Abstract: An attachment to a shovel having a shovel head and a handle is provided, converting the shovel into a tool for collecting debris. The attachment has a clamping head and a pivot arm shorter than the shovel handle, and a pivot for attaching the attachment to the shovel handle. The attachment is movable between a closed position when the shovel head and the clamping head are juxtaposed face to face forming a tunnel therebetween, and an open position when the shovel head and the clamping head are spaced apart. In operation, the clamping head is moved into an open position to collect debris, and then moved into a closed position towards the shovel head to secure the debris, followed by rotating the tool by 90° plus an offset angle, thereby causing the clamping head to open under its weight and the debris to fall through the tunnel.

Abstract: A tool for depositing multilayer coatings onto a substrate. The tool includes a housing defining a vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum source, deposition stations each configured to deposit a layer of multilayer coating on the substrate, a curing station, and a contamination reduction device. At least one of the deposition stations is configured to deposit an inorganic layer, while at least one other deposition station is configured to deposit an organic layer. In one tool configuration, the substrate may travel back and forth through the tool as many times as needed to achieve the desired number of layers of multilayer coating. In another, the tool may include numerous housings adjacently spaced such that the substrate may make a single unidirectional pass. The contamination reduction device may be configured as one or more migration control chambers about at least one of the deposition stations, and further includes cooling devices, such as chillers, to reduce the presence of vaporous layer precursors.

Abstract: An attachment to a shovel having a shovel head and a handle is provided, converting the shovel into a tool for collecting debris. The attachment has a clamping head and a pivot arm shorter than the shovel handle, and a pivot for attaching the attachment to the shovel handle. The attachment is movable between a closed position when the shovel head and the clamping head are juxtaposed face to face forming a tunnel therebetween, and an open position when the shovel head and the clamping head are spaced apart. In operation, the clamping head is moved into an open position to collect debris, and then moved into a closed position towards the shovel head to secure the debris, followed by rotating the tool by 90° plus an offset angle, thereby causing the clamping head to open under its weight and the debris to fall through the tunnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a height of an agricultural equipment component is provided. An average crop height is determined. In one embodiment, the agricultural equipment component is controlled to maintain a predetermined distance from a current top of crop level. If a current top of crop level cannot be determined, a virtual top of crop level is calculated using the average crop height value. The agricultural equipment component is controlled to maintain a predetermined distance from the virtual top of crop level. In another embodiment, the agricultural equipment component is controlled to maintain a predetermined distance from current ground level. If a current ground level cannot be determined, a virtual ground level is calculated using the average crop height value. The agricultural equipment component is controlled to maintain a predetermined distance from said virtual ground level. An ultrasonic sensor is also provided.

Abstract: A process for mitigating acrylamide formation in a formed potato aggregate is disclosed. The acrylamide formation is mitigated while the color formation of the formed potato aggregate is managed. The resulting reconstituted potato aggregate includes low acrylamide levels while exhibiting acceptable organoleptic properties such as taste, color, and texture.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of applying image processing techniques in an image capture device. Regions of an image can be isolated and a respective region type identified. The image capture device can apply various image processing techniques to various regions of the image based at least upon a region type that is identified for the various regions.

Abstract: Disclosed are various systems and methods implemented in a camera device. An image sensor is configured to capture image data of a target scene from a lens system and a subject feedback mechanism generates framing feedback associated with the image data that includes information about a current framing of an image associated with the image data. Video capture logic also obtains motion information from motion sensors integrated into the camera device and skip frame capture when motion levels exceed a threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application use motion information of an imaging device in encoding video or image frames captured by the imaging device. In one embodiment, a video encoding system that processes image data captured by an image sensor comprises at least one encoder that receives motion information describing motion of the imaging sensor during capturing of the image data and that encodes the image data with assistance of the motion information.

Abstract: A venturi structure is supported below an ESP preferably off its gauge assembly below its motor so that the surrounding casing or wellbore defines the venturi path leading to the suction connection of the ESP. Multiple pressure sensing locations are provided in case the gauge that defines the venturi path is disposed off center in the bore or if the bore is on an incline. The gauge can receive forms of different sizes depending on the size of the surrounding tubular where the forms use an incline of preferably 15-20 degrees and allow for measuring differential near the perforations and at the constriction location so that the flow can be computed using the Bernoulli Equation.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump assembly has a pump discharge head with an integrally formed pump discharge pressure port. The discharge head is mounted directly to the pump and couples the pump to production tubing. A static pressure port extends directly through the side wall of the discharge head. The pressure port includes a tubing connector for hydraulic tubing to run down to the gauge. Inside the discharge head, a flow limiter is located in the pressure port to stop the loss of fluid if there is a break in the tubing connector or hydraulic line. Alternatively, the discharge head may incorporate a venturi or other pressure drop structure to allow the fluid flow to be measured via a pressure drop across an orifice. The venturi may be configured as an insert to permit it to be replaced after it has become worn by abrasive flow.

