Abstract: Scent devices and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention can be a device to scent an environment comprising a scent and a structural component. The scent stick can have a length to average cross-sectional diameter ratio of at least about 4:1 according to some embodiments. The scent stick can be colored to blend into an environmental setting to make the presence of the scent stick unobtrusive. The scent stick may also be attached or hung by the addition of a hanger or hoop. The scent stick may be hung from a tree, automobile mirror or a person as an adornment. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The cold spraying process according to the invention uses cold gas streams whose properties (temperature (T), particle density (p), pressure (p), particle velocity (v)) are variably changed such that they can be adapted to the desired properties of the coatings.

Abstract: A device for spraying a fluid contains a receptacle for the fluid that is to be sprayed, a first measuring device which allows a fluid level in the receptacle to be measured, a control and/or regulation device which allows the spraying rate to be regulated, and a spraying device which allows the fluid located in the receptacle to be sprayed. The spraying rate is determined from a measured fluid level with the aid of the control and/or regulation device. An adjusting device is provided which allows the desired spraying rate to be adjusted.

Abstract: Spray apparatus of the kind having a liquid feed line connecting a supply of spray liquid and at least one spray nozzle, a return line from the spray nozzle to the supply and a pump for moving spray liquid from the supply to the at least one spray nozzle and for returning spray liquid from the at least one spray nozzle to the supply when the liquid is not being sprayed, characterised in that the liquid return line serves as at least a portion of the feed line when spraying.

Abstract: A wheeled handcart is provided having a rechargeable, battery-powered, low pressure pump and spray apparatus for applying chemical cleaning solutions to sanitize commercial restroom facilitates and for filling hand applicators with diluted chemical solutions.

Abstract: A fluid system has a fluid control device that can receive a gas hose and fluid hose. The fluid control device can also have a gas source and can be configured to receive the liquid hose. The fluid control device is provided to output a fluid flow into an output hose. The fluid control device can be positioned near a liquid source or a nozzle of the output hose. In another arrangement, the fluid control device can receive low pressure fluid and deliver high pressure fluid to a high pressure device. The fluid system can have a hose reel apparatus for spooling a hose connected to the fluid control device and the high pressure device.

Abstract: A “process” of controlled injection (frequency, volume and duration) of fluid mist into the selected air handling system for the purpose of distribution of fragrances, fluids for enhanced breathing, antibacterial fluids and other similar uses. The “process” can utilize existing air handler systems, can be incorporated into the initial design of new air systems and can be used in homes, commercial and industrial buildings, motor homes/travel trailers, cars, trucks, SUV's or similar applications. System designs are as described in the “Specification”, drawings and as included in the claims.

Abstract: An apparatus to amalgamate substances which includes at least two substance holding tanks, an inert gas tank, an amalgamation mixing chamber, and a nozzle. The inert gas tank is in fluid communication with the at least two substance holding tanks such that when actuated, inert gas will further pressurize substances contained in the at least two substance holding tanks. The amalgamation mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the at least two substance holding tanks such that when actuated, the substances in the at least two substance holding tanks enter and mix in the amalgamation mixing chamber. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the amalgamation mixing chamber such that when actuated, the mixed substances in the amalgamated mixing chamber are discharged from the nozzle.

Abstract: A fuel injector is described that includes a polymeric housing, pole piece, filter assembly, coil assembly, spring member, armature assembly and metering assembly. The polymeric housing has a passageway extending between an inlet and an outlet along a longitudinal axis. The pole piece is disposed in the passageway. The metering assembly is secured to the polymeric housing proximate the outlet. The metering assembly has an 0-ring disposed between a seat molded to a polymeric support member. The polymeric support member includes a peripheral portion bonded to the polymeric housing proximate the outlet. A method of sealing a fuel injector outlet end is described.

