Abstract: The invention teaches correlation analysis of the stochastic relationship between video images for use in motion estimation. On the basis of the method of analysis of correlation values as temporal series, a method was created for the analysis of the dynamics of the objects in the scenes, the isolation of quasi-static fragments of the images and the use of the obtained information for the construction of optimal procedures for making decisions in the control of motion estimation and the isolation of different types of motion of the objects. The dynamics of motion of objects or blocks in a video scene can be predicted, and the results of the predicting permit the isolation in motion of each element of the scene—the following components: camera motion, object motion, object distortion thereby allowing the possibility of isolating groups of blocks for which a given coding strategy has maximum effectiveness.

Abstract: Moisture resistant foundation footing form sections constructed from corrugated plastic are disclosed. Supports for holding sections of reinforcing bar, and connecting the side walls of the form sections are included. Also disclosed are tabs and notches in the side walls for use with stakes to connect adjacent form sections. Form sections are disclosed for constructing a corner in a foundation footing form. Step-down forms are disclosed for constructing a foundation footing form on a construction site having surfaces of different elevations. The form sections can be secured in position with stakes, and leveling devices for leveling the form once it is secured in position are disclosed. The form sections disclosed herein can be reused, but they do not attract insects and therefore they do not have to be removed from finished foundation footings.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of compressing still images in a multi-purpose compression system. The current invention teaches preprocessing of the images to a YUV 4:2:0 format and decomposing the images using two-dimensional Discrete Wavelet Transformation. The current invention teaches that filters may be selected based on image dimensions. After the image is decomposed, the frequency coefficients are quantized and the data is entropy encoded. The image is restored by reversing the compression process.

Abstract: A method for motion accounting and compensation while encoding allows improvement of the restored image quality. Image is a predicted frame in video sequence. Motion compensation is understood as an error residual signal compressing scheme, executed during video sequence encoding. According to the teachings of the current invention, errors are accounted for during encoding. Error accounting is subtracting the original image from the predicted frame. The error values are written to the output stream compactly with the minimum code length. The stored error values are added to the predicted frame during the decoding process. The method taught herein is applied for all the predicted frames from the video sequence, thereby allowing one to improve the quality of decompressed video film that was compressed with a significant compression ratio.

Abstract: An improved method and system for motion-compensated temporal interpolation of video frames during video processing for computer video images, video games and other video effects where changes of an object's form or movement exist. One or more new intermediate video frames are generated and introduced in a processed video sequence in order to produce the appearance of more realistic motion of subjects. Information is obtained from existing video frames and an improved motion estimation algorithm, one that determines the true motion vectors of subject movement, is applied to re-create one or more missing frames. The addition of intermediate video frames further allows for an increase in the viewable frame rate and thereby provides improved frame-by-frame continuity of movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting wooden piles underwater and a method of use are disclosed. The apparatus has a frame and brace configured for engaging a pile. A pressure medium activated cutting device is connected to the frame and oriented at an angle such that a pile can be cut at a point below the bottom surface. The frame and brace are placed on opposite sides of the pile and connected to each other with a chain or cable. The apparatus has lines attached thereto and the other ends of the lines are attached to a boat or other flotation device. Using the disclosed apparatus to remove pilings causes significantly less turbidity than devices or methods currently available. Additionally, using the disclosed device also eliminates the need to decontaminate silt removed from the water using the currently available methods or devices.

Abstract: A radiant, infrared heat sauna with full spectrum, Neodymium or similar lighting. The sauna is portable and can be plugged in to run on standard household current. Radiant heating elements in the walls of the sauna emit infrared rays directly into a person's body, creating penetrating heat thus producing sweat and an overall warming sensation, as well as the provided overhead, adjustable full spectrum lighting which creates a sensation of sunlight on the body. At least one embodiment of the invention includes full spectrum lighting on the walls of the sauna. Embodiments of the invention can also include sound systems, video systems, and aromatherapy devices. The combination of the infrared heating and the full spectrum lighting comes close to recreating the feeling of warmth and well being of enjoying time in the sun, without the harmful UV rays.

Abstract: A comfortable, supportive odor absorbing insole covering the inner sole of footwear has a bottom inner sole engaging open cellular resilient cushion layer, impregnated with odor adsorbing chemicals such as activated charcoal zeolites, or silica gel, and a natural pile top layer such as lambskin shearling providing comfortable support and loft while protecting the foot or sock of the wearer against discoloration or irritation from the absorbent chemicals. The layers of the insole are laminated into integral unitary relation by heat sealing or by glue or binders which do not impede flow of air. The layers may also be simply stretched together. The alternating application and release of foot pressure on the insole, as when walking, will circulate air in the footwear into intimate contact with the chemical for absorption of moisture and destruction of foot odors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection and monitoring of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in humans, primarily in the field of sleep research. The present invention discloses a portable, simple, and cost-effective electronic device containing hardware and software that permits real-time monitoring of a pulsatile blood volume waveform obtained through use of a photoplethysmographic (optical volume detecting) probe, thereby allowing signal conditioning, waveform slope analysis, display, recording, and output of pulse transitional slope data representative of activity in the ANS.

