Abstract: A multiplexing x-ray fluorescence (MXRF) system and method are provided. The system can include a simple detector that counts x-rays with time resolution. A time-variable applied radiation source is used. The MXRF applied radiation source can produce an excitation spectrum with a peak average energy that grows with time and then recycles. Elemental identification can be achieved by time-correlating x-ray counts detected by the detector, with the time-variable applied radiation field. The system and method provide design flexibility for both commercial and NASA applications.

Abstract: A multiplexing x-ray fluorescence (MXRF) system and method are provided. The system can include a simple detector that counts x-rays with time resolution. A time-variable applied radiation source is used. The MXRF applied radiation source can produce an excitation spectrum with a peak average energy that grows with time and then recycles. Elemental identification can be achieved by time-correlating x-ray counts detected by the detector, with the time-variable applied radiation field. The system and method provide design flexibility for both commercial and NASA applications.

Abstract: A novel system and method of presenting realistic designs of physical objects in real spaces employing stereoscopic-3D (three-dimensional) photographic images. The method visually integrates images of objects with images of customer-specified interior or exterior spaces using software to manage the process in 3D space, yielding stereoscopic-3D photographic images of design decisions. The system includes: stereoscopic-3D images, some of which are omnidirectional; software, a computing system and display for viewing and combining multiple stereoscopic-3D images; and a data management system for maintaining and creating appropriate customer-specified views of vendor goods available for integration.

Abstract: A novel system and method of presenting realistic designs of physical objects in real spaces employing stereoscopic-3D (three-dimensional) photographic images. The method visually integrates images of objects with images of customer-specified interior or exterior spaces using software to manage the process in 3D space, yielding stereoscopic-3D photographic images of design decisions. The system includes: stereoscopic-3D images, some of which are omnidirectional; software, a computing system and display for viewing and combining multiple stereoscopic-3D images; and a data management system for maintaining and creating appropriate customer-specified views of vendor goods available for integration.

Abstract: An imaging system for producing stereoscopic panoramic images using multiple coplanar pairs of image capture devices with overlapping fields of view held in a rigid structural frame for long term calibration maintenance. Pixels are dynamically adjusted within the imaging system for position, color, brightness, aspect ratio, lens imperfections, imaging chip variations and any other imaging system shortcomings that are identified during calibration processes. Correction of pixel information is implemented in various combinations of hardware and software. Corrected image data is then available for storage or display or for separate data processing actions such as object distance or volume calculations.

Abstract: A system, method and device for the capture and display of high-resolution stereoscopic or monoscopic wide fields-of-view (FOV) at still or video rates, presenting techniques and designs for distance measuring, for changing the working stereo capture range of a stereoscopic image capture device, and for playing pre-recorded or transmitted stereoscopic video image data through a player unit. The system supports multiple independent viewers and image analysis sub-systems of various types utilizing hardware, software and firmware. Further included is a stereoscopic videoconferencing embodiment that captures and transmits an entire room's view and automatically directs focus of images.

Abstract: A system, method and device for the capture and display of high-resolution stereoscopic or monoscopic wide fields-of-view (FOV) at still or video rates, presenting techniques and designs for distance measuring, for changing the working stereo capture range of a stereoscopic image capture device, and for playing pre-recorded or transmitted stereoscopic video image data through a player unit. The system supports multiple independent viewers and image analysis sub-systems of various types utilizing hardware, software and firmware. Further included is a stereoscopic videoconferencing embodiment that captures and transmits an entire room's view and automatically directs focus of images.

Abstract: An air handling system is equipped with a system for cleaning the air handling evaporator core in situ. Water is distributed through an intake manifold consisting of a plurality valve or other flow control device. Here, the water picks up treating agents, such as microbicides and cleaning agents. In one of the valves or other flow control devices, the water does not pick up a treating agent, and is used for rinsing. The treated or untreated water flows through a connector to an outlet manifold for contact with an evaporator core of an air handler.

Abstract: Aqueous cleaning compositions in which the pH is controlled comprise an acidic metal cleaning compound; at least one nitrogen containing compound to provide a stabilized pH; an emulsifier, a nonionic surfactant and optionally at least one water soluble solvent having a vapor pressure of less than 4 mm Hg at 20° C.

Abstract: Aqueous cleaning compositions in which the pH is controlled comprise an acidic metal cleaning compound; at least one nitrogen containing compound to provide a stabilized pH; an emulsifier, a nonionic surfactant and optionally at least one water soluble solvent having a vapor pressure of less than 4 mm Hg at 20° C.

Abstract: In aqueous odor control composition comprises an evaporation control system, at least one nonionic surfactant, fragrance, and water. The odor control composition is particularly well suited for use in air ducts, crawl spaces, basements, and insulation, as the composition releases odor control ingredients at a very slow rate and does not contain any environmentally hazardous materials.

Abstract: An automatic, voice-directional video camera image steering system specifically for use for teleconferencing that electronically selects segmented images from a selected panoramic video scene typically around a conference table so that the participant in the conference currently speaking will be the selected segmented image in the proper viewing aspect ratio, eliminating the need for manual camera movement or automated mechanical camera movement. The system includes an audio detection circuit from an array of microphones that can instantaneously determine the direction of a particular speaker and provide directional signals to a video camera and lens system that provides a panoramic display that can electronically select portions of that image and, through warping techniques, remove any distortion from the most significant portions of the image which lie from the horizon up to approximately 30 degrees in a hemispheric viewing area.

