Abstract: A tensioning system for an endless track of a crawler-type vehicle includes an actuator, such as a dual-acting hydraulic cylinder and piston, which is coupled to a roller to translate the roller into and out of engagement with the endless track to tension or slack the endless track, respectively. The tensioning system has a mechanical stop that limits retraction of the actuator, and thus limits how much slack can be created in the endless track. The actuator automatically adds tension to the endless track when an undertensioned condition is present and automatically removes tension from the endless track when an overtensioned condition is present. To add additional slack to the endless track for removing the endless track for service, repair, or replacement, the mechanical stop may be removed which allows additional retraction of the actuator and thus disengagement of the roller from the endless track.

Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a support frame and a plurality of elongated, light-enhancing, decorative elements. Each of the decorative elements has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a curvilinear central axis extending therebetween. The proximal portions of the decorative elements are rigidly affixed to the support frame. The distal portions of the affixed decorative elements are unsupported and curve away from the support frame. The support frame may include elongated arms, and the decorative elements may be affixed to the support frame via the arms. The decorative element may be fabricated of crystal.

Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a support frame and a plurality of elongated, light-enhancing, decorative elements. Each of the decorative elements has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a curvilinear central axis extending therebetween. The proximal portions of the decorative elements are rigidly affixed to the support frame. The distal portions of the affixed decorative elements are unsupported and curve away from the support frame. The support frame may include elongated arms, and the decorative elements may be affixed to the support frame via the arms. The decorative element may be fabricated of crystal.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and system for measuring data quality of service in a wireless network using multiple peripatetic (i.e. mobile) and/or stationary, unattended, position, and performance instruments (PUPPIs) that are remotely controlled by a back end processor. In some embodiments of the invention, the data service whose quality is measured relates to wireless Internet access, e-commerce transactions, wireless messaging, or push technologies. In other embodiments of the invention, the system includes an element that is located within the wireless network infrastructure, for example, at the WAP gateway to monitor the wireless data protocol and to perform benchmarking measurements.

Abstract: A Microscope Imaging System (CMIS) with intelligent controls is disclosed that provides techniques for scanning, identifying, detecting and tracking microscopic changes in selected characteristics or features of various surfaces including, but not limited to, cells, spheres, and manufactured products subject to difficult-to-see imperfections. The practice of the present invention provides applications that include colloidal hard spheres experiments, biological cell detection for patch clamping, cell movement and tracking, as well as defect identification in products, such as semiconductor devices, where surface damage can be significant, but difficult to detect. The CMIS system is a machine vision system, which combines intelligent image processing with remote control capabilities and provides the ability to auto-focus on a microscope sample, automatically scan an image, and perform machine vision analysis on multiple samples simultaneously.

Abstract: A Microscope Imaging System (CMIS) with intelligent controls is disclosed that provides techniques for scanning, identifying, detecting and tracking microscopic changes in selected characteristics or features of various surfaces including, but not limited to, cells, spheres, and manufactured products subject to difficult-to-see imperfections. The practice of the present invention provides applications that include colloidal hard spheres experiments, biological cell detection for patch clamping, cell movement and tracking, as well as defect identification in products, such as semiconductor devices, where surface damage can be significant, but difficult to detect. The CMIS system is a machine vision system, which combines intelligent image processing with remote control capabilities and provides the ability to auto-focus on a microscope sample, automatically scan an image, and perform machine vision analysis on multiple samples simultaneously.

Abstract: A Microscope Imaging System (CMIS) with intelligent controls is disclosed that provides techniques for scanning, identifying, detecting and tracking microscopic changes in selected characteristics or features of various surfaces including, but not limited to, cells, spheres, and manufactured products subject to difficult-to-see imperfections. The practice of the present invention provides applications that include colloidal hard spheres experiments, biological cell detection for patch clamping, cell movement and tracking, as well as defect identification in products, such as semiconductor devices, where surface damage can be significant, but difficult to detect. The CMIS system is a machine vision system, which combines intelligent image processing with remote control capabilities and provides the ability to auto-focus on a microscope sample, automatically scan an image, and perform machine vision analysis on multiple samples simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the re-routing of e-mail sent to a prior address (or an address that is non-working, or temporarily inconvenient) to the new address of an intended recipient. E-mail that is to be sent to a recipient is sent to the former Internet Service Provider (ISP). Because the recipient is no longer a subscriber to the old ISP, or because the address at the old ISP is temporarily inconvenient, the e-mail is re-routed to a re-route server of the present invention. The re-route server then causes the e-mail to be sent to the correct address through a variety of processes. Alternatively, new e-mail addresses are made available at the old ISP. The old ISP can then forward e-mail messages directly to the new ISP.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and system for measuring data quality of service in a wireless network using multiple peripatetic (i.e. mobile) and/or stationary, unattended, position, and performance instruments (PUPPIs) that are remotely controlled by a back end processor. In some embodiments of the invention, the data service whose quality is measured relates to wireless Internet access, e-commerce transactions, wireless messaging, or push technologies. In other embodiments of the invention, the system includes an element that is located within the wireless network infrastructure, for example, at the WAP gateway to monitor the wireless data protocol and to perform benchmarking measurements.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for sharing user event information (such as, and without limitation, presence on a network) among mobile (wireless) devices and those connected to fixed IP networks such as the Internet. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the system and method support instant messaging between wireless devices and fixed IP network devices and between wireless devices and other wireless devices. The term wireless device is used broadly to include cell phones, laptop computers with wireless modems, wireless PDAs, and any other remote wireless devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for sharing user event information (such as, and without limitation, presence on a network) among mobile (wireless) devices and those connected to fixed IP networks such as the Internet. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the system and method support instant messaging between wireless devices and fixed IP network devices and between wireless devices and other wireless devices. The term wireless device is used broadly to include cell phones, laptop computers with wireless modems, wireless PDAs, and any other remote wireless devices.

Abstract: A system and a method is provided for measuring three-dimensional velocities at a plurality of points in a fluid employing at least two cameras positioned approximately perpendicular to one another. Image frames captured by the cameras may be filtered using background subtraction with outlier rejection with spike-removal filtering. The cameras may calibrated to accurately represent image coordinates in a world coordinate system using calibration grids modified using warp transformations. The two-dimensional views of the cameras may be recorded for image processing and particle track determination. The tracer particles may be tracked on a two-dimensional basis and then stereo matched to obtain three-dimensional locations of the particles as a function of time so that velocities can be measured therefrom.