelating agent supply source, and a filtering member disposed in communication with the at least one outlet of the waste stream metal removal reactor. In another aspect, a method is provided which includes adding a chelating agent to a process waste stream to form a metal complex, and removing the metal complex from the process waste stream prior to disposal.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of clarifying water comprising adding to the water an effective clarifying amount of a low molecular weight water-soluble cationic dispersion polymer prepared by polymerizing one or more cationic monomers and one or more nonionic monomers and one or more chain transfer agents under free radical forming conditions in an aqueous solution of an anionic salt in the presence of a stabilizer polymer, wherein the cationic dispersion has a cationic charge of from about 1.0 mole percent to about 75 mole percent and an RSV of from about 0.2 dl/g to about 6 dl/g.

Abstract: A water purification system for a swimming pool, pond, aquatic mammal tank, spa or fountain, which is simple to operate, low in maintenance, and highly reliable. The system comprises at least an ozonator and an electrolytic chlorinator. The system preferably comprises, in sequence, a vortex separator for initial separation of particulates; optionally an absorption or adsorption filter which may be a conventional pool filter using sand, diatomaceous earth, or paper cartridge as filtering medium; an ozone injector; an ozone contact chamber having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said water stream injected with ozone enters at or near said top end and is withdrawn from at or near said bottom end; and an electrolytic chlorinator for production of chlorine which is then oxidized to oxychlorine species.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sanitizing and cleaning filtration systems is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber fluidly connected to a source of fluid for backwashing the system, and a heat exchanger for increasing the temperature of the fluid. A filter media is positioned within the chamber. The method of sanitization involves backwashing the apparatus to remove debris, then continuing to circulate the backwash fluid through the system while increasing the temperature of the fluid, until the temperature of the water and apparatus is sufficient to deactivate microorganisms. The method may also involve increasing the disinfecting power of the fluid by adjusting the pH of the fluid. The apparatus may be provided with a scavenger to assist in the substantially complete removal of fluid from the chamber during and after a steaming or cleaning process.

Abstract: A system and method for latching an industrial PC to a rack which uses a front end mounted handle which actuates a retractable hook member which engages a void in the shelf of a slot in the rack.

Abstract: A refrigerator storage guide channel for storing and aiding in the convenient retrieval of cooled containers includes a left and right channel member. The left and right channel members include a base, sidewalls and a feature for adjustably interlocking the channel members. The channel members are slidably joined via the interlocking feature. The base of the channel members preferably include features for reducing friction.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for telescoping sections, in particular for a mobile crane boom, includes a linearly shiftable locking bolt for connecting and releasing an inner telescoping section with respect to an outer telescoping section, said locking bolt being maintained biased in its extended position. The locking bolt is shifted by means of a rotary actuator from its extended position into its retracted position.

Abstract: A mobile harbor crane for the combined handling of containers and bulk materials, having an undercarriage and an upper carriage which is mounted rotatably on the base frame of the undercarriage and on which a tower with a boom that can be pivoted about a horizontal axis is arranged. Four support beams are connected pivotally to a base frame of the undercarriage, symmetrically to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the vehicle, in such a way that they can each be pivoted about vertical axes, they are provided at their free ends with vertically acting leveling cylinders, by means of which the support beams are supported on the wheels of a plurality of traveling gear assemblies via balancers for uniform distribution of the supporting forces.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrofitting the opening of the neck of a bottle with a screw closure. An insert is provided that is configured to be positioned within the neck of the bottle for receiving the external threads of the lower end of a screw closure which is inserted into the opening of the bottle and rotated for securement therein. In one embodiment the insert may be secured in the neck by an adhesive. The positioning of the threads in the lower portion of the neck of the bottle affords a smooth and consistent pour of the wine from the bottle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing a magnetic head in which a magnetic yoke is formed on a substrate in parallel thereto by the thin film process, which comprises the steps of forming a yoke-patterned recess in a non-magnetic material layer formed on the substrate; and forming a magnetic yoke layer in such recess while forming a non-magnetic gap portion approximately normal to the substrate; wherein a split portion is provided to the gap portion so as to recess behind a level where a slide-contact plane with recording media is formed, which results in a magnetic head which can successfully prevent the noise generation over a long period, and can improve the playback efficiency.

