Abstract: A method for visualizing luminance variance for an object may include receiving image data associated with a digital image of the object. An algorithm is applied to the image data to generate an enhanced image. The enhanced image includes connected pixel value lines representative of pixel value ranges from the input image to enable visualization of luminance variance of the object by the human eye.

Abstract: A plasma spoiler is mounted in a rear portion of a vehicle for exerting a force on a passing air flow. The plasma spoiler has a dielectric substrate formed of a dielectric material, a first electrode mounted on a bottom surface of the dielectric substrate and insulated by the dielectric substrate, a second electrode mounted on an upper, exposed surface of the dielectric substrate, and a power source connected to the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is disposed in a rearward direction relative to the second electrode. A switch is disposed between the power source and one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The switch is controlled by a controller that is in communication with a speed sensor, so as to activate the plasma spoiler only when the vehicle exceeds a trigger speed.

Abstract: A plasma-induced drag reduction device is mounted on an underside of a vehicle front fascia. The drag reduction device has a dielectric substrate formed of a dielectric material, a first electrode mounted on a bottom, exposed surface of the dielectric substrate, and a second electrode mounted a top surface of the dielectric substrate and insulated by the dielectric substrate, and a power source connected to the first and second electrodes. The second electrode is disposed in a rearward direction relative to the first electrode. When activated, the device generates a plasma region that attracts an air flow passing underneath the vehicle, reducing the separation of the flow field and thereby reducing the impingement of the air flow on the ground and reducing the drag on the vehicle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic hood lift deflection measurement device includes an airfoil body mounted to a front vehicle fender such that a portion of the airfoil body held over the vehicle hood. A laser measurement device is secured to the airfoil body in a position so as to be directly over the vehicle hood. The airfoil body is mounted at an angle such that a length direction of the airfoil body is parallel to an air flow direction. The resultant disruption of the air flow surrounding the vehicle hood is minimized due to the shape and positioning of the measurement device.

Abstract: A wind deflector for a sunroof. The wind deflector includes a first electrode proximate an edge of a sunroof opening. A second electrode is proximate the first electrode. An insulator is intermediate the first and second electrodes. A power supply is coupled to the first and second electrodes. An electrical signal generated by the power supply is coupled to the first and second electrodes. An electric field generated between the electrodes due to the electrical signal ionizes air proximate the electrodes, thereby deflecting an air flow field away from the sunroof opening.

Abstract: A plasma spoiler is mounted in a rear portion of a vehicle for exerting a force on a passing air flow. The plasma spoiler has a dielectric substrate formed of a dielectric material, a first electrode mounted on a bottom surface of the dielectric substrate and insulated by the dielectric substrate, a second electrode mounted on an upper, exposed surface of the dielectric substrate, and a power source connected to the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is disposed in a rearward direction relative to the second electrode. A switch is disposed between the power source and one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The switch is controlled by a controller that is in communication with a speed sensor, so as to activate the plasma spoiler only when the vehicle exceeds a trigger speed.

Abstract: A plasma-induced drag reduction device is mounted on an underside of a vehicle front fascia. The drag reduction device has a dielectric substrate formed of a dielectric material, a first electrode mounted on a bottom, exposed surface of the dielectric substrate, and a second electrode mounted a top surface of the dielectric substrate and insulated by the dielectric substrate, and a power source connected to the first and second electrodes. The second electrode is disposed in a rearward direction relative to the first electrode. When activated, the device generates a plasma region that attracts an air flow passing underneath the vehicle, reducing the separation of the flow field and thereby reducing the impingement of the air flow on the ground and reducing the drag on the vehicle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic hood lift deflection measurement device includes an airfoil body mounted to a front vehicle fender such that a portion of the airfoil body held over the vehicle hood. A laser measurement device is secured to the airfoil body in a position so as to be directly over the vehicle hood. The airfoil body is mounted at an angle such that a length direction of the airfoil body is parallel to an air flow direction. The resultant disruption of the air flow surrounding the vehicle hood is minimized due to the shape and positioning of the measurement device.

Abstract: A brake duct assembly for use in communicating cooling air from a front facia of a vehicle to a front brake assembly. The assembly includes an inlet portion, a passageway portion, and an outlet portion. The portion is disposed in the vehicle facia, and the outlet portion extends through an opening in a wheel well liner surrounding the front brake assembly. The passageway portion extends between and interconnects the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The outlet portion is spaced a distance from the front brake assembly and includes a plurality of fins that serve to transform the air stream received from the passageway portion into a plurality of air streams that are directed toward the front brake assembly and serve to cool said front brake assembly. The brake duct assembly is adapted for installation in reduced-space locations and for providing cooling air from the outlet portion that is spaced remotely from the brake assembly.

Abstract: A wind deflector for a sunroof. The wind deflector includes a first electrode proximate an edge of a sunroof opening. A second electrode is proximate the first electrode. An insulator is intermediate the first and second electrodes. A power supply is coupled to the first and second electrodes. An electrical signal generated by the power supply is coupled to the first and second electrodes. An electric field generated between the electrodes due to the electrical signal ionizes air proximate the electrodes, thereby deflecting an air flow field away from the sunroof opening.

