Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, an automated diagnostic tester system is configured for use with a lighting fixture connected to a power source and including at least one of a ballast connected to the power source, a capacitor connected to the ballast, an ignitor, and a high intensity discharge lamp connected to the ballast. The tester system includes an electrical connector system capable of being interconnected as part of the lighting fixture, providing circuit access at least to the power source and to the high intensity discharge lamp. This enables interruption of at least one of (i) the connection of the ballast to the power source and (ii) the connection of the high intensity discharge lamp to the ballast.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, an automated diagnostic tester system is configured for use with a lighting fixture connected to a power source and including at least one of a ballast connected to the power source, a capacitor connected to the ballast, an ignitor, and a high intensity discharge lamp connected to the ballast. The tester system includes an electrical connector system capable of being interconnected as part of the lighting fixture, providing circuit access at least to the power source and to the high intensity discharge lamp. This enables interruption of at least one of (I) the connection of the ballast to the power source and (ii) the connection of the high intensity discharge lamp to the ballast.

Abstract: A configurable power (10) module for a lamp accepts a wide variety of components and component combinations. The power module can accept a ballast (412), a capacitor (420), an ignitor (416), a voltage selector (44), a wattage selector (460), a switched quartz line lamp relay (440), and a bi-level relay (not shown). Various types and sizes of ballasts, capacitors and ignitors are accommodated. A socket (26) for the ignitor can be a GE ignitor socket. The power socket can aid field diagnostics. Mounting means (84) provided on the power module make it compatible with a wide variety of lighting fixtures.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus having one or more integrated load sensors for determining the load imposed on a rotatable shaft. The bearing apparatus includes a bearing housing having a bearing set, such as a bearing insert, located therein. The load sensors are preferably configured as strain gauges having resistance characteristics that vary as the bearing housing is deformed. For example, the strain gauges may be angularly spaced in an arcuate recess defined below the bearing set in the bearing housing. Preferably, circuitry is also provided to condition the deformation signal to provide an indication of loading on the shaft. The conditioning circuitry may be advantageously attached to the exterior of the bearing housing.

Abstract: A character recognition method comprising the following steps: (1) acquiring a two dimensional array of pixels, (2) locating an unknown character in the two dimensional array, (3) computing weighted correlation coefficients between the unknown character and a trained set of characters (i.e. a font), (4) recognizing the unknown character as the trained character with the highest weighted correlation coefficient above a threshold. The weights in the correlation calculations are adjusted to place more emphasis on those areas of a trained character that distinguishes it from all other trained characters in the training set. A method for optimally adjusting these weights is described herein.

Abstract: A character recognition method comprising the following steps: (1) acquiring a two dimensional array of pixels, (2) locating an unknown character in the two dimensional array, (3) computing statistically weighted correlation coefficients between the unknown character and a trained set of characters (i.e. a font), (4) recognizing the unknown character as the trained character with the highest correlation coefficient above a threshold. The weights in the correlation calculations are adjusted to place more emphasis on those areas of a character that exhibit less noise and less emphasis on those areas of the character that exhibit more noise. A method for determining and using these weights is described herein.

Abstract: A character recognition method comprising the following steps: (1) acquiring a two dimensional array of pixels, (2) locating an unknown character in the two dimensional array, (3) computing correlation coefficients between an unknown character and a trained set of characters (i.e., a font), (4) recognizing the unknown character as the trained character with the highest correlation coefficient above a threshold. The manner in which trained characters are chosen is described herein as a correlation search. Correlation search results in a fast means of correctly classifying an unknown character from a large training set, often on the second or third try, depending on the inner-correlations of the trained characters.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing cigarette packages from a packaging machine for the purpose of inspection by a Machine Vision System includes an index wheel and machine vision machine for detecting defective packages and returns only good packages to the machine output flow.

Abstract: A system for monitoring flow of lubricant in a line in a lubrication system wherein, in normal operation, lubricant is intermittently delivered through the line, the system comprising a thermistor in the line adopted to be cooled by lubricant flowing in the line, a timer for intermittently timing out periods during each of which a delivery of lubricant should occur, and a monitoring circuit which includes a fault signal actuated at the termination of any period in which a normal flow of lubricant has not occurred and the thermistor accordingly has not been cooled.