Abstract: A device for assisting a user to perform a transaction on a machine is described. The device receives data that specifies a transaction mode to use for processing an image and accesses a knowledge base to provide data to configure the device for the transaction mode, the data including data specific to the transaction mode. The device receives an image or images of a portion of a machine that the user will use to perform the transaction and processes the image or images to identify a pattern of controls on the machine and to detect the presence of a user-controlled pointing item over controls on the machine. The device announces to the user the name or function of the control closest to an end of the user-controlled pointing item.

Abstract: A portable reading device includes a computing device and a computer readable medium storing a computer program product to receive an image and select a section of the image to process. The product processes the section of the image with a first process and when the first process is finished processing the section of the image, process a result of the first process with a second process. While the second process is processing, repeats the first process on another section of the image.

Abstract: A portable reading machine that operates in several modes and performs image preprocessing to prior to optical character recognition. The portable reading machine receives a low resolution image and a high resolution image of a scene and processing the low resolution image to recognize a user-initiated gesture using a gesturing item that indicates a command from the user to the reading machine and the high resolution image to recognize text in the image of the scene, according to the command from the user to the machine.

Abstract: A reading machine that operates in various modes includes image correction processing is described. The reading machine operates in different modes that optimize performance for specific uses of the reading machine. The reading machine receives data that specifies a mode to use for processing an image. The reading machine accesses a knowledge base to provide data to the machine for the specified mode, with the data including specific target visual elements that are expected to be encountered in processing images for the specified mode. The reading machine captures one or several images and processes the one or several images to identify one or more of the target elements in the image using information obtained from the knowledge base.

Abstract: A reading machine includes an image input device including a lens and a polarizer disposed over the lens, a flash and a second polarizer disposed over the flash. The image input device also includes a computing device coupled to the image input device for capturing images, the computing device, including a processor to execute instructions and a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium, the computer program product comprising instructions for causing the processor to process the captured images to recognize features in the captured images.

Abstract: A method of operating a reading machine includes receiving an image and receiving an user-initiated command. The reading machine interprets the command to determine the portion of the image to process.

Abstract: A filter for removing contaminants from compressed gas is disclosed. The filter features an inverse flow regime wherein gas entering the filter first flows downwardly and then reverses direction before encountering any filter media. The filter has a connection head with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and oppositely disposed openings separated by a central partition. The openings are sealingly enclosed by elongated tubular housings which releasably attach to the head. The gas inlet communicates with one side of the partition and the outlet communicates with the opposite side. A plurality of individual filter elements are arranged on either side of the partition and filter out aerosol, vapor and particulate contaminants from the compressed gas. The filter elements are releasably mounted to the central partition and can be removed and replaced independently of one another.

Abstract: A moisture removal device for compressed gas lines and the like includes a connection head having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. An elongated housing having an internal cavity is attached to the connection head with the use of a clamp ring. The elongated tube and head are sealed to each other with the aid of O-rings preventing the escape of the compressed gases. Internal of the housing is a cartridge containing desiccant media for the removal of water vapor from a compressed gas. The cartridge is sealed and supported to the connection head with the use of a centrally threaded rod and O-rings located between the cartridge and the connection head. The external body of the desiccant cartridge is impermeable to gas and forces compressed gas from the inlet of the connection head to the bottom of the elongated housing.

Abstract: A moisture removal device for compressed air lines and the like includes a connection head having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. An elongated housing having an internal cavity is threaded to the connection head and sealed thereto with O-rings such that a central distribution tube is coupled to one of the inlet and the outlet and an open end of the housing is coupled to the other. The housing contains desiccant material for removing moisture from the gas, held captive in the housing by a retention screen across the open end. The distribution tube is impermeable between its end coupled to the connection head and one or more openings at the opposite end of the housing. The gas thus flows from the gas inlet through the entire bed of desiccant material and is discharged through the gas outlet in the connection head.

Abstract: An inverse flow depth filter assembly includes an elongated, generally elliptical housing with gas inlet and egress means, and a bottom drain. A filter cartridge is suspended from the housing top so that an annular channel is created between the housing and the cartridge. The cartridge has passages at the top, leading to the egress means and an open bottom. Air enters the housing and is channeled downward through the annular channel until it reaches the cartridge bottom, quiets the turns upwardly through the filter. Heat exchange apparatus cools the down-flowing air and promotes condensation of the water. The heat exchange apparatus can include a plurality of fins fixed to the exterior of the housing to promote heat exchange with the surrounding atmosphere. Heat exchange fins disposed internally at the annular channel promote heat exchange between the flowing air and the housing. The fins increase the contact surface area for better heat exchange with the outside air.

Abstract: An inverse flow depth filter assembly includes an elongated, generally elliptical housing with gas inlet and egress means and a bottom drain. A filter cartridge is suspended from the housing top so that an annular channel is created between the housing and the cartridge. The cartridge has a plugged top and an open bottom. Air enters the housing and is channeled downward through the annular channel until it reaches the cartridge bottom. Air then enters the cartridge bottom to flow in an upward vertical pattern through the filter element. The filtered air then passes through ports in the plug and exits the housing through the gas egress means.