Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device, in particular for comminuting chips, with at least one cutting blade and at least one rotating feed blade arranged on a longitudinal axis, wherein the feed blade or blades in the feed section of the cutting device works together with the cutting blade or blades.

Abstract: An ultra fine mineral compound and method of processing native Dead Sea minerals into this ultra fine mineral compound that can be used to manufacture all natural Dead Sea mineral compositions particularly compositions for use in bath and body products is disclosed. Even with the extreme ionic character of the Dead Sea minerals, the Dead Sea mineral compositions prepared remain in suspension creating a viable cosmetic preparation that can maintain adequate shelf life and provide a more pleasant feel for the consumer.

Abstract: An easy-to-use manual grinder for peppercorns, salt crystals and other grindable products. The manual grinder comprises a container (12) with a shaft (14) passing therethrough. The shaft (14) is connected to conical round type grinder plates (16) at the base (20) of the grinder (10). At its upper end the shaft (14) is coupled to a toothed wheel (18), which meshes with a rack (22) the rack being able to slide in an essentially perpendicular direction to the axis of the shaft (14). The rack is moved by a lever 42 pivotally connected (44) to the container (12).

Abstract: A tumbler for tumbling concrete products comprises a rotatable cylindrical drum having an input end that is slightly elevated relative to an output end. Tire retread strips are placed side-by-side on the radially inner surface of the drum and extend along its length. Clamps having lateral arms extending on either side are engaged with lateral tread grooves on the strips. The clamps are bolted to the drum between adjacent strips thereby securing the strips to the radially inner surface of the drum.

Abstract: When a printing paper to which an IC chip storing secret information is attached is discarded, a shredder applied voltage to the IC chip by a discharging unit to destroy the IC chip and to make it impossible to read the secret information therefrom. Thereafter, a shredding cutter shreds the printing paper and the shred printing paper is discarded.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for making substantially crisp, clean, uniform cuts or slices from fibrous foodstuffs using a motorized food processing device with a unique cutting assembly, such that the foodstuffs are supported by the cutting assembly in a manner that lessens the potential for pulverization of the foodstuffs upon cutting. The invention can include a rotary cutting assembly having a rotary cutting blade and a blade spacer. The cutting blade can include a first cutting edge extending radially from a central portion of the rotary cutting blade. The blade spacer can include an opening adjacent to the first cutting edge of the blade for cut foodstuffs to pass through. The opening can also include a peripheral edge, a portion of which can be substantially aligned with the first cutting edge. The rotary cutting blade and blade spacer can be coupled to a rotatable hub, which can be adapted to engage a drive motor to rotate the rotary cutting assembly.

Abstract: The polyester film roll, which is free from wrinkles and slacks generated with the passage of time and is having a good roll appearance, is provided without changing the characteristics of the film.

Abstract: A fishing reel including a spool (5) for storing and dispensing line, and a winding mechanism for winding the line onto the spool (5) about a winding axis, the spool (5) is releasably secured in any one of a plurality of positions, each eccentrically offset from the winding axis to a different degree. In further embodiments a spool having an eccentrically positioned bore, a spindle positioned along an axis offset from the winding axis, the spindle being located within the bore of the spool, and a clutch releasably securing the spool in a desired position with respect to the spindle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reel clutch of a tape recorder. A plate spring is positioned between a reel gear and a reel disc of a reel disc assembly which is mounted on a deck of a tape recorder, and a stopper reel is provided on the reel disc to restrain the engaging height of the plate spring so that a torque is generated by the frictional contact between the reel disc and the plate spring, whereby assembly productivity can be enhanced and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes an opening 1C through which a magnetic tape is drawn out, and a slide door 6 that slides along a sidewall 1D provided with the opening 1C to open and close the opening 1C. The opening 1C is provided in part of the sidewall 1D across a lower half 1A and an upper half 1B of the cartridge case 1. At least one of a lower half portion and an upper half portion of the sidewall is provided with a holding groove 1L that receives a front end portion 6A of the slide door 6 when the opening is closed. Therefore, the upper half 1B and the lower half 1A of the magnetic tape cartridge may be smoothly combined.

