Abstract: A flexible music instrument case uses an interchangeable lid system to allow different types of lids to be attached to a main body depending on the particular needs of the user. The main body of the music case has an internal chamber configured to closely contain and protect the musical instrument or instruments, depending on the particular instruments being carried. The main body is somewhat structured to maintain a container shape, and may include various levels of rigidity. In addition, the main body further has at least one attachment mechanism attached to a portion thereof, to allow an interchangeable lid to be removably attached to the main body. The interchangeable lid has a similar attachment mechanism attached thereto to allow for the removable attachment of various lid elements.

Abstract: A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action.

Abstract: A device for cooking tortilla shells evenly and to create a U-shape for tacos or bowl-shape for tostadas. For tacos, the device has one shaping member with a top, a bottom, a plurality of vertically disposed peaks from bottom to top, and a plurality of valleys adjacent to each of the peaks. A plurality of apertures are on each of the peaks the purpose of which is to allow full circulation of microwaves on the seated surface of a tortilla shell placed on this shaping member. A two-piece cooking device has two similarly configured rounded shaping members each with a flat top and a downward extending side wall. The top and side walls have a plurality of apertures. A tortilla is placed in between the two shaping members and heated in a microwave oven. Such cooking causes the tortilla shell to retain the bowl-like shape of the two shaping members.

Abstract: A collapsible projection backwall system utilizes a short throw projector and a collapsible framework to create a display usable in a small amount of space. The framework is specifically configured to support and appropriately position a flexible screen member so that distortion is avoided. This is particularly significant in situations where a relatively large screen is utilized, which creates the need to maintain appropriate tension upon the flexible screen member. The framework is specifically configured to be slightly canted when in its extended configuration to thereby introduce natural tension forces which will cooperate with the screen fabric to maintain the necessary configuration for the screen. This canted configuration is achieved by configuring a set of corner hinge assemblies and any central hinged assemblies to maintain this natural cant. By maintaining the desired forces on the display screen fabric a more efficient and functional display screen is created.

Abstract: A trailer tandem wheel suspension system comprising a pair of suspension units (3) for mounting on either side of a chassis (4) of a trailer (1) to support a pair of wheels 2?, 2? and arranged to respond both to small and large deflections of the wheels 2?, 2?. Each suspension unit (3) has a primary spring element (12) and a secondary spring element (13) linked to the primary spring element (12) so that the primary and secondary spring elements (12, 13) are effective over different ranges of movement of the wheels 2?, 2?. The primary spring element (12) is a leaf spring responsive to small movements of the wheels 2?, 2? and the secondary spring element (13) includes a compression spring (18) linked to the leaf spring and responsive to larger movements of the wheels 2?, 2?.

Abstract: A coupling system and method for removably mounting filters to a photographic camera lens. The coupling system includes a lens coupling element and filter coupling element. The lens coupling element has a magnetically attractive projecting ring that is telescopically received by and magnetically coupled within the annular body of the filter coupling element. The forward end of the annular body operably supporting a filter material.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an electro-optical imaging system that includes an image selection assembly that receives images along a movable optical axis and provides the images to a sensor disposed on a fixed optical axis. The movable axis is movable with respect to the fixed axis. The disclosure is also directed to a method for use with the imaging system. The method includes: positioning the movable optical axis at a selected first position to obtain a first image; sampling the first image with the sensor; repeatedly positioning the movable optical axis at another selected position to obtain another image, and sampling the another image until a number of at least two or more images are sampled; and assembling the sampled images into a final image.

Abstract: To achieve secure optical communications, a messaging encoding scheme is utilized in which optical communication signals are encoded based upon a known unique code. This encoding methodology allows for the broad transmission across an optical network which will include intended destination. Only the intended destination or destinations will include the necessary unique codes to allow recognition and decoding of the optically encoded message. By providing security in this optical encoding manner, the need for additional message overhead and/or additional systems is thus avoided, thereby providing efficient communication in a secure manner.