Abstract:
A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber's site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. Billing is alternatively based on a store-credit or account debiting scheme. The recording of program materials may be directed automatically by subscriber-operated storage management facilities which scan program schedules and select materials to be recorded, based on title, cast, program genre or any other of a variety of viewer/listener preferences. Alternatively, the program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider's discretion, for example, using newly-available selections. Display generation circuitry is preferably implemented, enabling the viewer to review selections to be downloaded, those selections available for immediate replay, remaining account balance, and other features, including “parental lockout” and so forth.
Abstract:
A feeder roller apparatus for high speed image scanning equipment, which improves feeding of documents, and in particular short documents, sequentially fed from a stack. The feeder apparatus comprises a PIC roller and an infeed roller which are selectively, independently driven via a dual drive shaft, composed of an inner drive shaft and an outer drive shaft, driven together or selectively, independently by a main motor. An electro-mechanical clutch, when energized is used to drive the PIC roller. A sensor is provided downstream of the rollers to recognize when a document is being fed. Initially, the clutch is energized, and both rollers are driven. When the first sheet reaches the sensor, the clutch is de-energized, cutting off the drive to the PIC roller. The main motor continues driving only the infeed roller until the first sheet is fed.
Abstract:
The present invention is a technique for a defrosting operation of a heat pump. External air provides the heat for defrosting the exterior heat exchanger by operating the exterior fan during times when the compressor is not operating, the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger is below freezing and the exterior air temperature is above freezing. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger and the exterior are measured via separate temperature sensors. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the exterior heat exchanger temperature is measured via a single temperature sensor and the exterior fan is operated for a predetermined interval of time after the compressor is stopped. Thereafter the exterior fan is operated only so long as the temperature remains at freezing. In a still further embodiment, the exterior fan is operated only so long as it remains less than or equal to freezing and does not reach a plateau at less than freezing. The operation of the exterior fan after deactuation of the compressor may be inhibited throughout an interval of time, if the plateau temperature was less than freezing.
Abstract:
The present invention is a technique for forming a digital signal representing an environmental condition. The technique consists of measuring the variable time constant of an analog sensing device having a variable resistance dependent upon the environmental condition and a capacitor as well as measuring the reference time constant of a precision fixed resistor and the same capacitor. The time constants are measured by discharging the capacitor, charging the capacitor through the appropriate element and measuring the time for the voltage across the capacitor to reach a predetermined level. Lastly, the digital ratio between the two time constants is formed. This digital ratio is the digital representation of the environmental condition sensed by said analog sensing device.
Abstract:
The present invention is a technique for thermostatic control of a temperature modifying apparatus such as a heating unit or an air conditioning unit. This technique involves measuring the ambient temperature, generating an error signal based upon the difference between a set point temperature and the measured ambient temperature, operating the temperature modifying apparatus according to the error signal, and adjusting the set point temperature based upon the time history of the error signal. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the temperature modifying apparatus is operated during the next cycle interval with a duty cycle proportional to the error signal at the start of the cycle interval. In the preferred embodiment the set point is adjusted via an adjustment quantity which is increased if the difference between a desired temperature is of one sense decreased if the difference is of the opposite sense and maintained unchanged if the desired temperature equals the measured temperature, with the adjustment quantity maintained within a predetermined band.
Abstract:
This invention provides a combinatorial fluorescence energy transfer tag which comprises a plurality of fluorescent molecules, comprising one or more energy transfer donor and one or more energy transfer acceptor, linked through a molecular scaffold wherein the fluorescent molecules are separated along the scaffold to produce a unique fluorescene emission signature. The invention further provides for the use of said tags in multi-component analyses, including multiplex biological analyses.
Abstract:
An automated punching arrangement for punching successive sheets or lifts from an input stack of sheets, and arranging those sheets in an output stack. The automated punching arrangement receives the stack at an input platform that automatically advances the stack into the machine where a picker picks a sheet or successive lifts from the stack and delivers them along an input path into direct registration in a die set. Punched sheets are advanced out of the punch at a 90° angle from the input path along an output path, and inverted by an inverter to the output stack on an output platform. The punched stack of sheets is then advanced out of the machine. The machine includes automated set up including reading of dedicated identifying markers on die sets and resulting adjustment of the die set position within the machine and of the back plate within the die set.
Abstract:
A punching station that utilizes low cost, interchangeable, linearly operating die sets, and may be disposed in line with a printer to punch individual sheets as they proceed through the printer. Sheets exiting a printer or other machine are rapidly accelerated along a circuitous path in the punching station, and then into position between the die plates of a linearly actuated die. The sheet is stopped and punched, and then rapidly accelerated out of the punch to exit the punching station. Each sheet is accelerated to a speed that is typically greater than the speed of the sheet as it exits the printer. Die sets having different pin sizes and configurations are interchangeable within the punching station in order to permit rapid die changes, and the die pins are preferably made of powdered metal to yield low cost die sets.
Abstract:
A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber's site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. The program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider's discretion, for example, using newly-available selections. Display generation circuitry is preferably implemented, enabling the viewer to review selections to be downloaded, those selections available for immediate replay, remaining account balance, and other features, including “parental lockout” and so forth.