Abstract: A system or method can analyze symbols on a set of objects having different sizes. The system can identify a characteristic object dimension corresponding to the set of objects. An image of a first object can be received, and, a first virtual object boundary feature (e.g., edge) in the image can be identified for the first object based on the characteristic object dimension. A first symbol can be identified in the image, and whether the first symbol is positioned on the first object can be determined, based on the first virtual object boundary feature.

Abstract: A system or method can analyze symbols on a set of objects having different sizes. The system can identify a characteristic object dimension corresponding to the set of objects. An image of a first object can be received, and, a first virtual object boundary feature (e.g., edge) in the image can be identified for the first object based on the characteristic object dimension. A first symbol can be identified in the image, and whether the first symbol is positioned on the first object can be determined, based on the first virtual object boundary feature.

Abstract: A system or method can analyze symbols on a set of objects having different sizes. The system can identify a characteristic object dimension corresponding to the set of objects. An image of a first object can be received, and, a first virtual object boundary feature (e.g., edge) in the image can be identified for the first object based on the characteristic object dimension. A first symbol can be identified in the image, and whether the first symbol is positioned on the first object can be determined, based on the first virtual object boundary feature.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to clean an oil control valve for use by an internal combustion engine. The invention causes the oil control valve to execute a cleaning routine when specific entrance criteria are met. This ensures cleaning of the valve to remove contaminants that are wedged, pinched or otherwise trapped on the valve, without interference in the operation of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to clean an oil control valve for use by an internal combustion engine. The invention causes the oil control valve to execute a cleaning routine when specific entrance criteria are met. This ensures cleaning of the valve to remove contaminants that are wedged, pinched or otherwise trapped on the valve, without interference in the operation of the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting alpha acid and isoalpha acids to tetrahydroisoalpha acid. The process comprises isomerizing an alpha acid to produce isoalpha acid and hydrogenating the isoalpha acid in the presence of a noble metal catalyst wherein, the noble metal catalyst is added incrementally or continuously throughout the hydrogenation step. The invention also relates to tetrahydroisoalpha acids made by the above process.

Abstract: A process for the removal of catalyst poisons from hops and hop extracts is disclosed. After processing the hops to extract the alpha or beta acids therein, the alpha or beta acids are treated with activated nickel catalyst. The activated nickel catalyst binds the catalyst poisons which are believed to be sulfur containing compounds. The activated nickel and catalyst poisons are separated from the alpha or beta acids, and the alpha or beta acids are then hydrogenated and isomerized into tetrahydroisoalpha acids.

Abstract: A fastening clip comprises two lateral rods, approximately parallel, connected together by a straight or curved central part, forming a bridge. The central part is curved and is placed so that the plane of its median axis forms an angle with a plane containing the median axes of the two parallel rods. The clip is particularly useful in osteosynthesis applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a grill stripe or score mark on a meat product by transporting the meat product against a heated grill. A continuous conveyor transports individual wieners along a path of conveyance. A belt conveyor raises the wieners above the supported path of the continuous conveyor and into rotational contact with the superimposed heated grill. The wieners are rotated one complete revolution against the grill while synchronously moving the wiener with the continuous conveyor. The wieners are returned to the continuous conveyor for further processing.

Abstract: An implantable joint prosthesis, e.g. to restore a joint between a distal bone and a proximal bone (for example a finger joint or toe joint) consists of a one-piece body of a material which is flexible and elastic (resilient) and has tapering projections extending in opposite directions from a central portion and adapted to be fitted into the respective bones. The central portion is formed at an intermediate location with a relatively thin region defining the articulation axis and with a pair of bulges which project in all directions transverse to the axis of the body outwardly of the respective projections on either side of this region and between the articulation region and the respective projection. The rounded bulge at the proximal side of the device is larger in volume than the rounded bulge at the distal side.