Abstract: A system for detecting a vehicle occupancy violation includes an image capture module that acquires an image including a vehicle cabin from a camera positioned to view oncoming traffic. The system includes a violation determination device, which includes a feature extraction module that processes the image pixels for determining an image descriptor. The process is selected from a group consisting of a Successive Mean Quantization Transform; a Scale-Invariant Feature Transform; a Histogram of Gradients; a Bag-of-Visual-Words Representation; a Fisher Vector Representation; and, a combination of the above. The system further includes a classifier that determines a distance that the vehicle image descriptor/representation is positioned in the projected feature space relative to a hyper-plane. The classifier determines whether the distance meets a threshold and classifies the image when the threshold is met. A processor implements the modules. A graphic user interface outputs the classification.

Abstract: A method for segmenting an image includes extracting unary potentials for pixels of the input image. These can be based for each of a set of possible labels, on information for a first channel in the image, such as in the visible range of the spectrum. Pairwise potentials are extracted for neighboring pairs of pixels of the image. These can be based on information for a second channel in the image, such as in the infrared range of the spectrum. An objective function is optimized over pixels of the input image to identify labels for the pixels. The objective function is based on a combination of ones of the extracted unary and pairwise potentials. The image is then segmented, based on the identified pixel labels. The method and system can provide an improvement in segmentation over methods which use only the visible information.

Abstract: Mattress and foundation assemblies generally include a mattress; and a mattress foundation for supporting the mattress, the mattress foundation including a frame configured to elevate the mattress relative to ground; and upper and lower flexible mesh suspension layers spaced apart from one another, each independently supported by a plurality of carriers at discrete points about the surface of the suspension layers, wherein the carriers are pivotably coupled to the frame.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: A foldable mattress includes plunger matrix sections and corresponding flexible connectors connecting the plunger matrix sections in side-by-side relation. The flexible connectors are configured to allow the foldable mattress to fold to adjust in shape corresponding to changes in shape of a mechanically adjustable frame supporting the foldable mattress. The foldable mattress may include a foldable edge frame configured to snugly receive and house the plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation. The edge frame defines a flange on an internal surface of the edge frame configured to support the plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation in a position allowing the plungers to move up and down within an internal space defined by the edge frame. A top pad lays on top of the edge frame and the plunger matrix sections. A cover encapsulates the edge frame, the plunger matrix, and the top pad into a self-contained mattress unit.

Abstract: A plunger matrix mattress includes a number of independently movable foam padded plungers that form an array of independently movable points of support. This type of mattress significantly improves body contouring over conventional coil spring mattress designs. The plunger matrix mattress also allows substantial airflow through the mattress improving over conventional foam mattress designs. Different plungers may have different spring and dampening characteristics to allow different plungers and plunger zones of the mattress to exhibit different firmness levels. Individual plungers may be removed and replaced independently, for example to replace the plunger with another plunger with a different spring characteristic, and make other types of adjustments and repairs.

Abstract: A modular mattress includes several plunger matrix sections that each have a respective plunger matrix support platform. The several sections are configured for side-to-side assembly to form the complete matrix for the mattress. A foldable edge frame snugly receives and houses the plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation. The edge frame also defines a flange on an internal surface of the edge frame that supports plunger matrix sections in side-to-side relation in a position allowing the plungers to move up and down within an internal space defined by the edge frame. A top pad lays on top of the edge frame and the plunger, while a cover configured encapsulates the edge frame, the plunger matrix, and the top pad into a self-contained mattress unit.

Abstract: A plunger for a matrix mattress includes a pin guide having a flange and a guide body extending from the flange. A pin slidably received within the pin guide includes a flange located above the flange of the pin guide and a shaft extending from the flange through the guide body. The flange of the pin carries a deformable head. A tension spring has a first end fixed to the guide body and a second end located below the guide body positioned to receive a bottom end of the pin shaft. The spring is configured to resiliently stretch with downward motion of the pin with respect to the pin guide. A dampening device captured around the shaft of the pin between the flange of the pin and the flange of the pin guide resiliently deforms with downward motion of the pin with respect to the pin guide.

