Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a method for detecting a document includes capturing a first plurality of images of a document at a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, capturing a second plurality of images of the document at a second wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, and assembling the first and second pluralities of images to form one or more images of the document.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for guiding a document includes a curved, document guide having a receiving end and an outgoing end. The receiving end is adapted to receive a moving document. The curved document guide is to guide the document along a curved path such that the document experiences a centrifugal force causing the document to substantially flatten against a concave surface of the curved document guide as the document moves toward the outgoing end of the curved document guide. At least a portion of the curved document guide has a radius of curvature. The curved document guide further includes an apex of the curvature at which one or more instruments are approximately directed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the physical fitness of documents such as bank notes. The method comprises passing a document past an image sensor while sequentially illuminating the document using multi-mode illumination, wherein a predetermined mode of illumination is used for each line scanned by the image sensor, producing an interleaved image of the document. A multi-dimensional transformation function is applied to this interleaved image to produce a composite measurement, which is then projected onto an empirically determined fitness vector to yield a scalar fitness value for the document. This value is compared against empirically prescribed fitness values to determine if the document is fit enough to remain in circulation or should be taken out of circulation and retired (destroyed).

Abstract: Golf utility devices are provided. In one embodiment, a golf utility device includes a rod having a first end and a second end, and a grasping portion coupled to the first end of the rod. The grasping portion includes a first grasping arm including a first enlarged tip, and a second grasping arm including a second enlarged tip. The second grasping arm is pivotably coupled to the first grasping arm. The first and second grasping arms are movable into a closed position and an open position. The golf utility device also includes a handle portion coupled to the second end of the rod. The handle portion includes a handle and a trigger movable into a plurality of positions including a released position and an activated position. The first and second grasping arms are adapted to move into the closed position when the trigger is moved into the activated position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for backing up LEDs are provided. In one embodiment, an LED backup system includes an LED backup controller operable to select from a plurality of power sources to supply electrical energy to a set of LEDs. The plurality of power sources includes a primary power source and a battery. The LED backup controller is adapted to be in selective electrical communication with the primary power source via a first electrical path. The LED backup controller is also adapted to be in electrical communication with the primary power source via a second electrical path. The LED backup controller is operable to select the battery to supply electrical energy to the set of LEDs in response to a failure of the LED backup controller to electrically communicate with the primary power source via the second electrical path.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a securing mechanism for a gate of a bottom dump trailer includes a first securing mechanism portion adapted to be coupled to a first door of the gate of the bottom dump trailer. The securing mechanism also includes a second securing mechanism portion adapted to be coupled to a second door of the gate of the bottom dump trailer. The second securing mechanism portion is engageable with the first securing mechanism portion when the gate is closed. The securing mechanism also includes an electrical actuator to move a component of the securing mechanism into a plurality of positions including a locked position and an unlocked position. The securing mechanism may restrain the gate from opening when the first securing mechanism portion is engaged to the second securing mechanism portion and the electrical actuator moves the component into the locked position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and computer program product for quilting and embroidering fabric. The method comprises securing a quilt sandwich of top layer fabric, batting and backing fabric in an embroidery hoop and attaching said embroidery hoop to an embroidery machine. The user retrieves a digitized embroidery file that is fed into the embroidery machine. The digitized file instructs the embroidery machine to stitch the quilt layers together according to a predetermined stippling pattern and to stitch an outline for an appliqué. After an appliqué fabric is placed over the outline, the digitized file sews a tackdown stitch, after which appliqué enhancements or additional layers of appliqué may also be stitched. The quilt is then removed from the embroidery hoop and the appliqué and quilt are trimmed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for maintaining surface smoothness of note as they pass through a high speed processing machine. A note fed into the processing machine is carried through the machine by a series of conveyor belts. The note is conveyed past a line scan camera that records the note as it crosses a gap while passing from a first conveyor belt to a second conveyor belt that is approximately orthogonal to the first conveyor belt. A curved note guide redirects the path of the note as it crosses the gap between the conveyor belts. The inertia of the note causes it to remain flush against the surface of the curved guide, allowing the line scan camera to record each line of the surface of the note with equal resolution.

Abstract: A placement holder for an embroiderable comprising a magnetic hoop assembly for use in an embroidery machine. The magnetic hoop assembly includes a first hoop comprising a magnetic material and a second hoop comprising a quantity of metal sufficient for the first hoop to be attracted to the second hoop. The magnetic attraction between the first hoop and the second hoop enables the embroiderable to be held in place between the first hoop and the second hoop for embroidery. An adapter is attached to either the first hoop or second hoop. One end of the adapter is attached to the first hoop or second hoop, and the other end of the adapter attaches to an attachment mechanism on a pantograph on the embroidery machine.