Abstract: The present subject matter relates to article carriers and related methods for use in grading apparatus and in particular, but not exclusively, for use in grading fruit. The present subject matter provides an article carrying apparatus comprising a plurality of carrier lanes each for receiving and conveying a number of articles; one or more diverters arranged to control the distribution of received articles into the lanes; a sensor arranged to determine a capacity use parameter for each lane; and a controller arranged to control the position of each diverter dependent on the determined capacity use parameters.

Abstract: A physically-discrete sign component comprises an internally-electrically-illuminated alphabetic character having a front-facing profile and at least one connecting bar disposed at least substantially horizontally with respect to the front-facing profile of the alphabetic character and at least partially within the front-facing profile of that alphabetic character. By one approach the physically-discrete sign component includes two of the connecting bars. If desired, these two connecting bars are disposed at least substantially parallel to one another. By one approach, a first one of the connecting bars extends partially, but not wholly, above an upper periphery of the aforementioned front-facing profile while the second connecting bar extends partially, but not wholly, below a lower periphery of the front-facing profile. The connecting bars can include a connecting-bar interface configured to physically and electrically interconnect to an adjacent sign component.

Abstract: A physically-discrete sign component comprises an internally-electrically-illuminated alphabetic character having a front-facing profile and at least one connecting bar disposed at least substantially horizontally with respect to the front-facing profile of the alphabetic character and at least partially within the front-facing profile of that alphabetic character. By one approach the physically-discrete sign component includes two of the connecting bars. If desired, these two connecting bars are disposed at least substantially parallel to one another. By one approach, a first one of the connecting bars extends partially, but not wholly, above an upper periphery of the aforementioned front-facing profile while the second connecting bar extends partially, but not wholly, below a lower periphery of the front-facing profile. The connecting bars can include a connecting-bar interface configured to physically and electrically interconnect to an adjacent sign component.

Abstract: Non soil-invasive four-parameter rapid unnatural dual component selective illumination protocol (UDCIP) for plant eradication using a process time under one minute. Application of a relatively low level of non-mutating UV-A optical energy to root crowns and/or soil grades allows below-ground UV-A penetration into soil to illuminate root crowns, and when preceded by or coincident with an above ground near-IR defoliation and root crown illumination step, results in an unexpected rise in lethality. Very high lethality, including 100 percent, is obtained using low deposited energy. UV-A optical energy can be delivered to root crowns and adjacent soil via a UV-transmissive knive blade.

Abstract: A physically-discrete sign component comprises an internally-electrically-illuminated alphabetic character having a front-facing profile and at least one connecting bar disposed at least substantially horizontally with respect to the front-facing profile of the alphabetic character and at least partially within the front-facing profile of that alphabetic character. By one approach the physically-discrete sign component includes two of the connecting bars. If desired, these two connecting bars are disposed at least substantially parallel to one another. By one approach, a first one of the connecting bars extends partially, but not wholly, above an upper periphery of the aforementioned front-facing profile while the second connecting bar extends partially, but not wholly, below a lower periphery of the front-facing profile. The connecting bars can include a connecting-bar interface configured to physically and electrically interconnect to an adjacent sign component.

Abstract: A device for detecting infrared radiation emanating from a subject while not in physical contact with the subject is disclosed. The device includes a handle, a yoke having at least two yoke arms, which define a well there-between, and an infrared radiation sensor. The infrared radiation sensor is located in the well and oriented to receive the infrared radiation.

Abstract: A method for managing read and write data congestion in a system for executing write and read data commands and having a buffer pool of blocks for temporarily storing read and write data is disclosed. Management of the buffer pool and the initiation of read and write commands ensures that free blocks are available to temporarily store read data arriving at a host bus adapter (HBA). If the currently available blocks would be substantially consumed by the total outstanding inbound read data requested, no more write data commands will be initiated. As inbound read data is received into the buffer pool and subsequently transferred out of the buffer pool to the initiator device, the blocks in the buffer pool are freed up. When the read data transfer is completed and sufficient buffer resources have been freed up, read and write data commands may resume.

Abstract: Remotely sensed spectral image data are used to develop a Vegetation Index file which represents spatial variations of actual crop vigor throughout an area that is under cultivation. The latter information is processed to place it in a format that can be used by personnel to correlate and calibrate it with actually observed crop conditions existing at control points within the area. Based on the results, personnel formulate a prescription request, which is forwarded to a central processing site, where the prescription is prepared. The latter is returned to a mobile application means that directly applies inputs to the field at a spatially variable rate.

Abstract: Remotely sensed spectral image data are used to develop a Vegetation Index file which represents spatial variations of actual crop vigor throughout an area that is under cultivation. The latter information is processed to place it in a format that can be used by personnel to correlate and calibrate it with actually observed crop conditions existing at control points within the area. Based on the results, personnel formulate a prescription request, which is forwarded to a central processing site, where the prescription is prepared. The latter is returned to a mobile application means that directly applies inputs to the field at a spatially variable rate.

Abstract: A method for managing read and write data congestion in a system for executing write and read data commands and having a buffer pool of blocks for temporarily storing read and write data is disclosed. Management of the buffer pool and the initiation of read and write commands ensures that free blocks are available to temporarily store read data arriving at a host bus adapter (HBA). If the currently available blocks would be substantially consumed by the total outstanding inbound read data requested, no more write data commands will be initiated. As inbound read data is received into the buffer pool and subsequently transferred out of the buffer pool to the initiator device, the blocks in the buffer pool are freed up. When the read data transfer is completed and sufficient buffer resources have been freed up, read and write data commands may resume.

Abstract: A method and system for avoiding data loss in communications systems. The method and system achieve their objects via communications equipment adapted to do the following: designate a first data-producing system controlled by a first clock; designate a second data-producing system controlled by a second clock; record a timing mismatch between the first clock and the second clock; and dynamically adjust data flow between the first and the second system in response to the recorded timing mismatch.

Abstract: A method of producing a fluid absorbent web for the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles is provided, such as diapers, underpads, sanitary napkins or similar articles. The method includes the step of forming a uniform moving web of fiberized wood pulp having a central zone, applying hydrocolloid polymer particles onto the surface of the central zone, and distributing the applied particles into the body of the moving web by air pressure means. Apparatus for producing such articles is also provided featuring means for incorporating absorbent polymer particles within a central zone of a moving web of the matrix.