Abstract: Systems and methods are described for counting objects by analyzing a digital image. The system or apparatus may include a light source, a digital camera, a textured surface disposed between the light source and the visible light camera, a processing component configured to produce a count of the objects, and a display configured to show the count of the objects. The method may include capturing an electronic image of the objects, detecting a plurality of edges within the image, identifying a plurality of concave sections based on the edges, identifying a regular convex contours based on the edges and the concave sections, determining whether the image is suitable for counting the objects based on the regular convex contours, and determining a count of the objects based the regular convex contours and the determination of whether the image is suitable.

Abstract: A gas meter includes a meter housing, a gas volume measuring system and a valve. The valve and the system are both contained within the housing. An inlet pipe, via which gas is supplied to the system and the valve, and an outlet pipe, via which the gas supplied to the system and the valve is fed to a consumer, are provided. A first communication port is operatively associated with the system. Data signals appertaining to gas supplied to a consumer via the outlet pipe are transmittable via the first communication port. The housing is adapted contiguously to receive a module which is effective to provide predetermined meter functionality. The module includes a further communication port positioned for communication with the system via the first communication port.

Abstract: A gas meter includes a measuring tube through which gas to be supplied is fed. The tube includes two ultrasonic transducers between which ultrasonic signals are transmitted so that gas flow is measured in dependence upon the difference between the times of flight of ultrasonic signals transmitted therebetween in opposite directions. The gas flow is determined from the difference between the times of flight. A digital display is operative to indicate the volume of gas used, and an electrical power supply is used for driving the apparatus. The times of flight are measured by an electronic clock. Finally, a data interface facilitates the feeding of data to or from the meter.

Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three circumferentially distributed axis-parallel recesses which form circumferentially opposed tracks. An inner joint part with a star-shaped cross-section and three circumferentially distributed arms engages the recesses of the outer joint part. The arms hold roller assemblies. Each roller assembly includes a roller carrying means and a roller directly riding on the tracks. On each arm, a roller carrying element is held to be axially and angularly movable relative to the arm axis. Also, on each roller carrying element, the roller is axially secured and rotatably supported via a rolling contact bearing. A friction reducing mechanism is provided between the roller carrying elements and rollers. The friction reducing mechanism is effective with respect to the relative rotational movements taking place between the elements and rollers under axial forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration damper 15 for a driveshaft 9 having a tubular or solid shaft and bearing means connected to the vehicle 1 via a rubber coupling. The object of the vibration damper 15 is to reduce the bending vibrations and, at the same time, to eliminate balancing problems of the known damper masses. To achieve the objective it is proposed that the vibration damper 15 should be freely vibratingly connected to a non-rotating part of the bearing means. In this way, the vibration damper 15 is not subjected to any rotation and ensures that the bending vibrations of the driveshaft 9 are reduced.

Abstract: A sealing boot for a universal joint including a pair of terminal portions each engaged with different parts of the joint to provide a protective seal therefor. One of the terminal portions is structured as a non-return valve to permit fluid flow from the interior of the sealing boot to alleviate excess pressure. The non-return valve is formed by an annular collar having channels defined therein with a resilient sleeve extending exteriorly of the sealing boot to be lifted from engagement with a part of the universal joint when pressure within the channel exceeds a specified limit. A resilient sleeve extending interiorly of the sealing boot may also be provided so that atmospheric air may be permitted to enter the boot for pressure equalization.