Abstract: A method for extracting edge with subpixel accuracy in photogrammetry, comprising steps of: a. capturing into a computer a picture, of which the edge is to be extracted; b. defining as a cell four neighboring pixels that form a square; c. recognizing the type of each cell composed of the four pixels; d. finding out side or sides of the cell that intersect with, the edge and figuring out the subpixel accuracy coordinates of the intersection points by linear interpolation; and e. connecting the intersection points to extract the edge. By this method edge curve is extracted rapidly and accurately. The edge determined in this way can be subpixel accurate.

Abstract: CuInS2 nanoparticles have been prepared from single source precursors via microwave irradiation. Also, CuInGaS2 alloy nanoparticles have been prepared. Microwave irradiation methods have allowed an increase in the efficiency of preparation of these materials by providing increased uniformity of heating and shorter reaction times. Nanoparticle growth has been controlled in the about 1 to 5 nm size range by variation of thiolated capping ligand concentrations as well as reaction temperatures and times. Investigation of the photophysical properties of the colloidal nanoparticles has been performed using electronic absorption and luminescence emission spectroscopy. Qualitative nanoparticles sizes have been determined from the photoluminescence (PL) data and compared to TEM images.

Abstract: A cutting head attached to a powered rotary weed cutting machine has a generally cylindrical structure containing a plurality of cutting blades. The cylindrical structure has upper and lower portions which may be rotated with respect to one another to expose each entire cutting blade for replacement when required. A lock may be included to ensure that the upper portion does not open until desired by including a rigid plate or arm that, in a first position, extends through portions of both the upper portion and the lower portion to lock them together.

Abstract: A float may be used as a strike indicator for fly fishing and may be attached without hooks, clamps, grommets, rubbery gripping members, or tying of the line/leader. Instead, the float is attached by friction/interference fit onto a line or leader, preferably by sliding the float up the leader to a thicker-diameter portion of the leader to cause a sufficiently tight fit between the leader and an axial bore in the float. The bore may be tapered in diameter, may have a constant diameter, may have a significantly reduced or tapered diameter or another restriction in a portion(s) of the bore, and/or may have an enlarged end opening, for example. A slot may be provided from the outer surface of the float to the bore. The slot may be a straight slot, a Z-shaped slot, or other circuitous slot including curved, non-planar slots. This way, in addition to the friction/interference between the leader and the surface of the axial bore through the float, there is resistance to the leader sliding out through the slot.

Abstract: A built-in or added-on extension is situated upon a side of a shoe so as to minimize or prevent injury caused by inversion of a foot/ankle during athletic or other activities. The extension protrudes laterally out from the side of the shoe and has a substantial horizontal component, with an outer surface portion(s) adapted in shape, size, and/or placement so that said portion(s) will impact the floor/ground upon inversion of the foot/ankle but that none of the extension impacts, rubs, slides, or otherwise contacts the ground/floor during normal activities of the wearer. Said impact/contact only occurs when there is significant ankle/foot inversion, that is, enough to potentially cause a mild lateral ankle sprain. The preferred extension cushions and/or stops inversion at an angle of inversion and/or at a time during the inversion wherein the wearer may recover and straighten his foot/ankle before serious injury to the ankle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of splicing pile cages, to a set of components therefor, and to assembled pile cages, and in particular to a method of splicing together two pile cages of a reinforced concrete pile. The method employs two pile cages which are each assembled from a number of cage bars and at least one frame, one of the pile cages having a suspension band adjacent to one of its ends, the other pile cage having at least one support plate adjacent to one of its ends, the support plate having a hole therethrough. One of the pile cages is lifted into a pile hole with its end projecting therefrom, and the second pile cage is lifted over the first pile cage and lowered until a part of the cage bars of the second pile cage overlap a part of the cage bars of the first pile cage, and the hole in the support plate lies below the suspension band.

Abstract: An attachment system secures a residual limb to an artificial limb in a comfortable and substantially non-rotational manner. The attachment system offers proximal anchoring of the residual limb in a hard socket, by connecting a side surface of a residual limb liner to the side surface of the socket. Preferably, this connection is accomplished using an extension member extending from the liner through a portion of the socket interior, through the socket wall, and attaching to a latch mechanism. The preferred attachment system requires no clearance in the bottom of the socket well because neither the extension member nor the latch mechanism is located between the distal end of the residual limb/liner and the bottom of the well. The attachment system is preferably disposed entirely along the side of the limb and the side of the socket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a load carrier made up of a flat tray like body which attaches to a vehicle by load bars. A cargo container attaches to the flat tray-like load carrier body, and is locked in one of several possible positions on the flat tray-like body. The load container may also be removed and the load carrier used without the cargo container. Devices for holding objects such as bicycles, canoes, kayaks, may also be attached to the load carrier.