Abstract: True zero-clearance cutting on a commercial scale is provided via a cutting area including a sacrifice material that is relatively softer than the cutter. One example is a cutting system which is capable of cutting a material such as, for example, tape or paper, into a fiber or powder. Destruction of the material is further enhanced by advantageous strategic patterning of cutting edges on a rotary cutter, and further by secondary shredding features. For example, on the same axis as the rotary cutter, may be disposed, one on each end, rotating secondary shredders that receive material that has been cut by the rotary cutter as well as material that has escaped cutting by the rotary cutter. A variety of materials, of different thicknesses and types, may be reduced to a dust or powder-size.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grinder which includes a grinder assembly retained in a housing. The grinder assembly receives material for grinding such as coffee beans. Grinding burrs are provided, one of which is rotated by a grinder drive motor of the grinder assembly. The other of the burrs is generally non-rotatable with regard to the general grinding operation. The two grinding burrs are provided with grinding surfaces against which beans are ground. The grinding surfaces are spaced a desired dimension away from each other to produce a desired grind of coffee. An apparatus, system and method is disclosed for adjusting at least the generally non-rotatable burr to maintain, calibrate or otherwise adjust the dimension or gap between the grinding surfaces of the burrs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a runner crushing device which is capable of breaking runners of complicated shape, with no broken runners sticking to its blades, and which has an advantageous effect that broken runners can be completely recovered. The device is constituted of a receiving blade and a hydraulically operated pushing blade. The receiving blade includes a plurality of plate-like longitudinal receiving blades having a predetermined height, and a plurality of transverse receiving blades each disposed between adjacent plate-like longitudinal receiving blades in a substantially orthogonal relationship thereto. The pushing blade includes cross-shaped pushing blade single bodies having a predetermined height juxtaposed in a plurality of rows, with each pushing blade single body being capable of entering a blade space defined between the longitudinal receiving blades and the transverse receiving blades in the receiving blade.

Abstract: A paper and optical disk shredder with a shredding optical disk bucket switching apparatus has a head capable of shredding paper and optical disks. The head has a sensor to detect insertion of an object. The head is mounted onto a casing which holds a shredding paper bucket. The shredding paper bucket holds a shredding disk bucket. The shredding disk bucket has a plurality of sliding members and is coupled with a transmission means. The transmission means is located on the casing and can switch the shredding disk bucket. The head further has a safety micro-switch to detect proper positioning of the shredding paper bucket and an optical control means to detect overflow condition of the shredding paper or optical disks. Therefore users and the machine can be protected, and an alert is generated to inform the users to clear the shredded disks and paper.

Abstract: A roll crusher assembly for use in the mining industry is disclosed. The assembly includes one or more than one roll (3) for crushing a feed material. The roll or rolls has an outer surface that is formed from a wear resistant material. The assembly also includes a means, such as a welding assembly (13), for depositing a hard facing material onto the surface of the roll or rolls as the roll or rolls rotate during a crushing operation.

Abstract: A roller press with a hinged frame having a frame substructure, a frame top wall and two head pieces arranged at the side, with at least one head piece, with a part of the frame top waling arranged on it, forming a side flap which is arranged on the frame substructure for opening out. In the hinged frame at least two rollers are placed, positioned adjacently, which, in a roller removal position of the hinged frame, can be removed from the hinged frame sideways via the removal opening formed by the opened-out side flap.

Abstract: The assembly of an electrodynamic fractionating unit, for the fragmentation, milling or suspension of a brittle, mineral process material is disclosed. The energy store including the output switch/spark gap thereof, the electrodes including the supply line and the reaction vessel are each arranged at least within the protection of the electrically necessary insulating separation of regions of differing electrical potential, completely enclosed in a volume of the encapsulation, having electrically-conducting walls. The wall thickness of the encapsulation is at least equivalent to the penetration depth, corresponding to the lowest components of the Fourier spectrum of the pulsed electromagnetic field. The electrode at reference potential is connected to the ground side of the energy store through the encapsulation wall. The electrode at high voltage is connected by the shortest path to the output switch on the energy store.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and an article of manufacture to provide for the detection and compensation of tape breakage in a tape drive. The invention operates by simultaneously monitoring the tape reel rotation direction and the ratio of rotation between the tape reels. If the rotation direction is not the same for both reels, then tape breakage is indicated and reel rotation ceases. Tape breakage is also detected if the tape reel angular rotation ratio between the supply and take up reels is not within a specified tape reel ratio range. The tape reel angular rotation ratio is detected by simultaneously measuring the angular rotation of each tape reel in a specified time period and then calculating the ratio. The present invention detects the tape reel angular rotation ratio and if tape reel angular rotation ratio is outside of the specified tape reel ratio range, tape breakage is indicated and reel rotation ceases.

