Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are presented for performing data encoding involving encoding data bits according to an outer convolutional code to produce outer encoded bits, processing the outer encoded bits using an interleaver and a single parity check (SPC) module to produce intermediate bits, encoding the intermediate bits according to an inner convolutional code to produce inner encoded bits, processing the inner encoded bits using a puncture module to produce punctured bits, and combining the data bits and the punctured bits to produce encoded outputs. Methods, apparatuses, and systems are also presented for performing data decoding based on soft channel metrics derived from a channel using various iterative techniques.

Abstract: An appliance lift tool is provided which includes a cart having a frame includes a support platform having a horizontal orientation, a bottom frame, and a lift mechanism engaged between the support platform and the bottom frame to move the support platform toward and away from the bottom frame, while maintaining the support platform's horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for performing data encoding involving encoding data bits according to an outer convolutional code to produce outer encoded bits processing the outer encoded bits using an interleaver and a logical unit to produce intermediate bits, wherein the logical unit receives a first number of input bits and produces a second number of corresponding output bits, the second number being less than the first number, and wherein the logical unit takes each of the first number of input bits into account in producing the second number of output bits, encoding the intermediate bits according to an inner convolutional code to produce inner encoded bits, wherein the inner convolutional code is characterized by at least two states, and combining the data bits and the inner encoded bits to produce encoded outputs.

Abstract: An orientation system and method for corrective eye surgery includes a camera for performing a first image mapping of a patient's eye using a predetermined eye feature and software for processing the first image map to determine an edge location of the feature. A second image mapping of the eye is performed with the patient in a different position. The second image map is processed to locate the predetermined eye feature. Correlation of the mappings is used to calculate an orientational change of the eye between the two positions. This procedure may also be performed at different times during surgery to permit “real-time” data on orientational changes undergone by the eye to be collected. In both cases the data are used to calculate an adjustment to be applied to a corrective prescription for application by the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The review and Approval system of the present invention advantageously provides computer implemented access for a reviewer to digital content for the purpose of reviewing and approving the digital content. The system is capable of communication with an editing system, and automatically informing an editor of the reviewer's comments.

Abstract: An orientation system for corrective eye surgery includes a camera for performing a first image mapping of a patient's eye using a predetermined eye feature and software for processing the first image map to determine an edge location of the feature. A second image mapping of the eye is performed with the patient in a different position. The second image map is processed to locate the predetermined eye feature. Correlation of the mappings is used to calculate an orientational change of the eye between the two positions. The data are used to calculate an adjustment to be applied to a corrective prescription for application by the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An orientation system and method for corrective eye surgery includes a camera for performing a first image mapping of a patient's eye using a predetermined eye feature and software for processing the first image map to determine an edge location of the feature. A second image mapping of the eye is performed with the patient in a different position. The second image map is processed to locate the predetermined eye feature. Correlation of the mappings is used to calculate an orientational change of the eye between the two positions. This procedure may also be performed at different times during surgery to permit “real-time” data on orientational changes undergone by the eye to be collected. In both cases the data are used to calculate an adjustment to be applied to a corrective prescription for application by the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An orientation system for corrective eye surgery includes a camera for performing a first image mapping of a patient's eye using a predetermined eye feature and software for processing the first image map to determine an edge location of the feature. A second image mapping of the eye is performed with the patient in a different position. The second image map is processed to locate the predetermined eye feature. Correlation of the mappings is used to calculate an orientational change of the eye between the two positions. The data are used to calculate an adjustment to be applied to a corrective prescription for application by the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method of processing a porous ceramic preform is disclosed comprising: partially infiltrating interconnected pores of a ceramic preform with an organic fluid, converting the organic fluid on pore surfaces of preform to a carbon film, and injecting silicon into the pores with the carbon film of the preform.

Abstract: An orientation system for corrective eye surgery includes a camera for performing a first image mapping a patient's eye using a predetermined eye feature and software for processing the first image map to determine an edge location of the feature. A second image mapping is performed with the patient in a different position. The second image map is processed to locate the feature. In a second embodiment a pen is used to make two alignment marks on the eye. The eye is imaged with the patient in another position, and the image displayed. Software superimposes a graphical reticle onto the eye image, which is movable to align with the two alignment marks. In both cases software also calculates an orientational change to be applied to a corrective prescription for a surgical procedure to be performed on the eye with the patient in the second position.

Abstract: Deinterlacing is applied to a composite video image that includes alternating even and odd rows of pixels. The even rows form a first image; the odd rows, a second image; these are recorded at different times, introducing a possibility of motion artifact. A first average horizontal intensity difference is computed between the first image and the second image. The first image is offset by one pixel in each horizontal direction to form a horizontally offset image, and another average horizontal intensity difference is computed. A minimum average intensity difference is determined from a comparison of the average horizontal intensity differences. The first image is shifted in a horizontal direction determined to achieve the minimum average horizontal intensity difference, and the horizontally shifted first image is combined with the second image to form an improved composite image. An analogous series of steps is carried out in a vertical direction.