Abstract: A nanoscale antiferromagnetic gas sensing apparatus and methods of measuring gas using the apparatus are described. The use of the magnetic properties of an antiferromagnetic material as gas sensing parameters explores the concept of magnetic gas sensing. According to a preferred embodiment, a nanoscale magnetic hydrogen sensor apparatus is developed based on varying of the saturation magnetization and remanence of nanoscale antiferromagnetic hematite with hydrogen flow. For example, the saturation magnetization and remanence of nanoscale hematite has been shown to increase one to two orders of magnitude in the presence of flowing hydrogen gas at concentrations in the 1-10% range and at 575 K, indicating that a magnetic hydrogen sensor using hematite material may be practical and useful for detecting hydrogen in various environments such as those wherein production, storage, transportation, and/or vehicle use of hydrogen is being conducted.

Abstract: A device to support the human back/spine and provide assistance in bending, lifting and standing upright comprises a strap and belt system for attachment to the body and one or more bias/tension member to provide the force necessary to urge the user's back to remain or return to a straight position. When used as intended, the device serves to encourage a healthy body position for lifting, and/or to alleviate or prevent back pain associated with bending or lifting. The bias/tension member preferably comprises at least one tension rod that is adjustably fixed to a waist belt, and slidably received by an upper bracket at or near the shoulder blade region of the back. The length of the preferred two tension rods, in effect, may be adjusted by adjusting how or where the rods are fixed to the waist belt, for example.

Abstract: A clothes hanger storage device includes a container and a plurality of pillars inside the container for retaining a multitude of variously-sized and -shaped hangers. The plurality of pillars may be arranged as two sets of pillars, or two elongated pillar units, wherein large triangular hangers extend around both sets of pillars or around the two elongated pillar units, and small triangular hangers extend around only one set of pillars or one elongated pillar unit. Non-triangular hangers, such as hangers only comprising two shoulders, may be stored in the container by being trapped between the container wall and the pillars, but not extending around the pillars. The clothes hanger storage device may be adapted to be hung from a door, stored underneath a counter or in a closet, or attached to the door of a cabinet. In an optional embodiment, the container may be fitted with a releasable lid that fits over the top of the container.

Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing, while another region of the spiral may be rotated for the tightening on the wire and then preferably latched to the housing so that/the spiral remains in the tightened condition. A terminal end may extend from the spiral, or connectors without a terminal end may be used to electrically connect wires to each other that extend from and to other equipment not located on the connector itself. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends of the connector.

Abstract: Compositions of matter and methods of treating cancer patients may prevent or limit cardiotoxicity during or after chemotherapy, and/or may prevent or lower resistance to anthracycline drugs, both of which are believed to be caused by the human enzyme carbonyl reductase. Thus, the compositions and methods may be used to reduce the dosages of anthracycline anti-cancer drugs necessary to produce a desired cancer-cell-killing performance. Preferred embodiments comprise treating cancer patients with a pharmaceutical composition comprising biphenyl compounds having two halogenated (or pseudo-halogenated) and/or hydroxylated, aryl groups that are linked by a bridging atom. The preferred composition of biphenyl compound(s) may be administered in a pharmaceutical composition also comprising at least one anthracycline compound, or may be administered separately than the at least one anthracycline compound. Especially-preferred biphenyl compounds include triclosan, hexachlorophene, and dichlorophene.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the muscles of the upper body, in which a pushing or pulling movement can be performed in a direction approximately between horizontal and vertical towards or away from the shoulder joint of the user, with the user seated in the same position.

Abstract: Compositions of matter for treating cancer patients are used to prevent or limit cardiotoxicity during or after treatment with anthracycline drugs, and to prevent or lower resistance to anthracycline drugs, both of which are believed to be caused by the human enzyme carbonyl reductase. Preferred embodiments comprise a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds having halogenated (or pseudo-halogenated) aryl groups, preferably halogenated (or pseudo-halogenated) arylcyanooximes or phenylcyanooximes and derivatives or analogs thereof, including those comprising —CL or —F, or other substituents on an aryl/phenyl ring. The preferred composition of arylcyanooxime(s) may be administered in a pharmaceutical composition also comprising at least one anthracycline compound, or may be administered separately from the at least one anthracycline compound.

Abstract: A bracket system holds a filter(s) in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Brackets are combined in modular fashion, with conduit between the brackets, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Top brackets and bottom brackets capture/support the top end and bottom end of a filter, respectively, and filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes/ports in the bracket modules without tools or threaded connections. A retainer may pivot on and off of its respective filter, holding the filter in place and releasing the filter, respectively. After pivoting the retainer up from the filter, the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module, so that the filter is substantially vertically and pivotally removable from the bracket system.