Abstract: An adapter assembly includes upper and lower crossbars that are horizontally oriented and spaced vertically apart from each other, with each of the upper and lower crossbars having oppositely-disposed outboard ends. A pair of L-shaped brackets and a spacer bracket are mounted adjacent each outboard end of each of the upper and lower crossbars and horizontally orient and space the upper and lower crossbars vertically apart from each other. The pair of L-shaped brackets having lower legs configured to couple with the mount attached to the frame of the vehicle. The adapter assembly is adapted to couple with existing mounts installed on passenger vehicles, such as mounts adapted for the attachment of snow plows, to permit the attachment of a wide variety of implements and accessories to the front ends of such vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical clock having a winding mechanism and a means to automatically wind the winding mechanism of the clock; wherein the automatic winding means is directly or indirectly powered or actuated by an electrical system of a motor vehicle, in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical clock having a winding mechanism and a means to automatically wind the winding mechanism of the clock; wherein the automatic winding means is directly or indirectly powered or actuated by an electrical system of a motor vehicle, in use.

Abstract: The invention concerns image processing that includes the estimation of the optical depths of points in image data in order to enhance the image data. In particular but not limited to, from the optical depth noise present in the image due to aerosol in the scene, such as fog or haze, can be reduced. The invention concerns determining a first cost for each point independently based on a determined metric (60) and then a second cost based on an expected correlation in neighboring points (70). The two costs are then optimized (80) to determine an estimated optical depth for each point (80) that is then used to reduce the effect of aerosol in the image (84). Applications of the invention include, but is not limited to, surveillance systems so that objects in the scene of the image can be better identified once the image data has been enhanced to reduce the estimated noise. Aspects of the invention include a method, software, computer apparatus and a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: The invention concerns image processing that includes the estimation of the optical depths of points in image data in order to enhance the image data. In particular but not limited to, from the optical depth noise present in the image due to aerosol in the scene, such as fog or haze, can be reduced. The invention concerns determining.a first cost for each point independently based on a determined metric (60) and then a second cost based on an expected correlation in neighbouring points (70). The two costs are then optimized (80) to determine an estimated optical depth for each point (80) that is then used to reduce the effect of aerosol in the image (84). Applications of the invention include, but is not limited to, surveillance systems so that objects in the scene of the image can be better identified once the image data has been enhanced to reduce the estimated noise. Aspects of the invention include a method, software, computer apparatus and a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: A focal length estimation technique is presented that estimates the focal length used to capture each of a pair of overlapping images taken by a camera rotating about its center. When it is known that the focal length is the same for both images, it is estimated using just two pairs of corresponding points between the images. When it is either unknown whether the focal lengths are the same or it is known that they vary, the focal length of each image is estimated using just three pairs of corresponding points between the images.

Abstract: A conduit enclosure system for enclosing an engine wiring harness includes a conduit manifold configured to removably enclose a manifold portion of the engine wiring harness, the conduit manifold having a manifold outlet for each corresponding harness branch of a plurality of harness branches of the engine wiring harness. The conduit enclosure system also includes a conduit branch for each corresponding harness branch, the conduit branch being configured to removably lengthwise enclose each corresponding harness branch. The conduit branch has a first branch end and a second branch end, the first branch end being coupled to a corresponding manifold outlet, and the second branch end being coupled to the exposed portion of a corresponding control component of the plurality of control components in sealing engagement for sealing the exposed portion.

Abstract: A focal length estimation technique is presented that estimates the focal length used to capture each of a pair of overlapping images taken by a camera rotating about its center. When it is known that the focal length is the same for both images, it is estimated using just two pairs of corresponding points between the images. When it is either unknown whether the focal lengths are the same or it is known that they vary, the focal length of each image is estimated using just three pairs of corresponding points between the images.

Abstract: A conduit enclosure system for enclosing an engine wiring harness includes a conduit manifold configured to removably enclose a manifold portion of the engine wiring harness, the conduit manifold having a manifold outlet for each corresponding harness branch of a plurality of harness branches of the engine wiring harness. The conduit enclosure system also includes a conduit branch for each corresponding harness branch, the conduit branch being configured to removably lengthwise enclose each corresponding harness branch. The conduit branch has a first branch end and a second branch end, the first branch end being coupled to a corresponding manifold outlet, and the second branch end being coupled to the exposed portion of a corresponding control component of the plurality of control components in sealing engagement for sealing the exposed portion.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser comprising: (i) a housing having an outlet; (ii) a medicament container locatable within said housing; (iii) an electronic dose counter associated with said outlet, wherein said dose counter comprises a first sensor for directly detecting a medicament release dispensible from said medicament container through said outlet is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use with a trans-esophageal probe. The apparatus comprises a disinfecting unit and a storage unit, each of which includes a tubular housing having an interior, upper and lower ends, and an opening at the upper end for access to the interior. The disinfecting unit includes a support above the upper end of its housing for supporting a handle of a probe whose probe end is within the interior of the housing. The interior of the disinfecting unit is adapted to contain a fluid, and is equipped with a fluid level indicator and a drain for draining the fluid from the housing. The storage unit includes an enclosure removably mounted to the upper end of its housing for enclosing the handle end of a probe whose probe end is within the interior of the housing. Both units further include a support for a connector of a probe placed in the unit.

