Abstract: A computer-based method of determining a thermal exposure of a product disposed within a shipping container to determine whether a conditioned environment is required for shipping. A shipping route is defined from a first geographic location to a second geographic location. The thermal characteristics of the shipping container are provided, as is a historical weather database. Ambient temperatures, cloud cover and humidity from the historical weather database are retrieved which correspond to the shipping route. A system of mathematical equations are generated to correspond the retrieved ambient temperature to an ambient temperature within the shipping container and to the product temperature. The corresponding product temperature is compared to a thermal exposure profile for the product to determine if the corresponding product temperature is within the thermal exposure profile.

Abstract: An optical probe apparatus for determining a position of an image sensor in a digital camera relative to a reference surface on the digital camera. The optical probe assembly includes a probe mounting surface adapted to be removably mountable to the digital camera and lockable in a predetermined orientation relative to the reference surface of the digital camera; an angle cleaved optical fiber emitting a beam of light; a lens disposed in the path of the beam of light and directing the beam of light along an axis normal to a plane of the lens toward the object; and a mounting member supporting the optical fiber such that the beam of light is directed along an axis normal to the plane of the lens and directed to the center of the lens. An optically transparent material (such as a pellicle or glass plate) is disposed intermediate the probe mounting surface and image sensor.

Abstract: A card connector (30) having a guide portion (40) to ease loading/unloading of a memory card (14). The card connector (30) includes a substantially rectangular slot (38) defined by a top edge (32), a pair of side edges (34), and a bottom margin (36). The guide portion (40) is disposed adjacent the slot (38) and has a bottom wall (42) and a pair of side walls (44). A first tapered feature (50), disposed on the bottom wall (42), is directed from a leading edge (52) of the bottom wall (42) toward the bottom margin (36) of the slot (38). Each of the side walls (44) has a second tapered feature (60) directed from a leading edge (62) of the side wall (44) toward one of the pair of side edges of the slot (38). The guide portion (40) will prevent stubbing of the memory card (14) against edges of the card connector (30) slot (38) and may be retro-fit onto an existing card connector assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and a method of, simultaneously measuring the concentration of a selected ion species in a solution and the pH of the solution, uses an ion selective electrode, a reference electrode and an ISFET immersed in the solution. The ion concentration is determined in a first circuit from the potential difference between the ion selective electrode and the reference electrode, and the pH is determined in a second circuit from the current flowing between the ISFET and the reference electrode. The reference electrode is connected into the second circuit via a high resistance so as to isolate the two circuits from each other. The earth potential of the solution is connected to provide the earth potential of the first circuit, and is connected to the second circuit via a high capacitance so as to provide a virtual earth thereforee. Each circuit is supplied from a separate power source, and the circuit outputs are supplied via respective isolation amplifiers to a multi-channel meter.

Abstract: The signaling device for rooms with mesopic lighting comprises: a light-tight fixing box that has a base and lateral walls practically perpendicular to the base; a light source located inside the box; and a light opaque information panel closing the upper part of the box and extending between the lateral walls. The information panel comprises a symbol which is presented in the form of slots whose width is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm to enable the light to escape from the box in diffuse form and whose luminance is between 0.02 cd/m2 and 0.5 cd/m2. Advantageously, the light source emits radiation centered on 590 nm.

Abstract: The blank produces a cardboard pack having a display card provided with a hooking aperture and a case provided with a body whose general shape is a rectangular parallelogram provided with two openings closed by flaps. According to the invention, the display card is provided with a fixing flap extending beyond the periphery of the card and intended to be fixed with at least one of the flaps intended to close the opening in order to increase the linking between the case and the hooking tab when the case formed on the hooking tab is closed.

Abstract: A method for measuring a physical distance in a camera between a first reference surface on the camera and a second reference surface on the camera wherein the first reference surface is substantially parallel to the second reference surface. An optical probe assembly is used in the method and includes a housing removably lockable to the camera in a predetermined orientation relative to the first reference surface. The method includes the steps of determining a distance LP from the first reference surface to an optically transparent material disposed intermediate the first and second reference surfaces. An optical probe assembly is removably mounted to the camera, and an optically flat plate is mounted at the second reference surface. Non-coherent light interferometry is used to determine a distance PF between the optically transparent material and the second reference surface. The distances of LP and PF are used to determine a distance between the first reference surface and the second reference surface.

Abstract: A photographic film roll. The roll includes a length of photosensitive web material wound about a spool and a light-shielding member wound about the length of photosensitive web material. The light-shielding member includes a transverse fold line spaced from one end of the light-shielding member defining a tongue portion. Applied on an exterior side of the tongue portion is an adhesive. The adhesive tongue portion is bondable to an exterior side of an underlying convolution of the light-shielding member when the light-shielding member is wound about the length of photosensitive web material.

