Abstract: For an automatic detection of the 3D shape of objects by photogrammetry, the background of the photogrammetric point markers is characterized by area markers which comprise a plurality of point markers and have a characteristic optical configuration that is expressed, e.g., in the color, shape, texture, or gray level of the surface area of the area marker. During the image processing of the photogrammetric images taken of an object, first the area markers and then the point markers present in the respective area markers are referenced in relation to one another. Instead of using area markers, a further embodiment uses constellation-type point marker arrangements, which are first referenced before the individual point markers forming the constellations are referenced. The method is particularly useful for the 3D detection of body parts which have been clad with an envelope marked in accordance with the invention, prior to the photogrammetric evaluation.

Abstract: A method of detecting the 3D shape of an object by photogrammetry, in which a plurality of photogrammetric point markers and a plurality of connecting markers are provided on the surface of the object, each connecting marker connecting a subset of the plurality of point markers with each other, with at least two different types of point markers existing that differ from each other in their optical configuration, and some of the point markers provided along a connecting marker are formed in such a way that the sequence of their optical configurations results in a predetermined code that characterizes the respective connecting marker, a plurality of photogrammetric images of the object are taken from different views, an image processing of the images is performed, in which first the connecting markers mutually corresponding to each other in the images are associated with one another using their respective code, and then the point markers connected with each other by the respective connecting marker are associat

Abstract: An adapter for removable insertion into a digital media slot, having the same interface as the adapter, formed in a front panel of a digital media reader, the adapter removably receiving digital media therein instead of directly into the reader, includes a generally rectangular header having a first face defining a plurality of female apertures in a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the reader's male connector pins and a second face having a plurality of projecting male connector pins in the same configuration as the reader's male connector pins, guide means corresponding to the reader's guide structure defining the sides of the header for slidably engaging the guide structure of the reader and a metal plate on the header for discharging electrostatic charge when the adapter is inserted into the reader, the adapter being positioned behind the front panel of the reader when fully inserted into the slot.

Abstract: A method for the optical inspection of a transparent protective layer and a colored patterned surface which is at least partially covered by the transparent protective layer involves providing a source of illumination and an imaging sensor associated with the source of illumination and illuminating the protective layer with light emitted by the source of illumination in order to recognize defective places inside and beneath the transparent protective layer. The source of illumination emits light in the shortwaved range which is at least partially diffuse and the light striking the surface penetrates at least partially into the protective layer and is scattered at the defective places. Light scattered from the defective places is picked up by the imaging sensor and the defective places are recognized by the local increase in the intensity of the light picked up by the imaging sensor in the area of the defective places.

Abstract: Conditional access methods and apparatus are provided for use with digital television receivers and other digital broadband receivers. The methods and apparatus are capable of handling several different digital signal transmission protocols in an automatic and flexible manner. An input unit is provided for analyzing and tagging incoming data bytes so that further processing operations are less dependent on the transmission format being received. A cipher handling unit is provided for adapting in real time the scrambling and descrambling performances to match the requirements of the transmission network and the receiving apparatus. A filtering mechanism is provided for filtering and handling multiple asynchronous data streams in a parallel manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting the 3D shape of objects, in which the object is pressed into a plastically deformable mass provided with markers adapted to be evaluated photogrammetrically. After removal of the object from the marked mass, a plurality of photogrammetric images are taken from different views, and the images are evaluated photogrammetrically, the 3D shape of the object being calculated using an association of the markers corresponding in the images. The invention further relates to a corresponding arrangement for carrying out the method and is particularly suited for the detection of the 3D shape of objects whose 3D shape changes under load. One example of this would be the measurement of human feet.

Abstract: A bow press for use in stringing bows includes a base member and left and right inclined spacer bars adjustably positionable along the base member, each spacer bar supporting a bow limb roller thereon. An upper end portion of one spacer bar mounts a bow limb roller, a pivot connector mounts the upper end portion to the spacer bar for pivotal movement of the upper end portion toward and away from the other spacer bar and a hydraulically operated piston or turnbuckle causes the upper end portion to pivot about the pivot connector toward the other spacer bar, whereby a bow limb of the bow is caused to bend toward the other bow limb to release the tension in the bowstring.

Abstract: In the automatic photogrammetric 3D digitization of a body or body part marked e.g. by an envelope provided with photogrammetric target markers, the camera employed for image recording has additional light pattern projectors added thereon which are fastened to the camera body and project geometrically simple structures such as points or lines onto the body. These structures, which are visible optically without the viewing image, facilitate the manual alignment of the camera and the positioning of the camera at the correct distance from the body in obtaining the numerous overlapping individual images required for photogrammetric evaluation. This manually predefined alignment facilitates the automatic association of the photogrammetric markers in the individual image pairs with the aid of image processing methods and allows it to be carried out more reliably on an automated basis. According to a preferred embodiment, the projectors are turned off in the actual image recording process.

Abstract: A trowel blade for use with power trowels includes a plastic trowel blade having a reinforcing metal plate affixed to and overlying at least a portion of one face thereof. The blade is adapted for use in combination with a power trowel having a rotor including a plurality of rotor arms for mounting trowel blades thereon.

Abstract: A storage package for a recording medium configured to resemble a book includes a paper board panel releasably attached to first and second plastic, recording medium-holding components, each including a planar surface having means on one face for holding a recording. Upstanding wall portions on one of the components nest within the corresponding wall portions of the other component when the components are assembled together.

Abstract: A vibration absorber assembly including a disc shaped housing having a central rotational axis and a plurality of radially elongated cavities, and a plurality of movable masses, each movable mass being housed in, and movable within, one of the plurality of radially elongated cavities. The plurality of movable masses are movable in the plurality of radially elongated cavities to absorb torsional vibration, and/or alter moment of inertia of the vibration absorber assembly.

Abstract: A rigid, unitary ladder is provided having one end configured to be attached to a powerline support tower after the ladder is dropped by helicopter to a lineman previously offloaded onto the tower. The ladder includes a first section which extends outwardly from the tower and a second section which extends at an angle at least equal to ninety degrees from an end of the first section to a base which is configured to rest on the powerline, the angle being defined between the undersides of the first and second ladder sections. The first section is of a length sufficient to space the base a distance from the tower which is beyond the flashover area around the tower.

Abstract: An oil separator for oil-flooded rotary vane vacuum pumps has a filter housing (10) and a plurality of filter cartridges (14) disposed therein through which the pumping medium flows. The filter cartridges (14) are each inserted through a respective opening (16) in an outer housing wall (12) of the filter housing (10) and are secured to the housing wall (12) so as to be detachable and tight with respect to media.

Abstract: Media disk packages having a retail security lock feature. The lock feature comprises a locking dagger having a head portion and a dagger section, which is engageable with an inner disk tray that overlays the media disk within the package. The package may house multiple disks.