Abstract: Novel flavonoid compounds having anti-oxidant activity are described. Formula 1. The compounds have been shown to exhibit anti-oxidative properties in biological systems and their utility in a sunscreen or skincare composition or to treat conditions involving oxidative damage, especially curative or prophylactic treatment of Alzheimer's disease or ischaemia-reperfusion injury, is described.

Abstract: A freestanding self-propelled device for moving objects. The device includes a chassis having lower frame portions and upright frame portions. A single motor-driven drive wheel is centrally located between the lateral ends of the chassis and coupled to the chassis so as to be pivotable about a substantially vertical axis. The drive wheel is located between sets of support wheels coupled to the lower frame portion of the chassis. In combination, the drive wheel and the support wheels result in the device being freestanding. The drive wheel projects below the sets of support wheels so that the device is supported by the drive wheel and by only one of each set of support wheels at any given time, thereby establishing a three-point contact with the surface supporting the device. A tiller equipped with controls is pivotably coupled to the drive wheel for pivoting the drive wheel about its vertical axis.

Abstract: A video signal processor receives an input video signal of a first (lower) definition and processes this to provide a picture component signal that represents a picture of reduced size. The input video signal is also processed to provide a measurement component signal that represents a graphical representation of at least one characteristic associated with the input video signal. A video signal generator generates a background video signal of a second (higher) definition. The picture component signal, measurement component signal and background video signal are all combined to provide an output video signal of the second definition.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser comprising: (i) a housing having an outlet; (ii) a medicament container locatable within said housing; (iii) an electronic dose counter associated with said outlet, wherein said dose counter comprises a first sensor for directly detecting a medicament release dispensible from said medicament container through said outlet is disclosed.

Abstract: A freestanding self-propelled device for moving objects. The device includes a chassis having lower frame portions and upright frame portions. A single motor-driven drive wheel is centrally located between the lateral ends of the chassis and coupled to the chassis so as to be pivotable about a substantially vertical axis. The drive wheel is located between sets of support wheels coupled to the lower frame portion of the chassis. In combination, the drive wheel and the support wheels result in the device being freestanding. The drive wheel projects below the sets of support wheels so that the device is supported by the drive wheel and by only one of each set of support wheels at any given time, thereby establishing a three-point contact with the surface supporting the device. A tiller equipped with controls is pivotably coupled to the drive wheel for pivoting the drive wheel about its vertical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use with a trans-esophageal probe. The apparatus comprises a disinfecting unit and a storage unit, each of which includes a tubular housing having an interior, upper and lower ends, and an opening at the upper end for access to the interior. The disinfecting unit includes a support above the upper end of its housing for supporting a handle of a probe whose probe end is within the interior of the housing. The interior of the disinfecting unit is adapted to contain a fluid, and is equipped with a fluid level indicator and a drain for draining the fluid from the housing. The storage unit includes an enclosure removably mounted to the upper end of its housing for enclosing the handle end of a probe whose probe end is within the interior of the housing. Both units further include a support for a connector of a probe placed in the unit.

Abstract: A digital video signal monitoring apparatus comprises means (2,4,6) for receiving a digital video signal and extracting therefrom a plurality of digital signals, each of which comprises a plurality of successive digital sample values. The apparatus further comprises means (10) for interpolating additional digital values intermediate the successive samples of the or each extracted digital signal and means for displaying the waveform of the or each extracted digital signal as a series of discrete points corresponding to its respective digital sample values and interpolated digital values. Thus, none of the original signal information is lost in displaying a signal waveform having a substantially continuous appearance.

Abstract: A nozzle vane includes a row of trailing edge apertures and cooperating inboard slots joined in flow communication with a mid-chord cavity. An outboard slot is spaced outwardly from a respective last one of the inboard slots, and outboard of a respective last one of the trailing edge apertures. The outboard slot extends behind a braze joint between the vane and a supporting band and is effective for backside cooling thereof.