Abstract: A mesh-based wireless network 10 of sensor/actuator devices I, D, T for an agricultural production area involves battery-powered sensors and actuators deployed under or within the foliage for broadcast communication with at least one repeater R according to broadcast time slots. The repeaters R are mounted above the vegetation canopy so as to be powered by solar panels. The repeaters R form a mesh network for routing data and commands to and from the sensors and actuators and at least one gateway GW. The gateway communicates over a cellular network with a remote agricultural management server 14 and database 16.

Abstract: A mesh-based wireless network 10 of sensor/actuator devices I, D, T for an agricultural production area involves battery-powered sensors and actuators deployed under or within the foliage for broadcast communication with at least one repeater R according to broadcast time slots. The repeaters R are mounted above the vegetation canopy so as to be powered by solar panels. The repeaters R form a mesh network for routing data and commands to and from the sensors and actuators and at least one gateway GW. The gateway communicates over a cellular network with a remote agricultural management server 14 and database 16.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically measuring a remote object comprises at least one source for projecting a plurality of discrete zones of electromagnetic radiation (for example laser spots) along a projection plane. Imaging apparatus images a plurality of reflections from the remote object. By spatially offsetting the imaging apparatus from the projection plane, crosstalk between opposing cameras imaging the same object is more easily avoided. The same effect as spatially offsetting the imager can be achieved by rotating the light source to provide a reflection axis that is not perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A teat location system for automated milking systems comprises a light projection source and a camera having a two dimensional array of pixels, each of which is capable of returning time of flight information as well as intensity. Depth of field limitations and the problem of overlapping teat images are thereby overcome or minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing a three-dimensional representation of livestock involves simultaneously imaging the reflections of a light source from various portions of the animal on a two-dimensional pixel array and deriving range data for each pixel. The range data from the plurality of pixels is used to generate a three-dimensional representation of the animal for phenotype or other conformation assessments.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically measuring a remote object comprises at least one source for projecting a plurality of discrete zones of electromagnetic radiation (for example laser spots) along a projection plane. Imaging apparatus images a plurality of reflections from the remote object. By spatially offsetting the imaging apparatus from the projection plane, easier discrimination and identification of the reflections is made possible.

Abstract: A teat location system for automated milking systems comprises a light projection source and a camera having a two dimensional array of pixels, each of which is capable of returning time of flight information as well as intensity. Depth of field limitations and the problem of overlapping teat images are thereby overcome or minimized.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically measuring a remote object comprises at least one source for projecting a plurality of discrete zones of electromagnetic radiation (for example laser spots) along a projection plane. Imaging apparatus images a plurality of reflections from the remote object. By spatially offsetting the imaging apparatus from the projection plane, crosstalk between opposing cameras imaging the same object is more easily avoided. The same effect as spatially offsetting the imager can be achieved by rotating the light source to provide a reflection axis that is not perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically measuring a remote object comprises at least one source for projecting a plurality of discrete zones of electromagnetic radiation (for example laser spots) along a projection plane. Imaging apparatus images a plurality of reflections from the remote object. By spatially offsetting the imaging apparatus from the projection plane, easier discrimination and identification of the reflections is made possible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are TV Camera based electro-optical sensors, providing affordable methods and apparatus for high speed determination of dimensions and other features of objects. Preferred embodiments utilize addressable line or pixel based cameras to effect triangulation based and other machine vision sensing of objects.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are TV Camera based and other electro-optical sensors and systems, providing affordable methods and apparatus for high speed determination of dimensions and other features of objects. Particular embodiments capable of fast and reliable acquisition of features of moving objects such as boards and wood products are disclosed. Preferred embodiments utilize laser triangulation range detection with at least two cameras viewing the same laser spot or line projected on the object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are TV Camera based electro-optical sensors, providing affordable methods and apparatus for high speed determination of dimensions and other features of objects. Preferred embodiments utilize addressable line or pixel based cameras to effect triangulation based and other machine vision sensing of objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high speed electro-optical sensor system to determine quality of objects, such as lumber, having complex structures such as grain, knots and the like. It is particularly concerned with electro-optical sensors useful for this purpose, for example those employing the tracheid or other grain induced distortion effects, or those based on visually discernable defects due to contrast variation. Preferred versions use computer processed data from TV cameras viewing laser spot illumination of boards.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are TV Camera based and other electro-optical sensors and systems, providing affordable methods and apparatus for high speed determination of dimensions and other features of objects. Particular embodiments capable of fast and reliable acquisition of features of moving objects such as boards and wood products are disclosed. Preferred embodiments utilize laser triangulation range detection with at least two cameras viewing the same laser spot or line projected on the object.

Abstract: A product for treating, e.g. softening, fabric in a tumble drier has a perforated membrane and means for generating pressure in the product to cause a conditioning agent to exude through the perforations onto the surface of the product where it is removed for application to the fabric. The pressure may be caused by using a heat-shrinkable or a stretched elastomeric membrane and the product is preferably attached inside the drier.

Abstract: A product adapted for the treatment of cellulosic fabric comprises a container having at least two compartments for holding two or more fluent substances separate from one another but adapted for dispensing the substances simultaneously, and having in one compartment a resin precondensate and in another compartment a latent acid catalyst. The product is used to make aqueous solutions of both resin precondensates and latent acid catalysts for fabric treatment, whilst keeping the ingredients separate until required for use.