Abstract: A multi-layered web is disclosed that is resilient and/or elastic in the Z-direction. Thus, when the web is compressed, the web assumes a compacted state and then expands to an expanded state when the compressive forces are removed. In one embodiment, the multi-layered web includes a middle layer made from a resilient blend of fibers positioned inbetween two outer layers. The middle layer, for instance, can contain elastomeric fibers, three-dimensional fibers, and/or debonded fibers.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods determine the three-dimensional position and orientation of a fiducial marker and tracking the three-dimensional position and orientation across different fields-of-view. Methods include: capturing an image of a first space in which the fiducial marker is disposed with a first sensor having a first field-of-view; determining the three-dimensional location and orientation of the fiducial marker within the first space based on the image of the first space in which the fiducial marker is disposed; capturing an image of a second space in which the fiducial marker is disposed with a second sensor having a second field-of-view; calculating pan and tilt information for the second sensor to move the second field-of-view of the second sensor to acquire an image of the fiducial marker; and determining the three-dimensional location and orientation of the fiducial marker within the second space based on the image of the second space.

Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods for simulating translated aircraft terminal procedures and comparing them to detect for errors in the translation of the terminal procedures. In one or more examples, one or more regulatory agency's routes and procedures for a given airspace are translated into one or more instructions that can be read by a flight computer that is configured to assist a pilot during a flight to adhere to those agency's procedures. A given terminal procedure can have multiple translations associated with it. In order to determine the accuracy of the translation process, in one or more examples, the translations provided by those vendors can be simulated by a computer that is configured to simulate an aircraft's traversal of an airspace using the instructions loaded on to the flight computer. The data generated by the simulations can be used to compare the translations to detect errors in the translation process.

Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector mount assemblies are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices and to simplify the final connection of external wiring to the module.

Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector mount assemblies are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices and to simplify the final connection of external wiring to the module.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method and apparatus for basketball referees, game management staff and other officials to notify the audience of a basketball game of the successful completion of a three-point shot. The preferred apparatus generates a tone that may be reproduced on the stadium or arena public address system or on the stadium or arena scoreboard or large screen video device. The tone generated by the apparatus is a unique sound that is readily recognized by the audience. The method involves a official, either an on-floor basketball official or an official observing the game from the side of the floor, activating a sound producing electronic card and the sound is then reproduced over the arena or stadium public address system. The major purpose of the method and device is to increase the enjoyment of observing basketball games by providing an audible alert to the successful completion of a three-point shot.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method and apparatus for basketball referees, game management staff and other officials to notify the audience of a basketball game of the successful completion of a three-point shot. The preferred apparatus generates a tone that may be reproduced on the stadium or arena public address system or on the stadium or arena scoreboard or large screen video device. The tone generated by the apparatus is a unique sound that is readily recognized by the audience. The method involves a official, either an on-floor basketball official or an official observing the game from the side of the floor, activating a sound producing electronic card and the sound is then reproduced over the arena or stadium public address system. The major purpose of the method and device is to increase the enjoyment of observing basketball games by providing an audible alert to the successful completion of a three-point shot.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method and apparatus for basketball referees, game management staff and other officials to notify the audience of a basketball game of the successful completion of a three-point shot. The preferred apparatus generates a tone that may be reproduced on the stadium or arena public address system or on the stadium or arena scoreboard or large screen video device. The tone generated by the apparatus is a unique sound that is readily recognized by the audience. The method involves a official, either an on-floor basketball official or an official observing the game from the side of the floor, activating a sound producing electronic card and the sound is then reproduced over the arena or stadium public address system. The major purpose of the method and device is to increase the enjoyment of observing basketball games by providing an audible alert to the successful completion of a three-point shot.

Abstract: An x-ray system comprising a scanning beam x-ray source configured to projected at least one x-ray beam in a generally upward direction. When the generated x-rays are scattered they are scattered in a direction predominantly away from x-ray sensitive areas of attending staff. The unscattered x-rays are subsequently received at a detector and an image is reconstructed.

Abstract: An x-ray system comprising a scanning beam x-ray source configured to projected at least one x-ray beam in a generally upward direction. When the generated x-rays are scattered they are scattered in a direction predominantly away from x-ray sensitive areas of attending staff. The unscattered x-rays are subsequently received at a detector and an image is reconstructed.

Abstract: A compact x-ray source and assembly is disclosed. The x-ray source is configured to operate without the need of a transformer within the x-ray source. Due in part to the elimination of components, and further due to the unique assembly of the x-ray source, the x-ray source is compact and can fit beneath, rather than above an x-ray transparent patient table. Accordingly, the x-ray source projects x-rays in an upwardly direction toward the object to be imaged. As a result of the unique configuration of the x-ray source, scattered x-rays are directed away from upper body areas of attending medical staff and radiation to the sensitive tissue of a patient is reduced.

Abstract: A lightweight panel is provided that may be used as a gate, a fence section, or the base of a temporary carport. The panel may be selectively made more massive, and includes a peripheral structure comprised of hollow plastic extrusions having corresponding solid extrusions disposed therein while leaving sufficient space to permit a liquid to be interposed within the hollow plastic extrusions when desired.

Abstract: A radial reform head for reforming the shape of the perimeter pins of a semiconductor module is provided. The radial reform head has a plate having edges defining an aperture, wherein the dimensions of the edges are such that the desired length of a row of reformed pins is equal to the length of the edges. A module handler for inserting the pins of a module into a stationary insert in the aperture is also provided.Side reform jaws, preferably four, for reforming the perimeter rows of pins except for the corner pins, and corner reform jaws, preferably four, for reforming the corner pins are situated so that they can be moved radially to and from the pins by pneumatic cylinders. The reform jaws have extended portions which contact the pins when the cylinders are actuated by a signal from the module handler, and force the pins against the edges which define the aperture of the plate thus reforming the pins to a particular dimension.

Abstract: A practice device for use in the practice of those sports involving the hurling or striking of a ball or other sport projectile toward a specified target. The device of the invention serves to safely arrest the flight of the projectile while informing the user of the exact point of impact of the projectile relative to a defined target zone. The target is a polymeric foam mat having a polymeric sheet bonded to its front face. The sheet removably carries target indicia. Apertures through the foam mat make up 40 to 50 percent of the total surface area of the mat. When a projectile strikes the sheet, an indentation, which lasts from 5 to 60 seconds, indicates the point of impact.

Abstract: A portable campfire grill employing three identical elongate members constructed of steel or like heat resistant material. Each of the elongate members has a pair of slots, one slot being formed adjacent each end and the respective slots being oriented in opposite directions. The slots have a depth half the width of the member so that when the elongate members are engaged by interengagement at the slots, the opposite surfaces of the elongate members are in coplanar relation thereby forming a triangular shaped grill structure having a flat surface. The slots have a dimension in a direction longitudinally of the members such that the members must be stressed to effect such interengagement so that the triangular structure formed by assembling the three members is retained in assembled, operative condition.

Abstract: A bowling alley gutter dusting apparatus is disclosed that automatically and simultaneously dusts four gutters and the ball return chute. The apparatus includes a dusting appendage, a housing unit, a guidance structure, and a propulsion system. A method for dusting bowling alley gutters is also disclosed.