Abstract: A motor retractor, comprising: a winding shaft which winds up a webbing for restraining a vehicle passenger; a motor which rotates the winding shaft in a webbing winding-up direction; and a control portion which, after release of the webbing wearing state of the passenger: drives the motor to cause the webbing to be wound up around the winding shaft; stops the motor when an overload on the motor is detected during the winding-up; redrives the motor after a predetermined time having elapsed after the motor is stopped due to detection of the overland, and adjusts, at the time of the redriving, a driving state of the motor according to the time of driving the motor that has elapsed before the overload detection, is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a braking mechanism and tape cartridge for a tape measure. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the tape measure includes a housing, a fixed cylindrical surface located in the housing, a reel supported in the housing for rotation, and at least one braking mechanism located on the reel. The braking mechanism includes a flyweight, a spring, and a rail. The spring and rail allow the flyweight to move between a first position, in which the flyweight is not in contact with the fixed cylindrical surface, and a second position, in which the flyweight is in contact with the fixed cylindrical surface. In another aspect, a tape cartridge is provided that includes two sidewalls and a cylindrical wall, which define a container. The tape cartridge is adapted to support a tape assembly therein, and may be mounted in the tape measure housing.

Abstract: A base assembly, including wheels, is attachable to the bottom of a hose reel enclosure. This assembly enables the hose reel enclosure to pivot about a vertical axis. This pivotal movement of the hose reel enclosure permits a hose to be withdrawn from and wound back onto the hose reel in the enclosure while remaining substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hose reel. This also enables a hose to be taken up evenly onto the hose reel and played out from the hose reel without tipping over the hose reel enclosure. In one embodiment, the base assembly is attached to the bottom of a hose reel enclosure. Two wheels are mounted at one end portion of the assembly and a stake is positioned in a member mounted between the end portions of the base assembly. The stake is driven into the ground below the hose reel enclosure.

Abstract: A floatable, portable rope or extension cord holder for paying out, taking up and storing rope, line or power cord and especially suited for water ski rope. The device comprises an elongated hollow tubular base and two hollow tubular rotatable winding arms attached to the base at either end by a coupling assembly. The tubular shape of the base allows for the use of clips for releasable attachment to a structure such as a garage wall or boat deck. To load and store line, rotate winding arms to the closed position and wrap using a figure-8 cross-over pattern making a safe, neat, tangle free and compact storage. To release and remove line, rotate one arm to the open position removing from one wrap to all wraps in a single movement. Whether tossed or pulled the entire length of rope or cord stored in the figure-8 pattern will uncoil tangle free.

Abstract: A machine for winding thin metal ribbon continuously on spools comprising a fixed entry chute (1) to receive the ribbon, a pair of support rollers (3, 3?) with a dancing roller (4) between them to support and guide the ribbon delivered through said fixed entry chute (1). A thickness measuring gauge (6) is provided in the path of the ribbon for continuously monitoring the thickness of the ribbon, a snubber roller assembly (30) is provided for pressing the ribbon and a brush assembly (31) is provided for catching the ribbon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strap down SAL seeker that includes an optical system having an engineered diffuser for transforming a laser spot into a uniform distribution of optical energy with a predetermined shape. The predetermined shape is preferably a square “top hat” or uniform scatter pattern. The SAL seeker further includes a silicon quad detector, having a focal plane defined by at least two axes. The detector is operatively associated with the engineered diffuser, and it generates signals indicative of the position of the optical energy with respect to the focal plane of the detector.

Abstract: Lifting “ferries” having rotatable wings with propeller engines can lift airplanes vertically, during takeoffs, in a quieter and safer manner with reduced fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Four rotatable wings are used, to provide balanced lifting force, and to prevent downdraft or propwash from blowing directly against the wings of an airplane being lifted. An optional buoyant aircraft such as a zeppelin can also be used to provide lifting force. Such buoyant aircraft should have adjustable internal struts, to convert it into a streamlined shape for moderate-speed flight and descent. Alternately, a zeppelin can be provided directly with four large rotatable propeller engines, to create a single-unit buoyant lifting ferry.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, including: an aircraft having rotatable blades; and the rotatable blades are movable between horizontal and vertical positions.

