Abstract: A color image is enhanced by removing noise. A wavelet transform is applied to a color image to generate sets of wavelet transform coefficients for multiple channels. Edge maps are produced for the channels from the sets of wavelet transform coefficients. An edge likelihood map is generated based on at least one edge map. The edge likelihood map is applied to the sets of wavelet transform coefficients to generate sets of filtered wavelet transform coefficients. A de-noised color image is reconstructed from the sets of filtered wavelet transform coefficients.

Abstract: A lawn sweeper generally comprises a tow bar adapted to be connected to a draw bar of a lawn implement, a brush housing containing a plurality of brushes mounted for rotation, and a hamper assembly secured behind the brush housing. A hitch clevis assembly is used to secure the tow bar of the lawn sweeper to the draw bar of a lawn implement and is adjustable in that it allows for attachment at multiple discrete height settings. The preferred lawn sweeper can be easily and rapidly manipulated into an upright storage position, with the hamper assembly having a collapsible frame for storage.

Abstract: A portable, hand-operated hoist that is particularly suited for use by persons afield in woods or rough terrain is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment, a housing contains a length of fabric ribbon urged to remain in the housing by a spring, an orifice for through communication of the ribbon, and a locking device (of over-center type) for selectively preventing movement of the ribbon. An end of the ribbon is outside of the housing, attached to a hook, and prevented from entering the housing by the size of the hook. A holder is on the outside of the housing for detachably retaining the hook when it is not in use. A clip is also on the outside of the housing to facilitate detachably attaching the hoist to the user's apparel.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of an impulse stabilizer for reducing the effects of a mechanical impulse produced by apparatus including archery bows or air-rifles comprises a sealed elongated housing containing along its axis from one end to the other: a first cushion; a first mass that is elongated, contains an axial hole, is surrounded with one or more bushings, and that only loosely fits within the housing; a coil type spring under compression; a second mass that is the same as the first mass except that its length, density, or hole cross-section area may be different; and a second cushion. The voids within the housing are essentially filled with a fluid such as hydraulic fluid. The dimensions are such that, at rest, the spring urges both masses against their adjacent cushions.

Abstract: An improved elbow used to attach accessories such as stabilizers to archery bows is disclosed. The elbow comprises: an extended arm having a threaded-end capable of being attached to the bow (facilitated in the preferred embodiment by a nut) with the other end having a spherical bevel surmounted by a flat-portion, a saddle shaped wrist capable of receiving the threaded end of the accessory and encompassing the arm, and a hinge coupling the arm and wrist. The hinge uses a special pin that passes loosely through the arm and tightly through both sides of the wrist, and that also functions as a spring. The elbow has two modes of use: an extended mode, when the attached accessory and arm are in line and the attached accessory is essentially parallel to the arrow; and a folded mode, where the attached stabilizer is pivoted down or up.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool for maintaining hunting arrows is disclosed. The tool is a sharpener capable of sharpening broadheads, a wrench capable of tightening or loosening broadheads screwed onto an arrow, and a dresser capable of dressing the fletched end of an arrow so that the arrow effectively will receive a nock. The tool has an elongated body with integral longitudinal ridges to enhance its appearance and to facilitate gripping, and is preferably molded of ABS plastic in two pieces. The sharpener and wrench are at the bottom, and the dresser is at the top of the tool. The sharpener comprises a shallow channel running diagonally across the face of the bottom, normal to the axis of the tool, with a plurality of small hard rods imbedded in the sides of the groove. Sharpening is effected by movement of the edge of a broadhead along the shallow groove.

Abstract: A work head (10) has a base member (12) which is connectable to carrier means (30) of a machine for lateral movement of the work head (10) parallel to an X-Y plane of a three-axes co-ordinate system, for longitudinal movement of work head (10) parallel to the Z-axis of that system and for rotating work head (10) on an A-axis parallel to the Z-axis; link means (14) connected to base member (12) so as to pivot relative thereto on a B'-axis parallel to the X-Y plane; a work member (16) connected to link means (14) so as to pivot relative thereto about a B"-axis spaced parallel to the B'-axis. Work member (16) defines a path by which a work medium is able to pass from a source to an outlet defined at a work end (52) of work member (16). Drive means (64,66) is operable to pivot each link means (14) and work member (16), on its axis, but in opposite directions and with the work member (16) pivoting through twice the angle of pivoting of link means (14) relative to base member (12).

Abstract: A collector cart includes a body having an open rear end, which is closed by a canopy pivotally mounted adjacent its front end on the body adjacent its front end. The body has a support pivotally connected to caster wheel supports and a tow bar attached to a riding lawn mower hitch bar. Telescoping chutes connect the mower outlet with a canopy port to fill the cart with debris. When the cart is to be dumped, a linkage mechanism is activated by an operator, who remains on the mower, raising a lift handle to initially cause rearward shifting of the canopy relative to the body to release a locking connection of the rear of the canopy to the rear of the body. The body is released from its tow bar at the same time so that continued raising of the lift handle by the operator causes the body to pivot to a dumping position while the canopy pivots away from the body due to a rope of a fixed length connecting the front of the canopy to the mower.