Abstract: A vehicle detection system for detecting the presence of at least part of a vehicle in image data, the system comprising: an interface configured to receive image data; an identifier module configured to identify a plurality of linear regions in an image represented by the image data; a comparator configured to compare at least one of the number, cumulative size, and density of the linear regions with a respective threshold value; and an output configured to issue a signal indicating the detection of a vehicle based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A lifting element for use with a transfer trolley, the element comprising: a support member having a support surface and a sheath attached to the support member such that, in an initial configuration, a first portion of the support surface is covered by the sheath and a second portion thereof is uncovered, wherein the sheath is operable to be inflated so as to cause the sheath to extend and evert, insinuating itself under a load in order to support the load, and, after inflation, the support member and the sheath may be moved with respect to each other so that the support member extends further into the sheath, the second portion of the support surface is covered by the sheath and the support surface at least partially supports the load.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system (1) for use in the fixation of a spine comprising: a coupling element (2) having a pair of opposed longitudinal apertures (17) through a wall (35) thereof; a longitudinal slot (8) in a coupling element (2) interior surface (3); a hole (13) through the bottom end (5) of the coupling element (2); and a securing element (18) dimensioned for insertion into the coupling element (2), the securing element (18) having an outwardly extending wing (26) dimensioned for riding in the coupling element slot (8), for preventing a rotation of the securing element (18) about a longitudinal axis (7) thereof.

Abstract: An engraved scannable marking code produced by providing a substrate of transparent material having a first side and a second side and an index of refraction greater than one; and forming a plurality of lenses on the first side of the substrate in pre-selected portions thereof, wherein the plurality of lenses and selected reminder portions form a desired marking code pattern operable for being read by a code reading apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a lenticular sheet comprising the steps of providing a substrate of transparent material having a first side and a second side; and engraving a cylinder with an inverse lens pattern, the inverse lens pattern being comprised of a plurality if inverse lenticule shapes, each inverse lenticule shape having an incremental pitch relative to the others; and using the engraved cylinder in an extrusion embossment process such that the substrate can be embossed with the inverse lens pattern, wherein the lenticular sheet produced comprises a lens pattern having a plurality of lenticules each of a uniform pitch relative to one another.

Abstract: A digital display system is disclosed, wherein the display system generally includes a recording mechanism, such as a digital camera, a processing mechanism for processing and saving at least one image; software for interlacing the image; software for processing slides and movies comprised of multiple images; a digital display device for receiving, storing and displaying the image, and a lenticular screen overlaid upon the digital display device for viewing the interlaced images in three dimensions. A method of manufacturing a lenticular sheet is also disclosed as having as its primary steps the provision of a substantially transparent substrate material; forming a plurality of lenses on a first side of the substrate; and shaping the substrate to correspond to a display area of the display device, wherein the plurality of lenses are angled to correspond to the pixel size and pitch of the display area.

Abstract: A method for distributing a digital image of a customer includes receiving a request from a customer for an image to be taken of the customer at a site. The request can be received, for example, via a remote signal from a customer's communication device. Payment data are obtained from the customer, and a location of the site is determined. The request is relayed to a remote imaging device that is positioned to image the customer at the site. An image is automatically captured of the customer at the site, and the image is relayed as a proof image to the customer's communication device. Finally, if the image is desired by the customer, an approval is received from the customer to purchase the image.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement includes a first formulation including minerals: chromium polynicotinate, magnesium glycinate, manganese sulfate, selenium, vanadyl sulfate, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate, iodine, and boron; and vitamins: vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and D, biotin, alpha-lipoic acid, and folic acid. The second formulation, packaged separately from the first, includes essential fatty acids: evening primrose oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sesame seed oil, and pumpkin seed oil; and vitamins: vitamin E and vitamin Q-10. A method for improving metabolic function includes consuming the first and second formulation. A method of formulating a composition for improving metabolic function includes packaging together the first formulation and packaging together and separately from the first formulation the second formulation.

Abstract: A system for digitizing a series of notes to be played on a steel pan/drum includes a processor, and a display device and an input device in signal communication with the processor. Software encoded on a computer-readable medium and installable on the processor has a code segment adapted to display a virtual keyboard on the display device. The keyboard has a plurality of pianistically arranged keys, each key having a note name corresponding to a pitch represented by the key imposed thereon. A code segment can receive a user selection via the input device of a pan instrument for which music is desired to be entered, retrieve a note range for the selected pan instrument, and electronically mask the virtual keyboard to exclude keys outside the retrieved note range. User input can be received for a series of notes to be encoded for playing on the selected pan instrument.