Abstract: A reel brake assembly for a magnetic recording/reading apparatus comprises a sub-deck slidably disposed on a main-deck in which a head drum is mounted, a reel table rotatably disposed in the sub-deck, for selectively driving a tape reel of a tape cassette, a brake unit pivotably disposed on the sub-deck, for selectively braking the reel table, and a cam gear rotated by a driving force of a driving motor, for moving the sub-deck to load and unload the sub-deck. The brake unit is selectively brought into contact with and separated from the reel table in relation to movement of the cam gear when the sub-deck is loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a frame and a belt spool (1) which is rotatably mounted in the frame, and at least one locking toothing (2, 3) which is connected with the belt spool. A first locking catch (5) and a second locking catch (6) are provided, which are supported on the frame and can engage into the at least one locking toothing (2, 3). The first locking catch (5) is able to swing about a point of rotation which is arranged such that with the first locking catch (5) guided into the locking toothing (2, 3) a virtual line, which passes through a point of contact between the first locking catch (5) and the locking toothing (2, 3) and stands perpendicularly on a tooth face in the point of contact, runs between the point of rotation and a rotation axis of the belt spool (1).

Abstract: A motorized seat belt retractor having a load limiter to control the tensile load on a seat belt webbing, especially when the webbing is withdrawn due to an emergency condition. The load limiter controls the tension by controlling the condition of the motor that drives the retractor.

Abstract: A toilet roll dispenser comprising a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a back wall, and a first sidewall and a second sidewall with the sidewalls each having a track with the tracks running parallel to each other for guiding a toilet paper roll from a receiving end of the tracks to a dispensing end of the tracks with the toilet roll dispenser also including at least one pair of reserve tracks comprising a track branching from the track of the first sidewall and a track branching from the track of the second sidewall with the reserve track located parallel to each other for supporting a further toilet paper roll in an out of the way condition so that all of the toilet paper rolls supported by the dispenser are spaced from each other.

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed for dispensing a needed length of tape having hooks on a first side and loops on a second side. It includes a frame. The frame includes a first support for supporting a roll of the tape. A roll of the tape is also provided on the first support. The frame also includes a second support spaced apart from the first support and including a resistive surface that provides resistance to either the hooks or the loops of the tape. The frame also includes a cutting blade located near the resistive surface of the second support.

Abstract: A freestanding, decorative, rolled paper storage container and mold for making, wherein the container comprises a hollow body comprising a peripheral wall, weighted base portion, open top end, and removable cover. An aperture, in the peripheral wall, allows at least a part of each paper roll stored within to be seen and easily grasped. The container, made in a variety of sizes and shapes, adapts to fit from two to more than five toilet paper rolls, more than one paper towel roll, or other bathroom accessories, such as folded paper or cloth towelettes. The container can be made from ceramic, plastic, metal, or wood and can match any new or existing decorating scheme. When made of ceramic, plastic, or metal the container is especially sanitary, because these materials are non-porous and inert and thus, remain clean longer, are easier to clean, and remain free of mold and mildew.

Abstract: An aircraft panel assembly 10 is provided, including a panel core 28, a plurality of pre-preg layers 30 surrounding the panel core 28 forming an internal layer of plies 34, at least one metal foil layer 38 positioned on an outer layer 40 of the internal layer of plies 34. The at least one metal foil layer 38 providing an electrical conduit between the outer surface 24 of the aircraft panel assembly 10 and a sub-structure 26 for grounding.

Abstract: The invention concerns a laser pointing sighting system comprising a designator range finder (19) including means (E) for emitting a designating laser beam and reception means (R) for detecting and processing the reflection of a hot spot formed by said beam on a target, said reception means (R) are capable in the absence of designating beam emission by the range finder, of detecting the reflection of a hot spot formed on a target by a third designating device, the system comprising means capable, when the reception means detect such a hot spot, of being automatically oriented relative to the direction defined by said spot.

