Abstract: A system for coupling a first pipe segment to a second pipe segment includes a pin end including a flange. The system includes a box end having a recess configured to receive the pin end, a face of the box end abutting the flange. The system includes a coupling assembly joining the first pipe segment to the second pipe segment including a split ring arranged proximate the flange and a sleeve, wherein threads of the sleeve engage first mating threads on the split ring and second mating threads on the box end.

Abstract: A beverage making machine where the main machine is located under the counter out of the view of the customers. This new design allows for the machine to be built in sections instead of inserting all components into one device and allows for easy servicing. Using electrically heated hoses allows for the main user interface to be located any distance away from the brewing machine, which frees up counter space and allows for easier servicing. The electrically heated hoses are a key component to this machine because the hose is electrically heated to maintain a desired temperature level so that heated fluids do not lose heat upon transfer from boiler to dispenser, making this machine a temperature stable coffee/espresso machine.

Abstract: A system for coupling a first pipe segment to a second pipe segment includes a pin end including a flange. The system includes a box end having a recess configured to receive the pin end, a face of the box end abutting the flange. The system includes a coupling assembly joining the first pipe segment to the second pipe segment including a split ring arranged proximate the flange and a sleeve, wherein threads of the sleeve engage first mating threads on the split ring and second mating threads on the box end.

Abstract: A beverage making machine where the main machine is located under the counter out of the view of the customers. This new design allows for the machine to be built in sections instead of inserting all components into one device and allows for easy servicing. Using electrically heated hoses allows for the main user interface to be located any distance away from the brewing machine, which frees up counter space and allows for easier servicing. The electrically heated hoses are a key component to this machine because the hose is electrically heated to maintain a desired temperature level so that heated fluids do not lose heat upon transfer from boiler to dispenser, making this machine a temperature stable coffee/espresso machine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for error correction in speech recognition applications. In one embodiment, a method for recognizing user speech includes receiving a first utterance from the user, receiving a subsequent utterance from the user, and combining acoustic evidence from the first utterance with acoustic evidence from the subsequent utterance in order to recognize the first utterance. It is assumed that, if the first utterance has been incorrectly recognized on a first attempt, the user will repeat the first utterance (or at least the incorrectly recognized portion of the first utterance) in the subsequent utterance.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for error correction in speech recognition applications. In one embodiment, a method for recognizing user speech includes receiving a first utterance from the user, receiving a subsequent utterance from the user, and combining acoustic evidence from the first utterance with acoustic evidence from the subsequent utterance in order to recognize the first utterance. It is assumed that, if the first utterance has been incorrectly recognized on a first attempt, the user will repeat the first utterance (or at least the incorrectly recognized portion of the first utterance) in the subsequent utterance.

Abstract: An apparatus and a concomitant method for detecting and recognizing text information in a captured imagery. The present method transforms the image of the text to a normalized coordinate system before performing OCR, thereby yielding more robust recognition performance. The present invention also combines OCR results from multiple frames, in a manner that takes the best recognition results from each frame and forms a single result that can be more accurate than the results from any of the individual frames.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for delivering a physical item such that an indirect address code (IAC) (102) is added to a physical item (112), subsequently evaluated into a deliverable address (118), and associated to the item to enable in delivery of the item. An efficient and secure method of delivery of a physical item is thereby achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for person identification. In one embodiment, a method for identifying an individual includes obtaining at least one image of the individual, where the image depicts at least a portion of the individual's hair, comparing the visual characteristics of the individual's hair to the visual characteristics of imaged hair in one or more stored images, and identifying the individual based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for capturing paper-based information on a mobile computing device. In one embodiment, the inventive method includes capturing a digital image of the paper-based information, where the digital image comprises text (and in some cases non-text) components of the paper-based information. At least a portion of the paper-based information is then categorized based on the content of the text components and stored accordingly in either a local or remote database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for downhole coring while receiving logging-while-drilling tool data. The apparatus includes core collar and a retrievable core barrel. The retrievable core barrel receives core from a borehole which is sent to the surface for analysis via wireline and latching tool The core collar includes logging-while-drilling tools for the simultaneous measurement of formation properties during the core excavation process. Examples of logging-while-drilling tools include nuclear sensors, resistivity sensors, gamma ray sensors, and bit resistivity sensors. The disclosed method allows for precise core-log depth calibration and core orientation within a single borehole, and without at pipe trip, providing both time saving and unique scientific advantages.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices that assist people as they rise up from, or sit down into, a seated position, and, more particularly, to a reversible aid for such use which can be placed on either side of a seat. In particular, the device preferably includes a flat base that is positioned under the legs of a seat, locking means to lock the base to the seat legs, a pivotable hollow sleeve extending upwards from the base, an adjustable arm partially fitted within said sleeve which arm can be adjusted in height to be positioned above the level of the seat, and a moveable arm that can be moved from a storage position, out of the way of the user, to an active position wherein it extends at least partially in front of the user. A device is provided that is safer, less obtrusive, and more efficient than prior art devices.

