Abstract: An automobile washing wand includes a starfish shaped head having fingers reaching into tight corners of automobile exteriors. The head includes ports for water and soap to escape and bristles for scrubbing, and is attached to a stalk by a ball joint. A small cross-section water line runs through the stalk to supply water to the head while minimizing weight added to the wand by the presence of water in the wand. A liquid soap bottle is attached near a handle at the base of the stalk, and a selector has an OFF position, a RINSE position, and a WASH position.

Abstract: An automobile washing wand includes a starfish shaped head having fingers reaching into tight corners of automobile exteriors. The head includes ports for water and soap to escape and bristles for scrubbing, and is attached to a stalk by a ball joint. A small cross-section water line runs through the stalk to supply water to the head while minimizing weight added to the wand by the presence of water in the wand. A liquid soap bottle is attached near a handle at the base of the stalk, and a selector has an OFF position, a RINSE position, and a WASH position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of simulating Electromagnetic (EM) immunity of an electronic device, comprising applying a disturbing signal on at least one first entry point of a model of the device and monitoring a disturbed signal on at least one observation point of said model of the device; and, automatically varying the frequency and the level of the disturbing signal stepwise until a default is just detected in the disturbed signal, wherein at each frequency and level step, a simulation is run up to a dwell time and resulting simulation data is examined for a default condition.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to language learning systems and methods. A method may include receiving an audio input including one or more phonemes. The method may also include generating an output including feedback information of a pronunciation of each phoneme of the one or more phonemes. Further, the method may include providing at least one graphical output associated with a proper pronunciation of a selected phoneme of the one or more phonemes.

Abstract: Method and system for tuning a tunable antenna uses a comparison between a signal response at two different tuning frequencies to determine how or if the tuning needs to be further adjusted. With the approach, the method and system arrive at a frequency shift that is centered about the desired antenna frequency, which point there is no net change in the signal response. In a further aspect, a frequency to which a tuned antenna is tuned is shifted to verify whether the antenna is still in tune. Modifications to minimize disturbance of the output received signal that would otherwise be caused by the frequency shifting are contemplated.

Abstract: An operator display system for a material handling vehicle, the material handing vehicle having a material handling device comprising an arm and a material handling implement mounted on the arm, the operator display system being operable to receive input information comprising information relating to the orientation of the arm and of the material handling implement and calculate the position of the material handling implement, the operator display system further having a head-up display, the operator display system being operable to generate an output in accordance with the input information and display the output on the head-up display.

Abstract: Method and system for tuning a tunable antenna uses a comparison between a signal response at two different tuning frequencies to determine how or if the tuning needs to be further adjusted. With the approach, the method and system arrive at a frequency shift that is centered about the desired antenna frequency, which point there is no net change in the signal response. In a further aspect, a frequency to which a tuned antenna is tuned is shifted to verify whether the antenna is still in tune. Modifications to minimize disturbance of the output received signal that would otherwise be caused by the frequency shifting are contemplated.

Abstract: A calculation module for calculating the position of a mechanical element, the calculation module being operable to receive an input signal, detect a first plurality of corresponding features in the input signal, calculate the spacing between successive features of the first plurality of corresponding features, generate a first numerical sequence in accordance with the spacing between successive features of the first plurality of corresponding features, detect a second plurality of corresponding features in the input signal, calculate the spacing between successive features of the first plurality of corresponding features, and generate a second numerical sequence in accordance with the spacing between successive features of the first plurality of corresponding features.

Abstract: A support or hitch box supports a mounting bar in a selected vertical position. The mounting bar is received in a standard hitch receiver of any car, truck or other vehicle. A plow head is a light weight, strong, box like structure with oppositely directed mold boards so that the plow can operate in both forward and reverse directions. A linkage permits the mold board to be raised or lowered relative to the hitch box. The linkage includes upper and lower links to maintain the vertical orientation of the mold board. The plow head is mounted for pivoting in a horizontal plane. A pivot driver is user controlled to pivot the plow head and a lift driver is user operated to raise and lower the plow head. The plow head carries indicator lights. A spring, preloaded by the lift driver, applies a continuous down force to the plow head when it is the lower, plowing position.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an image sensor having multiple outputs, the method includes the steps of capturing an image on the image sensor, injecting one or more substantially identical pairs of signals into corresponding portions of the captured image, reading out the captured image with the injected signals into two or more outputs, and comparing two substantially identical signals from corresponding portions of the image, which comparison is used for calibrating the image.