Abstract: A zero emissions (non-polluting) electric powered air vehicle having dual lifting surfaces comprised of a blended wing-body and a semi-annular upper wing, the blended body comprising a fuselage volumetrically sized to house a fuel supply and propulsion subsystems, electric motors driving propellers to provide forward thrust for propelling the aircraft, a nacelle for carrying passengers, a source of fuel for supplying an electrochemical process that generates electric power, a ballistic parachute for safe descent of the passenger cabin in an emergency, and landing gear has been described. The electrochemical process emission is water in one embodiment of the present invention. Another embodiment describes is an unmanned version of the present invention. A further embodiment describes an auxiliary power source from externally mounted PV cells that convert solar energy to electricity wherein the auxiliary power is used to recover fuel from the water emissions by an electrolytic process.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.

Abstract: A power generator comprising: a lifting body for suspension in a moving fluid; a control station; and at least two tethers for tethering the lifting body to the control station. The control station is arranged to transform oscillating tension in the tethers produced by an oscillating movement of the lifting body into mechanical motion.

Abstract: A means to use the natural forces of nature when correctly understood and applied to move personnel and objects from Earth's surface to outer space using a conduit with valves, access air locks, support & stabilizing means, to redirect and throttle naturally occurring forces. A magnetic field may also be used. The magnetic field may be applied parallel or longitudinal to the conduit. “Outer space lake substance” Redirecting Means may be utilized with the conduit in order to assist in moving a vessel with personnel or objects to or from outer space.

Abstract: An aircraft (10) is disclosed that comprises a fuselage (12) with first and second wings (14) non-rotatably secured to and extending from sides of the fuselage (12). Inner and outer tracks are secured to and encircle the fuselage (12), and airfoils (20) are operably secured between the inner and outer tracks. Means are provided for rotating the airfoils (20). The means for rotating the airfoils may be comprised of first and second drive coils (40), and first and second alternators (80) may be operably coupled to the first and second drive coils (40), respectively, to provide redundant power supplies. Permanent magnets (44) in the rotor hub may be arranged in a Halbach array or may be arranged to provide a series of alternating, opposite magnetic poles. Separate drive and suspension coils (38) may be provided in the stator (16). The concept may find further application in a lift fan or tail section of conventional aircraft.

Abstract: The optimal control design for antiskid brake control uses a discrete Kalman filter scheme in combination with a conventional aircraft brake control system, comprising sensors for measuring a speed of a wheel and brake torque, and for providing output signals indicative of the speed and torque values, and an optimal antiskid braking controller. The optimal antiskid brake controller includes a wheel speed filter, a reference velocity module, an optimal controller, and an integrator module. The optimal controller includes a discrete Kalman regulator utilizing a discrete Kalman filter, which compels the wheel velocity to quickly converge to the reference velocity, while the integrator produces appropriate antiskidding control and compensates for low frequency torque disturbances. The discrete Kalman filter estimates brake pressure, and the difference between the wheel velocity and a reference velocity, and these estimated states are regulated by a control feedback gain matrix.

Abstract: Aircraft having cab portions with integrated windshields are disclosed. The cab portion can include a rounded nose and a windshield positioned above and aft of a forward extremity of the rounded nose. A contour of the cab portion extending from the nose over the windshield aft of the nose can have a generally continuously smooth, unkinked shape. In particular embodiments, the portion of the contour corresponding to the windshield can be convex when viewed from a position external to the cab portion, and the shape of the windshield can form a portion of a conical surface.

Abstract: An aircraft refueling boom load alleviation system uses received light to detect boom displacement and generates a control signal to correct the displacement. Both a set of flight surfaces and a plurality of light imageable targeting sights are disposed on a refueling tube. At least one digital camera converts the light imageable shape of each of the targeting sights to individual pixel images. The pixel images converted by the digital camera are input to a computer system. The computer system recognizes either a displacement of pixel images or a quantity change of pixels between pixel images as a displacement of the refueling tube. The computer system calculates the displacement of any of the pixel images. A signal is generated to control the refueling tube flight surfaces to correct the displacement.

Abstract: A velocity change (&Dgr;V) thruster is operated on a spacecraft, which unavoidably causes attitude error. A reaction wheel (RWA) corrects the attitude. At the beginning of the thruster maneuver, the total attitude control momentum required to at least correct for the &Dgr;V thruster attitude errors over the duration of the entire maneuver is determined, and the RWA momentum may also be determined. Attitude control thrusters (REAs) are operated. The REAs are operated to correct at least the net &Dgr;V thruster induced attitude error, and preferably also to reset the RWA to its nominal momentum. The maneuver may be stationkeeping.

