Abstract:
A central management system manages a plurality of computer jukeboxes and communicates compressed digital data with each jukebox via a transmission link. The management system also includes a host computer that maintains a master set of compressed digital data representing a plurality of songs, song associated graphics, and song identity information. Each jukebox includes a storage unit that is capable of storing a subset of the master set and a processing circuit having a decompression circuit. The processing circuit controls the operation and flow of digital data into and out of the jukebox through the transmission link as well as a visual song information display, user song selection keys, a money detector, and an audio reproduction circuit coupled to a speaker system so as to provide audio output to users of the jukebox.
Abstract:
A fabric conditioning product which may be used during the rinsing or tumble drying of fabrics after washing, contains a perfume composition which contains specified ketones and salicylates. The perfumes inhibit development of human body malodour on the fabrics when worn and the combination of specified materials makes it possible to avoid inclusion of individual components with powerful, unacceptable odors.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is shown for managing a plurality of computer jukeboxes at different locations from a central station. Each jukebox includes processor means for controlling the computer jukebox, storage and retrieval means for data, display means for selection menus, audio production means for playing musical records, and a user interface enabling patrons to communicate with the processor means. The central station can be used to download musical recording data to each computer jukebox, and each computer jukebox can upload usage data to the central station.
Abstract:
A flying paster is disclosed that achieves straight across splicing by utilizing web roll core drive technology. Splice calculations are based on input data sensed during preliminary acceleration of the new roll, which is disposed in a splicing position in the flying paster. Acceleration of the new roll is achieved by engagement between the center core shaft of a new roll and a movable brake and roll accelerator assembly. Then, calculations facilitate speed matching between the web running from a second, running roll mounted in the flying paster and the new roll. Splicing is facilitated by the utilization of two, two-sided adhesive strips. One adhesive strip is used to adhere the leading end of the new roll to the rest of the body of the new roll during the pre-splice speed matching, and the second adhesive strip is used for adhering the leading end of the new roll with the newly cut, trailing end of the running web. After splicing, the new, now-running web roll and the movable brake and roll accelerator assembly are moved from the splicing position to an operating position in the flying paster. In the latter position, control over the new, now-running roll is transferred from the movable brake and roll accelerator assembly to a fixed brake and brake accelerator assembly disposed in the flying paster adjacent to the operating position. The movable brake and roll accelerator assembly are then returned to a position adjacent the splicing position so as to be ready for the next, new roll.
Abstract:
A flying paster is disclosed that achieves straight across splicing by utilizing web roll core drive technology. Splice calculations are based on input data sensed during preliminary acceleration of the new roll, which is disposed in a splicing position in the flying paster. Acceleration of the new roll is achieved by engagement between the center core shaft of a new roll and a movable brake and roll accelerator assembly. Then, calculations facilitate speed matching between the web running from a second, running roll mounted in the flying paster and the new roll. Splicing is facilitated by the utilization of two, two-sided adhesive strips. One adhesive strip is used to adhere the leading end of the new roll to the rest of the body of the new roll during the pre-splice speed matching, and the second adhesive strip is used for adhering the leading end of the new roll with the newly cut, trailing end of the running web. After splicing, the new, now-running web roll and the movable brake and roll accelerator assembly are moved from the splicing position to an operating position in the flying paster. In the latter position, control over the new, now-running roll is transferred from the movable brake and roll accelerator assembly to a fixed brake and brake accelerator assembly disposed in the flying paster adjacent to the operating position. The movable brake and roll accelerator assembly are then returned to a position adjacent the splicing position so as to be ready for the next, new roll.
Abstract:
A security system for a gaming device prevents a door on the gaming device from being opened during a power failure so as to prevent tampering with the controls of the gaming device when no power is supplied to the system. When power is supplied to the system, a processor logs the time of occurrence of detected door openings in a nonerasable programmable memory so as to provide a record thereof. The information is stored in a sequential manner in accordance with the time of occurrence of the door opening events so that the microprocessor can verify the information stored. If any anomalies are detected in the stored information, the microprocessor 10 can prevent operation of the gaming device or generate alarms.
Abstract:
A compliant sealing material with low or no gas permeability and low spring rate is made by coating a metal such as gold, on the surface of a polymer sheet. The metal acts as a complete gas barrier on an atomic level, and the polymer provides structural integrity and mounting attributes without detrimentally increasing compliance. A small number of metal atoms injected at a moderate energy into the near surface of the polymer act as link sites for joining subsequent lower energy atoms forming an impermeable layer. The total heat delivery to the polymer is minimized thereby preserving integrity and continuity. The material is particularly useful in micromechanical devices where high flexibility is needed with complete sealing.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a butt splice to join together a web from a new roll of material to a web which is from an expiring roll of material and which is being run, downstream from the expiring roll, under tension along a predetermined path of travel that includes a running web storage means and a press or other web handling means. To form the butt splice, the leading end of the new web is trimmed along the cutting edge of an anvil. The trimmed leading end is held against the anvil, and a piece of tape is applied to the leading end so that a portion of the tape projects downstream from that end. The portion of the expiring web, adjacent to the anvil, is then momentarily stopped, held against the anvil, and trimmed along the same cutting edge of the anvil. As the trailing end of the expiring roll is trimmed, it is simultaneously adhered to the downstream portion of the tape. This serves to join this trailing end of the expiring roll and the leading end of the new roll together. Only the portion of the expiring roll adjacent to the anvil is momentarily stopped while the expiring web is trimmed and adhered to the leading end of the new roll. The stoppage is sufficiently short that downstream portions of the expiring web can, in the interim, be withdrawn from the web storage means so that web continues to run, at full speed, to and through the press.
Abstract:
A cardboard shipping carton is provided with an improved easy-open tearing arrangement. Body panels of the shipping carton have a conventional corrugated paperboard construction. A tear tape of material different from the corrugated paperboard is secured to the inside of the body panels with adhesive. A severing line generally opposite the tear tape is associated with each body panel. The appearance of the exposed edge is improved by providing border tape on an outside surface of each body panel with an upper edge of the outer tape aligned with the severing line. Preferably, a bottom edge of the tear tape is positioned below the top edge of the border tape, to provide a lower display portion. Also disclosed is a pull tab providing access to the tear tape from outside the carton. The pull tab is formed by cutting a portion of the body panel adjacent the tear tape to provide a pull tab having angled edges in opposing panel portions, on either side of the tear tape, which are inclined towards the tear tape in the general direction in which the tear tape is to be pulled.
Abstract:
A web tensioning apparatus for a hostile fluid bath is disclosed. Web-driving rollers of the apparatus are fixed above the bath, and idler rollers are suspended from the web within the bath. A first drive sets the surface velocity of a first web-driving roller, and second drives set the surface velocities of the other web-driving rollers, in response to the positions of the idler rollers. Substantially uniform web tension is thereby maintained.