Abstract: A floating platform that has a flat low profile for use by swimmers, divers, boaters, and those engaged in other activities on water. The platform is used alone or as a module in combination with other such floating platform modules; attaching the modules to form a larger floating platform. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the platform is provided with several connection points enabling multi-point attachment to other vessels and stationary objects, anchor straps and towing straps, and apertures configured to accommodate beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. In another embodiment, a detachable cover is attached to the module, the cover forming the floating platform surface. A stable platform and low profile are achieved through use of stiffeners integrated within the platform surface.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a patient's head on a spine board while allowing longitudinal and rotational movement in conjunction with the body and a method of use for the device are disclosed. The device is comprised of a head harness, a forehead strap, a chin strap, a crown strap and a lateral stabilization strap. The head harness has a skid plate, located on the side of the head harness that rests on a spine board, that is adapted for low friction engagement with the spine board. A patient in a cervical collar is placed on a spine board, the head harness is positioned beneath the patient's head and attached to the spine board. The forehead strap, chin strap, and crown strap are attached to the head harness. The lateral stabilization strap is then attached to the head harness and the attaching straps.

Abstract: The current invention disclosed a device for directing a concentrated airflow at the user of an air resisted exercise machine. The cowling disclosed in this invention is constructed from either a semi-rigid material or low-porosity fabric and can be removably attached to the cage covering the fan type blades usually associated with such machines. Various means can be used to attach the device to the cage, one means being the use of elastic cords routed through welts. In use, the device of the current invention directs air at the user of the machine. The device is lightweight and portable, and a user can carry the device along for use on machines in a variety of places.

Abstract: The disclosed method provides a new resolution of the aperture problem, which is one of the basic problems present in motion estimation technology. The method constitutes a resolution of this problem by means of adaptive transfer to smaller blocks. The approach consists of adaptive partitioning of the picture with the use of quadratic trees. If an aperture problem is detected in the block, then the block partitions with the help of quadratic trees into smaller blocks. The partitioning continues until either the aperture problem is resolved or the smallest size block is reached. Through the use of this method, the aperture problem is successfully resolved without substantial loss in the degree of compression.

Abstract: The invention relates to the art of medicine and medicine equipment and concerns techniques and means for therapeutic action to biological tissues with electromagnetic fields. The invention allows to improve the therapeutic effectiveness of action with ultrasonic fields to biological tissue. The action is effected with the ultrasonic fields having frequencies corresponding to intrinsic frequencies of mechanical oscillations a cell membrane (that is, to resonance frequencies). The action to the cell membranes is effected in a hydrodynamic non-destructive mode. A device for therapeutic action with a ultrasonic field to biological tissues comprises a ultrasonic oscillation generator, an acoustic assembly and a ultrasonic tool that is a replaceable operating member having an operating end, and further has a liquid phase supply system. The generator is capable of forming the ultrasonic field having a frequency of from 20 to 30 kHz.

Abstract: A top block for modular precast retaining wall system wherein beveled surfaces of a horizontal component of the top block form a cast-in-place key integrated with cast-in-place column formed in the construction of the retaining wall using modular block units. The top block provides an aesthetically pleasing front surface the upper edge of which may be rectilinear or contoured to fit various applications and appearance requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to of medicine and medicine equipment and concerns techniques and means for medicinal action with electromagnetic fields to living tissues. A method provides a stimulating effect of an electromagnetic field to metabolic processes in tissues of an organism, that result in positive shifts of a functional state of regulatory systems. On a contactless electromagnetic action to members of a vascular system, biomechanical, bioelectrical and bioresonant processes in the vascular system control the tone of a vascular wall with a high degree of selectivity.

Abstract: This invention discloses an erasing device that can be held in the same manner as a writing instrument. The eraser is stored in a tube assembly and a rolling mechanism is used to slide the eraser out of the tube assembly for use. The rolling mechanism prevents the eraser from accidentally sliding back into the device during use and gives the user total control over the length of eraser that is extended from the device.

Abstract: A floating platform that has a flat low profile for use by swimmers, divers, boaters, and those engaged in other activities on water. The platform is used alone or as a module in combination with other such floating platform modules; attaching the modules to form a larger floating platform. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the platform is provided with several connection points enabling multi-point attachment to other vessels and stationary objects, anchor straps and towing straps, and apertures configured to accommodate beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. In another embodiment, a detachable cover is attached to the module, the cover forming the floating platform surface. A stable platform and low profile are achieved through use of stiffeners integrated within the platform surface.

Abstract: The inventive titanium alloy comprises, expressed in mass %: aluminium 4.0-6.0; vanadium 4.5-5.0; molybdenum 4.5-5.0; chromium 2.0-3.6; ferrum 0.2-0.5; the rest being titanium. An equivalent molybdenum content is determined as corresponding to Moequiv.≧13.8. The total aluminum and zirconium content does not exceed 7.2. The inventive method for heat treatment consists in heating to t&bgr;<>&agr;+&bgr;−(30-70)° C., conditioning during 2-5 hrs. at that temperature, air or water cooling and age-hardening at a temperature ranging from 540° C. to 600° C. during 8-16 hrs. Said alloy has a high volumetric deformability and is used for manufacturing massive large-sized forged and pressed pieces having a high strength level, satisfactory characteristics of plasticity and fracture toughness.

Abstract: A process for treating liquid septage and other biosolids having the steps of placing a known amount of liquid septage in a tank, mixing in a sufficient quantity of alkaline material to raise the pH to a desired level, flocculating the septage, storing the pH adjusted septage for a predetermined period of time, thickening the septage, de-watering the septage, and pasteurizing the resultant liquid effluent and de-watered solids cake. The process for treating liquid septage and biosolids disclosed by the current invention meets the Class A vector attractant reduction and pathogen reduction requirements mandated by the U.S. EPA. The end product of septage and other biosolids treated using the process disclosed by the current invention can be sold as fertilizer, and utilized without any additional permits.