Abstract: An airfoil member (14) is provided including a geometric morphing device (18). The geometric morphing device (18) has an inflatable member (30). The inflatable member (30) has an exterior wall (32) and multiple inflated states. Multiple layers are coupled to at least a portion of the exterior wall (32) and control size, shape, and expansion ability of the geometric morphing device (18). The geometric morphing device (18) is adjustable in size and shape by changing inflated state of the inflatable member (30). An airfoil member altering system (12) and a method of performing the same are also provided as well as a method of forming the geometric morphing device (18).

Abstract: An airfoil member (14) is provided including a geometric morphing device (18). The geometric morphing device (18) has an inflatable member (30). The inflatable member (30) has an exterior wall (32) and multiple inflated states. A fiber mesh (34) is coupled to at least a portion of the exterior wall (32) and changes in shape according to fiber angle. Shape and size of the geometric morphing device (18) are adjustable by changing inflated state oft he inflatable member (30). An airfoil member altering system (12) and a method of performing the same are also provided as well as a method of forming the geometric morphing device (18).

Abstract: A system which operates a digitally controlled model railroad transmitting a first command from a first client program to a resident external controlling interface through a first communications transport. A second command is transmitted from a second client program to the resident external controlling interface through a second communications transport. The first command and the second command are received by the resident external controlling interface which queues the first and second commands. The resident external controlling interface sends third and fourth commands representative of the first and second commands, respectively, to a digital command station for execution on the digitally controlled model railroad.

Abstract: A train control system includes a control module that determines a position of a train using a positioning system and consults a database to determine when the train is approaching a portion of track monitored by a track circuit. When the train is near a track circuit, but while the train is still far enough away from the track circuit such that the train can be stopped before reaching the portion of track monitored by the track circuit, the train transmits an interrogation message to a transceiver associated with the track circuit. When the track circuit receives the interrogation message, a test is initiated. The test results are transmitted back to the train. The train takes corrective action if the track circuit fails to respond or indicates a problem.

Abstract: In a device for checking the operation of devices (4) used to displace movable switch parts (2, 3), in which the movable switch parts (2, 3) are connected with each other by a coupling rod (13), the coupling rod (13) is comprised of two coupling rod parts (14, 15) that are relatively movable in the axial direction. Sensors (34, 35) are provided for the detection of at least two different displacement positions of the coupling rod parts (14, 15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locking the end positions of movable switch parts and, in particular, the movable point (1) of a frog, in which two relatively axially displaceable parts are capable of being displaced into a position coupled with each other in a positive manner in at least one direction of movement, wherein the relatively displaceable parts are comprised of a tube (5) and a rod (6) guided within the tube (5) and are at least partially arranged in a stationary outer tube (4), whereby locking members (8) cooperate with the relatively axially displaceable parts (5, 6) as well as the outer tube (4) and are capable of being displaced in the radial direction into a locking position in a recess or inner annular groove (15, 16) of the outer tube (4). Said device is designed such that the outer tube (4) is comprised of two tube parts (17, 18) capable of being axially displaced within each other, and that each tube part carries at least one recess or inner annular groove (15, 16).

Abstract: A wheeled line irrigation system has a water main supported on a plurality of towers and has a truss built of truss rods attached to the water main to support a plurality of drop hoses connected to the water main over the trusses for distribution of irrigation water from an irrigation system to the crops below. The improvement includes a truss rod hose sling having a body having a hose supporting clamp portion for clamping onto a hose. The hose supporting clamp portion has an axial opening for holding a hose in an expandable side opening for sliding a hose into the axial opening. The truss rod hose sling body has a pair of truss rod clamps for clamping the truss rod hose sling to a truss rod. Each truss rod clamp is generally perpendicular to the axial opening in the hose supporting clamp portion and is on an opposite side of the hose supporting clamp portion expandable side opening to prevent the side opening from expanding when the truss rod clamps are clamped to a truss rod.

