Abstract: A system for background image subtraction includes a computing device coupled with a 3D video camera, a processor of the device programmed to receive a video feed from the camera containing images of one or more subject that include depth information. The processor, for an image: segments pixels and corresponding depth information into three different regions including foreground (FG), background (BG), and unclear (UC); categorizes UC pixels as FG or BG using a function that considers the color and background history (BGH) information associated with the UC pixels and the color and BGH information associated with pixels near the UC pixels; examines the pixels marked as FG and applies temporal and spatial filters to smooth boundaries of the FG regions; constructs a new image by overlaying the FG regions on top of a new background; displays a video feed of the new image in a display device; and continually maintains the BGH.

Abstract: A method of making solid beads is disclosed, said method comprising: (i) providing a microfluidic device comprising a carrier fluid conduit and a functional fluid conduit which meet at a junction region; (ii) providing a laminar flow of a functional fluid comprising a solvent and a solute along the functional fluid conduit and providing a laminar flow of a carrier fluid along the carrier fluid conduit so as to form droplets of functional fluid in a flow of carrier fluid; (iii) cooling the segments of functional fluid in a conduit of the microfluidic device to form cooled (preferably frozen) droplets; and (iv) providing a liquid into intimate admixture with the cooled droplets so as to cause said solvent to exit said cooled droplets, thus forming solid beads. A microfluidic device for use in such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to palladium compounds and their use as catalysts for improved catalytic processes. Specifically there is disclosed an improved catalytic carbonylation process and improved carbonylation catalysts. Catalysts in dimer form are also disclosed, as is their catalytic activity and methods of making the compounds.

Abstract: A cleaning station for removing particulate material from a moving web in an electrographic printer/copier includes a customer-replaceable web-cleaner device with a support bracket/backup shoe assembly. A quick disconnect feature enables the cleaner cover to be de-coupled from the cleaner body to allow the debris to be easily removed with replacing the web-cleaner. The cleaner has a cleaner sump that is spring loaded to force contact of four strategically placed stops in the sump with a stationary back up shoe assembly allowing for higher precision of blade engagement with a transport web or a photoconductor. The web-cleaner has two wiper blades that are locked into the cleaner sump by springs, to facilitate dumping of material removed from the web without removing the cleaning blades.

Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism. The first camera unit is configured to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes, of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed by the first camera unit. A laser unit may be provided to create unique holes in the pellet-shaped articles, e.g., those by a larger exposed surface to improve time-release characteristics of the pellet-shaped articles.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of mounting a component to the skin of an aircraft. The component can include a drain valve, a gas cap, other external fuel instrumentation such as sensors, and antennae. One aspect of the invention includes a new method of mounting a drain valve to an aircraft fuel tank. The drain valve in the method includes any conventional drain valve having a stem and a flange that surrounds the stem. The method includes applying a material around a drain opening of the fuel tank; the material directs an electric charge away from the drain valve.

Abstract: A charging mechanism for an electrophotographic reproduction system has a charger cartridge inserted into a charger sleeve. The charger cartridge has multiple facets, each with a corona charger. The charger cartridge is positioned in the charger sleeve to have the corona charger of one facet adjacent to a photoconductor in the electrophotographic reproduction system. The charger cartridge may be repositioned in the charger sleeve to have another corona charger from another facet adjacent to the photoconductor.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of mounting a component to the skin of an aircraft. The component can include a drain valve, a gas cap, other external fuel instrumentation such as sensors, and antennae. One aspect of the invention includes a new method of mounting a drain valve to an aircraft fuel tank. The drain valve in the method includes any conventional drain valve having a stem and a flange that surrounds the stem. The method includes applying a material around a drain opening of the fuel tank; the material directs an electric charge away from the drain valve.

Abstract: The automatically controlled pump includes a battery-powered motor with a housing, a pump in a housing with input and output ports. A switch turns ON and OFF the motor due to fluid pressure at the output. Sometimes, the pump housing is below the motor housing and below the battery housing. The input port is beneath the impeller and the output port. A version also includes a manual ON and OFF switch actuated by an operator and a check valve limiting upstream flow of the pressurized fluid. The fluid pressure sensitive switch is mounted downstream of the check valve. An irrigation surgical kit includes the automatically controlled pump, a spike for a fluid source bag, fluid lines and an operator controlled valve unit disposed at or near the surgical site. The method monitors fluid pressure at or near the pump's output and turns ON and OFF the motor.

Abstract: The automatically controlled pump includes a battery-powered motor with a housing, a pump in a housing with input and output ports. A switch turns ON and OFF the motor due to fluid pressure at the output. Sometimes, the pump housing is below the motor housing and below the battery housing. The input port is beneath the impeller and the output port. A version also includes a manual ON and OFF switch actuated by an operator and a check valve limiting upstream flow of the pressurized fluid. The fluid pressure sensitive switch is mounted downstream of the check valve. An irrigation surgical kit includes the automatically controlled pump, a spike for a fluid source bag, fluid lines and an operator controlled valve unit disposed at or near the surgical site. The method monitors fluid pressure at or near the pump's output and turns ON and OFF the motor.

Abstract: The automatically controlled pump includes a battery-powered motor with a housing, a pump in a housing with input and output ports. A switch turns ON and OFF the motor due to fluid pressure at the output, Sometimes, the pump housing is below the motor housing and below the battery housing. The input port is beneath the impeller and the output port. A version also includes a manual ON aid OFF switch actuated by an operator and a check valve limiting upstream flow of the pressurized fluid. The fluid pressure sensitive switch is mounted downstream of the check valve. An irrigation surgical kit includes the automatically controlled pump, a spike for a fluid source bag, fluid lines and an operator controlled valve unit disposed at or near the surgical site. The method monitors fluid pressure at or near the pump's output and turns ON and OFF the motor.

Abstract: A heat sink for heat-generating electronic packages wherein the multiple heat-generating circuit packages are mounted on at least one surface of a heat sink and wherein the covers for the heat sink have protrusions thereon which, when the covers are in the closed position, engage the heat-generating circuit packages and hold them in heat transfer relationship with the heat sink.

Abstract: A circuit in which, when loudspeakers are being used by themselves, the equalization to the loudspeakers is optimized for full range operation and only the intended filters for full range operation are inserted into the circuit path. When a subwoofer is added to the system to handle low frequencies, the subwoofer mating connector is inserted into a connector jack to receive the audio signals and simultaneously inserts high pass filters into the circuit for the speakers so they operate in the mid range and high frequency range where they are better suited. The subwoofer handles and reproduces the low frequencies. The result is louder and clearer satellite speakers that exhibit a much lower tendency to clip the signals from the amplifier driving them.