Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling unit for cooling fluid in a dry cleaning system and a method therefore. The cooling unit (12) comprises a device (1, 7, 8) containing cooled fluid such as carbon dioxide, and a tube section (11) for conveying the fluid from a first compressor stage (2) to a second compressor stage (3), arranged so that the fluid in the tube section (11) is cooled by the cooled fluid in the device (1, 7, 8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling unit for cooling fluid in a dry cleaning system and a method therefore. The cooling unit (12) comprises a device (1, 7, 8) containing cooled fluid such as carbon dioxide, and a tube section (11) for conveying the fluid from a first compressor stage (2) to a second compressor stage (3), arranged so that the fluid in the tube section (11) is cooled by the cooled fluid in the device (1, 7, 8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry cleaning apparatus comprising an arrangement for cooling fluid being used as solvent in the apparatus, and a method for cooling the fluid.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for such control and supervision of an oscillator signal from a controllable oscillator that is done mainly to control the frequency variation of the oscillator signal. According to the invention, the controllable oscillator is controlled by a controlling voltage, which in turn is modified by a correction signal, generated in a control loop. A time discrete representation of a secondary phase is generated in the control loop, the secondary phase corresponding to a frequency being the difference between the frequency of the oscillator signal and a constant frequency. A time discrete approximation signal is generated in dependence of the time discrete representation of the secondary phase. A time discrete error signal is generated in dependence of the time discrete approximation signal, the time discrete error signal indicating the difference between the actual frequency slope of the oscillator signal and a desired frequency slope.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for halftoning where at most one halftoned gray, or multi-level, pixel will occur in those halftone cells having a constant area of ink. The method and apparatus includes placing a threshold array and the pixel tonal values within the same range if the threshold array and pixel tonal values are in different ranges. The elements in the threshold array are then compared to the pixel tonal values in order to determine a resulting output value.The preferred apparatus for halftoning includes a memory for storing the threshold array; a multiplier for multiplying one 8-bit value representing the number of pixels in a halftone cell by a second 8-bit value which is a pixel tonal value; a comparator for comparing the results of the multiplier with an element from the threshold array; and a multiplexer for selecting a resulting output value based upon the output generated by the comparator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for compressing image data without segregating the image data into scanned and non-scanned components, while at the same time, improving both the compression ratio and the perceptabilty of the decompressed image. Improved perceptibility is realized regardless of whether the image data includes scanned images, non-scanned images or any combination thereof. Further, improved perceptibility is realized regardless of whether the images are monochrome or color.

Abstract: A system and method for halftoning multi-level pixels preferably uses a threshold array divided into two or more classes. The classes are ordered in a visitation order. Each class contains at least one element. A halftone cell comprised of a plurality of pixels corresponds to the threshold array. As the intensity level for the halftone cell increases, the pixels corresponding to the elements in the first class are halftoned by fractional values of pixels until all of the pixels in that class reach saturation. As the intensity of the halftone cell increases, none of the pixels corresponding to the elements in any other class change state. Once the pixels corresponding to the elements in the first class are saturated, the pixels corresponding to the elements in the second class are halftoned by fractional values of pixels. In more general terms, the next class in the class visitation order is not addressed until the pixels corresponding to all of the elements in the previous class are saturated.

Abstract: A multi-level image output device performs correction of pixel values which have undergone halftone processing to compensate for non-linearities. This correction is carried out by means of a tonal reproduction transfer function, which linearizes the output values from a halftone processor before they are applied to an image generator, such as a laser modulator. By rectifying non-linear intensity of individual pixels, images can be generated with a smoother grayscale gradient. The function of the post-halftone correction can be combined with a modulator, to achieve an economy of components which make up the output device. As a further feature, a plurality of post-halftoning correction devices can be provided. One of these devices is selected to correct the data values produced by halftone processing, in dependence upon the values of neighboring pixels in an image.

Abstract: The system and method disclosed herein relates to digital halftoning where a threshold array is used to control individual pixels in a halftone cell. The threshold array is replicated to tile the entire device space so that each pixel in device space is mapped to a particular location in the threshold array. By tiling the threshold array with overlap, the size of the overall threshold array is reduced. A CPU interface couples a FIFO buffer, registers, and RAM to a CPU for receiving pixel data, control signals and other values, respectively. An engine control unit is coupled to control a video processing unit and an output device for producing halftone images with a halftone matrix of reduced size. The engine control unit controls threshold logic that applies the threshold matrix to the pixel data to produce the data stream sent to the output device.