Abstract: A kit of parts assembles into a tool support using an elongate beam such as a wooden joist provided by the purchaser of the kit. The kit includes a pair of uprights suitable for clamping onto spaced apart positions on the beam. A tool supporting member also mounts onto the beam, intermediate the uprights and includes a supporting surface for supporting a tool, for example a saw, thereon. The kit includes minimal components to be transported from site to site by the user. The kit also occupies minimal space when separated from the beam such that retailers are only required to stock minimal parts on store shelves at reduced cost as the user can supply their own beam.

Abstract: In an electronic sensor having a spool assembly and a housing cap, the spool assembly has a pair of grooves formed in the exterior surface and located diametrically opposed from each other. The housing cap has a pair of apertures configured and positioned in the cap to align with the grooves in the spool. The grooves and aperture are configured for receiving portions of a mounting bracket. When the mounting bracket is installed on the electronic sensor, a radial spring in communication with the spool assembly and housing cap maintains the mounting bracket in a locked relationship with the spool assembly and housing cap and minimizes the stack up tolerances from a reference surface to the tip of the electronic sensor.

Abstract: An adjustable satellite antenna holder has a first base member, a first coarsely adjustable support member pivotable about a first axis with respect to the first base member and a first finely adjustable support member pivotable about an axis parallel to said first axis with respect to the first coarsely adjustable support member.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable magnetic object holder having a mounting plate embedded with at least one magnet for holding a magnetic object, such as a tool or instrument, on one surface of the mounting plate. A strap is attached to the mounting plate for mounting the mounting plate to a user or to an object.

Abstract: Support arrangement (10) for a working device such as a rode drill or an excavation machine, with a working boom which includes at least one link arm (12) which is linked to a base part (11). The base part is designed to be placed against the ground and there are one or more support legs (16) which are provided to be lowered against the ground. The link connection with the base part utilizes a swivel connection (25) which allows rotation around a generally vertical axis, while the working boom is provided with at least one power member, especially a hydraulic cylinder, for maneuvering, while the base part (11) includes a support member (16) with at least two legs (17) of which at least one can be adjustable in height.

Abstract: A shopping display and writing surface device, similar in nature to a clipboard, may be mounted on a shopping cart handle or the like. The device generally has a clamping device for connection to the shopping cart handle, a bracket connected to the clamping device and a panel connected to the bracket.

Abstract: A hanger for use with chain link fence wherein the hanger starts as an updside down L-shaped flat metal element (12) and is shaped into an integral unit having a first vertically disposed element (10) integral with a second horizontally disposed flat fold portion (3), integral with a vertically disposed second element (2). First element and flat fold portion share a ninety degree fold line (8). Flat fold portion and second element share a ninety degree fold line (9). Notches (4a-b) are constructed and arranged on the side edges of the flat fold portion fitting into the wires (5a,b) of cyclone fence offset between the wire diamond pattern. The flat fold portion (3) fits securely into the diamond pattern of the cyclone fence with the staggered notches straddling the wires of the fence. The second element (2) is further formed and shaped into an assortment of hooks, systems, and/or arms for supporting sports equipment, clothing, yard hardware, ladders, and anything needing to be hung from a cyclone fence.

Abstract: A holder for a powered device with a power supply, where the holder includes a cradle for seating the powered device, and a seating member for seating the power supply. The seating member and the cradle are preferably removably attached to each other at a pivot point. Preferably, the cradle and the seating member can be arranged together for holding the powered device in either a first or a second arrangement. In the first arrangement, the power supply is seated on the seating member and the cradle is attached to the seating member such that the power supply may be plugged into a wall outlet with the power supply and the powered device being fully supported against the wall by the holder. In the second arrangement, the power supply is not seated on said seating unit, but the seating unit is instead used as a base for the cradle.

