baber/WOPTO huggingface dataset:
Patent NL-2021391-B1 (NL)
Title: Grounding method for circuit board
Inventor: MICHIEL FRANS RUUD WILLEM VAN DE VEN
IPC: H05K9/00
Filed: 2018-07-25
Granted: 2020-01-31
Abstract: A method of connecting a circuit board to a housing is disclosed, the method comprising: - providing a circuit board with a grounding contact, the grounding contact comprising 5 a through hole, - providing a bus or bushing into the through hole, the bus or bushing comprising one or more deformable members, the one or more deformable members at least partially obscuring a passage through the through hole of the circuit board, - providing a housing, the housing comprising a conducting member that is arranged on 10 a surface of the housing, - assembling the circuit board and the housing, thereby connecting the circuit board to the housing by providing a contact between the conducting member and the one or more deformable members. 1 5
Patent NL-2021443-B1 (NL)
Title: Synthetic antigens for tuberculosis detection
Inventor: JOHANNES THEODORUS CASTROP
IPC: G01N33/569
Filed: 2018-08-08
Granted: 2020-02-20
Abstract: present invention relates to a synthetic antigen and a solid substrate comprising an antigen immobilized thereto and a method for immobilizing said antigen onto a solid substrate. The invention also relates to a biosensor and. tuberculosis detection system comprising said solid substrate. The invention also relates to a method of detecting the presence of antibodies against mycobacterial material in a sample using said synthetic antigen or solid substrate.
Patent NL-2022887-B1 (NL)
Title: Thermographic inspection for tape layup machines
Inventor: TYLER HOLMES
IPC: G01N21/892
Filed: 2019-04-05
Granted: 2020-10-08
Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for thermal inspection of tape layup. One embodiment is a method for performing inspection of a tape layup. The method comprises laying up tape onto a 5 surface of a laminate, applying heat to tack the tape to the surface, and generating thermographic images of the tape as applied to the surface.
Patent NL-2023541-B1 (NL)
Title: Fixation element for glass balustrades and method for manufacturing concrete slab with glass balustrade
Inventor: CHRISTIAAN BOVEN
IPC: E04F11/18
Filed: 2019-07-19
Granted: 2021-02-08
Abstract: Fixation element configured for providing a glass balustrade to a concrete slab, preferably a balcony slab, wherein the fixation element comprises one or more anchoring sections extending at 5 least partially in a first direction or under an angle with the first direction, wherein the one or more anchoring sections are configured to anchor the fixation element in the concrete slab,a holding section extending at least partially in substantially a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein each of the one or more anchoring sections is connected to the holding section at a connection point, wherein at least a part of each of the one or 10 more anchoring sections of the fixation element is configured to be embedded in the concrete slab and to cooperate with the concrete slab to fixate the fixation element to the concrete slab, and wherein the holding section is configured to cooperate with an associated side wall of the concrete slab that extends at least partially in substantially the second direction to form a glass incorporation space in which a part of a glass balustrade extending in substantially the second direction is 15 placeable. The invention also relates to a concrete slab, a balcony, a preform for casting a concrete slab and a method for manufacturing a balcony with glass balustrade.
Patent NL-2032061-B1 (NL)
Title: Plasma source and apparatus for atomic layer deposition
Inventor: VIKTOR TIELEN
IPC: C23C16/455
Filed: 2022-06-02
Granted: 2023-12-14
Abstract: A plasma source comprising a plasma deposition head, an electrode plate, and a gas supply system. The plasma deposition head comprises an aperture for delivering atmospheric plasma to a substrate, and a slotted cavity extending from the aperture. The electrode plate is mounted in the slotted cavity and extends from an interior of the deposition head towards the aperture. The gas supply system comprises a gas inlet, a gas supply chamber and gas outlets. The gas supply chamber is arranged for receiving a mass flow of gas from the gas inlet and dividing the mass flow of gas between the gas outlets. The gas outlets are provided on opposing sides of the electrode plate. In use, the mass flow of gas is divided for providing a flow of atmospheric plasma on the opposing sides of the electrode plate.
