Abstract: A water gathering and distribution system and related techniques for operating in freezing environmental conditions are disclosed. The system may include a water diverter unit or a water flow regulation unit configured to receive water from a water source situated at a location that is remote, inaccessible (or difficult to access), and/or experiences freezing environmental conditions and to deliver a controlled volume of that water for downstream use. The system further may include a water supply unit configured to receive that water and to supply it to downstream snowmaking equipment. In some instances, the supply unit also may cool the water to a temperature suitable, for example, for snowmaking. In a general sense, the disclosed system may be considered modular, in that multiple system components may be placed in flow communication with one another, as desired, to provide a distributed network of water collection and distribution elements.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced surgical navigation and graphical user interfaces associated therewith. The system includes a 3D endoscope and a computing device including a display for displaying the graphical user interfaces. The 3D endoscope includes a camera source and a scan source and is utilized to generate a 3D spatial map of a surgical site. A position of a surgical tool is detected in the 3D spatial map, a distance between the position of the surgical tool in the 3D spatial map and a location of an anatomy is detected, and a warning is generated when it is determined that the distance between the position of the surgical tool in the 3D spatial map and the location of the anatomy is equal to or not greater than a threshold minimum distance.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate generally to relief sculptures, and more particularly to methods of creating relief sculptures, kits for creating relief sculptures, and the relief sculptures themselves. A method may include, for example, contacting a transparent plate and a first surface of a pliable sheet, the first surface of the pliable sheet comprising an image, wherein at least a portion of the image is visible through the transparent plate, applying a sculpting medium to a portion of the transparent plate that corresponds to an image feature visible through the transparent plate, and adhering a second surface of the pliable sheet to the transparent plate, the sculpting medium, or both, such that the image feature corresponds to the sculpting medium.

Abstract: The invention shows the method to create a high accuracy topographical scale model for the purpose of science by using multi layered/laminated materials. The invention is based on and involves the following steps: The geometry and the data of terrain are measured, collected, and recorded; The data is entered into a computer and design components are added, if needed; Based on these data a three-dimensional surface is created; A block of multi-layered/laminated materials made of a combination of veneers, or machinable dividers/layers, laminated one on the top of another, is constructed. Based on the three-dimensional surface, a program for a C.N.C machine is generated; Based on the program, the C.N.C. machine cuts/removes the excess material from the block of multi-layered materials. The three-dimensional surface, contour lines, elevations, outlines, and edges are then exposed automatically and are easy visually measurable.

Abstract: The invention relates to topographic maps which can be visually perceived in a three-dimensional manner and in which a pre-definable part of a territory is printed on a planar rear face of a lenticular foil in the form of strip images or a carrier that has been printed in this manner is adhesively bonded to or placed directly on the planar rear face of a lenticular foil.

Abstract: A terrain model element and method of manufacture which has a latex shaped layer molded in a drying mold and supported by a flexible foamed plastics material. In one instance the foamed plastics is molded directly into the latex layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for depicting contour lines on the surfaces of a model, the apparatus comprising a bed for supporting the model, and at least one laser for projecting a plane of light at a predetermine height from the bed. A method of depicting contour lines on surfaces of a model, the method comprising projecting a plurality of planes of light in spaced relation over the surface of a support to illuminate contour lines on objects on the surface that break the planes of light.

Abstract: With a view of facilitating the manufacture and reducing the cost, a pulley according to the present invention comprises an annular portion 100 formed by laminating rings 110, 120 and 130 and a tooth portion formed along a circumferential surface of the annular portion 100, the tooth portion comprising a plurality of resin teeth having blades formed on the side opposite to the side which is opposed to the circumferential surface of the annular portion. The rings 110, 120 and 130 are divided into a plurality of arcuate plates 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132 and 133.

Abstract: The present invention is a GIS system in which topological information is classified as geometrical objects and uses a region identifier and a geometry attribute to reconstruct each topological feature. The present invention starts from the geometrical objects representing topological features. Each geometrical object has an entry including a region identifier attribute and a geometry attribute defining the geometry of a complete representation of the feature. These geometrical objects are complete in that an entry of the object attribute includes a record for a geometry attribute defining the complete geometry of a complete representation of a topological feature. These complete geometrical objects need not inherit attributes from other objects. The objects are classified as either a polygon object, polyline object, point object or raster object and stored in a respective object-based database.