Abstract: An electro-optical apparatus particularly suitable for exposing a sample of light sensitive material to provide a graded series of exposures of different intensity levels. The apparatus includes a light source, beam shaping optics, and a rotatable polarizer. The light source provides a Gaussian beam of light directed along an optical axis. The beam shaping optics are disposed in the optical path and are adapted to expand the Gaussian beam of light into an elongated beam of light and to project the elongated beam of light along the optical axis toward a sample. The rotatable polarizer, disposed in the optical path intermediate the light source and the beam shaping optics, is rotated to vary the intensity level of the beam of light.

Abstract: An indicator on a film cartridge to indicate whether a film cartridge has been used in a photographic camera. The film cartridge includes a spool having an elongate coaxial hole open at one end. An indicator, disposed within the coaxial hole, is deformable from a first state to a second state in response to the film cartridge being received by a plunger in the photographic camera; the second state being visually different than the first state. The indicator has a continuous, non-punctured, non-fractured configuration when in both the first and second states.

Abstract: A rank filter suitable for use in real-time signal processing and image processing applications, for example, for improving an image. The rank filter can be implemented in software or hardware, employed in single- and multi-dimensions, and within any specified window. A link-list algorithm is combined with a memory array for storing and ordering the data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the end cap round transducer horn assemblies used in debubbling operations wherein the ECR THA can be evaluated off-line at both high and low power and on-line by making electrical measurements on the ECR THA. The electrical measurements are used to characterize the physical condition of the piezoelectric ceramics of the THA. A test box is employed to practice the method. The test box is connected between the THA and a signal analyzer. Power is supplied to the THA and the electrical signals across the THA are sampled. The sampled electrical signals are transmitted to the signal analyzer while maintaining the amplitude and phase relationship thereof. The sampled electrical signals are used to generate an impedance trace for the particular THA. That impedance trace is compared to a model impedance trace. In such manner, it can be determined whether the ECR THA is operational.

Abstract: A digital medical imaging unit normally comprises: a station 10 for capturing information relating to a patient ID, a scanner 20 associated with a device 16, 18, 19 for capturing information relating to the medical examination to be processed for scanning first medical image media, an editing station 30 designed to send the digital images to be edited to a printer 50. The unit comprises an editing controller 40 which receives, before the processing of a first medical image medium, information relating to the editing and records an item of chronological information on the capture of the data so as to order chronologically the images delivered by the scanner in order to associate with each other the images of a series to be edited on one and the same page of the editing medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the relative differential length of a sample of a web or sheet material. The apparatus includes a substantially flat surface adapted to support the sample. Air is removed between the sample and the substantially flat surface to position the sample in an unrestrained state. A translation member translates a plurality of non-contact sensors in a first direction along the length of the sample, whereby the plurality of non-contact sensors sense the distance from a reference plane to the sample and generate a signal representative of the distance sensed. A data collection system collects the generated signals and determines a relative differential length of the sample from the generated signals.

Abstract: The special effects filter for camera comprises a transparent support sliding on the camera body between at least two positions. The support is fitted with at least one zone capable of covering the lens and the viewfinder of the camera so that practically identical light transmission characteristics are respectively registered with the lens and the viewfinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the end cap round transducer horn assemblies used in debubbling operations wherein the ECR THA can be evaluated off-line at both high and low power and on-line by making electrical measurements on the ECR THA. The electrical measurements are used to characterize the physical condition of the piezoelectric ceramics of the THA. A test box is employed to practice the method. The test box is connected between the THA and a signal analyzer. Power is supplied to the THA and the electrical signals across the THA are sampled. The sampled electrical signals are transmitted to the signal analyzer while maintaining the amplitude and phase relationship thereof. The sampled electrical signals are used to generate an impedance trace for the particular THA. That impedance trace is compared to a model impedance trace. In such manner, it can be determined whether the ECR THA is operational.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus and method for determining the traction and coefficient of friction of a material on a roller. First and second rollers transport the material. Encoders are coupled to each roller, and a motor is coupled to one of the rollers. The motor applies a forward and reverse torque to the first roller, wherein the material slips relative to the roller. A computer coupled to the encoders calculates the traction and coefficient of friction.

Abstract: Ceramic guide rails for guiding photographic film into a perforating machine are disclosed. The ceramic includes zirconium oxide and yttria in a molar ratio of yttria to zirconium oxide of from about 3:97 to about 5:95. The zirconium oxide is essentially the tetragonal phase crystal grain. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention the outer surface of the zirconium oxide is altered to the cubic phase crystal grain or the monoclinic crystal grain.

Abstract: A carrier 1 for a package of box-like items 6. An upper portion includes a carry handle and a lower portion 4 forming a surround around the box-like items which releasably engages the package.

Abstract: A method used for rounding the corners of a pile of sheets. Air is injected between the sheets in the pile to create a lubricating fluid film between the sheets; at least one of the corners of the pile is placed in abutment against two reference surfaces formed facing at least one corner of the pile, and the four cutting devices corresponding to each corner are actuated.