Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described to overcome the perception in viewed video or other presentations containing moving vehicles that the apparent rotation rate of their wheels is frequently inappropriate for the vehicle speeds, which is caused by the stroboscopic interaction between the wheel spokes and the rate at which the images are presented. A currently preferred embodiment operates off-line under human control on a previously recorded video, identifying the wheels and replacing them with suitably altered images which are perceived to rotate at rates appropriate to the vehicle speeds; or to suppress inappropriate perception of rotation. The apparatus and method results in a new recording of the original video in which the wheels appear to rotate at the correct rate for all vehicle speeds. Alternate embodiments implement a similar but automated process operating in near-real time for operating in-line on streaming videos; and variations achieving the same ends.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described to overcome the perception in viewed video or other presentations containing moving vehicles that the apparent rotation rate of their wheels is frequently inappropriate for the vehicle speeds, which is caused by the stroboscopic interaction between the wheel spokes and the rate at which the images are presented. A currently preferred embodiment operates off-line under human control on a previously recorded video, identifying the wheels and replacing them with suitably altered images which are perceived to rotate at rates appropriate to the vehicle speeds; or to suppress inappropriate perception of rotation. The apparatus and method results in a new recording of the original video in which the wheels appear to rotate at the correct rate for all vehicle speeds. Alternate embodiments implement a similar but automated process operating in near-real time for operating in-line on streaming videos; and variations achieving the same ends.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use on aquatic vessels for automatically retracting a docking line released from the vessel when undocking so that it is stored out of the water next to a fixed structure such as a piling, initiated with one simple manual operation; and extending the line when docking the vessel by engaging said line and attaching it to the vessel, also all with one simple manual operation. The means for generating the retraction forces acting on the docking line can be a spring-actuated reel mounted on the fixed structure, causing tension in a thin retrieving line attached to the docking line. Alternatively the forces can be generated by sets of weighted blocks and pulleys, or elastic cords. Use of the embodiments will avoid undocking stresses of using long boathooks to hang docking lines on pilings, and reaching them when docking; or throwing them.

Abstract: A system and method determines the shape of a surface that preferably is a deployed space-based adaptive flexible membrane antenna, using patterned projections, image capturing, and membrane shape processing for producing membrane shape data describing the contour of the surface of the membrane with the membrane shape data then preferably used as inputs for a feedback control actuation system for deforming the membrane to a desired shaped so as to maintain the three-dimensional shape of the membrane in the desired shape.

Abstract: A modular propulsion system includes an array of micromachined field effect electrostatic propulsion devices, each of which is an assembled micromachined device including an array of field effect electrostatic propulsion thrusters, a fuel container of propellant using passive plumbing, electronic power and command controls, with the array of devices disposed about and on a surface of a spacecraft for providing diverse propulsion needs.

Abstract: A system and method determines the shape of a surface that preferably is a deployed space-based adaptive flexible membrane antenna, using patterned projections, image capturing, and membrane shape processing for producing membrane shape data describing the contour of the surface of the membrane with the membrane shape data then preferably used as inputs for a feedback control actuation system for deforming the membrane to a desired shaped so as to maintain the three-dimensional shape of the membrane in the desired shape.

Abstract: A modular propulsion system includes an array of micromachined field effect electrostatic propulsion devices, each of which is an assembled micromachined device including an array of field effect electrostatic propulsion thrusters, a fuel container of propellant using passive plumbing, electronic power and command controls, with the array of devices disposed about and on a surface of a spacecraft for providing diverse propulsion needs.

Abstract: An adaptive reflector antenna includes an adaptive reflector and a mechanism for simultaneously effecting feed rotation and shape change for the adaptive reflector so as to maintain antenna performance with large scan angles while simultaneously reducing weight, complexity, and cost.

Abstract: An adaptive reflector antenna includes an adaptive reflector and a mechanism for simultaneously effecting feed rotation and shape change for the adaptive reflector so as to maintain antenna performance with large scan angles while simultaneously reducing weight, complexity, and cost.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for obtaining precisely registered, articulated castings of upper and lower dental impressions. The dental impressions are obtained through use of a dental tray. The tray has an upper and a lower section, each having a non-porous, bite-deformable central septum. Each tray section has a U-shaped peripheral wall. The tray sections are placed back-to-back so that the septums are in movable contact with each other. Means are provided to maintain the upper and lower tray sections in position with respect to each other once they have been adjusted. A cavity is formed in the upper or lower tray section, or both, adjacent to the anterior portion of the peripheral retaining wall. The cavity extends past the dividing septums to accommodate gross overbite and/or underbite conditions.

Abstract: An extraoral orthodontic appliance including a harness for mounting on the head and/or neck of a patient and connected to a conventional corrective tractive apparatus, such as a set of J-hooks, a face bow or a chin cup, by traction force devices (force modules) mounted on each side of the harness. The force modules incorporate force reels that are internally force-biased by inexpensive non-constant (cumulative) force, clock-type springs of large extension which can be adjusted to desired tractive force levels by winding and preset so as to apply a substantially constant tractive force during treatment periods, regardless of movement of the patient's head or jaw. Further, the force modules may include means to limit the extent to which the corrective tractive apparatus can be extended and retracted thereby protecting the patient from injury during placement and removal of the appliance or accidental uncontrolled retraction.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for obtaining precisely registered, articulated castings of upper and lower dental impressions. The dental impressions are obtained through use of a dental tray having a non-porous, bite-deformable central septum. The impression material for the upper dental impression is contained in the upper portion of the tray. The impression material for the lower dental impression is contained in the lower portion of the tray and is supported by a bottom cover which is removed subsequent to placement of the tray in the mouth. As the patient bites, the impression material in the upper and lower portions of the dental tray is molded to the contour of the teeth and gums in their proper relationship with the teeth closed. After the material has set, the tray containing registered upper and lower impressions is removed from the mouth and placed into a mold.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for obtaining precisely registered, articulated castings of upper and lower dental impressions. The dental impressions are obtained through use of a dental tray having a non-porous, bite-deformable central septum. The impression material for the upper dental impression is contained in the upper portion of the tray. The impression material for the lower dental impression is contained in the lower portion of the tray and is supported by a bottom cover which is removed subsequent to placement of the tray in the mouth. As the patient bites, the impression material in the upper and lower portions of the dental tray is molded to the contour of the teeth and gums in their proper relationship with the teeth closed. After the material has set, the tray containing registered upper and lower impressions is removed from the mouth and placed into a mold.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for obtaining precisely registered, articulated castings of upper and lower dental impressions. The dental impressions are obtained through use of a dental tray having a non-porous bite-deformable central septum. The impression material for the upper dental impression is contained in the upper portion of the tray. The impression material for the lower dental impression is contained in the lower portion of the tray and is supported by a bottom cover which is removed subsequent to placement of the tray in the mouth. As the patient bites, the impression material in the upper and lower portions of the dental tray is molded to the contour of the teeth and gums in their proper relationship with the teeth closed. After the material has set, the tray containing registered upper and lower impressions is removed from the mouth and placed into a mold.

Abstract: An adaptive reflector antenna includes an adaptive reflector and a mechanism for simultaneously effecting feed rotation and shape change for the adaptive reflector so as to maintain antenna performance with large scan angles while simultaneously reducing weight, complexity, and cost.