Patent RO-66944-B1 (RO)
Inventor: MIHAI BOGDAN
IPC: F16D3/24
Filed: 1975-02-10
Abstract: Inventia se refera la un cuplaj cu role actionat hidrostatic care permite cuplarea intermitenta comandata dintre doi arbori sau alte doua organe de masini, asigurînd transmiterea unui moment de torsiune de la elementul conducator o roata dintata conducatoare coroana dintata condusa niste role si un inel elastic cu ajutorul caruia se realizeaza forte de strîngere.
Patent RO-65941-B1 (RO)
Inventor: GHEORGHE ZAVOIANU
IPC: B65G27/18
Filed: 1976-02-25
Abstract: Inventia se refera la o instalatie pentru alimentarea tocîtoarelor cu material lemnos în fabricile de placi din aschii si fibre de lemn si în unele din fabricile de celulozî ti hîrtie. Pentru alimentarea uniforma a transportorului cu bandî a tocatorului de lemn, jgheaburile de alimentare sunt dispuse de+a lungul transportorului cu banda si înclinate cu un unghi de 5....15 degree .
Patent RO-115999-B1 (RO)
Title: Apple slicing device
Inventor: SURDU RALUCA
IPC: A47J17/02
Filed: 1994-02-11
Abstract: The invention relates to an apple slicing device for food industry or domestic use for processing or consumption as such. The device comprises a central cutting ring (1) with the function of removing  the core and the peduncle of the apple and letting the pulp to be sliced by some radially arranged cutting blades (2) inclined in relation to the vertical axle of the device, at an inclination angle alpha > 30° with respect to the central cutting ring (1). The cutting blades (2) are also provided with  radial and inclined cutting edges (a) arranged on an inverted conical surface, in order to detach the apple slices. The device is also provided with a compression cover (3) which presses the apple to be sliced. The section of the blades (2) is supported within a body (4) also provided with a plane (5) for releasing the slices.
Patent RO-119002-B1 (RO)
Inventor: CIOAR GH GHEORGHE ROMEO
IPC: B23F5/16
Filed: 1997-08-26
Abstract: Invenţia se referă la o maşină de danturat roţi dinţate cilindrice, circulare şi necirculare, prin mortezare cu cuţit-roată, utilizată în industria constructoare de maşini. Maşina conform invenţiei realizează, pe de o parte, un avans radial continuu şi variabil ca mărime, prin includerea în lanţul cinematic pentru avans radial a unui subansamblu (J) format dintr-o roată dinţată cilindrică (92), un arbore (93), o roată dinţată cilindrică baladoare (94), o roată dinţată cilindrică (95), un arbore (96), nişte roţi de schimb (97 şi 98), un arbore (99), nişte roţi dinţate conice (100 şi 101), un arbore (102), o camă-disc (103), un tachet de translaţie (104), un rulment axial (105) şi un arc de compresiune (106) şi, pe de altă parte, un avans circular variabil la piesă sau la sculă, prin includerea, în lanţul cinematic de avans circular al piesei sau al sculei, a unui subansamblu (I) format  dintr-un melc (51), o roată melcată (52), un arbore (53), nişte roţi dinţate cilindrice (54 şi 55), un arbore (56), o camă-disc (57) schimbabilă, un tachet de translaţie (58), o cremalieră (59), un pinion (60), un arbore (61), nişte roţi conice (62 şi 63), un arbore (64) şi un mecanism diferenţial, compus din roţile conice (65, 66, 67 şi 68). ŕ
Patent WO-0055663-B1 (WO)
Title: Ensemble pour reseau optique
Inventor: WACH MICHAEL L
IPC: G02B6/34
Filed: 2000-03-15
Abstract: L'invention concerne un ensemble pour réseau optique comprenant un circuit plan guidant les ondes optiques (PLC) (210) et un dispositif de filtrage (220). Un PLC comporte au moins deux chemins optiques (230, 240) permettant la propagation de l'énergie optique. Le PLC peut être conçu pour orienter l'énergie optique à l'aide de ses chemins optiques vers le dispositif de filtrage (220) afin de séparer l'énergie optique en deux faisceaux au moins, le premier faisceau pouvant contenir un premier canal d'information et le deuxième, un deuxième canal d'information. Le dispositif de filtrage peut être directement relié au PLC ou à un guide d'ondes optiques lui-même connecté au PLC. Le guide d'ondes optiques peut soit diriger l'énergie optique vers le PLC, soit l'en éloigner. De multiples guides d'ondes optiques servant à introduire de l'énergie optique dans le PLC ou à l'en éloigner peuvent être reliés au PLC. Le PLC, le dispositif de filtrage et le guide d'ondes optiques peuvent constituer les composants de base de réseaux optiques ayant une architecture plus complexe.