Abstract: A steam separator including a tube which houses a blade arrangement consisting of a set of curved blades serving to rotate a mixture of steam and water in order to cause the water to form a film on the inside of the tube. The tube wall has a plurality of perforations through which the water can escape while the steam leaves through a special outlet tube. The individual blade of the blade arrangement has an axial extension at least twice as large as the largest width of the blade, as well as a curvature at least so pronounced that a trailing edge of an optional blade is angularly offset past an imaginary radial plane in the axial extension of a leading edge of an adjacent blade. The total area of the perforations amounts to 50-65% of the cross-sectional area of the separator tube.

Abstract: A process for the purification of mandelic acid N,N-diethylamide, DEM, by forming a crystalline adduct of DEM with a calcium halide and water.

Abstract: A roller bit comprises a plurality of legs each of which has a longitudinally extending pin. A cutting cone is rotatably mounted on each of the pins and a prefabricated sealing insert is fixedly connected at a longitudinally inner end of each of the pins. A sealing element is positioned between the cone and a sealing surface of the insert. The insert is formed of a material having a hardness greater than a core hardness of the pin.

Abstract: Power sources for welding applications and the like are provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. An inverter arrangement comprising a plurality of inverters, having inputs connected in series, receive portions of a d.c. load from a plurality of series connected smoothing capacitors. The smoothing capacitors are connected to form a voltage divider and apply the resulting portions of the d.c. load to the plurality of inverters. This enables the plurality of inverters to be dimensioned in a manner so as to withstand the smaller portions of the d.c. load resulting from the voltage division.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved rotary drill bit having a bit body with at least one bearing pin attached thereto for rotatably carrying a roller cutter over a bearing system. The bearing system includes at least a forward bearing and a rear bearing with at least one inflow passage provided in the bit body for supplying fluid through the passage to the rear bearing during operation of the bit for flushing and for cooling of the rear bearing. The passage terminates in the bearing system ahead of a forward end of the rear bearing between an intermediate sealing arrangement and an annular outlet gap provided between the bit body and the roller cutter. The bearing pin includes a flange for axially fixing a forward end of the rear roller bearings with the inflow passage preferably terminating on the periphery of the flange. The sealing arrangement preferably engages a forward radial surface of the flange on the bearing pin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device at presses for dewatering materials such as peat, digested sludge and other fiber material, which device comprises a belt, which in cooperation with at least one press roll is arranged to apply a press pressure to a material introduced between belt an roll. Certain problems exist here in achieving a high and evenly distributed press pressure over the whole belt width, but this and other problems are solved according to the invention in such a way that the belt consists of a number of separate belt elements (19) located beside each other, each with a cross sectional form decreasing from the side (20) facing the material and with edge portions (23) being in contact with each other, which portions are so elastic that they are opened by the material exposed to the press pressure for discharge of water pressed out of the material.

Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between a shaft (1) and an outer annular element (2), in which device the transmission ratio between the shaft and the annular element is determined by the load on the ring. The device comprises at least one eccentric device (5) arranged for rotation with the shaft, and at least one rocker arm (7) which can be activated by the eccentric device and which is provided with an engaging means (11). The engaging means are arranged to be brought into driving contact with the annular ring (2) encircling the shaft (1), by movement of the said at least one rocker arm. The eccentric device (5) is so designed that its effective length varies in dependence on the load required to activate the rocker arm (7). The device can be used to advantage in winches, for example sheet winches on sailing boats.

Abstract: A device for lubricating rotary drill bits of the type comprising a roller cutter (14) which is rotatably carried by means of a bearing system (15, 16, 17, 18). Fluid is supplied to the bearing system for cooling and/or cleaning thereof through a passage (31, 32, 33; 51, 61), and a lubricant is delivered to said passage from a body (31; 39) of porous material, which is soaked in lubricating means. For purposes of controlling the supply of lubricating means the porous member forms a fraction of the inner wall of said passage.