Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for constructing a composite image having an extended depth of focus from a plurality of spatially congruent source images of lesser depth of focus. The systems and methods are relatively fast, preserve detail, provide robust results on a variety of unpredictable workpiece features and configurations, and tend to suppress or reduce out-of-focus artifacts. The composite image is constructed by edge and/or boundary analysis to identify well-focused edges or boundaries in the source images. Each particular edge or boundary in the composite image is determined based on the source image containing the best-focused instance of each particular edge or boundary. The composite image is constructed outside of the previously constructed portions by surface analysis to identify well-focused surfaces in the source images, Each particular surface portion in the composite image is determined based on the source image with the best-focused instance of each particular surface portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for constructing a composite image having an extended depth of focus from a plurality of spatially congruent source images of lesser depth of focus. The systems and methods are relatively fast, preserve detail, provide robust results on a variety of unpredictable workpiece features and configurations, and tend to suppress or reduce out-of-focus artifacts. The composite image is constructed by edge and/or boundary analysis to identify well-focused edges or boundaries in the source images. Each particular edge or boundary in the composite image is determined based on the source image containing the best-focused instance of each particular edge or boundary. The composite image is constructed outside of the previously constructed portions by surface analysis to identify well-focused surfaces in the source images, Each particular surface portion in the composite image is determined based on the source image with the best-focused instance of each particular surface portion.

Abstract: A delivery system comprising a first container (24) in which a first material is to be held; a second container (66) in which a second material is to be held, the second container being capable of being put into fluid communication with the first container to enable the second material to be added to the first material to form a flowable composition in the first container, and user-actuable means (72) for mechanically generating a pressure differential to allow all of the flowable composition which is discharged to be discharged from the first container (24) at any orientation.

Abstract: A dual sideburn trimmer provides for the simultaneous, accurate, level cutting or trimming of the opposite sideburns of a person using the present trimmer. The trimmer includes a generally U-shaped handle portion, with the handle portion including two parallel, straight arms for holding, cutting or trimming elements at their distal ends, and a straight crossmember joining the two trimming element arms at their ends opposite the cutting elements. The junctures between the crossmember and the two trimming element arms may be smoothly curved. The center of the crossmember includes a level installed thereon or therein, with the level preferably comprising a spirit type level partially filled with a liquid (e.g., water). A sight line is provided along the level vial, with which the liquid level within the level vial may be aligned to assure that the crossmember, and thus the two trimming element arms, are level with one another to provide a precisely even trim.

Abstract: A hand tool for applying hot melt adhesive which minimizes leakage and enhances the speed and convenience of adhering one material to another. An applicator roller receives liquefied adhesive through an adjacent slot in an upper part of a retention chamber. The slot is at the top level of the liquefied adhesive when the tool is in its rest position. On the outside of the chamber, and below it, a brayer roller is provided for pressing one material to another to complete the adhering process. The tool must be tilted forward to provide adhesive to the applicator roller while it is rolled across the material, and tilted back somewhat to lift the applicator roller and to press down on the material with only the brayer roller.

Abstract: Readily available and normally discardable items are modified for attachment one to another as parts in constructing a desired structure. In one embodiment, the top of a twist-on type of bottle cap is extended to duplicate the threaded portion of a bottle top. In another embodiment, the bottom of a bottle cap is provided with a skirt having an annular groove on its inside surface. The top of the cap is provided with an annular flange designed to snap into the groove of an identical cap. The caps can be stacked by twisting one onto another (first embodiment) or snapping one onto another (second embodiment). Punch-outs are provided on the periphery of the caps to be used in combination with a fastening means, such as rivets, to attach the caps side by side. Beverage cans are provided with similar adaptations.