Abstract: A modular sensor activated faucet assembly provides a spout that can be coupled and removed from its mounting base quickly and easily for installation and service. A water tight connection can be established between the mounting base and the spout without the use of tools or additional mechanical connections, thus allowing the spout to be installed by simply plugging into its base. A seamless spout construction defining a hollow interior bifurcated by integral internal wall structure provides a wet chamber between its mounting end and the outlet and a flow pipe inside the spout. The modular base provides a cooperating flow pipe. When the spout is mounted onto the base, the flow pipes are configured to nest together in close relation such that one or more seals can be disposed between the flow pipes to provide a water tight seal between the spout and base.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device includes a handle and a cleaning head supported on one end of the handle. A vibratory source is supported on the handle and is operative to generate vibratory output. A mounting element is disposed between the handle and the vibratory source. A connecting member extends between the vibratory source and the cleaning head, and is adapted to generate motion at the cleaning head in response to the vibratory output generated at the vibratory source.

Abstract: An image segmentation method includes generating a hierarchy of regions by unsupervised segmentation of an input image. Each region is described with a respective region feature vector representative of the region. Hierarchical structures are identified, each including a parent region and its respective child regions in the hierarchy. Each hierarchical structure is described with a respective hierarchical feature vector that is based on the region feature vectors of the respective parent and child regions. The hierarchical structures are classified according to a set of predefined classes with a hierarchical classifier component that is trained with hierarchical feature vectors of hierarchical structures of training images. The training images have semantic regions labeled according to the set of predefined classes. The input image is segmented into a plurality of semantic regions based on the classification of the hierarchical structures and optionally also on classification of the individual regions.

Abstract: A system for detecting a vehicle occupancy violation includes an image capture module that acquires an image including a vehicle cabin from a camera positioned to view oncoming traffic. The system includes a violation determination device, which includes a feature extraction module that processes the image pixels for determining an image descriptor. The process is selected from a group consisting of a Successive Mean Quantization Transform; a Scale-Invariant Feature Transform; a Histogram of Gradients; a Bag-of-Visual-Words Representation; a Fisher Vector Representation; and, a combination of the above. The system further includes a classifier that determines a distance that the vehicle image descriptor/representation is positioned in the projected feature space relative to a hyper-plane. The classifier determines whether the distance meets a threshold and classifies the image when the threshold is met. A processor implements the modules. A graphic user interface outputs the classification.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device includes a handle and a cleaning head supported on one end of the handle. A vibratory source is supported on the handle and is operative to generate vibratory output. A mounting element is disposed between the handle and the vibratory source. A connecting member extends between the vibratory source and the cleaning head, and is adapted to generate motion at the cleaning head in response to the vibratory output generated at the vibratory source.

Abstract: In response to determining that a target vehicle is at large, identification information associated with the target vehicle's license plate may be retrieved and used to generate one or more synthetic license plate images. The synthetic license plate images may be subjected to one or more transformation to cause them to resemble authentic license plate image captures and/or to mimic authentic license plate image captures from existing and operational ALPR system cameras. Target signatures may then be calculated from the synthetic license plate images. Upon capturing an authentic license plate image using an ALPR system camera, a signature of the authentic license plate image may be calculated. If a match is found between the signature of the authentic license plate image and a target signature, law enforcement may be alerted that the target vehicle was detected at the location of the ALPR system camera.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus for mounting to a retail gondola includes a case, a door hingedly connected with the case, a compressor disposed within the case, a condenser coil disposed within the case, an evaporator coil disposed within the case, and brackets connected with the case. The case includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a left wall, a right wall and a rear wall defining a forward opening and a storage compartment for storing retail items. The case further includes a heat-conductive inner wall and a heat-conductive outer wall. The door is moveable between a closed position for covering the forward opening and an open position for providing access to the storage compartment. The condenser coil is disposed adjacent the outer wall and is in fluid communication with the compressor. The evaporator is disposed adjacent the inner wall and is in fluid communication with the compressor. The brackets extend rearwardly from the case away from the rear wall for engaging an upright of a retail gondola.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: In response to determining that a target vehicle is at large, identification information associated with the target vehicle's license plate may be retrieved and used to generate one or more synthetic license plate images. The synthetic license plate images may be subjected to one or more transformation to cause them to resemble authentic license plate image captures and/or to mimic authentic license plate image captures from existing and operational ALPR system cameras. Target signatures may then be calculated from the synthetic license plate images. Upon capturing an authentic license plate image using an ALPR system camera, a signature of the authentic license plate image may be calculated. If a match is found between the signature of the authentic license plate image and a target signature, law enforcement may be alerted that the target vehicle was detected at the location of the ALPR system camera.