Abstract: An airfoil family for a helicopter rotor blade, designated SC362XX. SC362XX essentially removes the large lower surface suction peak associated with ‘drag creep’ at moderate lift coefficients while reducing the peak Mach number and shock strength at high lift/Mach number conditions. Another optional airfoil family for use at inboard regions of the helicopter rotor, which is designated SC3252XX airfoil family, is a relatively thicker airfoil section that includes a significant increase in thickness forward of the 30% x/c location to provide a relatively thick and rigid inboard section. The lift coefficient at which the drag divergence Mach number was optimized is the same in both families thereby readily providing application to a single rotor blade.

Abstract: A hypersonic waverider aircraft is disclosed that includes a first engine and an inlet including a throat. The inlet is configured to generate three-dimensional flow compression during hypersonic flight with a weak shock wave that begins at the leading edge surfaces of the inlet and coalesces ahead of the throat, and a weak shock wave that begins at the point of coalescence of the weak shock wave and extends to the throat. The inlet includes a v-shaped lip open to freestream airflow in one side of the inlet.

Abstract: An inflation valve for use with an inflatable emergency evacuation slide includes a thermally actuated gas relief valve having an exhaust port the effective size of which increases with increasing temperature. The exhaust port is metered by a valve member. The valve member position is controlled by a thermal actuator that lengthens with increasing temperature. At high ambient temperatures, the valve member moves to uncover the exhaust port thereby increasing the effective size of the port so that a large percentage of the inflation gas is vented. At low ambient temperatures the valve member moves to cover the exhaust port, thereby decreasing effective size of the exhaust port so that little or no inflation gas is vented.

Abstract: Unsafe electric energies can exist in aircraft fuel tanks as a result of static build-up or induced currents from lightning strikes. The invention provides an aircraft having a ground circuit 19 and including a fuel tank having a fuel probe circuit having its own ground circuit. Multiple discharge paths allow the safe discharge of electricity from the tank before it reaches levels where an arc, spark or other electric discharge, able to ignite fuel in the tank, could occur. The discharge paths all pass via a conductive foam having a relatively high impedance that allow static bleed, but does not significantly increase the risk of currents induced by lightning reaching levels at which an ignition-causing electrical discharge might occur. The foam is securely bonded to both the aircraft ground circuit and the fuel probe ground, the bonds having a large area of surface-to-surface contact.

Abstract: The wing (10) having a negative dihedron for towing a load comprises a flexible canopy (12) which is defined between two lateral ends (14A, 14B) which are connected to each other, at the front, by a leading edge and, at the rear, by a trailing. The wing (10) includes rear lines (40A, 40B) which are connected to the suspension members (30A, 30B) which are arranged at the lateral ends (14A, 14B) of the wing, and in that the auxiliary maintenance means of the propulsive central region (16) comprise at least a front line which is connected by one end to the propulsive central region adjacent to the leading edge and which is capable of being connected to the load at the other end.

Abstract: In distance maps used in order to facilitate the navigation of craft such as an aircraft, the distances estimated take into account obstacles to be circumvented but not the maneuverability of the craft. The adaptation route required by the craft in order to take the right direction is not taken into account so that certain distance estimates for accessible points located in the neighborhood of the craft are unrealistic. In order to make a distance map more realistic, it is proposed that an obstacle of concave shape associated with the craft be added behind the position of the craft, forcing the estimations of distances to be circumvented an area that is inaccessible to the craft for reasons of maneuverability.

Abstract: The invention provides a securing device (1) for securing items to an elongate element (2). The securing device comprises first and second parts (3, 4) positionable in co-operating engagement with each other and adjacent to the elongate element. The two parts when in engagement with each other are movable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction of the elongate element. The two parts are shaped so that this relative movement generates lateral relative movement of the two parts towards each other so that the elongate member is gripped between the parts. The invention permits rapid securing of items to elongate elements such as tubes. A particular application provides a cable support for use on tubular scaffolding. In its preferred form the cable support is a device as above and having spaced fingers (5) on one of the two parts, between which cables (7) can be inserted, retained and supported.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable pipe support apparatus includes a pair of parallel support pillars supporting a pair of movable pillars for slidable movement along the support pillars to enable the movable pillars to be extended and retracted with respect to the support pillars. Each movable pillar can be releasably locked by a locking mechanism on the support pillars at a desired height along the support pillars. A pipe holder for supporting a pipe is connected between the top ends of the movable pillars. Each support pillar preferably has a length not exceeding the height of the top of a supported pipe when the movable pillars are in their fully retracted positions. Each movable pillar may have a length substantially equal to the length of the support pillars. The base and support pillars may be integrally formed with each other from a single piece of sheet metal, and the movable pillars and the pipe holder may be integrally formed with each other from another single piece of sheet metal.