Abstract: A method and computer implementation are disclosed for correcting skew and shift which may occur as the image on a document or other field is scanned with line scanning apparatus. By selecting scans, lines are logically overlaid upon a memory map of the scanned image and a best-fit line is calculated through left-most image points near the left ends of the lines. The best-fit line substantially defines the left margin. The angle which complements the angle between the overlay lines and the best-fit line is calculated and the image map is rotated in storage, aligning the image with scanner's x-axis and y-axis. The method may be started while scanning is still in progress and the last portion of the image may be rotated according to the invention as it is being stored. The left margin is more accurately found by expanding the search for left-most pixels using search areas around the fit originally found left-most points.

Abstract: A system for electronic imaging of a hemispheric field of view includes a camera for receiving optical images of the field of view and for producing output data corresponding to the optical images. The camera includes an optical assembly for producing images throughout a hemispheric field of view for optical conveyance to an imaging device or photographic film. The optical system assembly has lens components that selectively emphasize the peripheral content of the hemispheric field of view. An electronic imaging device within the camera or a film-to-digital date conversion system provides digitized output signals to input image memory or electronic storage devices. A transform processor selectively accesses and processes the digitized output signals from the input image memory according to user-defined criteria and stores the signals in output image memory. The signals in the output image memory can then be displayed according to the user-defined criteria.

Abstract: A DSP manager acquires through software techniques configuration and related data for multimedia hardware devices from BIOS device drivers interposed to functionally insulate the resource manager from hardware device specific information. The DSP manager manages tasks executing on hardware devices in a multiple DSP environment. The DSP manager optimally assigns tasks, loads tasks, and removes tasks for a function without interrupting execution of tasks making up other functions.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) is constructed in layers including an integrated circuit layer containing thin film transistors (TFTs) for controlling activation of individual liquid crystal cells, and selectively actuatable Hall effect elements (HEEs) for controlling operation of the TFTs. The display operates in different modes including operating solely as an output device, or as an input device, or both. Each HEE and TFT is contained in a cell circuit that further includes a switch operable in a plurality of modes in accordance with the settings of mode control signals and cell selection signals. A magnetic actuator produces a magnetic field for selectively actuating cells. Cell circuits produce output signals dependent on the polarity of the actuating magnetic field. An alternate cell circuit allows a cell to be actuated by a field of one polarity and deactuated by a second field of the opposite polarity.

Abstract: A personal computer system includes a digital signal processor (DSP) subsystem that is connectable to a plurality of application specific hardware devices. A single DSP is operable under a DSP real-time operating system (RTOS) to concurrently handle a plurality of different signal processing functions on a real-time basis. A DSP data store is connected to the DSP and to the personal computer and includes addressable locations that emulate addressable I/O registers associated with the application specific hardware devices to enable the personal computer to run a plurality of application programs controlling operation of the hardware devices. Performance is enhanced for I/O read and write operations by delaying halting of the DSP allowing such operations to complete in a cycle during which the DSP is not accessing the data store.

Abstract: An improved liquid dispensing apparatus having a micro-adjustment of the opening travel of a needle valve of the apparatus. This micro-adjustment comprises a sleeve-stop member which is axially movable but non-rotatable in the body of the apparatus. One end of the sleeve-stop member forms an end-stop to limit opening movement of the needle valve away from the valve seat. Screw threads of a first pitch are formed on an external portion of the sleeve-stop member and internal screw threads of a second pitch different from the first pitch are formed on a portion of the apparatus body. A generally tubular adjustment screw element is engaged with both the internal scew threads of the body bore and the external screw threads of the sleeve-stop member so that rotation of the adjustment screw element causes differential axial movement of the sleeve-stop member for fine adjustment of the maximum opening needle valve travel.

Abstract: A flexible electrically heated hose of substantially uniform construction throughout its length for transmitting hot liquid material includes a flexible polymeric tube encased within a braided metal covering and having hydraulic fitting at its opposite ends. Multiple plies of heat and electrical insulative material are helically wrapped around the braided covering and a least one electrical heating line is helically wrapped and embedded within the multiple plies. A molded plastic cuff is secured to each end of the hose and an exterior ply of corrugated polymeric tubing is provided about the exterior of the hose to prevent kinking and breaking of the hose at each hose cuff caused by severe bending forces at that location. The exterior of the corrugated tubing has annular ribs separated by annular recesses into which annular ribs on the interior of each cuff extend to secure the cuffs to the corrugated tubing.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a hot melt applicator to a source of electrical power in a system where molten adhesive is delivered to the applicator through a hose from a remote source of adhesive and where the hose carries wires connected to a remote electrical power source. The connector includes a one piece molded plastic cuff having a through opening such that the cuff can be slid on the end of the hose remote from the source of adhesive, and a plug block housing integral with the cuff including an integral internal plug block having a number of through openings for receiving and retaining the electrical leads which pass radially through the side of the hose. The housing further includes a plug block cavity adapted to be disposed at the outboard end of the hose such that the electrical leads can be easily inserted into the openings in the plug block from the outboard end of the hose in a direction generally along the long axis of the hose.