Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for determining the gradients of the surface normals of an object includes a receiving unit, establishing unit, determining unit, and selecting unit. The receiving unit is configured to receive data of three 2D images of the object, wherein each image is taken under illumination from a different direction. The establishing unit is configured to establish which pixels of the image are in shadow such that there is only data available from two images from these pixels. The determining unit is configured to determine a range of possible solutions for the gradient of the surface normal of a shadowed pixel using the data available for the two images. The selecting unit is configured to select a solution for the gradient using the integrability of the gradient field over an area of the object as a constraint and minimising a cost function.

Abstract: Integral Panel for walls and slabs integrated by the following elements: two parallel electro welded wire meshes, galvanized or annealed, cut to the exact measurement of the wall or slab needed. a plurality of connectors and separators in the shape of a cross which will be welded perpendicularly by their edges to the horizontal and vertical wires or rebars of such electro welded wire meshes, welding in a parallel form to the meshes, fixing, supporting, and separating the polystyrene core. the insulating core cut to the exact required measurement is placed in the center of the two meshes that form a sandwich. the electro welded union mesh, with or without being bent, to join walls and/or slabs with each other. all the union elements: wire, welding points, etc. to join all the components with each other. all the “cantilevers” of one of the two electro welded meshes, that will support the panel in the existing supports of the structure to be built.

Abstract: A canister for housing a tool such as a toilet brush or plunger and the canister has a pair of walls which pivot between an open and closed position via actuation of a platform which moves vertically within the canister upon receipt or removal of the tool therefrom. An actuator is provided to actuate the walls and a bias member may retain the walls in an open position when the tool is removed from the canister.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operably coupling medical device(s) together with an evaluation device such that closed-loop processing may occur are provided. To achieve closed-loop processing, the evaluation device is configured to receive diagnostic information related to physiological attributes of a patient and operational-status information of the medical device(s). Upon receipt of this information, the evaluation device may automatically analyze the data and automatically compose instructions based on the analysis. Analyzing includes comparing the data against content within an electronic medical record (EMR) or applying rules to the data. The rules are built on evidence-based medical procedures consistent with current medical practice.

Abstract: A canister for housing a tool such as a toilet brush or plunger and the canister has a pair of walls which pivot between an open and closed position via actuation of a platform which moves vertically within the canister upon receipt or removal of the tool therefrom. An actuator is provided to actuate the walls and a bias member may retain the walls in an open position when the tool is removed from the canister.

Abstract: A fish scale removal apparatus (100) utilizes a rotary motor, which is encased in a cylindrical housing and rotates a blade coupling member (104). The apparatus (100) is designed to rotate at a speed of 1,500-2,500 RPMs. A scale removing blade assembly (120, 150) having a shaft (122, 152) and a plurality of planar blades (124, 154) is assembled to the apparatus (100) by inserting a coupling end (126) of the shaft into the blade coupling member (104). The planar blades (124, 154) have a width (W) that is substantially greater than the thickness (T) allowing the blade to flex.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging a moving three dimensional object, the system comprising: at least three light sources, irradiating the object from three different angles, a video camera provided to collect radiation from said three light sources which has been reflected from said object; and an image processor, wherein each light source emits radiation of a different frequency and said image processor is configured to distinguish between the reflected signal from the three different light sources.

Abstract: A card authentication system. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for authenticating a data card having an intrinsic magnetic characteristic and recorded data on the data card, the method including reading information from the data card, the data card information including the intrinsic magnetic characteristic and the recorded data on the data card, encrypting the data card information, sending the encrypted data card information, receiving the encrypted data card information, decrypting a portion of the encrypted data card information, the portion including the intrinsic magnetic characteristic, generating a score indicative of a degree of correlation between the intrinsic magnetic characteristic of the data card information and a stored value, and determining an authenticity of the data card based at least in part on the score.

