Abstract: An apparatus includes a phase light modulator (PLM) configured to produce background image illumination including background image light and zero-order light, a first lens array including first lenses optically coupled to the PLM and configured to project the background image light, a second lens array optically coupled to the first lens array and including second lenses configured to project the background image light, an optical tunnel extending between the first lens array and the second lens array, optically coupled to the PLM and configured to project a zero-order light, an embedded lens in the second lens array optically coupled to the optical tunnel and configured to focus the zero-order light from the optical tunnel, and focusing optics optically coupled to the second lens array and the embedded lens and configured to focus the background image light and the zero-order light onto a background image plane of a spatial light modulator.

Abstract: Dual, ergonomically ideal, neutral-posture, wireless-and-programmable, joinable keys-input devices/housings (FIGS.

Abstract: Methods for treating fruits and/or vegetables to oxide any organic contaminates thereon are provided, using an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution can include a ferrous salt and an acid, and can be exposed to oxygen gas, allowing the organic contaminates to be oxidized via exposure to the aqueous solution and oxygen gas. Then, the outer surface of the fruits and/or vegetables can be washed to remove the aqueous solution. The aqueous solution can have a pH of about 4 to about 9, and can also be adjusted during the method. Methods are also disclosed for oxidizing organic compounds in an aqueous sample via measuring the pH of the aqueous sample; determining an appropriate chemical equation for oxidation based upon the pH measured; and thereafter, adjusting the pH of the aqueous sample.

Abstract: Methods for treating fruits and/or vegetables to oxide any organic contaminates thereon are provided, using an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution can include a ferrous salt and an acid, and can be exposed to oxygen gas, allowing the organic contaminates to be oxidized via exposure to the aqueous solution and oxygen gas. Then, the outer surface of the fruits and/or vegetables can be washed to remove the aqueous solution. The aqueous solution can have a pH of about 4 to about 9, and can also be adjusted during the method. Methods are also disclosed for oxidizing organic compounds in an aqueous sample via measuring the pH of the aqueous sample; determining an appropriate chemical equation for oxidation based upon the pH measured; and thereafter, adjusting the pH of the aqueous sample.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection vehicle comprises a main body (10) driven through a pipeline by fluid flow against resilient cups (12). Resilient fingers (20) carry a circumferential array of magnetic proximity sensors for sensing the spacing between each sensor and the metal of the pipeline wall. Wheels (18) biased into engagement with the pipeline wall provide one form of distance measurement. The vehicle has on-board data storage by way of a memory housed within a pressure vessel.

Abstract: An animal waste collecting device comprises a vacuum chamber in communication with an impeller arranged to draw air from the vacuum chamber through the exhaust port to produce a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber and a pickup up nozzle in communication with the vacuum chamber to collect waste with air drawn therethrough into the vacuum chamber by the vacuum pressure. A heater is supported in communication with the vacuum chamber to heat waste collected in the vacuum chamber for drying and/or incinerating the waste. A blower permits the dried or incinerated waste to be redirected from the vacuum chamber to a separate discharge chamber for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: Traction on wet slippery icy and/or snowy surfaces is improved by the use bamboo leaves which are disposed on articles which engage the slippery surfaces. The bamboo leaves are disposed on the articles in question with the underside of the bamboo leaves oriented so as to engage the slippery surfaces. The bamboo leaves are preferably cut into shaped forms such as circles, squares or the like, which are releasably secured to the articles in question. The securement can be accomplished with releasable adhesives or releasable hook and loop devices. Articles to which the bamboo leaves can be secured include footwear, gloves, crutches, canes, walkers, vehicle tires and any other articles that would benefit from improved traction on slippery icy and/or snowy surfaces. When the hook and loop securement option is used, one sheet of the hook and loop material will be secured to a surface of the bamboo leaf shaped forms and a complementary sheet of the hook and loop material will be secured to the article in question.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folded front end unit used in a light engine of a projection display device. The front end unit comprises a light source for generating a beam of light, and a lightpipe for providing spatial uniformity to the beam of light. Polarization-dependent front end units include polarization beam splitters for separating the light into orthogonally polarized sub-beams, and a polarization rotating element, e.g. a waveplate, for rotating the polarization of one of the sub-beams. In accordance with the present invention, a prism is positioned between the light source and the lightpipe for reflecting the light into the lightpipe. The difference in refractive index between the air and the prism decreases the cone angle of the beam of light enough to effectively increase the distance between the light source and the lightpipe to compensate for the added distance required to fold the light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folded front end unit used in a light engine of a projection display device. The front end unit comprises a light source for generating a beam of light, and a lightpipe for providing spatial uniformity to the beam of light. Polarization-dependent front end units include polarization beam splitters for separating the light into orthogonally polarized sub-beams, and a polarization rotating element, e.g. a waveplate, for rotating the polarization of one of the sub-beams. In accordance with the present invention, a prism is positioned between the light source and the lightpipe for reflecting the light into the lightpipe. The difference in refractive index between the air and the prism decreases the cone angle of the beam of light enough to effectively increase the distance between the light source and the lightpipe to compensate for the added distance required to fold the light.

