Abstract: A fluorite synthetic stone comprises: (a) a glass matrix comprising Ca, Si and O, and having a predetermined weight ratio of Ca to Si; and (b) CaF2 crystals dispersed in the glass matrix at a concentration of at least about 70 wt.%. A method of making fluorite synthetic stones includes formulating a particulate mixture comprising: CaF2 crystals at a concentration of at least about 70 wt.%; and an excipient having a predetermined weight ratio of Ca to Si. Aggregates are prepared from the particulate mixture. The aggregates are heat treated to form a plurality of fluorite synthetic stones, where each synthetic stone comprises: a glass matrix comprising Ca, Si and O; and CaF2 crystals dispersed in the glass matrix at a concentration of at least about 70 wt.%.

Abstract: A heater for heating elongated objects including an elongated strip of flexible material having first and second ends and elongated opposite side edges defining a width therebetween. The strip of material comprises a fiber reinforced elastomeric material having at least a first portion that is set in a spiral. The heater also includes at least one elongated electrically conductive heating element imbedded in the elongated strip of elastomeric material. A thermostat is operably coupled to the heating element, and the thermostat is encapsulated in an elastomeric dielectric material that is bonded to the elastomeric material of the strip to provide a waterproof seal around the thermostat. The heater further includes an electrical power line extending from the thermostat for supplying power to the heater.

Abstract: A heater for heating elongated objects includes an elongated strip of flexible material having first and second ends and elongated opposite side edges defining a width therebetween. The strip of material comprises a fiber reinforced elastomeric material having at least a first portion that is set in a spiral. The heater also includes at least one elongated electrically conductive heating element imbedded in the elongated strip of elastomeric material. A thermostat is operably coupled to the heating element, and the thermostat is encapsulated in an elastomeric dielectric material that is bonded to the elastomeric material of the strip to provide a waterproof seal around the thermostat. The heater further includes an electrical power line extending from the thermostat for supplying power to the heater.

Abstract: A heater for heating elongated objects includes an elongated strip of flexible material having first and second ends and elongated opposite side edges defining a width therebetween. The strip of material comprises a fiber reinforced elastomeric material having at least a first portion that is set in a spiral. The heater also includes at least one elongated electrically conductive heating element imbedded in the elongated strip of elastomeric material. A thermostat is operably coupled to the heating element, and the thermostat is encapsulated in an elastomeric dielectric material that is bonded to the elastomeric material of the strip to provide a waterproof seal around the thermostat. The heater further includes an electrical power line extending from the thermostat for supplying power to the heater.

Abstract: A seed point is selected inside a structure that is to be segmented in image data. An adaptive model is defined around the seed point, and a preprocessing filter is applied only within the bounding region. A presegmentation of the preprocessed result is performed, and the bounding region is expanded if necessary to accommodate the presegmentation result. An adaptive model for post-processing may be used. The model is translated, rotated and scaled to find a best fit with the pre-segmented data. Additional models can be grown based on testing performed on points on a perimeter of previous models to improve the segmentation of an object.

Abstract: A seed point is selected inside a structure that is to be segmented in image data. An adaptive model is defined around the seed point, and a preprocessing filter is applied only within the bounding region. A presegmentation of the preprocessed result is performed, and the bounding region is expanded if necessary to accommodate the presegmentation result. An adaptive model for post-processing may be used. The model is translated, rotated and scaled to find a best fit with the pre-segmented data.

Abstract: An earring which can be transformed from a button-like type to a pendant-like type comprises two hinged elements which can be either closed or opened.

Abstract: A battery terminal connector which electrically interconnects the terminals of two or more batteries and which terminal connector is tapped to provide terminal connection to an external device. The terminal connector also serves as a carrying handle for the batteries. The connector is comprised of two stiff metal members contained within an insulative handle housing offset from the surface of the battery or batteries to permit finger insertion. A portion of said metal members is exposed through said insulative handle housing for external electrical connection. The ends of the metal members are shaped for connection to the battery terminals and the metal members are sized to fit between such battery terminals.