Patent AT-514256-B1 (AT)
Title: Verfahren zum zweistufigen Kommissionieren von Waren
IPC: B65G47/38
Filed: 2011-08-22
Granted: 2016-01-15
Abstract: Es wird ein Verfahren zum zweistufigen Kommissionieren von Waren (2a..2c,33) beschrieben, umfassend die Schritte: -Bereitstellen der Waren in Lagerbehältern, -Vorgeben einer Anzahl der in einem Ladehilfsmittel (1, 1a..1d) abzulegenden, gleichartigen Waren oder gleichartigen ersten Gruppen von Waren, welche für einen Versandbehälter bestimmt sind, -manuelles Ablegen der genannten Anzahl gleichartiger Waren oder gleichartiger erster Gruppen von Waren in das Ladehilfsmittel, -Transport des Ladehilfsmittels mit den abgelegten Waren zu einer Transferstation und -Transfer der Waren aus dem Ladehilfsmittel in den Versandbehälter (3, 3a, 3b), -wobei die vorgegebene Anzahl eins oder mehr betragen kann, wobei -eine Vorgabe einer Anzahl der in einem Ladehilfsmittel abzulegenden, gleichartigen Waren oder gleichartigen ersten Gruppen von Waren nur für ein leeres Ladehilfsmittel und ein manuelles Ablegen der gleichartigen Waren oder gleichartigen ersten Gruppen von Waren nur in ein leeres Ladehilfsmittel und in einer bestimmten Zeitspanne erfolgt.
Patent BG-64276-B1 (BG)
Title: Carboxamide derivatives of piperidine for the treatment of thrombosis disorders
Inventor: COSTANZO MICHAEL J
IPC: C07D401/12
Filed: 1998-11-30
Abstract: The invention relates to carboxamide derivatives of piperidine with formula which can be used for the treatment of thrombocyte-dependent disorders.
Patent BG-65235-B1 (BG)
Title: Metabolites of ecteinsacadin 743
Inventor: RINEHART KENNETH
IPC: C07D411/14
Filed: 2000-12-05
Abstract: The invention relates to purification and structure elucidation of certain products of the metabolism of Et-743 CYP3A4. These compounds are abbreviated herein as ETM followed by a numeric value whichrepresents the approximate molecular weight. The compounds are identified as ETM 305, ETM 775 and ETM 204. The structures of these ecteinascidin metabolites are shown as ETM 305, ETM 204 and ETM 775.
Patent CH-711501-B1 (CH)
Title: Procédé de fabrication d'une pièce micromécanique horlogère et ladite pièce micromécanique horlogère.
Inventor: PHILIPPE DUBOIS
IPC: G04D3/00
Filed: 2015-09-08
Abstract: L'invention se rapporte à un procédé de fabrication d'une pièce micromécanique horlogère à partir d'un substrat à base de silicium (1), comprenant, dans l'ordre, les étapes de : a) se munir d'un substrat à base de silicium (1), b) former des pores (2) à la surface d'au moins une partie d'une surface dudit substrat à base de silicium (1) d'une profondeur d'au moins 10 µm, de préférence d'au moins 50 µm, et plus préférentiellement d'au moins 100 µm, lesdits pores étant agencés pour déboucher à la surface externe de la pièce micromécanique horlogère, et optionnellement une étape de dépôt, la forme finale du substrat à base de silicium en fonction de la pièce micromécanique horlogère à fabriquer étant donée avant l'étape a) ou après l'étape b). L'invention concerne également une pièce micromécanique horlogère comprenant un substrat à base de silicium (1) qui présente, à la surface d'au moins une partie d'une surface dudit substrat à base de silicium (1), des pores (2) d'une profondeur d'au moins 10 µm, de préférence d'au moins 50 µm, et plus préférentiellement d'au moins 100 µm, lesdits pores étant agencés pour déboucher à la surface externe de la pièce micromécanique horlogère
Patent CH-697904-B1 (CH)
Inventor: ZUPRITT MICHAEL
IPC: F02B43/00
Filed: 2008-09-10
Abstract: Die Verdampfungsvorrichtung für Flüssiggas für Verbrennungskraftmotoren hat einen Verdampfer (3), der durch eine erste Flüssigkeit (6) beheizt wird. Diese Flüssigkeit (6) wird durch einen Drei-Phasen-Wärmetauscher (8) erwärmt. Die erste Phase des Drei-Phasen-Wärmetauschers (8) wird durch Verbrennungsabgase (11) des Motors (1), die zweite Phase durch eine Flüssigkeit (13) und insbesondere Kühlwasser des Motors (5) gebildet und die dritte Phase ist die genannte erste Flüssigkeit (6), die dem Verdampfer (3) zugeführt wird.