Abstract: A photo card comprises a photographic image printed on a substantially durable card, such as a plastic card. An image is printed on at least a first side of the card, the image extending across a surface of the card, wherein substantially the entire area of the card is occupied by the image. In another example, the photo card includes multiple images on one or both sides of the card.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle including a structure having ground engageable propulsion means and material handling apparatus mounted on the structure for movement relative thereto. The material handling apparatus has a first part and a second part. A first fluid operated actuator moves the first part relative to the structure, and a second fluid operated actuator moves the second part relative to the first part. An operator control generates a fluid pressure control signal. A first control valve supplies fluid pressure to the first actuator, a second control valve supplies fluid pressure to the second actuator in response to the fluid pressure control signal, and a modulating valve varies the fluid pressure control signal. An electronic control unit operable to control the modulating valve in accordance with a desired operation of the material handling apparatus.

Abstract: A calculation module for calculating the position of a mechanical element, the calculation module being operable to receive an input signal, detect a first plurality of corresponding features in the input signal, calculate the spacing between successive features of the first plurality of corresponding features, generate a first numerical sequence in accordance with the spacing between successive features of the first plurality of corresponding features, detect a second plurality of corresponding features in the input signal, calculate the spacing between successive features of the first plurality of corresponding features, and generate a second numerical sequence in accordance with the spacing between successive features of the first plurality of corresponding features.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate; a plurality of pixels on the substrate, one or more of the pixels comprises (i) first and second charge-storage regions having at least one photosensitive area; (ii) a lateral overflow drain; (iii) a first lateral overflow gate adjacent the first charge-storage regions that passes substantially all charges from the first charge-storage region to the lateral overflow drain; and (iv) a second lateral gate adjacent the second charge-storage region that passes excess photo-generated charge into the lateral overflow drain for blooming control.

Abstract: A self-securing catheter to prevent dislodgement from skin or tissue preferably includes a hub and a cannula with at least one anchoring mechanism extending from the hub and/or the cannula. In some embodiments, the anchoring mechanisms can be flexible to allow them to protrude outwardly from the catheter. The catheter can be easily removed from the patient's tissue or skin by a medical professional with a twisting motion (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the catheter).

Abstract: An operator display system for a material handling vehicle, the material handing vehicle having a material handling device comprising an arm and a material handling implement mounted on the arm, the operator display system being operable to receive input information comprising information relating to the orientation of the arm and of the material handling implement and calculate the position of the material handling implement, the operator display system further having a head-up display, the operator display system being operable to generate an output in accordance with the input information and display the output on the head-up display.

Abstract: The invention is a hub anchor for securing a catheter to a patient's tissue or skin. The hub anchor preferably includes in at least one embodiment includes a body having a pair of walls connected by an activation mechanism having at least one leg in sliding communication with each of the walls. In an engaged state, the legs penetrate a patient's skin and cause the hub to clamp the catheter to the patient. The invention also includes a method of placing the hub over a catheter to be secured and pressing the activation mechanism to pierce the patient's skin with the legs to secure the hub and the catheter to the patient.

Abstract: A rotatable shaft has a claw structure near its lower end. The claw structure includes a first blade that is fixed relative to the shaft and a second blade that is movable relative to the first blade. The first, fixed blade is provided by the pointed lower end of the shaft. A blade defining member includes the second, movable blade. A central body portion of the blade defining member is pivotally mounted relative to the shaft so that the second blade can move toward and away from the first blade. The blade defining member includes a handle portion. A spring urges the movable blade toward the first blade to a claw closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position of a mechanical element wherein the mechanical element is marked in an optically readable manner, comprising reading means to provide a first output dependent on the position of the mechanical element.

Abstract: A power assisted roofing shovel for removing shingles and attached nails from a roof to facilitate re-roofing. The shovel comprises a handle, a shovel blade, a trigger mechanism, and a mechanism for reciprocating the shovel blade. The mechanism for reciprocating the shovel blade may be an air hammer, an electric motor, a solenoid, or other power assisted device. The handle is an elongate hollow cylinder having the trigger mechanism attached to its rearward end, the shovel blade attached to its forward end, and a reciprocating mechanism there between. The shovel blade has a generally flat leading edge adapted for removing roofing materials and a rearward shank. A bracket member, extending rearward from the shovel blade, is adapted to slidably connect the shovel blade and the handle for reciprocal movement of the shovel blade.