Abstract: There are described methods and system for determining a similarity or distance measure between a first ballistic specimen and a second ballistic specimen. The method comprises acquiring topographic data from the first ballistic specimen and the second ballistic specimen of at least one region of interest; computing from the topographic data at least one similarity score s for the first ballistic specimen and the second ballistic specimen; determining a non-match probability measure of the similarity score for at least one parameter characterizing a macroscopic and/or microscopic feature of the topographic data, the non-match probability measure associating the first ballistic specimen and the second ballistic specimen to a different source; and correcting the similarity score by determining a corrected similarity score that yields a same value of the non-match probability measure as the similarity score for a reference value of the at least one parameter.

Abstract: There are described a method and a system for generating clusters of ballistic specimens. Using an image acquisition tool, topographic data for at least three ballistic specimens of at least one region of interest is acquired. From the topographic data, at least one parameter characterizing optimal toolmark alignment is determined for every distinct pair of the at least three ballistic specimens, each ballistic specimen having a plurality of toolmarks formed thereon. From the topographic data, at least one pairwise similarity score associated with optimal toolmark alignment is determined for every distinct pair of the at least three ballistic specimens. At least one triplet-wise consistency measure indicative of a consistency of optimal toolmark alignment is determined for every distinct triplet of the at least three ballistic specimens. A cluster analysis is conducted based on the at least one similarity score and the at least one consistency measure to generate the clusters.

Abstract: A splice plate assembly for connecting at least two cable trays to effect an angle transition includes a splice plate configured to connect inner side rails of the cable trays to form an inside corner, a bendable strap configured to connect outer side rails of the cable trays to form an outside corner, and a rung adapted to be connected between the splice plate and the bendable strap. A method of installing a splice plate assembly includes preparing cable trays having a same length, connecting inner side rails of the cable trays via a splice plate to form an inside corner, connecting outer side rails of the cable trays via a bendable strap to form an outside corner, and securing a rung between the splice plate and bendable strap.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for aligning and securing a projectile. A base defining a receptacle for receiving the projectile comprises a self-centering mechanism for aligning a longitudinal axis of the projectile with a reference axis. An upstanding support projects upwardly from the base. A head member extends from the upstanding support, disposed vertically above the base, and has defined therein an opening aligned with the reference axis. A rod member is slidably mounted in the opening, such that a longitudinal axis of the rod member is aligned with the reference axis. A mounting adapter has a first end configured for adhesively retaining the projectile and a second end defining a coupling mechanism selectively mateable with a distal end of the rod member and with an inspection device used for performing inspection of the projectile.

Abstract: Methods and systems for in situ electrochemical treatment of aqueous solutions used in agricultural systems, community systems and industrial systems. In aspects, is an in situ electrochemical method for the treatment of fertigation water, comprising: flowing the fertigation water through an electrochemical cell comprising at least one anode and at least one complementary cathode while simultaneously adjusting one or more of current density, flow rate and pH, wherein said flowing fertigation water contacts the anode and cathode causing one or more of: degradation of a recalcitrant organic contaminant, mineralization and solubilization of an organic, forming a disinfection agent against a pathogen, and maintaining nutrient levels in said fertigation water; and collecting treated effluent.

Abstract: A splice plate assembly for connecting at least two cable trays to effect an angle transition includes a splice plate configured to connect inner side rails of the cable trays to form an inside corner, a bendable strap configured to connect outer side rails of the cable trays to form an outside corner, and a rung adapted to be connected between the splice plate and the bendable strap. A method of installing a splice plate assembly includes preparing cable trays having a same length, connecting inner side rails of the cable trays via a splice plate to form an inside corner, connecting outer side rails of the cable trays via a bendable strap to form an outside corner, and securing a rung between the splice plate and bendable strap.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemical treatment of fertigation water for use and for recycling in agricultural systems such as in controlled environment agricultural systems.

Abstract: There are described methods and system for determining a similarity or distance measure between a first ballistic specimen and a second ballistic specimen. The method comprises acquiring topographic data from the first ballistic specimen and the second ballistic specimen of at least one region of interest; computing from the topographic data at least one similarity score s for the first ballistic specimen and the second ballistic specimen; determining a non-match probability measure of the similarity score for at least one parameter characterizing a macroscopic and/or microscopic feature of the topographic data, the non-match probability measure associating the first ballistic specimen and the second ballistic specimen to a different source; and correcting the similarity score by determining a corrected similarity score that yields a same value of the non-match probability measure as the similarity score for a reference value of the at least one parameter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for in situ electrochemical treatment of aqueous solutions used in agricultural systems, community systems and industrial systems. In aspects, is an in situ electrochemical method for the treatment of fertigation water, comprising: flowing the fertigation water through an electrochemical cell comprising at least one anode and at least one complementary cathode while simultaneously adjusting one or more of current density, flow rate and pH, wherein said flowing fertigation water contacts the anode and cathode causing one or more of: degradation of a recalcitrant organic contaminant, mineralization and solubilization of an organic, forming a disinfection agent against a pathogen, and maintaining nutrient levels in said fertigation water; and collecting treated effluent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for aligning and securing a projectile. A base defining a receptacle for receiving the projectile comprises a self-centering mechanism for aligning a longitudinal axis of the projectile with a reference axis. An upstanding support projects upwardly from the base. A head member extends from the upstanding support, disposed vertically above the base, and has defined therein an opening aligned with the reference axis. A rod member is slidably mounted in the opening, such that a longitudinal axis of the rod member is aligned with the reference axis. A mounting adapter has a first end configured for adhesively retaining the projectile and a second end defining a coupling mechanism selectively mateable with a distal end of the rod member and with an inspection device used for performing inspection of the projectile.

Abstract: Detection of surface irregularities in coins. Three-dimensional topographic data of at least one surface of a coin, having at least one feature, is acquired and used to determine characteristics of the coin features, based on vector components of normal vectors at various points on the surface of the coin. The feature characteristics are then compared to reference feature characteristics. Based on this comparison, an irregularity indication is provided if differences between the feature characteristics and the reference characteristics are found.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemical treatment of fertigation water for use and for recycling in agricultural systems such as in controlled environment agricultural systems.

Abstract: Detection of surface irregularities in coins. Three-dimensional topographic data of at least one surface of a coin, having at least one feature, is acquired and used to determine characteristics of the coin features, based on vector components of normal vectors at various points on the surface of the coin. The feature characteristics are then compared to reference feature characteristics. Based on this comparison, an irregularity indication is provided if differences between the feature characteristics and the reference characteristics are found.

Abstract: There is described a method and 3D image acquisition system for addressing the specular nature of metallic surfaces in general, and ballistic pieces of evidence in particular, using photometric stereo by identifying and solving a plurality of sets of non-linear equations comprising a diffusive term and a specular term to determine a surface normal vector field N(x,y), and using N(x,y) to determine a 3D topography Z(x,y).