Patent CH-703861-B1 (CH)
Inventor: GOETTI SVEN
IPC: G02C5/00
Filed: 2010-09-16
Abstract: Die Erfindung betrifft ein Brillengestell, bestehend aus einer Brillenfassung (1) und zwei Bügeln (2a, 2b), wobei jeder Bügel (2a, 2b) über ein Scharnier (3a, 3b) mit der Brillenfassung (1) verbunden ist. Die Bügel (2a, 2b) und die Fassung (1) weisen etwa die gleiche Krümmung auf. Die Bügel lassen sich um die Drehachse einer Scharnierrolle einklappen. Das Scharnier (3a, 3b) ist derart ausgebildet, dass die Bügel (2a, 2b) durch Drehen um die eigene Längsachse in der geschlossenen Position in der gleichen Krümmung zu liegen kommen wie die Brillenfassung (1).
Patent CH-712920-B1 (CH)
Title: Wäschetrockner.
Inventor: MARKUS KERSCHDORFER
IPC: F26B21/00
Filed: 2017-12-20
Abstract: Ein Wäschetrockner, insbesondere ein Trommeltrockner, umfasst eine Trocknungskammer zur Aufnahme von zu trocknenden Gegenständen, eine Wärmepumpe mit einer Wärmesenke und einer Wärmequelle und einen Prozessluftkanal zum Führen von Prozessluft durch die Trocknungskammer, die Wärmesenke und die Wärmequelle in einem Umluftbetrieb. Im Weiteren umfasst der Trockner einen am Prozessluftkanal angeordneten Luftzugang (5a) zur Zuführung von zu trocknender Prozessluft in den Prozessluftkanal aus einem Raum, in welchem der Trockner angeordnet ist, und/oder zur Abführung von getrockneter Prozessluft aus dem Prozessluftkanal in den Raum in einem Raumluftbetrieb, und eine Luftzugangsklappe (5b) zum Schliessen und Öffnen des Luftzugangs (5a). Der Trockner weist eine im Prozessluftkanal angeordnete Sperrvorrichtung (13) auf, zur Unterbindung eines Umluftstroms während des Raumluftbetriebs durch Sperrung des Prozessluftkanals.
Patent CH-702010-B1 (CH)
Inventor: FECHTER ULRICH
IPC: B65H54/06
Filed: 2010-10-06
Abstract: Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Kreuzspulen herstellenden Textilmaschine (1) und eine Kreuzspulen herstellende Textilmaschine (1) mit einem an einer Arbeitsstelle (2) im Lauf des Fadens (16) angeordneten, nach einem kapazitiven Messverfahren arbeitenden Messkopf (20) eines mindestens einen Qualitätsparameter des Fadens (16) erfassenden Überwachungssystems und mit einer Blaseinrichtung (40) zum Reinigen des Messkopfes (20) während einer Unterbrechung des Fadens (16), wobei bei einer Unterbrechung des Fadens (16) zur Kompensation von Raumklimaänderungen ohne Faden (16) im Messkopf (20) eine Referenzkapazität des Messkopfes (20) abbildende Messwerte erfasst und ausgewertet werden und die Erfassung der Messwerte und die Aktivierung der Blaseinrichtung (40) zeitlich aufeinander abgestimmt werden oder die Aktivierung der Blaseinrichtung (40) bei der Auswertung der Messwerte berücksichtigt wird.
