Abstract: The process for enhancing images of scanned documents identifies a variety of items in the scanned document which could make optical character recognition and other document image processing difficult or impossible. These items include identifying skew, registration, speck, lines intersecting printed matter, reverse printing, shaded printed matter. The process allows to register such items, take steps to correct skew and image registration, as well as reverse invert printing. Items to be removed are listed for deletion in one step. The image of the scanned document is stored and processed as a run-lngth coded image, except for a some operations in which parts of the run length coded image are converted to pixel image code for particular substeps of the process. The result of such a substep, e.g. a modified image, is then re-converted to run-length code.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying, correcting, modifying and reporting imperfections and features in pixel images that prevent or hinder proper OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and other document imaging processes. One embodiment of this invention provides that run length compressed images can be analyzed and corrected directly for improved performance. Major steps included in this invention for the enhancement of images for OCR and document imaging are:the detection, correction and reporting of skew from text or graphical lines;the detection, correction, and reporting of varying image registration;the detection, conversion and reporting of inverse type;the detection, removal and reporting of dot shading and lines with protection of characters.

Abstract: In a run-length represented image an image area with reverse print is recognized. Two borders (left and right) are determined and in a plurality of steps the run transitions are removed, first on the left border of the area and then at the right border of the area, causing all runs within the area of reverse print to take on the reverse color.

Abstract: An educational toy that lets the user experiment with assembling hollow polyhedral building block in a variety of different ways. The toy includes new polyhedral building blocks which can be assembled in different ways to form a multiplicity of configurations. It allows the user to assemble building blocks to one configuration and then to change over from this configuration to another configuration by rotating, pivoting, rolling, or shifting one or more of the already assembled building blocks. The toy can be used to introduce the user to different number systems and arithmetic and geometric principles.

Abstract: The compact electrical generator set has separate cooling airflows for the cylinder of the driving internal combustion engine, for the electrical generator, and for the crankcase of the internal combustion engine and the general interior of the enclosure of the electrical generator set. An optional fourth cooling airflow is dedicated to the oil cooler of the driving engine. Providing separate airflows allows to reduce the size of the enclosure. Noise generated by the engine exhaust is reduced by enveloping the exhaust gases with cooling air at the location were the exhaust gases exit the enclosure.

Abstract: A transition signal detector switches the processing of a digital audio signal between a frequency optimized filter for normal operation and a transition optimized filter when a transition condition is detected.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of an object to be protected using a local or global positioning system and issuing messages to a monitoring message center at predetermined times and/or at times when the object to be protected is under an alert condition, such as being outside an allowed position zone during a defined time period.

Abstract: A surface covering slab element with a unique shape which has a combination of straight edges and complementary concave and convex edges. Numerous slab elements of this shape can be assembled in a variety of different ways for generating circular, straight and curved patterns with interfacing edges for connecting curved patterns to straight patterns.

Abstract: The wrist and carpal protective glove includes a tubular section with padding enclosing the wrist region of an operator of control devices of computers or similar control equipment as protection against thermal and mechanical damage of the hand due to moving over a hard and cold desk surface. A thumb position which consists of flexible and stretchable material positions the padding relative to the thumb without restricting use of fingers and thumb during operation of the control device.

Abstract: A transition signal detector switches the processing of a digital audio signal between a frequency optimized filter for normal operation and a transition optimized filter when a transition condition is detected.

Abstract: A new type of payment card includes a magnetically controlled display for visually reading magnetically recorded information such as current balance or available service value of the payment card. The required electronic and mechanical interface can be added to existing payment card handling equipment.

Abstract: A flow controlled dispenser adds liquid additives at a rate proportional to the flow of the liquid receiving the additives.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and monitoring externally administered breathing air pressure in a series of cycles. During each cycle, the breathing air pressure starts at a base value and is slowly and progressively increased then rapidly reduced to the base value. If the control and monitoring system detects changes consistent with the presence of upper airway obstruction, the values of breathing air pressure for the next cycle are changed to a higher pressure range. A plurality of vital signs may be monitored and included in the breathing air pressure control system. Information obtained during this procedure is subsequently used to determine the most appropriate externally administered breathing airflow pressure for that person.

Abstract: The apparatus for positioning electronic components on a printed circuit board or the like includes an optical system which allows to line-up the underside of the electronic component with the intended placement position on the circuit board. After proper positioning the circuit board relative the electronic component the later is placed on the circuit board and connected therewith.

Abstract: An educational toy that lets the user experiment with assembling components of different shapes in a variety of ways. The toy introduces new methods and means for assembling building blocks allowing the user to assemble them to one configuration and then to change over to other configurations by rotating, pivoting, rolling, or shifting one or more of the already assembled building blocks. The toy can introduce the user to number systems and arithmetic and geometric principles.

Abstract: A flow controlled dispenser adds liquid additives at a rate proportional to the flow of the liquid receiving the additives.

Abstract: The reduction of wear at the cylinder walls of combustion engines is achieved by a new type of piston with special channels and facilities for collecting lubricants and distributing the lubricants during the piston movement and especially during the first cycles onto areas of highest wear of the cylinder wall.

Abstract: A mounting fixture for positioning a tub and/or shower valve assembly inside a stud wall. The mounting fixture includes a pair of L-shaped brackets having rows of holes in the long flanges of the brackets for securing the brackets to the face of the studs, and slots formed in the short flanges of the brackets. The mounting fixture further includes a pipe clamp in the form of a pair of clamp shells for clamping to a selected pipe of the valve assembly. Each of the clamp shells have a pair of guides formed on opposing surfaces that operate in the slots formed in the short flanges of the brackets.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with extended power stroke and shortened compression stroke has an improved efficiency over internal combustion engines having strokes of equal length.

Abstract: A storage module drive with motor, actuator and electronic interface circuit has provisions to receive one or more storage modules. A storage module includes in an enclosure a storage disk, transducers and coupling means to link the storage disk to the motor in the module drive.