Abstract: Metal surfaces, particularly copper surfaces, which are oxidatively micro-etched to increase surface area through the use of molybdenum. The micro-etch solutions contain a proton source, e.g., a mineral acid, an oxidizer agent, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, an azole compound, and a molybdenum source.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a welded pipe from a metal strip having two longitudinal edges approximately parallel to each other, which are brought together so as to come approximately into contact with each other and thus form an unwelded pre-tube, the pre-tube then being welded in order to join the said edges together. The two edges are welded together to obtain a welded metal pipe by using, approximately simultaneously, at least one laser beam and at least one electric arc, that is to say using a hybrid arc/laser, preferably plasma/laser, welding process. This process can be used to produce weld seams of rectilinear, helicoidal or spiralled shape.

Abstract: Method and subsystem are provided for generating a trajectory to be followed by a motor-driven stage when processing microstructures at a laser-processing site utilizing an estimated change in temperature of motors caused when the motors drive the stage according to a number of possible trajectories. The method includes receiving reference data which represent locations of microstructures to be processed at the site, determining a plurality of possible trajectories based on the data, and estimating a change of temperature of motors caused when the motors drive the stage based on each of the possible trajectories. The method also includes determining a substantially optimum trajectory from the possible trajectories wherein positioning accuracy of the stage is maximized by following the substantially optimum trajectory.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for modifying a semiconducting thin layer, which has: a hermetically sealed container having a substrate mount section for mounting thereon a substrate with an amorphous semiconducting thin layer formed thereon, and a light transmissive window for introducing a laser beam; laser beam irradiation means for heat-melting the amorphous semiconducting thin layer; holding means for fixing and holding the substrate on the substrate mount section; and pressure control means which regulates the flow rate of gas fed into the hermetically sealed container to control the pressure of the atmosphere within the hermetically sealed container at the time of irradiation with the laser beam at a value above a vapor pressure specified by the temperature of the heat-melted amorphous semiconducting thin layer.

Abstract: A thermal reflow processing system has a rotatable structure to which articles having a reflowable surface are attached. The structure is coupled to a drive motor which causes the structure to rotate at speeds which generate centripetal forces in excess of that of gravity. The system is equipped with at least one radiant heat source. As the articles are being subjected to a centripetal force, the surface is heated by the radiant heat source. In a preferred embodiment, the structure is a hermetically-sealable chamber which can be pressurized or evacuated. The articles, which may be semiconductor wafers, are positioned on the rotating structure such that the surface to be reflowed faces both the heat source and the structure's rotational axis. In the case of circular semiconductor wafers, the wafers are positioned such that the planar surface of each wafer is centered on and perpendicular to a radius of the cylindrical chamber.

Abstract: A pyrolytic self-cleaning oven having a catalytic composition positioned in the oven cavity or exhaust gas passage in order to complete the combustion and/or the oxidation of gases produced by a process carried out inside the oven. The catalytic composition is supported by a ceramic coating on a metal wire. The metal wire is electrically connected to a control system of the oven for controlling the cooking and/or pyrolytic cleaning process. The catalytic composition carried on the metal wire may be part of a net-shaped catalytic element.

Abstract: A Method of Securing Articles and an Electric Kettle Made by Such a Method There is disclosed a method of securing a stainless steel housing (12) for a kettle (10), a polypropylene or polycarbonate water gauge (14), and a polypropylele or polycarbonate backing element (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E), including the steps of (a) welding the water gauge (14) with the backing element (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E); (b) contacting and fixedly securing the housing (12) with the water gauge (14); and (c) positioning a silicon rubber sealing ring (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F) between and in contact with the housing (12) and the backing element (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E) to thereby form a water-tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: It is difficult to keep a wafer at a prescribed temperature in epitaxial growth and etching, leading to a possibility of variations in quality, but a thermal processing apparatus according to the present invention has a learning-modifying means in a controlling means to learn and modify an output s1 from a radiation thermometer based on the output s1 from the radiation thermometer, a supplied electric energy P to a heating means, and an output s2 from a radiation thermometer.

Abstract: Air heater with PTC heating element with semiconductor switch, the semiconductor switch (5) without the housing being located in the heating tube (9) in the immediate vicinity of the PTC heating element (15).

Abstract: The device for controlling cooking areas of glass-ceramic cooking surfaces includes a combined device or conductor track structure consisting of a temperature measurement device for measuring cooking area temperatures and a cooking utensil detection device for detecting the presence of cooking utensils on the cooking areas. The temperature measurement device includes two conductor tracks, a conductor track arranged in the glass-ceramic surface in an edge region of the cooking area and another conductor track, in a central region. The temperature measurement device is part of the cooking utensil device so that fewer cooking area leads are required than in the prior art. The temperature of the glass-ceramic cooking surface located between the at least two conductor tracks is measured.

