Abstract: A foot-operated lid opening system for a bin, utilizing a stirrup connected by at least one actuating strap to at least one lifting device. Each lifting device features a bracket with a slitted hemisphere and a substantially fixed spring attachment plate; this plate includes a central pillar and at least one cavity. A lifting arm assembly, comprising a lifting arm with an integral ball joint and stub, has its stub passing through the slit to engage the cavity. A torsion spring, mounted on the pillar, biases the lifting arm towards a lid-closed position. Foot actuation pulls the strap, pivoting the lifting arm via the stub's engagement to open the lid with a lifting pin. A key aspect is its ambidextrous design, enabling left or right-side bin mounting. This is achieved through a rotatable stub, a flippable lifting arm with a double-sided pin, and typically multiple cavities on the spring attachment plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for image data fusion include providing first and second sets of image data corresponding to an imaged first and second scene respectively. The scenes at least partially overlap in an overlap region, defining a first collection of overlap image data as part of the first set of image data, and a second collection of overlap image data as part of the second set of image data. The second collection of overlap image data is represented as a plurality of image data subsets such that each of the subsets is based on at least one characteristic of the second collection, and each subset spans the overlap region. A fused set of image data is produced by an image processor, by modifying the first collection of overlap image data based on at least a selected one of, but less than all of, the image data subsets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for image data fusion include providing first and second sets of image data corresponding to an imaged first and second scene respectively. The scenes at least partially overlap in an overlap region, defining a first collection of overlap image data as part of the first set of image data, and a second collection of overlap image data as part of the second set of image data. The second collection of overlap image data is represented as a plurality of image data subsets such that each of the subsets is based on at least one characteristic of the second collection, and each subset spans the overlap region. A fused set of image data is produced by an image processor, by modifying the first collection of overlap image data based on at least a selected one of, but less than all of, the image data subsets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wrap device and to methods of using a wrap device for facilitating manipulation of a stack of slides or other stackable objects in order to remove the stack from a packaging container and place within a hopper or other dispensing container. When using the device and methods of the present invention, no undue force is exerted on any particular slide within the stack, thus minimizing the risks of breakage, while stabilizing the stack such that “fanning” and slippage within the stack is substantially prevented. Further, the invention may be used to facilitate manipulation of a stack of slides without direct contact between the slides and a user's hands.

Abstract: A flexible method for characterizing polymer components and the use of the same in general purpose polymer process simulation software has been developed. In this method and software apparatus, polymer molecules are defined in terms of their segments or structural units. In addition, a set of component attributes is associated with each polymer component. The component attributes are used to track information on polymer molecular structure, chemical composition and product properties, such as molecular weight averages, average copolymer composition, particle size distribution, etc. This methodology is used in a consistent manner by all key elements of simulation software, such as thermo-physical property calculations and polymerization kinetics.