Abstract: A programmable multifunction electronic camera uses a commercial pixel digital energy sensor to generate detector element signal digital data normally generated by expensive, custom designed, detector element energy sensors. The camera performs this function by retrieving pixel signal digital data and pixel location data from the pixel energy sensor, retrieving detector element energy sensor masks containing information regarding the size, shape, and location of detector elements included in the detector element energy sensors, mapping the pixels included in the pixel energy sensor to the energy sensor masks to identify pixels that can be combined to create “virtual detector elements” having the same size, shape, and configuration as the detector elements in the detector element energy sensors, and combining the pixel signal digital data associated with the mapped pixels to generate the detector digital data. The camera can be programmed with a number of different energy sensor masks and mapping algorithms.

Abstract: A method of repositioning the pivot point of the assembly tool and using a tether assembly to limit the tool travel of the assembly tool in provide an assembly tool reduced travel envelope that only overlaps the position of the point-of-use of an in-station work-piece and does not overlap the position of the point-of-use of any out-of-station work-piece. The method includes the steps of: calculating and positioning the pivot point a horizontal offset distance from a conveyor reference point, calculating the reduced travel distance, and attaching the tether assembly to the flexible conduit of the assembly tool so as to limit the tool travel to the reduced travel distance.

Abstract: An LED light source drive includes an LED current generating circuit and an LED drive controller. The current generating circuit is operable to receive power from a power source and to generate a dc current that can be used to the drive an LED light source. The drive controller is operable to control the dc current to ensure that the light output of the light source remains approximately constant over its operating lifetime. In one embodiment, the drive controller ensures that the effective light output of the light source remains approximately constant by automatically increasing the dc current in predetermined amounts at predetermined times. In an alternative embodiment, the drive controller includes an LED light sensor that is operable to generate a light signal indicative of the effective light output of the light source and the controller uses this light signal to control the dc current output.

Abstract: A method of forming a bone composite, comprising: providing bone tissue; grinding said bone tissue to form ground tissue; molding the ground bone tissue into a bone composite; applying a binder to the bone composite; applying a vacuum to the mold, and optionally milling or refining the bone composite to the desired shape. Additionally, bone tissue composites made therefrom are included. The composites may be, for example, a bone pin, screw, or prosthesis.

Abstract: A non-stick coating, which inhibits frozen moisture accumulation, is applied to exterior exposed portions of heating and cooling systems where ice or other frozen moisture can accumulate and impair system design operational efficiencies; where heat exchange tubing and fins are downwardly sloped or angled; with an optional protective shell encasement which can be shaped to provide a vena contracta effect; with an optional electric fan to enhance airflow for heat exchange; with an optional electric vibrator to enhance inhibition of frozen moisture accumulation; with a downwardly sloped base to direct falling frozen moisture away from the heat exchange equipment; for use in conjunction with an air source heat pump system, an evaporative cooling system or a chiller, or as a supplement to a water-source heat pump system or to a direct expansion heat pump system; and for use with any other refrigerant-based heating system or cooling system.

Abstract: A camouflaged outdoor fan system includes a housing, a fan inserted into the housing, and a camouflaged lid removably connected to the housing. The housing is buried in the ground, or in alternative embodiment, mounted to the underside of a deck, the fan is inserted into the housing, and the camouflaged lid is placed over the fan to hide the fan and housing from view. The fan is operable to generate and propel an air stream out of the housing that can be used for cooling purposes. The system also may include optional features, such as a water-misting device, a heater, motion detectors, an evaporative cooling assembly, a temperature switch, a humidity switch, a rain gauge switch, a wind sensor switch, a dc power source, solar cells, or a remote control system.