Abstract: An induction heating apparatus and method for heating a substantially continuous first bondline defined by a length of thermally responsive bonding material positioned between a first member and a second member. The first member or second member is made of an electrically conductive material or positioned adjacent an electrically conductive material. The inductive heating apparatus includes a flexible, reshapeable cable assembly operably positionable adjacent the first member along the first bondline. The flexible, reshapeable cable assembly is capable of being manually shaped to a first shape of the first bondline, and is capable of being manually re-shaped to a second shape of a second bondline different than the first shape of the first bondline. An alternating current power supply is electrically coupled to the flexible, reshapeable cable assembly.

Abstract: In a clamshell housing, such as is used for portable devices, engaging elements other than screws or hooks are employed to prevent the two halves of a clamshell housing from having significant slippage between them along the interface at which they meet when the clamshell is subjected to bending and/or torsional moments. Such engaging elements may include slip preventing elements at the clamshell halves interface, e.g., various forms of interlocking teeth, elements that increase friction, or the like, which are added to, or molded into, each half of the housing. By restricting relative motion along the plane of the interface, the propensity to separate along the direction perpendicular to the interface plane is reduced. This is achieved because the restriction of the relative motion increases the bending and torsional rigidities.

Abstract: A trash can or receptacle is provided with a container which contains a supply of flexible bags used as a liner for the receptacle. In certain embodiments of the container, the container is permanently attached to the trash receptacle, and in other embodiments the container is detachably connected to the trash receptacle. In certain embodiments of the container, the container is configured to hold a roll of flexible bags which are dispensed through a dispensing slot. In other embodiments of the container, the container is configured to hold a supply of folded flexible bags.

Abstract: A sealable multicompartment container comprises a first inner compartment surrounded by a second compartment in the form of an annular trough, both compartments having upper edges for sealing with a closure lid and being joined by a folded wall member pliable to permit unfolding, thereby extending the container depth and merging the two compartments.

Abstract: A lid opening-closing supporting mechanism in a biaxial rotating system of the invention is formed of a base shaft, a rotating member axially supported by the base shaft, a guide hole bored in a container, a branch hole branching from the guide hole, and first and second slide shafts attached to a lid and located in the guide hole. In case coefficient of friction between the second slide shaft and an inner surface of the guide hole is defined as &mgr;, and an angle formed between a line connecting the base shaft with the first slide shaft and a line connecting the base shaft with the second slide shaft is defined as &agr;, the base shaft, the first slide shaft and the second slide shaft are arranged to satisfy a formula expressed as &agr;≧2&mgr; tan−1. Also, the first slide shaft may tightly contact an end portion of the guide hole, while the first and second slide shafts loosely contact the guide hole in other areas.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus is provided that includes a pressure tube and a first cap assembly having a control system, with the first cap assembly coupled to a first end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat. The apparatus also includes a second cap assembly coupled to a second end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat, with the second cap assembly supporting a fluid container that is housed in the interior space of the pressure tube.

Abstract: A toner container for an image forming apparatus is made up of a deformable, hermetic bag packed with toner and a box accommodating the bag. A mouth member is affixed to the bag. A powder pump sucks the toner out of the bag and replenishes it to a developing device included in the image forming apparatus. After the toner container has run out of toner, it can be transported or otherwise dealt with at an extremely low cost. In addition, the toner preserves its property despite the delivery to the developing device.

Abstract: A volumetric pump for dispensing a controlled and continuous flow of viscous fluid. The pump according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention can ideally dispense from a minimum of 1 mg/sec to 1 g/sec for fluids with a viscosity from 2,000,000 cps (Centipoise) down to 10,000 cps. Such flexibility in the range of viscosity extends the application fields of this pump to microelectronics as well as automotive and consumer products manufacturing. Two cams mounted with an opposing position of 180° on the same shaft generate an alternate motion of two concentric pistons. The alternate movement of the external piston in one phase pumps out the material through a dispensing needle and allows in the returning phase the viscous fluid to be charged in the dispensing chamber from the feeding container. The alternate movement opens and closes the vents during the different working phases.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser 1 according to the invention comprises a container bottle 2 having a neck portion 3 and a body portion 4. A product 5 such as liquid soap is contained within the container body 4. A pump means 6, extending into the body 4, is operated by the depression of a pump actuator head 7 mounted on the neck portion 3. A support plate 8 comprising a collar portion 9 and a projecting plate portion 10 is mounted on the neck portion 3 of the container 2, below the head 7.

