Abstract: A method of enhancing a source image for analysis. The method comprises the steps of digitizing the source image to obtain pixel data comprising location data and density data, generating a three-dimensional model of the pixel data with the location data represented in first and second axes and the density data represented in a third axis, and analyzing the three-dimensional model to determine features of the source image.

Abstract: A clamp system for allowing a pile driving/pulling system to be attached to a caisson to be driven into or extracted from the earth. The clamp system comprises a structural member, first and second clamp systems, first and second locking systems, and a clamp displacement system. The clamp displacement assembly is operatively connected between the structural member and the first and second clamp assembly. When the first and second clamp systems are disengaged from the pile and the first and second locking systems are disengaged from the structural member, the clamp displacement system may be operated to obtain a desired clamp distance between the first and second clamp assemblies.

Abstract: An aerosol device for dispensing texture material for matching existing acoustical ceiling texture. The device comprises a container, a valve assembly, a dispensing nozzle, a hardenable material, and pressurized inert gas as a propelling mechanism. The hardenable material and pressurized inert gas are placed into the container. When the valve assembly is opened, the inert gas forces the hardenable material out of the container through the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle diverts at least a portion of the hardenable material exiting the container to develop a spray suitable for the application of the hardenable material onto the ceiling surface being textured. The hardenable material preferably comprises at least water, filler, binder, and polystyrene particles. The inert gas is preferably nitrogen.

Abstract: An inking system for applying ink to an inking surface. The inking system comprises a handle, a first and second intermediate members, and first and second inking assemblies. The intermediate members attach the first and second intermediate members to the handle so that a user has two inking surfaces to use. The first and second inking assemblies can be of different types.

Abstract: A vault system for batteries that supply a battery power signal to an electronic device. The vault system comprises an outer enclosure assembly that contains the batteries. Power cables extend from the outer enclosure assembly to the electronic device. The vault system protects the batteries and related electronics, removes fluid from within the outer enclosure assembly, and/or allows the status of the vault system to be accessed remotely.

Abstract: A fence system for a band saw. The band saw defines an actual cutting plane and has a table having a table surface defining a desired cutting plane. The fence system comprises a rail member, a base member, a locking assembly, a fence member defining a fence surface, and an adjustment system. The rail member is mounted on the table and defines a rail axis that is substantially perpendicular to the desired cutting plane. The base member is supported by the rail member. The locking assembly selectively locks the base member at a selected position along the rail axis. The adjustment system mounts the fence member to the base member at a selected angle relative to the rail axis. The base member defines a pivot point about which the fence member is rotated by the adjustment system, and the pivot point is adjacent to the rail member.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply system comprising a source of a utility power signal, a source of hydrogen, a fuel cell stack, first and second input circuits, an output circuit, and a control circuit. The fuel cell stack converts the hydrogen into a fuel cell output signal. The first input circuit is operatively connected to the utility power signal and outputs a first AC input signal based on the utility power signal. The second input circuit operatively is connected to the fuel cell output signal and generates a second AC input signal based on the fuel cell output signal. The output circuit is operatively connected to the first and second input circuits and outputs at least one output signal based on one of the first and second AC input signals. The control circuit operatively is connected to the fuel cell stack, the first input circuit, the second input circuit. The output circuit controls whether the output signal is generated based on the utility power signal or hydrogen.

Abstract: A leveling assembly to establish elevations in a building structure for installing cabinets, bookshelves, countertops, etc. There is a telescoping mounting post adapted to be positioned in bearing engagement between a floor surface and the top of a doorway, ceiling or other upper surface. A laser that transmits a horizontal laser beam is mounted to a mounting device that can be moved to different positions along the length of the post. Locking devices hold the laser-mounting device in place, and also properly position the post to be in firm engagement with its bearing surfaces. The laser-mounting device can be swung to upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A cover for animals. The cover comprises a main body, a strap system sewn to main body, and a fastening system arranged to join two edges of the main body. So joined, main body extends around at least a portion of the animal, portions of the animal extend through first and second open ends of the main body, and the strap system extends under the animal with handle portions of the strap system arranged above the animal. Grasping the handle portions of the strap system allows the animal to be lifted with the weight of the animal being carried at least in part by support straps of the strap system.

Abstract: A game of chance. A plurality of representations of cards comprising Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks, and at least one number card are provided. Each representation of a card has subordinate characteristics consisting of suits and face values. A point value is assigned to each representation of a card such that Aces are assigned the highest point value. Minimum requirements are established for adding the point values of representations of cards based on the at least a selected one of the subordinate characteristics. A set of four representations of cards are randomly distributed to at least one player. A total value for the set is then calculated by summing the point values of the representations of cards in the set meeting the minimum requirements. The total value includes the sum of up to and including four of the representations of cards in the set. Whether the at least one player wins is determined based on the total value of the set.