Abstract: A tablature system for representing a series of notes to be played on a steel pan/drum having concentric rings of note pads is provided, wherein each note pad is for producing a distinct musical pitch. The tablature includes a staff having three horizontal lines positioned atop each other, a first line representing a center ring of note pads, a second line representing an inner ring of note pads, and third line representing an outer ring of note pads. For each note pad to be represented, a rhythmic indicator is provided that lies adjacent the horizontal line commensurate with where the note pad to be represented lies. For each note pad to be represented, the note name is positioned above the respective rhythmic indicator.

Abstract: A device that when fitted to a motor vessel's existing propulsion gear improves the performance and reduces potential damage and wear of underwater propeller shaft bearings, commonly referred to as “cutlass bearings” that are used on boats, ships, etc. Designed with radially mounted impeller blades around the periphery of the propeller shaft, the device creates a forced flow of water by centrifugal pumping action, which creates suction along the shaft abaft the cutlass bearing, thereby increasing the flow of water through the cutlass bearing. The device also greatly diminishes the probability that fouling around a propeller shaft will severely restrict water flow through the cutlass bearing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lenticular sheet having as its primary steps the provision of a substantially transparent substrate material; forming a plurality of lenses on a first side of the substrate; and shaping the substrate to correspond to a display area of a display device, wherein the plurality of lenses are angled to correspond to the pixel size and pitch of the display area. A display system is also disclosed, wherein the display systems generally includes a computer for processing, saving and playing at least one image; software for interlacing the image; software for processing slides and movies comprised of multiple images; a lenticular screen overlaid upon a video display device for viewing the interlaced images in three dimensions.

Abstract: A tool is provided for assisting in teaching music to a player of a steel pan/drum. The tool comprises a substantially circular base divided into twelve radial sectors, a central sector, and three concentric, radially spaced rings, thereby having 37 elements. Each element bears an indicium representative of a unitary, distinct note name in a range of three consecutive octaves plus a first note in a fourth consecutive octave. Each ring is arranged in so that a counter-clockwise-adjacent note name is separated by an interval of a fifth and a clockwise-adjacent note name is separated by an interval of a fourth.

Abstract: A method and system for removing pollutants from water are provided. The system includes at least one settling basin having shallow and deep areas. Coagulants can be added to bring pollutants down to the bottom surface of the basin. During dry periods, the deep areas retain a level of water therein, and the flocs that have settled on the bottom of the shallow areas will dry out, and can be tilled into the soil until re-flooding.

Abstract: A method for producing a lenticular material having a predetermined surface characteristic of high quality and definition formed on one side thereof is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a rotating, engraved cylindrical roll, advancing a material along a predetermined path of travel while directing one surface of the material into contact with a peripheral surface of the rotating, engraved cylindrical roll, applying to the peripheral surface of the roll a coating of a uncured resin, such that the coating is located about the roll and beneath the material, controlling the thickness of the coating, curing the resin coated about the material, and directing the material with the cured resin thereon away from the rotating cylindrical roll.

Abstract: A floating plant culture system has improved strength and durability and includes a substantially planar platform having a length along opposed sides thereof and a width along front and back thereof generally perpendicular to the sides. The platform is adapted for growing a culture of attached plants including micro- and macrophytes thereon. Beneath the platform are affixed a plurality of cells extending in bridging relation to the sides and open at each end adjacent the sides. The cells are placeable in fluid communication with a body of water desired to be remediated. Affixed along at least a portion of the sides extend a pair of opposed hollow beams, for providing flotation to the platform. The beams are also placeable in fluid communication with the body of water, and an upper surface of the platform is floodable by the body of water from beneath for submerging plants attached thereto.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional display of data related to market movement displays relative market movement, trend, and potential changes in trend for stocks futures, or options. The inventive system and method includes a unique graphical display of market information using static and dynamic elements of a multi-dimensional view. A Cylinder is provided as one potential geometrical shape or element for representing a single security (stock, futures or options contract). A Plate represents a reduced profile object (typically a thin plate) which contains sets or groups of Cylinders. A Map represents the surface on which Plates rest. A World represents a collection of all Maps. Measurements calculate data representative of market movement and changes in market movement and are displayed to the system user as variations in the geometry and color of the individual geometric elements.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer that has a distal portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant and a lumen for channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the distal portion. The tubing along the distal portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. A pressure regulating device is upstream of the tubing's inlet, and a reservoir adapted for holding the aqueous solution therein is situated in fluid communication with an upstream end of the pressure regulating device. Additional tubing can be provided for channeling a nutrient solution to the plant roots.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer that has a distal portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant and a lumen for channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the distal portion. The tubing along the distal portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. A reservoir is adapted for holding the aqueous solution therein and is situated in fluid communication with the hydrophilic device's inlet. Additional tubing can be provided for channeling a nutrient solution to the plant roots.