Abstract: A process for mitigating acrylamide formation in a potato fry is disclosed. The acrylamide formation is mitigated while the color formation of the potato fry is managed. The resulting potato fry includes low acrylamide levels while exhibiting acceptable organoleptic properties such as taste, color and texture.

Abstract: A process for mitigating acrylamide formation in fried potato products is disclosed. The acrylamide formation is mitigated while the color formation of the fried potato product is managed. The resulting fried potato product includes low acrylamide levels while exhibiting acceptable organoleptic properties such as taste, color and texture.

Abstract: An agricultural windrower includes a traction unit having a frame. A cutting platform has a longitudinal extension, a feeder opening associated with a first mounting location, and a first hitch at an end of the cutting platform associated with a second mounting location. A lift assembly carried by the traction unit frame is configured to mount with the cutting platform at the first mounting location. An articulated transport arrangement is mounted to the traction unit frame. The articulated transport arrangement includes a second hitch configured for mating with the first hitch, and at least one actuator for coupling between and adjusting a relative angular orientation between the frame and the cutting platform when the first hitch and the second hitch are mated together.

Abstract: An attachment to a shovel having a shovel head and a handle is provided, converting the shovel into a tool for collecting debris. The attachment has a clamping head and a pivot arm shorter than the shovel handle, and a pivot for attaching the attachment to the shovel handle. The attachment is movable between a closed position when the shovel head and the clamping head are juxtaposed face to face forming a tunnel therebetween, and an open position when the shovel head and the clamping head are spaced apart. In operation, the clamping head is moved into an open position to collect debris, and then moved into a closed position towards the shovel head to secure the debris, followed by rotating the tool by 90° plus an offset angle, thereby causing the clamping head to open under its weight and the debris to fall through the tunnel.

Abstract: A switcher system or circuit and corresponding methods provide dynamic voltage scaling. One embodiment of an apparatus includes: a switcher controller configured to monitor a signal from a processor for a first state, determine a time that the signal is in the first state, and provide an adjustment signal based on the time, and a power supply coupled to the adjustment signal and configured to provide a variable supply voltage to the processor core, the variable supply voltage controlled by the adjustment signal after the determining a time.

Abstract: A method for operating a game of chance comprises the steps: initiating a base game by a player; triggering a feature mode from the base game upon the occurrence of a first triggering event, wherein a first number of feature games are provided in the feature mode; playing the feature games in the feature mode, wherein each of the feature games has an opportunity to win a progressive award; and returning to the base game upon the termination of the feature games.

Abstract: A venturi structure is supported below an ESP preferably off its gauge assembly below its motor so that the surrounding casing or wellbore defines the venturi path leading to the suction connection of the ESP. Multiple pressure sensing locations are provided in case the gauge that defines the venturi path is disposed off center in the bore or if the bore is on an incline. The gauge can receive forms of different sizes depending on the size of the surrounding tubular where the forms use an incline of preferably 15-20 degrees and allow for measuring differential near the perforations and at the constriction location so that the flow can be computed using the Bernoulli Equation.

Abstract: An agricultural windrower includes a traction unit having a frame. A cutting platform has a longitudinal extension, a feeder opening associated with a first mounting location, and a first hitch at an end of the cutting platform associated with a second mounting location. A lift assembly carried by the traction unit frame is configured to mount with the cutting platform at the first mounting location. An articulated transport arrangement is mounted to the traction unit frame. The articulated transport arrangement includes a second hitch configured for mating with the first hitch, and at least one actuator for coupling between and adjusting a relative angular orientation between the frame and the cutting platform when the first hitch and the second hitch are mated together.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump assembly has a pump discharge head with an integrally formed pump discharge pressure port. The discharge head is mounted directly to the pump and couples the pump to production tubing. A static pressure port extends directly through the side wall of the discharge head. The pressure port includes a tubing connector for hydraulic tubing to run down to the guage. Inside the discharge head, a flow limiter is located in the pressure port to stop the loss of fluid if there is a break in the tubing connector or hydraulic line. Alternatively, the discharge head may incorporate a venturi or other pressure drop structure to allow the fluid flow to be measured via a pressure drop across an orifice. The venturi may be configured as an insert to permit it to be replaced after it has become worn by abrasive flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering IP phones with an IP phone switch using access codes or personal identification numbers for authentication and for associating directory numbers to MAC addresses of IP phones.