Abstract: The modular terrain for a playing structure, such as a toy building set, includes a plurality of terrain pieces. Some of the terrain pieces have a flat exterior edge. The flat exterior edge is only matable with a flat exterior edge on another of the terrain pieces. The flat exterior edge has spaced longitudinal end points. The flat exterior edge has no change in height between the spaced longitudinal end points. The distance between the spaced longitudinal end points of the flat exterior edge is one of Y, .sqroot.2Y and 2.sqroot.2Y. Some of the terrain pieces have a hill exterior edge. The hill exterior edge is only matable with a hill exterior edge on another of the terrain pieces. The hill exterior edge has spaced longitudinal end points. The hill exterior edge has a change in height between the spaced longitudinal end points of X. The distance between the spaced longitudinal end points of the hill exterior edge is Y. Some of the terrain pieces have a slope exterior edge.

Abstract: Maps are depicted on curved surfaces to present the shapes of geographical features without the distortion that is inherent in flat maps. In one of the disclosed embodiments, each of two or map posters has a curved map shell representing a geographical feature of interest. The map shells have convex sides and concave sides. In order to permit compact shipping or storage, the map posters are arranged so that the convex side of one map shell faces the concave side of the next map shell.

Abstract: A unit toy system comprises at least partially differing landscape units, which have a base area and at least one bearing area for the base area of the in each case other landscape unit. The bearing areas have a vertical distance from the respective base area that corresponds to an integral multiple of a vertical modular dimension. A locking aperture is formed on each bearing area. In the vicinity of the base area, locking elements are formed, which are provided with snap-in locking elements which can detachably engage with the locking aperture.

Abstract: An improved three-dimensional topographical model comprised of a plurality of layers having curvilinear apertures therethrough. The layers are stacked upon each other to form a three-dimensional hollow structure. The individual layers are cut from at least two motherboards and each layer is marked with a contour line to indicate the location on which the subsequent layer is stacked. During assembly, the outermost topographical layer of a first motherboard is removed and placed on a support member, thus constituting the first or bottom layer of the model. The outermost topographical layer of the second motherboard is removed and placed on top of the first layer, and subsequent layers are alternately removed from each of any remaining motherboards and stacked so that the margin of each layer overlaps the margin of the previous layer. This process is repeated until all layers are utilized and the model is fully formed. A model having steep inclines will require a greater number of motherboards.

Abstract: A multidimensional puzzle. The puzzle includes a plurality of three-dimensional first object pieces having a contoured front surface. The object pieces are each representative of a thing with the contoured front surface having a shape identified with the thing represented by the object piece. A background defines a plurality of recesses each shaped to receive one of the object pieces with the contoured surface projecting from the recess. The background includes a plurality of second pieces. The puzzle also includes identification indicia associated with each of the recesses identifying one of the things represented by the object pieces to thereby indicate which of the object pieces the recess is shaped to receive.

Abstract: A modular terrain board is provided having a plurality of sections or terrain cell plugs which are held in place by a baseboard assembly having a corresponding plurality of cell receiving sections or cells formed therein. The terrain cell plugs can be easily removed to allow for quick and accurate reconfiguration of the terrain model. The terrain board has means for representing buildings, rivers, lakes, roads, and other topographical features.

Abstract: Model terrain accessories that are positioned for use on the surface of a miniature landscape are fabricated from a permanently flexible material, preferably polyvinyl chloride. These flexible accessories are realistically contoured models representing roads, streams, stream banks, earthworks, and walls, or segments thereof. These flexible accessories will conform to changes in surface elevation on any miniature landscape on which they are assembled. The flexible accessories fit together easily in an infinite variety of individual and group configurations, and can be easily removed from the landscape surface and reused when desired.

Abstract: A method for generating an image of a parametric surface, such as the aspect of terrain which maximizes color contrast to permit easy discrimination of the magnitude, ranges, intervals or classes of a surface parameter while making it easy for the user to visualize the form of the surface, such as a landscape. The four pole colors of the opponent process color theory are utilized to represent intervals or classes at 90 degree angles. The color perceived as having maximum measured luminance is selected to portray the color having an azimuth of an assumed light source and the color showing minimum measured luminance portrays the diametrically opposite azimuth. The 90 degree intermediate azimuths are portrayed by unique colors of intermediate measured luminance, such as red and green.

Abstract: A topographical model simulates mountains having stream beds, a river valley, a dam creating a lake therebehind, and a cultivated field. A chamber formed in the top of the mountain is charged with ice, which melts and escapes to the stream bed. A diverter selectively directs this water to the lake or to a dry side of the mountain, thus influencing water level of the lake and the river. The dam includes a simulated hydroelectric generator and a simulated irrigation system delivering water from the lake to the cultivated field. A secondary dam is provided to trap spillage from the main dam. A trench and optional surface screen protect the lake from floating or submerged debris. The model thus demonstrates that portion of a natural water cycle originating with snow melting on mountains, and exploitation of water resources to generate power and to irrigate a cultivated field.

