Abstract: The system of the present invention applies self-organizing and/or supervd learning network methods to the problem of segmentation. The segmenter receives a visual field, implemented as a sliding window and distinguishes occurrences of complete characters from occurrences of parts of neighboring characters. Images of isolated whole characters are true objects and the opposite of true objects are anti-objects, centered on the space between two characters. The window is moved across a line of text producing a sequence of images and the segmentation system distinguishes true objects from anti-objects. Frames classified as anti-objects demarcate character boundaries, and frames classified as true objects represent detected character images. The system of the present invention may be a feedforward adaption using a symmetric triggering network. Inputs to the network are applied directly to the separate associative memories of the network.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an apparatus and process for applying material, such that it is dispersed in a pulsed manner, in micronized form, to agricultural commodities, while preventing drift of the micronized material to nontargeted areas. The instant invention employs a canopy which is passed over the agricultural commodity wherein a micronizing means is used to apply material, such as a pesticide, to an agricultural commodity within the canopy. The micronized material is preferably electrostatically charged when applied to the commodity.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to processes for biologically controlling postharvest disease in fruit using isolates of Pichia guilliermondii having the identifying characteristics of NRRL Y-18313, NRRL Y-18314, and NRRL Y-18654. The organisms were isolated from the surface of citrus fruits and are useful to control a variety of fruit-rot pathogens in a variety of fruits. Also disclosed is a biologically pure culture of at least one isolate of Pichia guilliermondii having the identifying characteristics of an isolate selected from the group consisting of NRRL Y-18313, NRRL Y-18314, and NRRL Y-18654.

Abstract: A method for treating postharvest stone fruit to prevent or inhibit brown rot of stone fruit with effective amounts of any of the following active ingredients in a carrier is disclosed: Bacillus subtilis B-3; Bacillus subtilis B-3 in combination with 2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline; Bacillus subtilis B-3 in combination with water based wax; and, Bacillus subtilis B-3 in combination with paraffin and mineral oil base.