Abstract: A client device receives a request to render a digital map of a certain geographic area. The client device retrieves a first map image layer covering the geographic area from a memory of the client device, where the first map image layer has a first resolution, and receives a second map image layer covering the same geographic area from the map server, where the second map image layer has a second resolution different from the first resolution. The client device combines the first map image layer retrieved from the memory of the client device with the second map image layer received from the map server to generate a single digital map of the geographic area.

Abstract: A client device receives a request to render a digital map of a certain geographic area. The client device retrieves a first map image layer covering the geographic area from a memory of the client device, where the first map image layer has a first resolution, and receives a second map image layer covering the same geographic area from the map server, where the second map image layer has a second resolution different from the first resolution. The client device combines the first map image layer retrieved from the memory of the client device with the second map image layer received from the map server to generate a single digital map of the geographic area.

Abstract: To efficiently transmit image map data to a client device, a map server selects map data for rendering a digital map of a certain geographic area at the client device and generates multiple map image layers using the selected map data, each covering the geographic area. In particular, the map server generates (i) a first map image layer including a first type of geographic data and having a first resolution, and (ii) a second map image layer including a second type of geographic data and having a second resolution. The map server then transmits the multiple map image layers to the client device via a communication network for generating a single digital map of the geographic area.

Abstract: To efficiently transmit image map data to a client device, a map server selects map data for rendering a digital map of a certain geographic area at the client device and generates multiple map image layers using the selected map data, each covering the geographic area. In particular, the map server generates (i) a first map image layer including a first type of geographic data and having a first resolution, and (ii) a second map image layer including a second type of geographic data and having a second resolution. The map server then transmits the multiple map image layers to the client device via a communication network for generating a single digital map of the geographic area.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for generating marker and comb indicia in an optical environment using a Mach-Zehnder (M-Z) modulator. High speed recording devices are configured to record image or other data defining a high speed event. To calibrate and establish time reference, the markers or combs are indicia which serve as timing pulses (markers) or a constant-frequency train of optical pulses (comb) to be imaged on a streak camera for accurate time based calibration and time reference. The system includes a camera, an optic signal generator which provides an optic signal to an M-Z modulator and biasing and modulation signal generators configured to provide input to the M-Z modulator. An optical reference signal is provided to the M-Z modulator. The M-Z modulator modulates the reference signal to a higher frequency optical signal which is output through a fiber coupled link to the streak camera.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for generating marker and comb indicia in an optical environment using a Mach-Zehnder (M-Z) modulator. High speed recording devices are configured to record image or other data defining a high speed event. To calibrate and establish time reference, the markers or combs are indicia which serve as timing pulses (markers) or a constant-frequency train of optical pulses (comb) to be imaged on a streak camera for accurate time based calibration and time reference. The system includes a camera, an optic signal generator which provides an optic signal to an M-Z modulator and biasing and modulation signal generators configured to provide input to the M-Z modulator. An optical reference signal is provided to the M-Z modulator. The M-Z modulator modulates the reference signal to a higher frequency optical signal which is output through a fiber coupled link to the streak camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging material in netting is described. The apparatus in a first embodiment is a netter for enclosing material in netting and a scissors assembly for severing the netting. The scissors assembly comprises a pair of blade elements pivotally connected by a pin affixed to the netter and each of the pair of blade elements comprises a knife section extending in a first direction from the pin and a lever section extending in a second direction from the pin. The scissors assembly further comprises a pair of link arms each connecting one of the lever sections of the pair of blade elements to a piston, the piston extendable in a first direction to pivot the knife sections of the blade elements toward each other and extendable in a second direction to pivot the knife sections of the blade elements away from each other. In another embodiment, the piston comprises an air-actuated cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a netting and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. A novel scissors assembly for severing the netting is disclosed. A conveyor carries the material to a pair of irises. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper closes and severs the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of severing netting is disclosed. Pressurized air is heated to a temperature sufficient to sever netting. The hot, pressurized air is directed through a nozzle at a neck of gathered netting to sever the netting. A controller controls a motor to move the nozzle through an arc to direct the hot, pressurized air at the neck, and controls a valve to release the hot, pressurized air at the proper time. The nozzle can direct a jet of hot, pressurized air at the netting or can form a chamber having an aperture, wherein the hot, pressurized air contacts the neck of gathered netting in the aperture.

Abstract: A bagger system for enclosing poultry very tightly in a plastic bag, to reduce material costs, present a pleasing appearance, decrease leaks, and minimize distortion of the printed information on the bag. A grabber assembly is described, to grasp the legs of the poultry and guide the poultry into a bag in proper hocking position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a net and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. A conveyor carries the material to a pair of irises. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper cuts and closes the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a net and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. A conveyor carries the material to a pair of irises. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper cuts and closes the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a net and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper cuts and closes the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.