Abstract: Deinterlacing is applied to a composite video image that includes alternating even and odd rows of pixels. The even rows form a first image; the odd rows, a second image; these are recorded at different times, introducing a possibility of motion artifact. A first average horizontal intensity difference is computed between the first image and the second image. The first image is offset by one pixel in each horizontal direction to form a horizontally offset image, and another average horizontal intensity difference is computed. A minimum average intensity difference is determined from a comparison of the average horizontal intensity differences. The first image is shifted in a horizontal direction determined to achieve the minimum average horizontal intensity difference, and the horizontally shifted first image is combined with the second image to form an improved composite image. An analogous series of steps is carried out in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A system for protecting a sector of tissue from exposure to surgically directed radiation includes a processor and an input device, a camera, and an output screen in electronic communication with the processor. A software resident on the processor receives camera data containing an image of a region of tissue, which includes at least a portion of a predetermined area desired to receive therapeutic radiation. The software also routes the image for display superimposes thereon first indicia indicative of the predetermined area. Data are received on a location of a sector of the tissue desired to be protected from the radiation and for superimposing on the displayed image second indicia indicative of the sector. In a specific embodiment the tissue is an eye and the predetermined area is at least a portion of the cornea.

Abstract: Bank notes arriving from a control machine are fed along a feed pipe which has a plurality of outfeeds, each connected to an infeed zone of a forming channel along which an accompanying element moves, equipped with a surface on which the bank notes are rested, on top of one another, by a rotary drum located between each outfeed and the respective infeed zone, forming an ordered stack. Close to the infeed zone each forming channel has a shielding wall which is mobile between a non-operating position in which the infeed zone is open, and a position in which the latter is partially closed, limiting the inflows of air which facilitate bank note feed along the pipe and the inflows of air generated by rotation of the drum. A vibrating plate on a side wall of the channel and close to the infeed zone of the channel facilitates correct bank note stacking.

Abstract: Banknotes are placed for transportation purposes in cassettes comprising a container and a hinged lid, made secure by applying a seal composed of two parts that can be coupled non-releasably and are provided with latch elements appearing as curved teeth positioned to locate in the holes of lugs associated with the container and with the lid. The seals, loaded into a magazine with the two parts spread, are fed and applied to the cassettes by a unit comprising a clamp assembly with retaining pins designed to pick up the seals from an outlet of the magazine and transfer them to a gripper head presenting a pair of arms by which the two parts are taken up and restrained; the arms are mounted to respective pivots on the gripper head so that when the head is made to assume a final operating position adjacent to the lugs on the cassette, the arms can be rotated toward one another, causing the two parts of the seal to couple together with the curved teeth engaging the holes of the lugs, securing the cassette.

Abstract: Boxes containing banknotes are secured by a mechanism utilizing a latch plate that can be removed and replaced automatically by a device of which the parts include a top slide equipped with a pivoting arm and a pusher designed to hold the latch plate steady and in tension from two points of contact; the device is also equipped with a bottom slide carrying a gripper of which the two jaws operate in concert one with another and with the pusher and the arm to release the latch plate from the position in which it secures the box.

Abstract: A mated hammer and hammer tip combination for releasable engagement are provided. The hammer includes a lower body portion for engagement with a rotor of a size reducing machine, and an upper body portion. The upper body portion of the hammer includes at least one bolt hole and a front face having a raised center section. The hammer also includes an upper and lower ledge, and recessed side grooves. The hammer tip includes a front face with a distally located working edge for debris impact, at least one bolt hole for receipt of a bolt to releasably engage the hammer and hammer tip, and a back having a plurality of protruding opposable members, comprised of opposable shoulders or feet that define a recessed section therebetween forming a saddle-back. The saddle-back in the back of the hammer tip releasable engages with the raised center section of the hammer.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an insert for attachment to a hammer of a size reducing machine for use in size reducing waste material, comprising a body with a centrally located mounting hole to allow for attachment of the insert to the hammer. The body also includes a bullet shaped tip distally located in relation to the body, wherein the tip can size reduce waste material on impact.

Abstract: Banknotes are placed for transportation purposes in cassettes comprising a container and a hinged lid, made secure by applying a seal composed of two parts that can be coupled non-releasably and are provided with latch elements appearing as curved teeth positioned to locate in the holes of lugs associated with the container and with the lid. The seals, loaded into a magazine with the two parts spread, are fed and applied to the cassettes by a unit comprising a clamp assembly with retaining pins designed to pick up the seals from an outlet of the magazine and transfer them to a gripper head presenting a pair of arms by which the two parts are taken up and restrained; the arms are mounted to respective pivots on the gripper head so that when the head is made to assume a final operating position adjacent to the lugs on the cassette, the arms can be rotated toward one another, causing the two parts of the seal to couple together with the curved teeth engaging the holes of the lugs, securing the cassette.

Abstract: An orientation system for corrective eye surgery includes a camera for performing a first image mapping a patient's eye using a predetermined eye feature and software for processing the first image map to determine an edge location of the feature. A second image mapping is performed with the patient in a different position. The second image map is processed to locate the feature. In a second embodiment a pen is used to make two alignment marks on the eye. The eye is imaged with the patient in another position, and the image displayed. Software superimposes a graphical reticle onto the eye image, which is movable to align with the two alignment marks. In both cases software also calculates an orientational change to be applied to a corrective prescription for a surgical procedure to be performed on the eye with the patient in the second position.