Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for training a statistical model, such as a Bayesian network, to effectively capture probabilistic dependencies between the true state of an object being tracked and evidence from various tracking modalities to achieve robust digital vision tracking. The model can be trained and structured offline using data collected from sensors, that may be either vision or non-vision-based, in conjunction with position estimates from the sensing modalities. Both the individual reports about targets provided by visual processing modalities and inferences about the context-sensitive accuracies of the reports are considered. Dependencies among variables considered in the model can be restructured with Bayesian learning methods that revise the dependencies considered in the model.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for efficiently and efficiently performing automated vision tracking, such as tracking human head movement and facial movement. The system and method of the present invention fuses results of multiple sensing modalities to achieve robust digital vision tracking The system and method effectively fuses together the results of multiple vision processing modalities for performing tracking tasks in order to achieve robust vision tracking. The approach integrates reports from several distinct vision processing procedures in a probabilistically coherent manner by performing inferences about the location and/or motion of objects that considers both the individual reports about targets provided by visual processing modalities, as well as inferences about the context-sensitive accuracies of the reports. The context-sensitive accuracies are inferred by observing evidence with relevance to the reliabilities of the different methods.

Abstract: An adjustable multi-position biscuit cutting guide according to present invention is embodied in an elongated rectangular member, or body, having a plurality of slidably adjustable guide members disposed along its length. A graduated scale is disposed along one surface of the body of the biscuit cutting guide for use in positioning one or more of the adjustable guide members along the length of the body. Further, slidably adjustable stop blocks or clamping members are disposed along either end of the body for securely holding a work piece in position relative to the slidably adjustable guide members. A plate joiner tool or the like is then used for cutting one or more plate or biscuit slots into the work piece in alignment with centering marks which are disposed on the surface of each of the slidably adjustable guide members.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in an apparatus, such as a blister pack, having the capability to safely store and protect items such as medication in solid, soft or semi-solid, powder, or liquid form, while allowing such items to be easily and rapidly dispensed by a user. The dispenser of the present invention has a flexible upper membrane forming a dome. A lower membrane serves to seal items between the dispensers' upper and lower membranes. An annular-shaped internal cutter resides within the dome between the upper and lower membranes, oriented perpendicular to the membranes. Items are sealed within the chamber created by the structure of the cutter and the upper and lower membranes. The lower membrane is of sufficient strength to prevent inadvertent tearing or rupturing of the membrane, even when carried in a relatively hostile environment, such as with metal keys in a users pocket.

Abstract: A timepiece, whose hands move by mechanical energy of a mainspring transmitted through a wheel train, includes a winding-up portion for accumulating energy in the mainspring, an addition and subtraction wheel train driven by addition and subtraction of accumulated energy corresponding to an amount by which the mainspring is wound up and unwound, respectively, an addition and subtraction wheel, disposed in the addition and subtraction wheel train, that rotates in correspondence with an amount by which the mainspring is wound up and unwound, and a lock mechanism actuated in response to the rotation of the addition and subtraction wheel to limit winding up and unwinding of the mainspring to a selected range of windings of the mainspring. This controls the torque output by the mainspring to a fixed range. The addition and subtraction wheel train allows efficient use of space, and can be incorporated in a watch.

Abstract: The drain plunger preferably is of one-piece preferably plastic construction, with an upstanding, preferably vertical, rigid upper handle, the lower end of which is connected integrally to a depending multi-pleated, flexible, resilient bellows having an elastic memory. The bellows includes a small diameter upper end and downwardly diverging, frusto-conical sidewalls, the latter incorporating generally horizontally extending generally vertically stacked pleats and an open lower end terminating in a sealing rim of greater diameter than the top of the bellows. The bellows defines a central space.

Abstract: A gap h between a rotor inertia disk 12c and stators 123 and 133 is set so that the load torque between the components due to air viscosity resistance is equal to or less than 1/10 of the maximum output torque at a rotor. Since the load torque is thereby sufficiently reduced, it is possible to limit energy loss of a mainspring, and to extend the period of operation of a timepiece.

Abstract: A retractable badgeholder wherein a window in the front face of the case of the badgeholder is provided, through which a design, such as a pattern, inscription, or logo can be seen. When a retractable cord of this improved badgeholder is pulled out of the case it causes the design to rotate or spin. Likewise, when the cord is retracted back into the case of the badgeholder, the design spins. Thus, anyone observing the badgeholder will see the spinning design. It is believed this spinning design will be interesting to observers, thus lending special appeal to the improved badgeholder.

Abstract: A drainpipe test plug device according to the present invention is capable of being easily inserted through an opening such as a drain clean-out or other side opening to effectively seal a pressurized drainpipe. Further, the drainpipe test plug device is capable of maintaining a seal against fluid pressure in a piping system for any desired length of time without bleeding or leakage past the drainpipe test plug device. In addition, the drainpipe test plug device is adapted for use with a range of sizes of pipes by using a plug sized to fit the pipe under test. The drainpipe test plug device has a plug or seal that is rotatably coupled to a pivot arm, which is in turn rotatably coupled to a lever arm for positioning the drainpipe test plug device within a drainpipe. Consequently, the plug is capable of rotating about two axes simultaneously to effect a seal within the drainpipe.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for using cascaded counters with a programmable branch and one or more event clocks that together provide the capability to generate clock pulses at high speed. Further, the programmable counter of the present invention is capable of generating a precise number of clock pulses within a very wide range of numbers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for automatically selecting viable seedlings or plants from a nursery tray for transplant into a field by an automatic transplant device. An automatic plant selector according to the present invention functions as an attachment to an automatic transplant device such as a rotary cup transplant machine. The plant selector eliminates the requirement of human labor while significantly reducing the percentage of non-viable or “blank” transplants when using an automatic transplant device to plant seedlings. This reduction is accomplished through use of primary and secondary nursery trays that are addressed by primary and secondary plant removal devices, or “plant pullers,” respectively, which automatically provide viable seedlings to the automatic transplant device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved household drain plunger for use with household drains of various shapes and sizes. The head section of the plunger is a pleated bellows consisting of a conical upper section of increasing diameter from top to bottom, and a smaller lower section, also conical, of decreasing diameter from top to bottom. A handle extends from the top of the head section. The bottom end of the plunger consists of three levels of seals depending from the bottom of the head section. The first and bottommost seal is a dual-function seal designed both to fit snugly into a typical kitchen sink drain opening, thereby providing a mechanical seal. This first seal also has a flat bottom comprising an annular ring that can be placed around a small drain hole opening, such as that in a bathroom sink or tub, to provide a pressure/suction seal with the drain opening. The annular ring has a center void which opens to the interior of the bellows.