Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for determining a font substitution hierarchy using unsupervised clustering techniques are provided. A font substitution hierarchy may be determined by identifying a plurality of font request files associated with web-based application documents. Determining an association between a plurality of font requests within the plurality of font request files based on a clustering analysis, and determining a font substitution hierarchy for an individual font request based on the association.

Abstract: An entertainment device comprises skeletal modelling means to control placements of a three dimensional mesh representing some or all of a user avatar in response to the position of one or more skeletal components of the user avatar, skeleton modification means to modify one or more physical properties of one or more skeletal components of the user avatar via a user interface, and rendering means to render the user avatar responsive to the modified user avatar skeleton.

Abstract: In a vehicle alignment system an optical sensing mechanism is structurally coupled to a vehicle supporting lift for movement in unison with the lift so that the field of view of the sensing mechanism encompasses a wheel of a vehicle positioned on the lift during lift movement. Sensing modules may be selectively placed so that they are in correspondence with the vehicle wheel base. Modules may be deployed to extend outwardly from the lift, for viewing the wheel during an alignment procedure, or retract to a adjacent the lift for stowing. A protective cover extends above the sensing modules in the retracted position.

Abstract: A trailer jack system includes an electric linear actuator having an electric motor, a source of electric power, and a controller that supplies a first voltage to the electric motor when the electric linear actuator is loaded and a second voltage to the electric motor when the electric linear actuator is unloaded. The electric linear actuator also includes a cylindrically shaped housing, a leg coaxially extending and retracting from the housing, and a support foot at a free end of the leg. The controller supplies the first voltage to the electric motor when a motor current of the electric motor is below a predetermined threshold value and supplies the second voltage to the electric motor when the motor current is above the predetermined threshold value. Preferably, the first voltage is about 24 volts and the second voltage is about 12 volts.

Abstract: A vehicle diagnostic system includes a computing device configured to perform a diagnostic function and to generate a result for the diagnostic function and a display coupled to the computing device configured to display the result is provided. The display uses a non-CRT-based display technology, such as a plasma display panel (PDP).

Abstract: In a machine vision system utilizing computer processing of image data, an imaging module incorporates the image sensor as well as pre-processing circuitry, for example, for performing a background subtraction and/or a gradient calculation. The pre-processing circuitry may also compress the image information. The host computer receives the pre-processed image data and performs all other calculations necessary to complete the machine vision application, for example, to determine one or more wheel alignment parameters of a subject vehicle. In a disclosed example useful for wheel alignment, the module also includes illumination elements, and the module circuitry provides associated camera control. The background subtraction, gradient calculation and associated compression require simpler, less expensive circuitry than for typical image pre-processing boards.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting a vehicle service comprises the steps of receiving signals representative of vehicle parameters, accessing data and/or software necessary for performing the vehicle service from at least one remote computer over a data transmission network, and performing signal processing related to the vehicle service based on the signals representative of the vehicle parameters and the accessed data and/or software. Since the data and/or software necessary for conducting the vehicle diagnostic analysis is distributed in different systems that are connected via a data communication network, an automotive service system can minimize the size of software stored locally and can access most of the information and/or algorithm required for conducting the vehicle diagnostic analysis from a remote system.

Abstract: The invalid hoist comprises a mobile chassis 10, a lifting column 11 upstanding from the chassis and a lifting arm 12 supported by the lifting column. The chassis comprises a main portion 13 extending transversely of the hoist and two side members 14 which are movable between a first in-use position in which they project forwardly from the main portion, and a second storage position in which they extend parallel or substantially parallel to the lifting column. Side members 14 are also pivotable about a vertical axis, allowing them to spread away from one another at their forward ends. Releasable means 22 may be provided for holding the lifting arm in an operative position and for releasing the lifting arm to allow it to pivot into a storage position alongside the lifting column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustion chamber in a rocket propulsion system comprising a combustion enclosure and a nozzle for ejection of the gases produced in the combustion enclosure, the divergent portion of the nozzle comprises an outer divergent portion connected to the throat of the nozzle and at least one inner divergent portion of which the exit section is smaller than that of the outer divergent portion and which is fitted in the outer divergent portion and connected thereto by connecting means associated with means for selectively destroying said connecting means to allow automatic separation and ejection of the inner divergent portion at a predetermined instant of functioning of the combustion chamber corresponding to a predetermined altitude of the rocket propulsion system.