Abstract: A method of detecting defects in a workpiece having a surface with directional surface texture, comprises taking a gray scale photo image of the surface and assigning a brightness value to the pixels of the image. The brightness values of neighboring groups of the pixels are compared to develop brightness slope values of the neighboring groups. The image is then transformed so that the individual brightness values of the pixels are replaced with the associated brightness slope values representing the rotational direction of the brightness slope in degrees. Missing gradient information and/or changes in gradient direction are detected as flaws in the surface.

Abstract: A burnable coil holder such as a mosquito coil holder has a base member with a plurality of non-metallic support peaks and a higher central metal support spade. The spade supports the burnable coil from a single point under normal circumstances. The non-metallic support peaks provide support if the coil sags during use. The support peaks are positioned in a cross or spiral array around the spade. The spade has teeth to grip the coil, a shoulder to support the coil, and spaced legs to permit easy insertion of the spade into the base member.

Abstract: A bait station for the control of insects, especially roaches, that has a reservoir portion for holding a liquid bait-toxicant formulation which fits into a base structure. The base structure has around its circumference a ramped structure that defines a central well area. Rising from the ramped structure are a plurality of support walls which both support the reservoir portion and define access openings to the central well area. The bait-toxicant formulation is controllably released from the reservoir into the central well area.

Abstract: A novel fluid applicator, together with a combination comprising the fluid applicator and a fluid container, are disclosed. The fluid applicator comprises a container cap having an external sidewall defining an exterior cavity. The fluid applicator further comprises an insert removably disposable into the cap cavity and engageable with the cap sidewall. The cap cavity insert comprises a fluid-distributing substance such as a foam pad or dauber. The cap has a resiliently-deformable domed surface, surrounded by the sidewall. A portion of the domed surface extends outwardly from the cap cavity.

Abstract: A self-contained warming pad characterized by a heating element, an adjacent dose of activating liquid within a frangible container, and a substantially liquid-impervious cover enclosing the element and frangible container and having at least one tortuous air passage therethrough. Features include a cover having thermal insulating qualities, and a frangible container made of a meltable substance having a melting point chosen to control the upper temperatures of the pad. Other features relate to a cover configuration which provides an annular breathing passage, and a porous resilient mass within the pad which provides a substantial breathing capacity. The heating element is preferably an electrochemical element, and most preferably a complex electrochemical element having two cathode layers and one anode layer in a sandwich-like structure.