Abstract: A process for recovering a vehicle includes obtaining a red green blue (RGB) image comprising a target on a recovery device. An input received from a user designates a target hue value and a target luminance value. The RGB image is converted to a hue value saturation (HSV) color model. The HSV color model is split into a hue value plane and a luminance value plane. A hue band pass filter and a luminance band pass filter are configured with appropriate thresholds. The configured hue band pass filter and the luminance band pass filter are applied to the hue value plane and the luminance value plane, respectively. The filtered hue value plane and the filtered luminance value planes are combined to yield a plurality of potential target pixel groupings. The most probable target is determined from the plurality of potential target pixels. The vehicle is directed to the target.

Abstract: A long-handled shovel includes a head having a blade and a socket and an elongate handle member partially extending into the socket of the head. The handle member is a tube. A rod partially extends into the handle member and partially extends into the socket to provide resilient flexing between the head and the handle member when prying forces are applied thereto. A collar encircles the socket to limit outward expansion of the socket. A continuous outer layer of plastic material is molded over the entire length of the handle member and at least partially molded over the socket and the collar. The outer layer provides added strength by extending over the joint between the handle member and the socket.