Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for managing bovine subjects in order to maximize their individual potential performance and edible meat value, and to maximize profits obtained in marketing the bovine subjects. The methods and systems draw an inference of a trait of a bovine subject by determining the nucleotide occurrence of at least one bovine SNP that is identified herein as being associated with the trait. The inference is used in methods of the present invention to establish the economic value of a bovine subject, to improve profits related to selling beef from a bovine subject; to manage bovine subjects, to sort bovine subjects; to improve the genetics of a bovine population by selecting and breeding of bovine subjects, to clone a bovine subject with a specific trait, to track meat or another commercial product of a bovine subject; and to diagnose a health condition of a bovine subject.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing non-beef livestock subjects in order to maximize their individual potential performance and the value of a product from the non-beef livestock subjects, and to maximize profits obtained in marketing the non-beef livestock subjects. The methods and systems draw an inference of a trait of a non-beef livestock subject by determining the nucleotide occurrence of at least one non-beef livestock SNP that is determined to be associated with the trait.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods to discover and use single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for determining the genotype of a horned/polled ruminant subject. The present invention further provides specific nucleic acid sequences, SNPs, and SNP patterns that can be used for determining the genotype of a horned/polled ruminant subject.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system and method for use with vision systems with an imager sensitive to infrared radiation of less than 2-microns in wavelength, to produce a first image signal. Another imager sensitive to infrared radiation at least 3-microns in wavelength may be used to produce a second image signal. Preferably, the first image signal represents sensed electric light sources, and the second image signal represents sensed background such as terrain, runways, structures, and obstacles. A signal processor combines an image signal representing locally maximum values of the first image signal with the second image signal to create a displayed image.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel design of dry-suit. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel dry-suit design which has a smooth captive shell and concealed pleats for improved dry-suit functionality. A dry-suit comprising: (a) a hollow element-proof fabric formed in the shape of a human body including two arms, two legs and a torso; (b) first and second inwardly extending pleats formed in each of the two legs; and (c) first and second elastic element-proof fabric panels covering the respective first and second pleats and sealed around the periphery with the surrounding adjacent regions of the element-proof fabric of the dry-suit.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel integrated kite control bar and controlled tension release safety device for use in kite boarding. More particularly, this invention pertains to an integrated kite control bar and controlled tension release safety device which can be activated by a kite boarder by moving the control bar against a safety release device. A kite control bar and safety release device comprising: (a) a kite control bar; (b) a center line associated with the kite control bar and having a first end and a second end; (c) a safety release device associated with the first end of the center line on a first side of the control bar; (d) a hook engaging loop associated with the second end of the center line, on a side of the control bar opposite to the safety release device, and being linked to the safety release device, said loop being openable when the control bar is advanced against the safety release device at the first end of the center line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel design of dry-suit. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel dry-suit design which has a smooth captive shell and concealed pleats for improved dry-suit functionality. A dry-suit comprising: (a) a hollow element-proof fabric formed in the shape of a human body including two arms, two legs and a torso; (b) first and second inwardly extending pleats formed in each of the two legs; and (c) first and second elastic element-proof fabric panels covering the respective first and second pleats and sealed around the periphery with the surrounding adjacent regions of the element-proof fabric of the dry-suit.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system and method for use with vision systems with an imager sensitive to infrared radiation of less than 2-microns in wavelength, to produce a first image signal. Another imager sensitive to infrared radiation at least 3-microns in wavelength may be used to produce a second image signal. Preferably, the first image signal represents sensed electric light sources, and the second image signal represents sensed background such as terrain, runways, structures, and obstacles. A signal processor combines an image signal representing locally maximum values of the first image signal with the second image signal to create a displayed image.

Abstract: A detection circuit that detects the open and close state of a flip cover of a communications device. The detection circuit includes a resistive network and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). When the flip cover is in the closed position, the circuit detects a unique resistive value through a set of contacts. This voltage level is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal via the ADC for input into a microprocessor. When the flip cover is in the open position, the contacts are broken, thus, disabling the detection of the unique resistive value. The resulting voltage level is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal via the ADC for input into a microprocessor. Software, programmed within the microprocessor, enables the communications device to operate in the appropriate mode according to the detection of the open/close state of the flip cover.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system and method for use with vision systems with an imager sensitive to infrared radiation of less than 2-microns in wavelength, to produce a first image signal. Another imager sensitive to infrared radiation at least 3-microns in wavelength may be used to produce a second image signal. Preferably, the first image signal represents sensed electric light sources, and the second image signal represents sensed background such as terrain, runways, structures, and obstacles. A signal processor combines an image signal representing locally maximum values of the first image signal with the second image signal to create a displayed image.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system and method for use with vision systems with an imager sensitive to infrared radiation of less than 2-microns in wavelength, to produce a first image signal. Another imager sensitive to infrared radiation at least 3-microns in wavelength may be used to produce a second image signal. Preferably, the first image signal represents sensed electric light sources, and the second image signal represents sensed background such as terrain, runways, structures, and obstacles. A signal processor combines an image signal representing locally maximum values of the first image signal with the second image signal to create a displayed image.

Abstract: An interpolator for enlarging or reducing a digital image includes an interpolation coefficient memory containing interpolation coefficients representing a one dimension interpolation kernel. A row interpolator receives image pixel values, retrieves interpolation coefficients from the memory, and produces interpolated pixel values by interpolating in a row direction. A column interpolator receives multiple rows of interpolated pixel values from the row interpolator, retrieves interpolation coefficients from the memory, and produces rows of interpolated pixel values by interpolating in a column direction.

Abstract: A lead-pencil sharpener having a generally horizontally disposed shaving mechanism and a housing thereabout formed with an opening through which a lead-pencil may be inserted into said mechanism. A ledge member formed integrally with such housing or attachable thereto in a generally horizontal position beneath and in close proximity to the opening in the housing to catch lead and wood shavings which fall from the opening in the housing.