Abstract: It is one advantage of the invention to provide an interlocking swivel connector for attachment to an existing system supporting a suspended load below a ceiling, beam or floor without the need to disassemble or disconnect any components of the system. The connector is easy to install and inexpensive to manufacture. The connector is removably or permanently attachable to a sway brace clamp or attachment to form a connector-clamp assembly. The assembly is capable of reliably supporting heavy loads against adverse sway and seismic disturbances. It is another advantage of the invention to provide a sway cable brace clamp or fitting for securely attaching to a bracing cable and for supporting a suspended load below a ceiling, beam or floor. The cable clamp is easy to install and inexpensive to manufacture. The cable clamp is capable of reliably supporting heavy loads against adverse sway and seismic disturbances.

Abstract: A food storage bag holder is configured to maintain a food storage bag in an open and upright configuration to facilitate filling the food storage bag with contents such as food. The holder has a body comprised of a cylinder or frame with a top rim adapted to frictionally engage a folded over top edge of the food storage bag to support it and hold it open. The body defines an interior cavity. The holder is sized to engage a food storage bag. The top rim is sized to engage a bag having a resealable closure. The bag is engaged by inserting the bag into the cavity defined by the body and folding the closure of the bag over the top rim of the holder. The top rim has an outer perimeter less than the perimeter of the mouth of the bag. For example, a circular top rim may have an outer diameter less than the quotient of the perimeter of the mouth of the bag divided by ?. The height h of the holder is less than the height measured from the bottom of the body of the bag to the bottom edge of the closure of the bag.

Abstract: An equipment support system has a first telescoping arm and a second telescoping arm. The arms are pivotable relative to a room wall about a generally vertical axis and are extendable and retractable along respective generally horizontal axes. A first equipment support is coupled to the first telescoping arm and is configured to support patient care equipment thereon. A second equipment support is coupled to the second telescoping arm and is configured to support patient care equipment thereon.

Abstract: The invention employs a clamp securable to a baby carriage, highchair, stroller, car seat, table or baby carrier, attached to one end of a tether of a length short enough so that the tether cannot accidently wrap around an infant's or child's head, whose opposite end employs a hook-and-loop adhesive strap of a length long enough to allow wrapping around the toy whose falling is to be restrained, or inserted through various openings of the toy to prevent it from falling to the floor or ground.

Abstract: According to various aspects of the present disclosure, there are provided various exemplary embodiments of systems, brackets, and methods useful for mounting soft storage products and structures. In one embodiment, a system generally includes at least one arm, at least one bracket, and at least one storage structure. The arm has an end portion and an elongate support portion extending outwardly from the end portion. The bracket has at least one opening configured to slidably receive therein at least a portion of the arm's end portion to thereby support the arm from the bracket. The bracket also has at least one engagement member for engaging at least one aperture of a standard to mount the bracket to the standard. The storage structure has at least one sleeve configured for slidably receiving therein the elongate support portion of the arm.

Abstract: A support, which may be a ceiling support, is designed to receive an operation microscope, and particularly may support a medical operation microscope. This support has a support column, movable around a rotation axis, with a first carrier arm and a second carrier arm which, with respect to the first carrier arm, can be moved around a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. A cable connection is provided for producing a restoring force for the second carrier arm, and couples the second carrier arm to a counterweight for producing a restoring force around the second pivot axis. The counterweight is arranged in the region of the support column, to minimize inertial action accompanying a movement of the support around the rotation axis. A freewheel rotary joint is provided in the cable connection to suppress a feedback to the counterweight of a movement of the second carrier arm around the first pivot axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cradle device designed to be connected to a portable terminal which is provided with a connector at an upper part thereof for external electrical connection and with grooves formed at four corners of the outline to be held by means of the grooves. The cradle device has a structure to allow the portable terminal to slide so that the grooves formed in the connector portion and the portable terminal body can be securely engaged. The cradle device also has a rotate and slide mechanism in the face thereof opposing the connector, and has a structure to ensure reliable engagement with the grooves formed in the portable terminal body. Thus, the portable terminal cradle device is easy to carry, small-sized and superior in mechanical reliability, equally to the base unit, or the portable terminal.