Abstract: A method for determining the material from which an underground pipe is made. The method exposes a portion of the pipe, applies a coil having a primary winding and a secondary winding to the exposed portion of pipe such that the pipe contributes to an inductive coupling between the primary winding and the secondary winding, applies an excitation current to the primary winding to induce in the secondary winding a signal indicative of an induction value of the pipe, and determines the material from which the pipe is made dependent upon the signal induced in the secondary winding.

Abstract: A photoresist composition comprising at least one acetal polymer having a silicon substituent; provided that the silicon substituent is not directly attached to the acetal functionality, thereby providing high resolution, improved DOF, and improved dimensional stability under metrology conditions.

Abstract: A method of lining a main pipe and one or more service pipes extending therefrom is disclosed. The method comprises lining a main pipe with a liner of plastics material, inserting a liner of plastics material into a service pipe from an end of the service pipe remote form the main pipe and penetrating the wall of the main pipe liner to bring the main pipe into fluid communication with the service pipe. The wall of the main pipe liner is preferably penetrated by providing a pig or robot inside the lined main pipe, locating the position at which a service pipe is joined to the main pipe and using the pig or robot to cut, drill or pierce through the wall of the main pipe liner. A further lining portion may be provided along at least a part of any distance between the main pipe liner and the liner inserted into the service pipe. The further lining portion may be an insert of plastics material or may be provided by sealant with a channel formed therein or it may be formed by a combination of the two.

Abstract: A photoresist composition comprising at least one acetal polymer having a silicon substituent; provided that the silicon substituent is not directly attached to the acetal functionality, thereby providing high resolution, improved DOF, and improved dimensional stability under metrology conditions.

Abstract: A photosensitive resist composition comprising:

Abstract: A pipeline inspection vehicle which can be towed through a pipeline via a cable. The vehicle includes a power unit, a master processor module, and a coil which generates an eddy current field which passes along the pipe. The resultant field is detected by a master sensor ring and slave sensor ring. Information on an amplitude and phase of the detected field together with vehicle orientation information is sent to a base station which has a computer. A distance encoder also is provided to assist in locating the position of any detected faults.

Abstract: An improved cut flower storage and display assembly is provided having a plurality of vertically spaced storage and display containers and including integral container dividers formed by the configuration of the vertically spaced containers. The assembly includes a liquid circulation system formed by discharge apertures in upper containers, a removable pump in a lowest one of the containers and a flexible liquid line connected between the pump and an uppermost container. The liquid circulation system permits easy removal of a container needing cleaning and replacement of the container needing cleaning with a clean container, so that the container needing cleaning can be cleaned remote from the apparatus.

Abstract: A cut flower storage and display assembly is provided wherein a plurality of storage and display containers are mountable in a vertically aligned relationship on a storage and display assembly. A liquid circulation and disinfection system is provided whereby liquid is continuously or intermittently disinfected and circulated through the liquid reservoirs of each container in a vertical column. The liquid circulation and disinfection system includes an ultraviolet disinfection unit for elimination of substantially all microbes from the circulating liquid, including substantially all bacteria, algae, viruses, yeasts, molds and fungi. An air cooling apparatus may also be provided to enhance the fresh appearance of cut flowers. The arrangement of storage and display containers in display assemblies of the present invention provides efficient, economical use of storage and display space.