Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, disclosed is an image analysis and conversion method and system, where bitmapped ink images are converted to structured object representations of the bitmapped images, which may be read and edited by a structured text/graphics editor.

Abstract: An array of view-dependent sprited tiles provide different views of an image texture (e.g., structure, color, shading, illumination, transparency, as well as other image attributes). The different views of the image texture correspond to different viewing angles at which a user would see the tiles when they are applied to an image geometry. In one implementation, the view dependent sprited tiles are two-dimensional projections of three-dimensional structures. The projections maintain the dimensions (including shape) of the front surfaces of three-dimensional structures at different viewing angles. A projection that meets these characteristics is the oblique parallel projection.

Abstract: An improved closure system for athletic footwear, comprises a plurality of lace supports attached to the medial and lateral quarter panels of a boot. Each lace support has a holding unit at a first end and an attachment portion at a second end. The holding unit comprises a tube for holding a shoe lace. The attachment portion preferably comprises two legs which are fastened to a panel of the boot. The legs are fastened to the panels by at least one row of stitching extending traversely across the legs. The lace supports preferably are manufactured of a semi-rigid material, such as plastic, which creates a low-friction surface to pass the lace over. When embodiments of the lace supports are incorporated into athletic footwear, they result in boots that are easy to lace and that provide a secure fit to the user's foot.

Abstract: An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress includes at least one air bladder, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle. The improved valve enclosure assembly is fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder. An enclosure defines a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and has at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump. A pressure monitor is operably coupled to the processor and is in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder. A method of effecting a desired pressure in a bladder of an air inflatable mattress is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic head suspension for attachment to a rigid arm comprises a spring load beam element and a flexure means joined to the distal end of the load beam element for supporting a read/write head. The spring load beam element portion is formed from material generally having a first thickness. The load beam has a central region in the spring region which has a second thickness, generally thinner than the first thickness. The second thickness may be formed by the partial or complete removal of load beam material in the central region. First thickness legs bounding the central region may be formed to be of widest width at the location proximal to the rigid section of the load beam, of medium width at the location distal to the rigid section of the load beam, and of narrowest width between the two ends of each leg, thus providing a load beam of good lateral stiffness and spring rate characteristics.