Abstract: A holder for decorative sheet material comprising two separate pieces, one piece for attaching to an upper edge portion of a sheet material and for hanging from a wall, the other piece for attaching to a lower edge portion of the sheet material. Each piece of the holder comprises a top plate and a base plate hingedly connected together, and means such as a post, adhesive tape or spring-loaded clip for connecting the sheet material to the base plate. In particular embodiments, spring-loaded clips both hingedly connect the top and base plates, and act as a means to connect the sheet material to the base plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to sunshade base. It is an assembled sunshade base comprising an erecting tubular member and a base member. The base member further includes a ground frame having cross-bar being surrounded by a wall to form plurality of cavities for accommodating a ballast member. The ballast member consists of many individual containers filled with ballast materials such as water or sand. The erecting tubular member for receiving a pole of sunshade or large umbrella is uprightly secured on the base. There is a cover detachly secured on the upper surface of the base. Most of the parts is detachable and can be quickly assembled.

Abstract: A flag support block for use in the stationary display of flags sold for mounting on the windows of vehicles. The flag support block includes a base member and a projected lip member. The flag support block can be used to display flags in either a horizontal or a vertical orientation. In the horizontal orientation, the flags are displayed in a manner similar to that when used for their intended purpose on a vehicle window. Alternatively, the flag support block may be mounted on a vertical surface whereupon the flag is pivoted 180° relative to the projected lip member to position the flag at a suitable display angle.

Abstract: A resilient floor surface for indoor and outdoor, residential, commercial and sporting applications includes a resilient underpad formed of expanded polypropylene product (“EPP”) and suitable for being laid down directly on the ground or other subfloor surface in a floating arrangement not requiring securing to the ground or other subfloor surface, and a floor covering material applied upon the resilient underpad as a covering for the resilient underpad. The surface covering is of the type suitable for floor surfacings, sport playing surfacings and decorative and sports surface coatings, and is selected from hardwood flooring, synthetic rubber and/or plastic flooring tiles and panels, rubber flooring tiles and panels, laminated wood flooring, residential and commercial carpets, crumb rubber surface coatings, EPDM (ethylene-propylene terpolymer) surface coatings, polyurethane surface coatings and any other suitable coatings.

Abstract: A concrete forming panel and method for making the same which includes a sheet having an outer peripheral edge. Typically, the sheet is rectangular in shape. An aluminum frame formed by linear frame segments extends around the outer peripheral edge of the sheet. The frame segments are secured to the sheet by welding. At least one, and preferably a plurality of spaced cross braces extend across the sheet between spaced apart portions of the frame. These cross braces are adhesively secured to both the frame as well as the sheet.

Abstract: A concrete forming panel has built-in retaining structure for holding loose coupling parts in a safe, secure position when the parts are stored during times of nonuse of the panel. Members on the backside of the face plate of the panel, including but not necessarily limited to bracing or stiffening members of the frame, are provided with webs or wall portions having a series of clearance openings therein. Brush rings are positioned immediately adjacent each opening and have radially inwardly directed resilient bristles that terminate in innermost ends defining a hole aligned with the adjacent opening. Consequently, when a oversized coupling part relative to the brush hole is inserted into such hole, it flexes the bristles and passes through the hole and the adjacent opening in the supporting member to be retained in place in a yieldable, releasable manner by the flexed bristles.

Abstract: Techniques for predicting and correcting for optical distortions. A method for correcting optical distortions in a laser system includes operating a laser system at a first time to emit a laser beam. The laser system includes a laser source, a beam transfer assembly, and a lens assembly. The laser beam is capable of traversing from the laser source, through the beam transfer assembly and the lens assembly, to a laser target. Additionally, the method includes retrieving a first correction setting from a memory system. The first correction setting corresponds to the first time. Moreover the method includes adjusting at least one of the beam transfer assembly and the lens assembly in response to the first correction setting and sending the laser beam through the beam transfer assembly and the lens assembly to the laser target.

Abstract: A photo-detector generated signal is measured as a sample set comprising a long signal and a short signal. The short signal is scaled to the value of the long signal if the long signal exceeds a dynamic range associated with the photo detector. In one embodiment, the short signal is obtained during a short time interval that is at the approximate middle of a long time interval such that the short and long intervals share a common median time value. Given such symmetry, an approximately linear signal yields a proportionality parameter between the long and short signals thereby allowing the short signal to be scaled. The proportionality parameter facilitates determination of an integration independent component of the photo detector signal that should be removed from the measured long and short signals before scaling. A plurality of sample sets can also be processed such that each sample set overlaps with its neighboring sample set, thereby increasing the effective number of sample sets.