Abstract: An iris recognition system and method generates a one-dimensional iris signature that is translation, rotation, illumination and scale invariant. It allows users to enroll poor quality iris images that would be rejected by conventional methods. In addition, the system and method generates a list of possible matches instead of only the best match. In this way, the users could potentially identify the iris image by deeper analysis (such as using traditional iris recognition algorithm for more accurate iris identification). Further, the system and method permits more toleration of noise (such as glare introduced by contact lens or eye glasses). Finally, the system and method improves iris identification process computational efficiency. The system stores a one-dimensional signature as opposed to the conventional two-dimensional image.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention is a paint tray assembly comprising a multi-use paint tray having a trough located therein and at least one removable paint containers retained in a lateral fit within the trough of the paint tray with the removable paint container being separately removable from the trough of the paint tray to allow for individual emptying of paint compartments in the paint tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spatter painting wherein an open-loop paint applicator which can be a paint roller cover having a set of elongated interconnected members or fibers that are rolled in a shallow layer of paint, preferably a thixotropic paint, to randomly draw paint from the paint reservoirs onto peripheral portions of the open-loop members that extend into the paint reservoir to produce a partially loaded paint roller cover having randomly spaced globules and droplets of paint thereon. When the partially loaded paint roller cover is rolled over a surface the paint globules and droplets located in a random pattern on the paint roller cover are transferred to a surface to produce a “spatter effect” even though the paint roller cover normally produces a textured surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spatter painting wherein an open-loop paint applicator which can be a paint roller cover having a set of elongated interconnected members or fibers that are rolled in a shallow layer of paint, preferably a thixotropic paint, to randomly draw paint from the paint reservoirs onto peripheral portions of the open-loop members that extend into the paint reservoir to produce a partially loaded paint roller cover having randomly spaced globules and droplets of paint thereon. When the partially loaded paint roller cover is rolled over a surface the paint globules and droplets located in a random pattern on the paint roller cover are transferred to a surface to produce a “spatter effect” even though the paint roller cover normally produces a textured surface.

Abstract: A decorative painting kit including multiple-color paint applicators and a method of decoratively painting a surface though in situ surface blending of two or more paints of different colors by using a multiple-color paint applicator which is stroked over the same surface a sufficient number of time to at least partially blend the different paint colors. The partial in situ surface blending of two or more paints produces a decorative pattern on the painted surface that is color characterized by having areas with some of the original paint colors and other areas with various blends of the original paint colors thereon to produce a decoratively painted surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for enhancing the generation of power with a windmill. It comprises a horizontal axis rotating propeller with a large hub, mounted on a lift-generating device which also acts as the support structure. By adding a lift-generating device around the support structure, lower rotational speeds for the windmill propeller are possible without the penalty of excessive swirl losses in the wake. The lower design speed reduces parasitic losses and improves the overall power output of the windmill. The present invention also uses a large hub to increase the relative speed of the air over the windmill propeller near the hub, further enhancing power generation.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention is a paint tray assembly comprising a multi-use paint tray having a trough located therein and at least one removable paint containers retained in a lateral fit within the trough of the paint tray with the removable paint container being separately removable from the trough of the paint tray to allow for individual emptying of paint compartments in the paint tray.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for enhancing the generation of power with a windmill. It comprises a horizontal axis rotating propeller blade with a large hub, mounted on a lift-generating device which also acts as the support structure. By adding a lift-generating device around the support structure, lower rotational speeds for the windmill propeller blade are possible without the penalty of excessive swirl losses in the wake. The lower design speed reduces parasitic losses and improves the overall power output of the windmill. The present invention also uses a large hub to increase the relative speed of the air over the windmill propeller blades near the hub, further enhancing power generation.

Abstract: A decorative painting kit including multiple-color paint applicators and a method of decoratively painting a surface though in situ surface blending of two or more paints of different colors by using a multiple-color paint applicator which is stroked over the same surface a sufficient number of time to at least partially blend the different paint colors. The partial in situ surface blending of two or more paints produces a decorative pattern on the painted surface that is color characterized by having areas with some of the original paint colors and other areas with various blends of the original paint colors thereon to produce a decoratively painted surface.

Abstract: A decorative painting kit including multiple-color paint applicators and a method of decoratively painting a surface though in situ surface blending of two or more paints of different colors by using a multiple-color paint applicator which is stroked over the same surface a sufficient number of time to at least partially blend the different paint colors. The partial in situ surface blending of two or more paints produces a decorative pattern on the painted surface that is color characterized by having areas with some of the original paint colors and other areas with various blends of the original paint colors thereon to produce a decoratively painted surface.

Abstract: A yoke member comprises a pair of handle-engaging members supported from a connecting member with at least one of the handle-engaging members attached to the connecting member with a living hinge to provide a one-piece attachment for a tool to enable a tool handle to be secured between the handle-engaging members.

Abstract: A conductive polymer composition which has a resistivity of less than 10 ohm-cm and which exhibits PTC behavior comprises a polymeric component and a particulate conductive filler. The polymeric component comprises a first crystalline fluorinated polymer having a first melting point T.sub.m1 and a second crystalline fluorinated polymer having a second melting point T.sub.m2 which is from (T.sub.m1 +25).degree. C. to (T.sub.m1 +100).degree. C. The composition exhibits one of a number of characteristics, including a relatively high PTC anomaly. The composition is useful in circuit protection devices to be used at high ambient conditions.