Abstract: The leak detection system encompasses the use of a fluid monitoring device equipped with transmission capabilities and a data acquisition device. The fluid monitoring device monitors consumption of a fluid over a predetermined time period to obtain a consumption value. The fluid monitoring device then compares the consumption value against a pre-established threshold value. If the consumption value is less than the threshold value, the fluid monitoring device produces a leak indication. The fluid monitoring device transmits the leak indication, which is received by the data acquisition device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a concomitant method for detecting and recognizing text information in a captured imagery. The present method transforms the image of the text to a normalized coordinate system before performing OCR, thereby yielding more robust recognition performance. The present invention also combines OCR results from multiple frames, in a manner that takes the best recognition results from each frame and forms a single result that can be more accurate than the results from any of the individual frames.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing speech recognition using observable and meaningful relationships between words within a single utterance and using a structured data source as a source of constraints on the recognition process. Results from a first constrained speech recognition pass can be combined with information about the observable and meaningful word relationships to constrain or simplify subsequent recognition passes. This iterative process greatly reduces the search space required for each recognition pass, making the speech recognition process more efficient, faster and accurate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for analyzing an electronic communication containing imagery, e.g., to determine whether or not the electronic communication is a spam communication. In one embodiment, an inventive method includes detecting one or more regions of imagery in a received electronic communication and applying pre-processing techniques to locate regions (e.g., blocks or lines) of text in the imagery that may be distorted. The method then analyzes the regions of text to determine whether the content of the text indicates that the electronic communication is spam. In one embodiment, specialized extraction and rectification of embedded text followed by optical character recognition processing is applied to the regions of text to extract their content therefrom. In another embodiment, keyword recognition or shape-matching processing is applied to detect the presence or absence of spam-indicative words from the regions of text.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for downhole coring while receiving logging-while-drilling tool data. The apparatus includes core collar and a retrievable core barrel. The retrievable core barrel receives core from a borehole which is sent to the surface for analysis via wireline and latching tool The core collar includes logging-while-drilling tools for the simultaneous measurement of formation properties during the core excavation process. Examples of logging-while-drilling tools include nuclear sensors, resistivity sensors, gamma ray sensors, and bit resistivity sensors. The disclosed method allows for precise core-log depth calibration and core orientation within a single borehole, and without at pipe trip, providing both time saving and unique scientific advantages.

Abstract: The leak detection system encompasses the use of a fluid monitoring device equipped with transmission capabilities and a data acquisition device. The fluid monitoring device monitors consumption of a fluid over a predetermined time period to obtain a consumption value. The fluid monitoring device then compares the consumption value against a pre-established threshold value. If the consumption value is less than the threshold value, the fluid monitoring device produces a leak indication. The fluid monitoring device transmits the leak indication, which is received by the data acquisition device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a concomitant method for rectification and recognition of symbols (e.g., to correct for the effects of perspective distortion, rotation and/or scale) in images of three-dimensional scenes is provided. The present method locates a reference region lying in a common plane with a symbol to be recognized, where the reference region represents an image of a planar object having assumed (e.g., known or standard) geometry and dimensions, along with at least four easily detectable correspondence points within that geometry. An image of the common plane is then rectified in three dimensions in accordance with the assumed dimensions of the reference region in order to produce a transformed (e.g., rectified) image of the symbol, which is significantly easier to recognize than the original imaged appearance of the symbol using existing recognition methods.