Abstract: A dispenser for sheet material such as paper towels. The paper towels are provided in a continuous roll. The roll is mounted within an enclosure above a drum. The drum contains a cutting assembly that moves between a retracted position and a cutting position. The cutting assembly cuts the sheet material when in the cutting position. The sheet material frictionally engages the drum such that pulling the sheet material out of the enclosure causes the drum to turn. The turning of the drum causes the cutting assembly to move between the retracted and cutting positions once every revolution of the drum. More specifically, a guide projection is formed on the cutting assembly, and a track assembly is formed on the enclosure. The guide projection engages the track assembly to cause the cutting assembly to move between the retracted and cutting positions.

Abstract: A game of chance. A plurality of representations of cards comprising Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks, and at least one number card are provided. Each representation of a card has subordinate characteristics consisting of suits and face values. A point value is assigned to each representation of a card such that Aces are assigned the highest point value. Minimum requirements are established for adding the point values of representations of cards based on the at least a selected one of the subordinate characteristics. A set of four representations of cards are randomly distributed to at least one player. A total value for the set is then calculated by summing the point values of the representations of cards in the set meeting the minimum requirements. The total value includes the sum of up to and including four of the representations of cards in the set. Whether the at least one player wins is determined based on the total value of the set.

Abstract: A security system for controlling access to motion control systems. The security system limits access to application programming interface (API) functions. The limitations on API functions can be implemented as a denial of access to certain restricted functions and/or as a limitation on certain controlled parameters employed by certain restricted functions. The security system may allow or disallow access based on users or accounts. The security system may also be programmed to prevent access to certain functions arbitrarily as determined by a system administrator or on criteria such as the status of the system.

Abstract: A system for mounting a drawer front to a drawer box by use of two connecting members, each having two rectangular flanges at right angles to one another and a cone shaped positioning and locating member. The two connecting members are fixed to the front side portions of the drawer box so that the positioning and locating members extend a short distance forward of the front surface of the drawer box. The drawer front is initially positioned in the desired location with the drawer box in its closed position, and the drawer front is impacted by the person's hand to form small locating détents in the back surface of the drawer front. This is used to properly locate the drawer front when the drawer box is removed from its closed position and the final screws are used to attach the drawer front to the drawer box. In a second embodiment, a screw is inserted in each fastener a short distance to function as the protruding member.

Abstract: An impact hammer system for driving an elongate member comprising a ram member, a frame assembly, an actuator assembly, and a power source. The ram member defines a ram bore. The frame assembly supports the ram member such that the ram member may move relative to the frame assembly between first and second positions. The actuator assembly is operatively connected between the frame assembly and the ram member and is operable in extended and retracted configurations. At least a portion of the actuator assembly is disposed within the ram bore and a substantial portion of the actuator assembly extends out of the ram bore when the cylinder is in the extended position. The power source is operatively connected to the actuator assembly to place the actuator assembly in the extended and retracted configurations. Extension and retraction of the actuator assembly moves the ram member between the first and second positions, respectively.

Abstract: A removal system for removing a waste metal from a waste solution. The removal system comprises outer and inner containers and inlet, intermediate, and outlet conduits. The outer container defines an outer chamber, and the inner container defines an inner chamber. The inner container is located within the outer chamber. The inlet conduit allows fluid to flow from an exterior of the outer container to the inner chamber. The intermediate conduit allows fluid flow from the inner chamber to the outer chamber. The outlet conduit allows fluid flow from the outer chamber to the exterior of the outer chamber. A first reaction media located in the inner chamber, and a second reaction media located in the outer chamber. In use, the waste solution is forced along a removal path through the inlet conduit, the first reaction media, the intermediate conduit, the second reaction media, and the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A wood splitter comprising a support structure, a table assembly, a ram assembly, and wedge member, and a control means. The support structure supports the table assembly. The control system energizes the ram assembly to force the wedge towards the table assembly. A workpiece is placed on the table assembly such that the wedge engages and splits the workpiece.

Abstract: A drive system for elongate members comprising a drive plate, a support system, an insertion housing, at least one drive gear, and a vibratory system. The suppression system resiliently opposes relative movement between the support plate and the insertion housing. The drive gear displaces the elongate member along its longitudinal axis. The vibratory forces are transmitted to the elongate member through the at least one drive gear. The drive gear and the vibratory system simultaneously crowd and vibrate the elongate member into the ground.