Abstract: An optical, such as a laser, triangulation sensor is disclosed in which a configuration of an output light beam is controlled using a mask in front of a light source. The configuration may include a plurality of coplanar spatially separated planar light beams. The mask may be movable to provide different light beam configurations. Masking parts of the light beam enables unwanted features on the measurement surface to be omitted. Also disclosed is a guide element for an optical sensor for facilitating hole diameter measurement. The guide element has contact surfaces lying on a virtual conical surface which abut the hole edge to enable consistent placement of the light beam with respect to the hole centre. Also disclosed is a guide element for an optical sensor having an aperture for framing surface features, such as a rivert to permit accurate location of the light beam therewith.

Abstract: A system and method provides an electronic bracelet, necklace, clothing, shoes or tag for a person and maintains a database which correlates a variety of information with each such tag. When a person is reported lost or missing, pre-arranged volunteers are mobilized to begin searching for the person. Additionally, local media and other electronic means are utilized to quickly spread the alert that the person is lost. Once the lost person is found, the database of information can be utilized to ensure a quick and accurate identification of the person's care provider so that a successful return of the lost person can occur.

Abstract: In harvesting an agricultural product from a field to allow for later identification of a specific section of field where the harvesting occurred, harvest source information is inputted. A first Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinate corresponding to a first location in the specific section of field is captured. The agricultural product is harvested from the first location to a second location in the specific section of field. The harvested agricultural product is stored in a set of containers. A second GPS coordinate corresponding to the second location is captured. A unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) value is associated to each container of the set of containers to create a set of RFID values. The source information, the first GSP coordinate, and the second GPS coordinate are associated to the set of RFID values.

Abstract: A novelty ceiling fixture includes a housing mounted within a ceiling having a hub depending therefrom. The hub is formed of two independently rotating segments each having an angled, truncated end adjoining the other. Attached to the lower segment is a fixture configured to resemble a skateboard mounted on wheels. Each wheel includes a translucent or transparent outer surface superimposed on a plurality of peripherally-disposed LED'S. A remote unit controls the operation of the LEDs and hub segments so that the fixture simulates the movement of a conventional skateboard.

Abstract: An optical e.g. laser triangulation sensor is disclosed in which a configuration of an output light beam is controlled using a mask (19) in front of a light source. The configuration may include a plurality of coplanar spatially separated planar light beams. The mask may be movable to provide different light beam configurations. Masking parts of the light beam enables unwanted features on the measurement surface to be omitted. Also disclosed is a guide element (200) for an optical sensor for facilitating hole diameter measurement. The guide element has contact surfaces (212, 214, 216) lying on a virtual conical surface which abut the hole edge to enable consistent placement of the light beam with respect to the hole centre. Also disclosed is a guide element (300) for an optical sensor having an aperture for framing surface features (e.g. rivet) to permit accurate location of the light beam therewith.

Abstract: A system and method provides an electronic bracelet, necklace, clothing, shoes or tag for a person and maintains a database which correlates a variety of information with each such tag. When a person is reported lost or missing, pre-arranged volunteers are mobilized to begin searching for the person. Additionally, local media and other electronic means are utilized to quickly spread the alert that the person is lost. Once the lost person is found, the database of information can be utilized to ensure a quick and accurate identification of the person's care provider so that a successful return of the lost person can occur.

Abstract: In harvesting an agricultural product from a field to allow for later identification of a specific section of field where the harvesting occurred, harvest source information is inputted. A first Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinate corresponding to a first location in the specific section of field is captured. The agricultural product is harvested from the first location to a second location in the specific section of field. The harvested agricultural product is stored in a set of containers. A second GPS coordinate corresponding to the second location is captured. A unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) value is associated to each container of the set of containers to create a set of RFID values. The source information, the first GSP coordinate, and the second GPS coordinate are associated to the set of RFID values.

Abstract: A securing bracket for mounting a bed slide in a vehicle storage area is disclosed. The bed slide-mounting bracket is characterized by a body with a protrusion. The protrusion is formed comprising a cavity sufficient to affix the bed slide-mounting bracket to the vehicle storage area using pre-existing vehicle hardware.

Abstract: A programmable communications controller having a microcomputer system for buffering and controlling data communications between a communication processor and a plurality of input/output (I/O) ports of the microcomputer system to which ports/terminals can be connected directly, or indirectly, by digital data communication lines. The random access memory of the microcomputer system is divided into blocks of addresses of locations in which digital data can be stored. One of these blocks is designated as a service block. The service block in turn is divided into sectors, one for each I/O port to which is connected a communication line, for example. Each sector in the service block is adapted to have written into it and read from it data unique to the servicing of a given communication I/O port and the communication line or data terminals connected to that port. The microcomputer system of the controller is provided with an automatic addresser which is under the control of the microcomputer system.