Abstract: An image processing system and method provide for receiving a digital document page to be printed. The page includes a background region for which no color is specified. A user is presented with an option to select a print medium from a set of print media of different colors and to select an option for a color of the selected print medium be used as a color of a background layer of the digital document page. When the option is selected, a background layer is inserted into the page. A print job incorporating the processed digital document page is output to an associated printer that is configured to convert the color of the background layer to colorant values that use the print media as a colorant for rendering at least a part of the background region.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a swaging tool includes forming a body of the swaging tool via additive manufacturing, forming a jaw of the swaging tool, and connecting the jaw with the body. Forming the body may include providing a portion of the body with a lattice structure. The portion may be internal and may not be externally accessible. Forming the body may include adding material to form at least one recess in an outer surface of the body. The method may include conducting a stress analysis. The at least one recess may be formed based on or according to the stress analysis.

Abstract: A system for detecting precipitation is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system includes a capacitive sensor configured to detect a presence of precipitation, a piezo sensor configured to be powered on in response to detection of the presence of the precipitation by the capacitive sensor, and a processor configured to detect a characteristic of the precipitation based at least in part on an output of the piezo sensor. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving a signal from a piezo sensor, sampling the signal at a sampling rate, determining a frequency domain representation of the sampled signal, determining that a magnitude of a resonant frequency associated with the sampled signal meets a threshold, and determining a valid precipitation event based at least in part on the determination that the magnitude of the resonant frequency meets the threshold.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a swaging tool includes forming a body of the swaging tool via additive manufacturing, forming a jaw of the swaging tool, and connecting the jaw with the body. Forming the body may include providing a portion of the body with a lattice structure. The portion may be internal and may not be externally accessible. Forming the body may include adding material to form at least one recess in an outer surface of the body. The method may include conducting a stress analysis. The at least one recess may be formed based on or according to the stress analysis.

Abstract: A system for detecting precipitation is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system includes a capacitive sensor configured to detect a presence of precipitation, a piezo sensor configured to be powered on in response to detection of the presence of the precipitation by the capacitive sensor, and a processor configured to detect a characteristic of the precipitation based at least in part on an output of the piezo sensor. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving a signal from a piezo sensor, sampling the signal at a sampling rate, determining a frequency domain representation of the sampled signal, determining that a magnitude of a resonant frequency associated with the sampled signal meets a threshold, and determining a valid precipitation event based at least in part on the determination that the magnitude of the resonant frequency meets the threshold.

Abstract: A smartphone-operated HVAC airflow anemometer device and system includes an anemometer device having an impeller and a photo interrupter circuit. The circuit generates an output signal that is proportional to the rotation speed of the impeller, and transmits the same via a headphone jack to a smartphone device running an airflow balancing application. The airflow balancing application receives airflow data from the anemometer and provides power to the same. The application can apply one or more algorithms to the received airflow data to generate airflow information which can be stored or transmitted by the smartphone device.

Abstract: A smartphone-operated wireless HVAC airflow anemometer device and system includes an anemometer device having an impeller assembly, an inductor and a controller. A magnet within the impeller assembly generates an oscillating current in the inductor which is proportional to the rotational rate of the impeller. A controller captures and transmits this information wirelessly to an airflow balancing application located on a smartphone device that includes a plurality of algorithms for calculating airflow information. An environmental sensor unit, and an electronic compass are also located within the wireless anemometer device.

Abstract: A plumbing flange wrench designed to engage with a conventional plumbing flange. The flange wrench includes an elongated body that is configured in a substantially planar manner. The body has a first end and a second end. Positioned at the second end of the body is a handle. Perpendicularly extending from the first end of the body are two connection members designed to releasably secure the flange wrench to a conventional flange by engaging with the apertures proximate the pipe opening. The connection members are centrally and longitudinally mounted to the first end of the body. The flange wrench further includes a coating disposed on the second end.

Abstract: Zirconium sponge can be chemically depassivated by treatment with hydrofluoric acid to improve the ability of molten magnesium/magnesium alloy to dissolve zirconium from the treated zirconium sponge and to form a melt containing substantially evenly distributed particles of zirconium. Optical micrographs showing the grain refining ability of pretreated sponge when added to pure magnesium at 680° C. All micrographs are of the same magnification. (a) Pure magnesium, (b) after adding 1 wt % sponge followed by 20 minutes manual stirring, and (c) after a further 10 minutes stirring.

Abstract: A method for predetermining the controlled and uniform discharge rate of a fluid from a single lumen tubular body having passageways radially extending through the wall of the tubular body has been developed and is described. The method involves predetermining such parameters as the transverse cross-sectional areas of the passageways extending through the wall of the tubular body, the spacing of the passageways, the pressure at each of the passageways, and the rate of flow at each of the passageways. One specific preferred application of such a tubular body is an infusion catheter for delivering various fluids to designated areas of the body for either a therapeutic treatment and/or diagnostic purposes. For example, such a catheter may be adapted to deliver controlled and uniform quantities of thrombolytic agents, chemotherapeutic agents as well as such diagnostic agents as fluorescent dyes and radioactive agents.