Abstract: Disclosed herein is an object manipulator, comprising first and second extendible arms, a support member, and an end effector configured for grasping an object. The end effector comprises first and second end effector counterparts, wherein the first counterpart is disposed on the first arm and the second counterpart is disposed on the second arm. The end effector is displaceable, relative to the support member, via extension and retraction of the extendible arms. While the end effector and the object are in a grasping-effectible relationship, the first and second end effector counterparts are disposed, relative to the object, such that the object is graspable by the end effector. While the end effector and the object are in a grasping-ineffective relationship, the first and second end effector counterparts are displaceable, relative to the object, via the extendible arms, such that the end effector and the object become disposed in the grasping-effective relationship.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an object manipulator, comprising first and second extendible arms, a support member, and an end effector configured for grasping an object. The end effector comprises first and second end effector counterparts, wherein the first counterpart is disposed on the first arm and the second counterpart is disposed on the second arm. The end effector is displaceable, relative to the support member, via extension and retraction of the extendible arms. While the end effector and the object are in a grasping-effectible relationship, the first and second end effector counterparts are disposed, relative to the object, such that the object is graspable by the end effector. While the end effector and the object are in a grasping-ineffective relationship, the first and second end effector counterparts are displaceable, relative to the object, via the extendible arms, such that the end effector and the object become disposed in the grasping-effective relationship.

Abstract: A storage system having one or more storage modules each comprising a substantially cylindrical housing having a curved sidewall portion extending between a top wall portion and a bottom wall portion, with the housing being disposed about a central axis. A carousel is mounted within the housing for controlled rotation about the central axis. The carousel has a plurality of storage locations disposed in vertical arrays about the axis to receive articles to be stored. A first door opening is formed in the sidewall portion to provide for access from the exterior of the housing to at least one of the vertical arrays adjacent to the first door opening. A means for controlling the temperature within the housing is also provided.

Abstract: A three-dimensional archery target device (1) comprised of an animal-like target having a body section (2) and preferably two head sections (3). The body section (2) has at least two vital target areas (5) on each side of the body section (2) representing the chest area of an animal. To use the present invention, a person positions the target device (1) in a predetermined location as desired. Because the target has at least two vital areas (5) on each body section (2) side, a hunter/archer is able to have multiple angels of insertion (10A, 10B) into a vital area (5). In addition, because the target includes two head sections (3), a hunter/archer is better able to pinpoint a vital target area (5). The target device (1) may have the shape of a deer, bear, elk, moose, duck, goose, rabbit, antelope and the like.

Abstract: A method of processing objects using a bilateral architecture. The method comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of instruments around a bi-directional conveyance device, the instruments spaced at fixed pitch intervals along the conveyance device; assigning dedicated movers to each of the instruments, the dedicated movers for loading and unloading of the objects to and from the instruments and the conveyance device; and controlling the operation of the conveyance device to have an interrupted motion, the interrupted motion for coordinating the loading and unloading of the objects; wherein the dedicated movers are positioned such that adjacent movers operate independently of one another. The method can be operated on an automated robotic system having a modular architecture.

Abstract: A photography lightbank is extendable axially and radially to a larger size by an extension ring, which is removably attachable to the distal (front) end of the lightbank shroud. Extension rod connectors are configured for attachment of extension rods, which support the extension ring in outstretched configuration, to the distal ends of the primary support rods that support the lightbank shroud, while releasable fasteners attach the proximal end of the extension ring to the distal end of the shroud.

Abstract: An anchor assembly is described and which includes a plurality of individual article engaging portions, each having opposite first and second ends, and wherein the individual portions are pivotally mounted at the opposite ends thereof to the adjacent portion, and wherein the individual portions are moveable along a course of travel between a first non-deployed position where the plurality of individual portions cause the anchor assembly to have a first dimension, and a second deployed position where the individual portions cause the anchor assembly to have a second dimension which is greater than the first dimension.

Abstract: A photography lightbank is extendable axially and radially to a larger size by an extension ring, which is removably attachable to the distal (front) end of the lightbank shroud. Extension rod connectors are configured for attachment of extension rods, which support the extension ring in outstretched configuration, to the distal ends of the primary support rods that support the lightbank shroud, while releasable fasteners attach the proximal end of the extension ring to the distal end of the shroud.

Abstract: A method of processing objects using a bilateral architecture. The method comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of instruments around a bi-directional conveyance device, the instruments spaced at fixed pitch intervals along the conveyor device; assigning dedicated movers to each of the instruments, the dedicated movers for loading and unloading of the objects to and from the instruments and the conveyance device; and controlling the operation of the conveyance device to have an interrupted motion, the interrupted motion for co-ordinating the loading and unloading of the objects; wherein the dedicated movers are positioned such that adjacent movers operate independently of one another. The method can be operated on an automated robotic system having a modular architecture.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for identifying a feature of a railway and deploying equipment for servicing same by image processing range data pertaining to the railway feature. The method includes identifying a feature of a railway, wherein the identifying involves processing an image corresponding to ranges to the feature. The apparatus includes a vision system for determining a range to a feature of the railway and means for positioning equipment relative to, for servicing, the feature, based on the range.

Abstract: A sanding glove for treating an area of an object. The sanding glove includes a glove portion, a sanding portion releasably secured to the glove portion and a device for releasably securing the sanding portion to the glove portion. The user is able to treat a surface of an object by rubbing the sanding portion against the object. The device for releasably securing includes a plurality of recesses extending through the palm area of the glove portion and a plurality of protrusions extending from a first side of the sanding portion, the plurality of protrusions being received by respective recesses securing the sanding portion to the glove portion. Alternatively, the device for releasably securing may include a hook and loop fastener on both the glove portion and sanding portion which engage with one another. The glove portion is fabricated from a flexible material for protecting and bending with the user's hand.

Abstract: A sanding glove for treating an area of an object. The sanding glove includes a glove portion, a sanding portion releasably secured to the glove portion and a device for releasably securing the sanding portion to the glove portion. The user is able to treat a surface of an object by rubbing the sanding portion against the object. The device for releasably securing includes a plurality of recesses extending through the palm area of the glove portion and a plurality of protrusions extending from a first side of the sanding portion, the plurality of protrusions being received by respective recesses securing the sanding portion to the glove portion. Alternatively, the device for releasably securing may include a hook and loop fastener on both the glove portion and sanding portion which engage with one another. The glove portion is fabricated from a flexible material for protecting and bending with the user's hand.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for identifying a feature of a railway and deploying equipment for servicing same by image processing range data pertaining to the railway feature. The method includes identifying a feature of a railway, wherein the identifying involves processing an image corresponding to ranges to the feature. The apparatus includes a vision system for determining a range to a feature of the railway and means for positioning equipment relative to, for servicing, the feature, based on the range.