Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating electrical power from multiple vehicles powered by fuel cells while the vehicles are parked in a parking lot. A plurality of spaced-apart electrical receptacles are provided for receiving an electric cable for connection to a parked vehicle for electrically connecting the fuel cell in each of the parked vehicles to the plurality of electrical receptacles. An electric power grid is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical receptacles for transferring D.C. electrical power from the fuel cells in the parked vehicles to the electric power grid. At least one electric power collection station is electrically connected to the electric power grid for collecting at a common point the D.C. electric power in the electric power grid. In addition, at least one inverter is electrically connected to the electric power collection station for converting the D.C. electric power to A.C. electric power. Apparatus is provided for supplying the A.C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating electrical power from multiple vehicles powered by fuel cells while the vehicles are parked in a parking lot. A plurality of spaced-apart electrical receptacles are provided for receiving an electric cable for connection to a parked vehicle for electrically connecting the fuel cell in each of the parked vehicles to the plurality of electrical receptacles. An electric power grid is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical receptacles for transferring D.C. electrical power from the fuel cells in the parked vehicles to the electric power grid. At least one electric power collection station is electrically connected to the electric power grid for collecting at a common point the D.C. electric power in the electric power grid. In addition, at least one inverter is electrically connected to the electric power collection station for converting the D.C. electric power to A.C. electric power. Apparatus is provided for supplying the A.C.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the growth of Taxus X media `Hicksii` and related Taxus species to enhance the production and recovery of taxol and Taxotere from plant tissues is described. The method includes the steps of increasing the production of biomass by cycling growth periods of Taxus plants within a greenhouse or other enclosed structure, harvests of plant parts and cold storage of the remaining unharvested plants to break dormancy and condition the plant for the next cycle of growth and harvest. After at least several cycles, entire plants are harvested for extraction from all plant parts while other plants are saved for stock plants or reforesting. The collected plant material is prepared for extraction of taxol or Taxotere, compounds used in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A method and device, including a portable embodiment, for the automated inspection of devices having different visual changeable and non-changeable indicia on the faces thereof. Specific devices include meters, particularly electric usage meters, for detection of tampering, for improving efficiency of maintenance procedures and for usage in reading the meters for billing purposes. Meters of various heights, configuration and construction are fixed into designated positions and are inspected by visual computer-linked camera scanning, to determine meter periphery and a location reference point, and imaging of identifying portions of meter faces relative to the determined location reference point. The identifying portions are compared with correlative templates of existing meter types, stored in computer memory. Identification of specific meter type permits exact location and subsequent OCR identification of the specific meter number (with use history) and parameters (voltage, amperage, wire connections etc.

Abstract: A system for positioning a work point in three dimensional space has at least three reeving systems spaced apart from one another, with each reeving system having a adjustable support element connected to it. These support elements are also connected to the work point, with the length of the support elements between the work point and the reeving determining the work point's location. Associated with each reeving system is an actuator adapted for releasing and taking up the support element. A control system controls the actuators to release and take up each of the support elements to move the work point with respective to at least three spatial coordinate axes while controlling at least one motion parameter of the work point in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A system for positioning a work point has a plurality of reeving systems spaced apart from one another, with each reeving system having a adjustable support element connected to it. These support elements are also connected to the work point, with the length of the support elements between the work point and the reeving determining the work point's location. Associated with each reeving system is an actuator adapted for releasing and taking up the support element. A control system controls the actuators to release and take up each of the support elements to move the work point with respective to at least two spatial coordinate axes while controlling at least one motion parameter of the work point in a predetermined manner.