Abstract: A broadcast spreader includes a directional control assembly that defines a pathway for granular material from the hopper to a rotating fan, resulting in the distribution of the granular material in a predetermined distribution pattern, wherein rotation of a first (or rotating) plate of the directional control assembly relative to the hopper causes a clockwise or counterclockwise shifting of the pathway for the granular material, thus altering the direction of the predetermined distribution pattern. Furthermore, the directional assembly includes a second (or shutter) plate that is secured to the first plate, the slidable movement of the second plate relative to the first plate regulating flow of granular material from the hopper to the fan.

Abstract: A drill and drive apparatus includes a tube assembly which defines a tool chamber. The apparatus further includes a tool holder which is configured to be at least partially received in the tool chamber of the tube assembly. The tool holder includes a holder body defining a first tool recess and having (i) a first section with a first width and at least one ball aperture communicating with the first tool recess, and (ii) a second section with a second width less than the first width. The tool holder further includes a first tool locking mechanism at a first end portion thereof.

Abstract: A drill and drive apparatus includes a tube assembly which defines a tool chamber. The apparatus further includes a tool holder which is configured to be at least partially received in the tool chamber of the tube assembly. The tool holder includes a holder body defining a first tool recess and having (i) a first section with a first width and at least one ball aperture communicating with the first tool recess, and (ii) a second section with a second width less than the first width. The tool holder further includes a first tool locking mechanism at a first end portion thereof.

Abstract: A screw holding and driving device (42) for a power drill (40) is characterized by a body (46), a guide tube (48) reciprocatingly retained by the body, a drive assembly (90) held by the body (46) and operatively coupled to the guide tube (48), and, in certain embodiments, a screw depth adjuster (102). The guide tube (48) is configured to allow individual, top loading of screws for driving. The depth adjuster (102) is rotatable on the body to variably set screw driving depth. The body (46) can also include an integrally formed, bit storage caddie (54).

Abstract: Methods of guard-banding, methods of dynamic guard-banding, and related apparatus for real time image-data processing are described. In one embodiment, at least one image-processing pipeline variance is measured. Responsive to measuring the image-processing pipeline variance, a guard band is imposed around a processing parameter of the image-processing pipeline. In another embodiment, a first parameter relating to processing time of a predetermined amount of data through an image-processing pipeline is determined. A second parameter relating to processing time of the predetermined amount of data through the image-processing pipeline is determined. The second parameter is related to the first parameter. The first and second parameters are compared, and responsive thereto, a guard band is imposed on at least a portion of the processing which takes place in the image-processing pipeline. In preferred embodiments, the guard bands are adjustable dynamically or on-the-fly.

Abstract: A screw holding and driving device (42) for a power drill (40) is characterized by a body (46), a guide tube (48) reciprocatingly retained by the body, a drive assembly (90) held by the body (46) and operatively coupled to the guide tube (48), and, in certain embodiments, a screw depth adjuster (102). The guide tube (48) is configured to allow individual, top loading of screws for driving. The depth adjuster (102) is rotatable on the body to variably set screw driving depth. The body (46) can also include an integrally formed, bit storage caddie (54).