Abstract: A brake duct assembly for use in communicating cooling air from a front facia of a vehicle to a front brake assembly. The assembly includes an inlet portion, a passageway portion, and an outlet portion. The portion is disposed in the vehicle facia, and the outlet portion extends through an opening in a wheel well liner surrounding the front brake assembly. The passageway portion extends between and interconnects the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The outlet portion is spaced a distance from the front brake assembly and includes a plurality of fins that serve to transform the air stream received from the passageway portion into a plurality of air streams that are directed toward the front brake assembly and serve to cool said front brake assembly. The brake duct assembly is adapted for installation in reduced-space locations and for providing cooling air from the outlet portion that is spaced remotely from the brake assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects of interest in image data is provided. The present invention utilizes principles of Iterative Transformational Divergence in which objects in images, when subjected to special transformations, will exhibit radically different responses based on the physical, chemical, or numerical properties of the object or its representation (such as images), combined with machine learning capabilities. Using the system and methods of the present invention, certain objects that appear indistinguishable from other objects to the eye or computer recognition systems, or are otherwise almost identical, generate radically different and statistically significant differences in the image describers (metrics) that can be easily measured.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects of interest in image data is provided. The present invention utilizes principles of Iterative Transformational Divergence in which objects in images, when subjected to special transformations, will exhibit radically different responses based on the physical, chemical, or numerical properties of the object or its representation (such as images), combined with machine learning capabilities. Using the system and methods of the present invention, certain objects that appear indistinguishable from other objects to the eye or computer recognition systems, or are otherwise almost identical, generate radically different and statistically significant differences in the image describers (metrics) that can be easily measured.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects of interest in image data is provided. The present invention utilizes principles of Iterative Transformational Divergence in which objects in images, when subjected to special transformations, will exhibit radically different responses based on the physical, chemical, or numerical properties of the object or its representation (such as images), combined with machine learning capabilities. Using the system and methods of the present invention, certain objects that appear indistinguishable from other objects to the eye or computer recognition systems, or are otherwise almost identical, generate radically different and statistically significant differences in the image describers (metrics) that can be easily measured.

Abstract: Image processing system and method automatically process a series of input images without operator's intervention. Each of the input images is automatically analyzed, classified, enhanced and/or compressed. Individual image enhancement is applied to each of the input images independently. A plurality of enhanced and/or compressed images can be outputted without re-analyzing and re-classifying the input image. The processed images have a high compression to quality ratio, produce images having quality and visual characteristics as viewed by a human including image contrast, brightness, and sharpness as compared with the input image, while capable of reducing the amount of memory required for storing the output images. The image processing system and method can process the images in real time on-the-fly or in a batch mode, and can operate in a wire and/or wireless transmission environment or embedded in a hardware, firmware, or software which is embedded in another system or application.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects of interest in image data is provided. The present invention utilizes principles of dynamic discontinuity in which objects in images, when subjected to special transformations, will exhibit radically different responses based on the chemical properties of the imaged objects. Using the system and methods of the present invention, certain objects that appear indistinguishable from other objects to the eye or computer recognition systems, or are otherwise statistically identical, generate radically different and statistically significant differences that can be easily measured.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects of interest in image data is provided. The present invention utilizes principles of dynamic discontinuity in which objects in images, when subjected to special transformations, will exhibit radically different responses based on the chemical properties of the imaged objects. Using the system and methods of the present invention, certain objects that appear indistinguishable from other objects to the eye or computer recognition systems, or are otherwise statistically identical, generate radically different and statistically significant differences that can be easily measured.

Abstract: Advantageous seal systems are provided that include a barrier member movable relative to a shaft to allow sequential engagement of resilient seal members, e.g., lip seals, with the shaft. Movement of the barrier member may be effected manually or through introduction of pressurized fluid to effect piston-like movement. The disclosed seal assemblies may include an automatic leak detector and may utilize such leak detection to effectuate automatic movement of the barrier member. The barrier member may be moved relative to the shaft while the shaft is in movement, e.g., rotating or reciprocating, thereby permitting seal maintenance without interruption in operation. As seal members are sequentially brought into sealing engagement with the shaft, the previously engaged seal members contribute to the sealing performance of the seal assembly, although no longer effective to establish a stand-alone seal with the shaft. Front and rear bushings may be provided within the seal system.

Abstract: A golf club having a blade which is securable to the shaft of the club at a plurality of different angular positions to vary the loft of the striking face of the blade. The invention is a substitute for an entire set of iron golf clubs, including a putter. The club shaft has a frustoconical spline at a lower end thereof having a plurality of teeth which taper inwardly. The spline is received in a mating socket formed at the tail end of the blade when the blade and shaft are releasably coupled together.

Abstract: An artefact is provided for use in cases where two bodies are to be connected together by load limiting means.The artefact comprises one portion adapted to be connected rigidly with one of the bodies and a second portion to be associated with the other body and connected in pressure-sensitive or tension-sensitive relationship with the first portion by a connection which incorporates at least one load limiting means which consists of at least two members, one of which is adapted to deform when the load between the two portions exceeds a predetermined value so as to permit of relative movement between the two members.Such artefact is useful in connection with the protection of pressure vessels from excessive build-up of internal pressure since the artefact may be used in securing a blow-off panel to the vessel.