Abstract: A fluid-dispensing member designed to be mounted on the neck of a container, said dispensing member comprising:

Abstract: A dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed which provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. A resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger, with the opposite end of the plunger having mounted thereon a resilient valve seal. An intermediate discharge outlet is positioned between the actuator end and the valve seal, such discharge outlet being placed in fluid communication with the interior of a fluid container to which the valve is attached when the valve is in an open position. A valve port wall is positioned between the valve seal and the dispensing chamber providing a plurality of ports for restricting the flow of fluid through the valve body when the valve is in an open position.

Abstract: A fitment is provided for incorporation into a closure assembly to provide at least one high-pressure seal suitable for maintaining high-positive pressures in a container having pressurized contents, such as carbonated beverages. The fitment and closure assembly also provide for bi-modal dispensing operations, because the fitment it can be removed from the closure assembly to provide alternative flow characteristics from the container through the closure assembly. The fitment may also be provided with one or more projections adapted to engage a thread on the closure body such that rotation of the closure body relative to the container results in removal of the fitment from the container. The fitment may also be provided with one or more projections for engaging the closure body to limit its movement relative to the container, thereby defining a fully open dispensing position of the closure body.

Abstract: A medical vest (10) and a method of using the vest to provide emergency medical care to a patient (102), are described. The vest includes an IV container (28) and a medical supply container (58) which are mounted on mounting pads (22, 24 or 26) on the front (12) or back (14) of the vest. The containers are also connected to the shoulders (16) of the vest by shoulder straps (27). The IV container is configured to carry an IV bag (150) as well as all the medical supplies necessary to provide an IV to a patient. The container is constructed so as to remain in the open position to allow the user to use both hands to tend to the patient. A clip strap (46) with a self-closing hook (48) is provided with the container to allow the container to be hooked near a patient for transport with the patient. The medical supply container has a variety of uses and can be provided with inserts with loops (69) for holding airway equipment or inserts without loops to hold additional emergency medical supplies.

Abstract: A support piece for an element of a carrying system of a bag, such as a backpack, and a bag that includes such support piece. The support piece includes a body constituted of a padding material, and an envelope that is closed on the body with a seam provided on the side opposite that which comes into contact with the user of the bag. The seam thus positioned cannot come into contact with the carrier, even when the bag is heavily loaded and the support piece possibly becomes deformed.

Abstract: A washer feeding device attached to a nail gun is provided. The washer feeding device comprises a receiving cylinder having a plurality of washers stacked therein; a pneumatic delivery mechanism for pushing the bottommost washer in the receiving cylinder into the nail gun; a support mechanism secured to the delivery mechanism and the nail gun for mounting the receiving cylinder; and a bias mechanism put on the support mechanism being movable in the receiving cylinder, the bias mechanism including an upright, a spring put on the upright, and a disc secured to the upright. The disc is elastically biased against the topmost washer in the receiving cylinder.

Abstract: A method of semiconductor eutectic alloy metal (SEAM) technology for integration of heterogeneous materials and fabrication of compliant composite substrates takes advantage of eutectic properties of alloys. Sub1 and Sub2 are used to represent the two heterogeneous materials to be bonded or composed into a compliant composite substrate. For the purpose of fabricating compliant composite substrate, the first substrate material (Sub1) combines with the second substrate material (Sub2) to form a composite substrate that controls the stress in the epitaxial layers during cooling. The second substrate material (Sub2) controls the stress in the epitaxial layer grown thereon so that it is compressive during annealing. A joint metal (JM) with a melting point of Tm is chosen to offer variable joint stiffness at different temperatures. JM and Sub1 form a first eutectic alloy at a first eutectic temperature Teu1 while JM and Sub2 form a second eutectic alloy at a second eutectic temperature Teu2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus to use nitrogen, or any other inert gas, or a reducing gas as a process gas to reflow and planarize solder paste in a single heating step. The inert gas may also be used to cool the solder paste after reflowing. According to one method soldered paste is printed onto the printed circuit board with conventional methods employing a mask or stencil. A mesh, die, or mold element having a plurality of openings therein is lowered onto the soldered paste and the printed circuit board is reflowed and planarized in a single heating step. Once the paste is applied, the parts are reflowed and planarized in a single, brief, thermal excursion. The heated mesh is lowered into the solder paste causing the paste to wick through the mesh forming a meniscus. A hot gas knife is arranged to plane the meniscus of the solder paste off of the mesh. An inert, nitrogen, or reducing gas is diffused through the knife to prevent oxidation.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.