Abstract: Techniques are described for automated analysis and use of data acquired about an object of interest, such as from a physically mounted camera or other sensing device with only partial coverage of the object exterior, such as to automatically generate a computer model of the object from visual data in images and to use the computer model to automatically estimate values for one or more object attributes. For example, the described techniques may be used to measure the volume of a pile of material significantly larger than a human using images acquired by one or more fixed-location cameras that provide visual coverage of only a subset of the pile's exterior. The images from such physically mounted devices may be acquired at various times (e.g., when triggered by conditions in the environment of the object, dynamically upon request, etc.), and may be used to monitor changes in the object.

Abstract: Techniques are described for automated analysis and use of data acquired about an object of interest, such as from a physically mounted camera or other sensing device with only partial coverage of the object exterior, such as to automatically generate a computer model of the object from visual data in images and to use the computer model to automatically estimate values for one or more object attributes. For example, the described techniques may be used to measure the volume of a pile of material significantly larger than a human using images acquired by one or more fixed-location cameras that provide visual coverage of only a subset of the pile's exterior. The images from such physically mounted devices may be acquired at various times (e.g., when triggered by conditions in the environment of the object, dynamically upon request, etc.), and may be used to monitor changes in the object.

Abstract: A waterproof, heat-proof, and fire-proof protective cover for a hot barbecue grill or other cooking apparatus. In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a waterproof flexible outside shell conforming generally to the shape of the hot barbecue grill and having an underside, and at least one inside flexible shell coupled to the underside of the outside shell. The inside shell includes at least one heat-dissipating material disposed to contact a hot portion of the hot barbecue grill when the protective cover is placed thereon.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a convertible protective cover for protecting an article. The cover includes a covering portion having an underside, a pillowcase portion having an inside surface, and a tether having two ends, one end coupled to the covering portion and the other end coupled to the pillowcase portion. The covering portion can be stuffed into the tethered pillowcase portion to form a stuffed pillow that conceals the cover. Conversely, the protective cover conceals the pillowcase portion while the protective cover is in use to protect the article.

Abstract: A protective cover for inhibiting corrosion of barbecue grills, automobiles, outdoor furniture, and other metal-containing articles. In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a water vapor-permeable shell and at least one volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) disposed on or in the water vapor-permeable shell. The shell includes two outer layers of spunbond polypropylene with an inner layer of polypropylene film impregnated with the VCI. The VCI actively inhibits corrosion, while the entrapment of moisture inside the shell is inhibited by the water vapor-permeable shell.

Abstract: A waterproof, heat-proof, and fire-proof protective cover for a hot barbecue grill or other cooking apparatus. In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a waterproof flexible outside shell conforming generally to the shape of the hot barbecue grill and having an underside, and at least one inside flexible shell coupled to the underside of the outside shell. The inside shell includes at least one heat-dissipating material disposed to contact a hot portion of the hot barbecue grill when the protective cover is placed thereon.