Abstract: The invention is a method for generating an image of a parametric surface, such as the compass direction toward which each surface element of terrain faces, commonly called the slope-aspect azimuth of the surface element. The method maximizes color contrast to permit easy discrimination of the magnitude, ranges, intervals or classes of a surface parameter while making it easy for the user to visualize the form of the surface, such as a landscape. The four pole colors of the opponent process color theory are utilized to represent intervals or classes at 90 degree angles. The color perceived as having maximum measured luminance is selected to portray the color having an azimuth of an assumed light source and the color showing minimum measured luminance portrays the diametrically opposite azimuth. The 90 degree intermediate azimuths are portrayed by unique colors of intermediate measured luminance, such as red and green.

Abstract: A trip planner, comprised of a base map and a plurality of transparent sheets having annotated outlines of the base map, which can be customized to an individual's travel interests and which allow a traveler to plan his trip at a glance.

Abstract: An educational visual display system for teaching geography in which objects having some geographical or topographical significance, e.g., states of the Union, may be detachably affixed and arranged to demonstrate relationship between the objects. The preferred system includes (1) a primary background surface of iron velvet fabric material to which hook type fasteners may be detachably adhered, (2) a plurality of primary objects having geographical significance and comprising a soft foam core with a layer of iron velvet fabric on one side and a plurality of hook type fasteners on the other side, the primary objects being arrangeable to represent in combination a larger geographical unit, and (3) a plurality of secondary objects each having geographical or topographical significance and having hook type fasteners on one side thereof for being detachably affixable to the layer of iron velvet fabric of the primary objects.

Abstract: A multitude of parts of three-dimensional shape have full edges and also edge segments adapted for abutment with like edges and edge segments of other parts. The parts additionally include non-abutting irregular or curved edges which may represent terrain contour lines or the bank of a body of water. Inclined areas on the parts are adjacent the irregular or curved edges and represent sloped terrain which is continuous with like inclined areas on other abutting parts. The inclined area of a part may be dispensed with to provide a vertical surface to simulate an escarpment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing a golfing aid, which method comprises the steps of:providing an aerial photograph of a first hole of a golf course;translating the aerial photograph into a topographical map (2) of the first hole of the golf course and a vertically sectional view (3) of the first hole of the golf course; andprinting a representation of the topographical map and the vertically sectional view onto the surface of the same or different sheet members (1). The golfing aid produced thereby enables a player to accurately grasp the configuration of a course at which he plays golf for the first time and, therefore, make appropriate shots.

Abstract: A magnetic display panel having a transparent or translucent front substrate and a rear substrate bonded thereto by an adhesive with a dispersing liquid confining space formed between the substrates, preferably in the form of multiple cells. The dispersing liquid, composed of a fine particulate thickener, fine magnetic particles, a colorant and a dispersing medium, has a yield value of at least 5 dyne/cm.sup.2. A clear, long-lasting image is recordable by tracing a permanent magnet upon the face of the first substrate.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process for molding a three dimensional decorative article where cored out or raised portions extend to a depth of at least 0.6 centimeter, said process comprising generating electronically a line drawing of said article and electronically displaying the drawing; photographing said drawing to form a photographic transparency; positioning said transparency over a layer of a liquid photopolymer having a depth greater than 0.6 centimeter; exposing said photopolymer through said transparency to actinic light to set the photopolymer; and removing the liquid from the set photopolymer to form a three dimensional article having the appearance of said drawing.

Abstract: A molecular model of a relatively large molecule or a portion thereof is made up of a series of solid parallel and equidistant cross sections of rigid transparent plastic sheets representing space occupied by the atoms in the crystalline state. The adjacent cross sections are generated from x-ray crystal spectroscopic data providing crystal coordinates of the large molecules in computer readable form. Computer tapes of such data are used to print out numbered cross sections of the molecule showing coordinate plots of atoms intersecting such cross sections along a preselected coordinate axis. These cross sections are duplicated manually in clear rigid plastic sheets and assembled in order using appropriate spacer blocks to maintain accurate spacing of the adjacent cross section.

Abstract: A three dimensional toy for use in teaching the construction of a housing development which includes terrain of varying elevations, a roadway extending over the terrain, a plurality of building lots disposed adjacent the roadway, a first plurality of indicia disposed on the building lots for identifying their location and altitude, a second plurality of indicia disposed adjacent the roadway for identifying the parameters of the several curves defined by the roadway, and a third plurality of indicia disposed on the roadway for identifying vertical parameters and directional coordinates of the roadway.

Abstract: A sequence of identical planar maps having intervals with contour lines drawn thereon are cut so that from each map a section defined by a pair of spaced contour lines of selected intervals are formed. The cut sections are then superimposed one upon the other in the order of the contour lines until the relief map is formed.