Abstract: A machine for inspecting, sorting and stacking items includes a plurality of conveyor lanes for moving items through the machine. An imaging system is arranged relative to the conveyor lanes to view items moving along the conveyor lanes. A reject arrangement is downstream of the imaging system and includes a plurality of selectively actuatable reject mechanisms, each reject mechanism associated with a respective one of the conveyor lanes enabling items to be selectively dropped from each conveyor lane on an individual lane basis. Items that pass inspection are conveyed to a downstream stacker, then on to item stack conveyors before being moved onto a side transfer conveyor. A controller analyzes image data to make a determination of whether any item is below a defined quality threshold and, if so, to control the reject mechanism to drop the below quality item out of the conveyor lane.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an electronic note on a handheld electronic device. Specifically, the present invention allows a user to push one button on the handheld device to gain access to a cleared screen where ideas, telephone numbers, etc. can be written down directly on the screen in the user's own handwriting in the form of a note. Additionally, the note is automatically time and date stamped. Furthermore, a title associated with the note is displayed concurrently with the note and can be modified using digitized alphanumeric characters. Moreover, the note is automatically stored in the handheld electronic device. Also, an alarm, associated with a particular time and date relative to the electronic device, can be electronically assigned to the note. At the particular time and date associated with the alarm, the alarm is automatically triggered, and the note is automatically displayed on the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting, sorting and stacking items includes a plurality of conveyor lanes for moving items through the machine. An imaging system is arranged relative to the conveyor lanes to view items moving along the conveyor lanes. A reject arrangement is downstream of the imaging system and includes a plurality of selectively actuatable reject mechanisms, each reject mechanism associated with a respective one of the conveyor lanes enabling items to be selectively dropped from each conveyor lane on an individual lane basis. Items that pass inspection are conveyed to a downstream stacker, then on to item stack conveyors before being moved onto a side transfer conveyor. A controller analyzes image data to make a determination of whether any item is below a defined quality threshold and, if so, to control the reject mechanism to drop the below quality item out of the conveyor lane.

Abstract: A grain angle sensor system for measuring grain angle direction of surface fibers of a wood object with respect to at least one of a surface plane direction or a transverse direction, such as a dive angle, or with respect to both the surface plane and transverse direction. The system includes multiple laser diodes and photosensor detectors integrated into an electro-optical assembly that can sequence the firing of the lasers to minimize crosstalk. An exemplary assembly includes an enclosure housing an electronic control board connected to circuit cards containing multiple laser diodes and multiple photosensor detectors.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a hierarchically-organized network of websites, comprising a plurality of levels. In one embodiment of the invention, there are three such levels, the professional level, the geographical level, and the expert level, each level comprising a plurality of websites. The professional websites provide links to the geographical websites. The geographical websites provide links to the expert websites. Another aspect of the invention is a link management node, which collects links for the expert websites, stores them in a link library, and dynamically adds the collected content to the professional websites and the geographical websites.

Abstract: A coated metal article includes a ferrous metal substrate, and an abraded metallic coating on the substrate, wherein the abraded metallic coating has a substantially uniform patterned appearance which simulates the surface appearance of polished stainless steel. A top coating, which may be a relatively thick PVC coating or a thin coating of polyester, epoxy, or acrylic, may overlie the abraded metallic coating on an obverse side of the substrate. The metallic coating may be a Zinc-Nickel alloy and a pre-treatment coating may be applied beneath the top coating. A primer coating may be applied beneath the PVC top coating.

Abstract: A handheld computer is provided that includes a first module combined with one or more modules. The first module includes a housing having one or more coupling surfaces, with each coupling surface including a coupling mechanism. A second module is coupleable to the first module. The second module includes a third coupling surface having a second coupling mechanism for mating with the first coupling mechanism. The third coupling surface is positioned on the second module so as to abut at least partially against the second coupling surface when the first coupling mechanism is mated with the second coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A lid assembly that includes a lid and a coupling mechanism for coupling the lid to a palmtop computer system. The coupling mechanism is double jointed so as to move the lid from a closed position to an open position. In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes a plate and two clips that attach to the plate such that the clips rotate relative to the plate. The plate couples to the lid such that the lid rotates relative to the plate. In the closed position, the lid covers the display of the palmtop computer system. The lid is movable into the open position. In the open position, the display is uncovered and the lid is disposed against the rear side of the palmtop computer system. In one embodiment, the lid includes an opaque region and a non-opaque region. The non-opaque region allows for viewing a portion of the display of the palmtop computer while the lid is in the closed position.

Abstract: A method and system for coupling to a palmtop computer that supports both mobile computing and desktop use. A palmtop computer docking system is disclosed that includes a cable assembly and a base. The cable assembly includes a cable dock that is connected to a serial connector via an electrical cable. The cable dock includes a connector receptacle that mates with a corresponding connector on a palmtop computer. The cable assembly is adapted to engage the base so as to produce a fully functional docking cradle. In operation, once the cable assembly is engaged with the base, the serial connector is then coupled to the desired computing device (typically either a portable computer or a full-size computer). The resulting docking cradle facilitates desktop use such as, for example, communication with a full size computer. The cable assembly can be removed from the base and can be used independently of the base for mobile computing.

Abstract: A handheld computer is provided that includes a first module combined with one or more modules. The first module includes a housing having one or more coupling surfaces, with each coupling surface including a coupling mechanism. A second module is coupleable to the first module. The second module includes a third coupling surface having a second coupling mechanism for mating with the first coupling mechanism. The third coupling surface is positioned on the second module so as to abut at least partially against the second coupling surface when the first coupling mechanism is mated with the second coupling mechanism.