Abstract: A vacuum canister includes a storage space and a removable lid. The lid includes a pump housing that defines a pumping chamber within which a sliding piston is disposed. The piston is connected to a handle via a piston rod and features a skirt-like piston valve that seals against the side wall of the pump housing when the piston travels downward but permits air to pass when the piston travels upward. Air is pumped from the canister storage space via the pump. A vacuum indicator and release valve are also positioned in the lid. A bellows communicates with the canister storage space and contracts when a vacuum is present. The bellows is connected to a lever which pivots to extend a button indicating the presence of the vacuum. Pushing the button causes the lever to engage a vacuum release valve.

Abstract: A fluid container includes a body defining a storage compartment, an elongated spout carried by the body and in fluid communication with the storage compartment, and a swivel coupling between the spout on the body accommodating swiveling of the spout relative to the body about an axis extending upwardly from the bottom of the body. The spout may swivel between a pouring position extending away from the body and a storage position disposed closely adjacent to the body. The spout may be of light transmitting material and volume indicia may be formed on the body adjacent to the spout.

Abstract: A chum dispenser that houses chum for fishing applications. The instant invention is suspended by a rope and is submerged under water to a predetermined depth. It comprises a housing with first and second ends. The housing stores chum and has through holes to allow chum to seep out. The first end has a removable weighted end-cap and the second end has a flap assembly. The rope suspends the instant invention by the flap assembly. Flaps cover the second end of the housing when the instant invention is weighted down by the weighted end-cap. The flap assembly has springs attached to the housing that keep it partially open, exposing the second end of the housing and allowing the chum to exit therefrom when the rope is jerked by the user to overcome the weight of the weighted end-cap.

Abstract: A printer for printing on a first medium in the form of a continuous band or on a second medium in the form of a sheet, in a print zone of the printer, is provided. The printer comprising a movable cover giving access to the print zone for loading said second media, a hold down system for holding said second media in position before and during printing, a first sensor to detect opening of the cover linked to said hold down system, storage means for storing said first medium, a feeder for moving said first medium from the storage means to the print zone, wherein when the cover is opened by a user of the printer the sensor activates the hold down system to accept said second medium without any further action by said user. The printer may have a second sensor for activating the feeder to withdraw the first medium from a ready to print position to a standby position while simultaneously moving the second medium through the print zone.

Abstract: A print media feeder system to automatically change the supply of a printing medium in a printer between a feeder mode of medium in continuous band form and a feeder mode of medium in cut sheet form, comprising a pair of rollers arranged at a point along a first movement path of a first printing medium in continuous band form, said point being loacated between the input for said first medium and the main roller pulling the same and which rollers can be made to cooperate to, selectively, pull said first medium in one or the other direction along said first movement path; valve means for the printing medium arranged to cooperate with said main pulling roller for the purpose of allowing the passage, along the length of said first movement path, of said first medium towards or from a printing area, and to prevent passage of a second printing medium in cut sheet form from said printing area, around said main roller and along said first movement path, which valve means divert said second printing medium in cut shee

Abstract: A pad to be used with a continuous web, such as paper, that provides an area where the web is taut and suitable for use, such as writing, drawing or marking with different utensils. The web is stored as a roll inside a paper web roll housing from where it is passed through a first web guiding and feeding assembly that is characterized by permitting it to travel in one direction only. The web is then passed through a slot below the first web guiding and feeding assembly and under the pad housing to another slot from where it is passed upwardly and through a second web guiding and feeding assembly similar to the first one in function. Both assemblies include an elongated member with a longitudinal edge in contact with the web to permit to travel in one direction only.

Abstract: A reusable container normally mounted to a backing board for display purposes, and on which backing board advertising is adapted to be set forth, and wherein the container is composed of a receptacle and a lid with the lid being normally closed. The receptacle and lid have mutually companionate confronting surfaces to interconnect the two in close relation by heat sealing. The lid includes an outwardly extending peripheral side zone adapted to be connected such as by heat sealing to the backing board in the central zone and through which receptacle articles on display may be examined by a prospective purchaser.