Abstract: Apparatus and methods for precision batch or continuous flow blending of gases are described. Pulsatile precision metering valves having substantially zero dead space are employed to introduce gases to a mixing chamber or manifold in predictable uniform quantities to achieve precision gas blends according to predetermined criteria. During batch processing, gases to be blended are repeatedly characterized by the change in mixing vessel pressure with respect to time immediately after blending. Estimates of additional amounts of a given gas to be added to achieve a desired final partial pressure of the given gas in the mixing vessel are based on empirical data previously measured and stored for the gas in question.

Abstract: A machine vision system for detecting and recognizing objects. The system includes a camera which forms three different images of the object using different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum and uses these different images depending on the time of day and weather conditions. The machine vision system also enables an operator to select zones within the camera's field of view than may be of any size or shape. The machine vision system only detects objects in the specified zones. The vision system provides signals to a traffic light controller to provide vehicle or object presence indications for traffic signal sequencing purposes. The vision system can simply detect an object or optionally can pattern match for specific objects.

Abstract: Apparatus, useful for blending predetermined accurately measured quantities of gaseous components transferred from separate pressurized supply tanks to a gas blending system, preferably on input signals received from a computer. The gas blending system includes a mixing vessel, a pressure transducer associated with said vessel for measuring the pressure of the gases, and producing an output signal and transmitting same to the computer, a circulating pump connected in series via conduits which form a circuit, and valves; preferably a multi-component valve assembly operatively communicating the two ends of the conduits for flow of gas therethrough in providing the functions of purging gas from the system, evacuating the system of gases, admixing the gaseous components received from the pressurized supply tanks to form the gaseous blend, the producing a product output blend of the admixed gases.