Abstract: A foundation plate accepts a structural member such as a beam or post. The foundation plate uses weep holes to prevent water damage to the structural member. Anchor slots allow the use of earth screws or other means to secure the foundation plate. Additional protection to the structural member is provided by the slope and shape of the foundation plate.

Abstract: A foldable clipboard. The foldable clipboard includes a pair of support panels that are hinged together. The hinged design allows the clipboard to be conveniently folded for easy transportation and storage. The clipboard also can be unfolded into a substantially flat configuration.

Abstract: An adjustable hanger assembly comprises a hanger, a hanger mount, and a bracket assembly. The hanger comprises a first set of serrations, a center slot, and a hanger tab. The hanger mount comprises a second set of serrations, and a mount aperture. The hanger mount aperture is positioned in coplanar alignment with the center slot axis. The hanger and the hanger mount are assembled together by meshing the serrations in the first and second sets of serrations in a pre-selected position to accommodate users' positioning requirements. A mounting fastener extends through the hanger and the hanger mount for clamping the abutting assembly together and mounting the same to a wall. The hanger assembly is laterally positionable within, and snap-fittable to, the bracket assembly. Together the hanger assembly and the bracket assembly enable the user to adjust the target wall-hanging in two-dimensional space.

Abstract: A device for vertically displaying diecast model cars including a base and at least one mounting device attached to the base and comprising spring loaded hooks for grippingly engaging the rear wheels of a diecast model car and thereby supporting the diecast model car vertically.

Abstract: A support post for a flexible substrate includes a primary base and a secondary base adapted to rest upon the primary base. The secondary base supports an upright substrate support member. The secondary base is selectively secured to the primary base to orient the upright substrate support at such angle as may be required to maintain the flexible substrate in a taut condition.

Abstract: This invention is to provide the stand for the electronic device with the capacity to hole the headset in a handy manner. The stand comprises the main body capable of holding cords, the attaching section positioned on the main body for the electronic device to be mounted and secured thereon, stand cover capable of temporary fitting over the main body and having the section for preventing the cords from unraveling, and the connecting section which joints the main body and the stand cover and allows the stand cover to spread apart from the main body with the hinge section as the fulcrum.

Abstract: A construction block fabrication system is provided. This system includes a tool for casting a construction block and a construction block that has been cast in the tool. The tool includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface; a raised portion formed on the upper surface; at least one elevated platform formed on the raised portion; and a plurality of hinged panels attached to the base, wherein the plurality of hinged panels and the base cooperate to form a reservoir. The construction block includes a body; a recessed surface on one side of the body, wherein the recessed surface corresponds to the raised portion on the base; and at least one receptacle housing mountable within the body.

Abstract: An autofocus control method, an autofocus control apparatus and an image processing apparatus all of which can realize stable autofocus control operation by eliminating influences due to optical systems. In calculation of a focus evaluated value of each of sample images respectively acquired at a plurality of focused positions, each of the acquired sample image is subjected to smoothing to reduce a grayscale pattern of brightness due to an optical system, and the focus evaluated value is calculated on the basis of the smoothed sample image. In addition, the focus evaluated value is standardized with the screen average luminance of the sample image, thereby effecting optimization of the evaluated value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately auto focusing a lens of an imaging device. An imaged scene is split into an array of zones. The minimum and maximum sharpness score for each zone is determined over a plurality of lens positions. A histogram of the lens positions of the corresponding maximum weighted sharpness score for each zone is created. The peak of the histogram is determined to be the best focus position for a given scene.

Abstract: An object detecting system, which is installed in a vehicle, uses a camera comprising an optical lens, a distance measuring image chip, and an illumination device to detect information about an object occupying a vehicle seat. The light emitting mode of a first illuminant and a second illuminant of the illumination device is controlled in such a manner that the quantity of incident light onto the distance measuring image chip is equalized to respective portions in the focusing area.