Abstract:
The invention provides, in some aspects, devices for image acquisition that use seals between concentrically disposed portions of an enclosure and an optics assembly in order to protect image acquisition components from the surrounding environment while providing adequate friction for both adjusting and locking focus. Such devices can include an image capture medium that is disposed within an enclosure and an optics assembly that is also disposed within that enclosure. The optics assembly, which includes at least a lens, can have a cylindrical outer diameter along at least a portion of its length that is received within the enclosure along a length that has a corresponding cylindrical inner diameter. A first seal is disposed between, and in contact with, the optics assembly and the enclosure. That seal permits rotation of the optics assembly for purposes of focusing the lens, while preventing contamination from the environment from entering into the enclosure.
Abstract:
A method of treating human and/or animal waste products comprising contacting the waste products with an effective amount of Fusarium culmorum and Muscodor albus, together with a buffering agent and starch. The treatment process covered by the present invention can be employed in connection with pit toilets, portal a toilets, disposable waste bags, or any other environment in which the treatment of human and/or animal wastes is desired. Both the Fusarium culmorum and the Muscodor albus can be stored on infested seed grains, including, but not limited to, barley, rye, rice, wheat, mustard and grass. A method or preparing Fusarium culmorum for use in the treatment of human and/or animal wastes. An isolated culture of Fusarium culmorum. A composition comprising the same four elements used in the treatment process. A method for controlling the pH of a mixture of human liquid and sold wastes.
Abstract:
An expandable sealant is provided for a fastener including a threaded defining surface. The fastener includes the expandable sealant as a coating adhered to at least a portion of the thread-defining surface to lock the fastener in place and to expand to fill space between the thread-defining surface of the fastener and an aperture through which the fastener is passed to seal the aperture to prevent fluid and gases from passing therethrough.
Abstract:
An article called a tibbidy is disclosed to be attached to an outer garment and provide comfort and protection to the person wearing the garment when the person chooses not to wear inner- or undergarments beneath the garment. The article is a lightweight flexible fabric pad which is configured to conform to the inner surface of a garment, such as the inseam and crotch of a pair of pants or the axillary area of a shirt garment. The product has a soft comfortable top layer, optionally an intermediate supporting layer for the top layer, and an adhesive layer for adhesion to the inner surface of the garment. The product exists in various embodiments, some of which are specifically configured for use by women, others for use by men, and others of a “unisex” configuration for use by both men and women.
Abstract:
A tamper proof transdermal alcohol content monitoring device is made up of analog and digital sides which are securely attached to the human subject to be monitored. The analog side has a sampling circuit which draws a measured insensible skin perspiration sample from the skin of the subject and measured with an electrochemical fuel cell. A distance measurement of the device from the skin of the subject and temperature of the sample are monitored along with the transdermal alcohol content, and converted to digital signals which are transmitted to a modem when the monitor is in proximity to the modem. The signals are stored in the modem and uploaded to a central monitoring station. Automatic alerts may be sent from the central monitoring station to a supervising agency. The supervising agency may also access the information through secured dedicated websites via the Internet.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for automatic visual detection of events, for recording images of those events and retrieving them for display and human or automated analysis, and for sending synchronized signals to external equipment when events are detected. An event corresponds to a specific condition, among some time-varying conditions within the field of view of an imaging device, that can be detected by visual means based on capturing and analyzing digital images of a two-dimensional field of view in which the event may occur. Events may correspond to rare, short duration mechanical failures for which obtaining images for analysis is desirable. Events are detected by considering evidence obtained from an analysis of multiple images of the field of view, during which time moving mechanical components can be seen from multiple viewing perspectives.
Abstract:
An integrated shipping scheme enables users of a third-party payment service to facilitate shipment of packages via a shipping vendor. Web pages corresponding to a web site hosted by the third-party payment service enable a sender to enter ship to: information, while ship from: information may be automatically gathered or manually entered by the sender. The sender is also enabled to enter shipment options, such as package size and weight. Corresponding shipping information is generated and sent “behind the scenes” to a selected shipping vendor. The shipping vendor processes the shipping information, and returns shipment data, including data to generate a shipping label. A web page containing the shipping label is then generated and served to a client operated by the sender, enabling the shipping label to be printed out. At the same time, electronic payment transfer operations are performed to effectively transfer payment from the sender directly to the shipping vendor via the third-party payment service in a manner that is transparent to both the sender and the shipping vendor.