Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes generating a histogram associated with at least one object; receiving image data; comparing the image data to the histogram in order to determine if at least a portion of the image data corresponds to the histogram; identifying a pose associated with the object; and triggering an electronic command associated with the pose. In more particular embodiments, the image data is evaluated in order to analyze sequences of poses associated with a gesture that signals the electronic command to be performed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a touch-screen display. The apparatus includes first logic for generating a virtual assistant for presentation to a user via the touch-screen display. The virtual assistant has one or more anthropomorphic characteristics and interacts with the user via at least the touch-screen display to facilitate user access to one or more vehicle features. The apparatus includes second logic for automatically receiving data from a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag in a personal item of the user to identify the user, automatically accessing a profile associated with the RFID tag, and automatically initiating implementation of one or more of preferences of the user indicated by a profile associated with the RFID tag. The apparatus includes a vehicle interface for coupling the apparatus to any one of multiple vehicles and communicating data between the first or second logic and the vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes generating a histogram associated with at least one object; receiving image data; comparing the image data to the histogram in order to determine if at least a portion of the image data corresponds to the histogram; identifying a pose associated with the object; and triggering an electronic command associated with the pose. In more particular embodiments, the image data is evaluated in order to analyze sequences of poses associated with a gesture that signals the electronic command to be performed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a touch-screen display. The apparatus includes first logic for generating a virtual assistant for presentation to a user via the touch-screen display. The virtual assistant has one or more anthropomorphic characteristics and interacts with the user via at least the touch-screen display to facilitate user access to one or more vehicle features. The apparatus includes second logic for automatically receiving data from a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag in a personal item of the user to identify the user, automatically accessing a profile associated with the RFID tag, and automatically initiating implementation of one or more of preferences of the user indicated by a profile associated with the RFID tag. The apparatus includes a vehicle interface for coupling the apparatus to any one of multiple vehicles and communicating data between the first or second logic and the vehicle.

Abstract: A awning control circuit and assembly including an ambient thermistor and a heated thermistor for sensing wind speed. A microprocessor determines the present wind speed by referencing values of the thermistors to a stored lookup table. When the wind speed meets or exceeds a threshold value, the microprocessor causes one or more awnings to retract.

Abstract: A awning control circuit and assembly including an ambient thermistor and a heated thermistor for sensing wind speed. A microprocessor determines the present wind speed by referencing values of the thermistors to a stored lookup table. When the wind speed meets or exceeds a threshold value, the microprocessor causes one or more awnings to retract.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting substantial rearward displacement of an automotive vehicle's engine/transmission powertrain and for transferring rearward thrust of the engine to support structure of the vehicle. A rigid transversely extending cross beam in the form of a hollow tube is secured to the support structure and located just rearwardly of the powertrain. An impact member is secured to the engine/transmission in a position between the engine and the cross beam. The impact member is in the form of an elongated, generally C-shaped bar with its opposite ends secured to the engine/transmission. The impact bar has an intermediate portion formed with a concave section spaced from and opposed to the cross beam member. Rearward thrust of the engine/transmission is transmitted to the cross beam and ultimately to the support structure of the vehicle, inhibiting substantial rearward movement of the engine/transmission.

Abstract: A device useful in minimally-invasive procedures involving the visualization, dissection and/or harvesting of vessels in the body includes a shaft having a handle mounted on one end and a dissecting tip on the other end. The dissecting tip optionally includes a light source for directing light transverse of the tip and structures to retain the tip in position adjacent the vessel as the tip is advanced along the vessel. Also disclosed are associated methods for transilluminating a vessel, dissecting the vessel from surrounding tissue, and transecting the vessel and side branches and removing the vessel from the body.

Abstract: A system for establishing an anastomotic passageway between first and second structures within an animal, the first and second structures each having an intima-exposing opening comprises a first plate sized and configured for attachment to the opening of the first structure, the first plate including an attaching portion having means for gripping first structure at its opening, the first plate further including a coupling portion which is positioned exterior of the first structure when the first plate is attached to the first structure; a second plate sized and configured for attachment to the opening of the second structure, the second plate including an attaching portion having means for gripping the second structure at its opening, the second plate further including a coupling portion which is positioned exterior of the second structure when the second plate is attached to the second structure; and means for connecting the coupling portion of said first plate with the coupling portion of said second plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding torsion to a roller tube assembly of a retractable awning which includes a roller tube rotatable about a rod and a torsion spring between the roller tube and the rod. The model number of the roller tube assembly and the required number of turns to obtain the desired torsion is input, by bar code scanner, into a programmable controller. The controller is preprogrammed with data relating to the proper holding assemblies required for various model numbers and boundaries for the data input by the bar code scanner. The controller first verifies that the proper holding fixture is present. The rod is coupled to a drive motor for rotation therewith and the roller tube is secured in the holding assembly to substantially prevent rotation thereof. The rod is coupled and the roller tube is secured solely by longitudinally moving the roller tube assembly into the holding fixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a temperature regulation system for providing heating and cooling for an interior of a truck. The temperature regulation system may be operated for an extended period of time without relying on the truck's engine or start battery for power. Therefore, the apparatus is ideal for heating and cooling a sleeping compartment within the truck while the engine is not running. The temperature regulation system comprises a climate control unit having a power control board, a control terminal having operator adjustable controls, a power inverter having a direct current input and an alternating current output, and a secondary battery.