Patent CH-708877-B1 (CH)
Title: Hydraulikventilanordnung mit Steuerungs-/Regelungsfunktion und zugehöriges Rücklaufventil.
Inventor: DEEKEN MICHAEL
IPC: F15B13/042
Filed: 2013-11-19
Abstract: Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Hydraulikventilanordnung zum Steuern/Regeln von wenigstens einem hydraulischen Verbraucher (V1) einer mobilen Arbeitsmaschine, mit einer Summierungsverschaltung (SB) von mindestens zwei Hydraulikventilen (S1, S2) und mindestens einer Verbraucherverschaltung (VB) von Hydraulikventilen (Z1, Z2, R1, R2), wobei die Ausgänge (SB_A_1) der Summierungsverschaltung (SB) hydraulisch mit den Eingängen (VB_E) der Verbraucherverschaltung (VB) verbunden sind, wobei wenigstens ein Rücklaufventil (R1, R2) in der Verbraucherverschaltung (VB) vorgesehen ist. Erfindungsgemäss öffnet oder schliesst das wenigstens eine Rücklaufventil (R1, R2) zum Drosseln eines Verbraucher-Rücklauf-Volumenstroms in Abhängigkeit von einem Verbraucher-Zulaufdruck und umfasst wenigstens einen in einer Buchse (6b) angeordneten Hauptkolben (5b) sowie wenigstens zwei weitere, in einem von der Buchse (6b) getrennten Deckel (2b) angeordnete Kolben (Steuerkolben 9b, Druckbegrenzungskolben 12b), wobei der Hauptkolben (5b) und ein Steuerkolben (9b) miteinander über eine Druckfeder (10b) wechselwirken.
Patent CU-24387-B1 (CU)
Title: Inhibidores de bmi-1 de pirimidina inversa sustituida
Inventor: BAIAZITOV RAMIL
IPC: C07D239/48
Filed: 2013-11-21
Abstract: <p>Compuestos inversos de pirimidina sustituidos con amina de fórmula I</p> <p>(ESPACIO PARA LA FÓRMULA)</p> <p> y formas de la misma que inhiben la función y reducen el nivel de la proteína del sitio de integración 1 (Bmi-1) del virus de la leucemia de Moloney específico de células B para su uso para inhibir la función de Bmi-1 y reducir el nivel de Bmi-1 para el tratamiento de un cáncer mediado por Bmi-1 se describen en el presente documento.</p>
Patent EP-1020581-B1 (EP)
Inventor: HOECKER EITEL-FRIEDRICH
IPC: E04B2/96
Filed: 2000-01-12
Granted: 2005-06-29
Abstract: Sealing lips (10, 12) extend from the longitudinal sides faces (11) of a core (4) with at least one cavity (5). Outer lips cover the external opening of the gap (2) and additional sealing lips support the glass sheet or panel surfaces (13) defining the gap. An anchoring extension (15) attaches the seal to a groove (8) of the supporting structure.
Patent EP-1026282-B1 (EP)
Inventor: BAUDIS ULRICH DR
IPC: C23C8/70
Filed: 2000-01-12
Granted: 2003-03-19
Abstract: A metal boriding paste contains alkali and/or alkaline earth metal carbonate, nitrite and borate additives.  A metal boriding paste, comprising a boron source (preferably boron carbide), an activator (preferably potassium fluoroborate), an inert refractory filler (preferably silicon carbide) and water, additionally contains alkali and/or alkaline earth metal carbonate, nitrite and borate additives. An Independent claim is also included for a method of producing low porosity, preferably single phase, Fe2B-containing boride layers on ferrous metal workpieces by applying the above paste and heating at 800-1100 degrees C. Preferred Features: The additives comprise (based on wt. of paste solids) 0.1-5% calcium carbonate, 0.1-2% sodium nitrite and 0.1-2% sodium tetraborate.
Patent EP-1104221-B1 (EP)
Inventor: PFAFFINGER GERHARD
IPC: H04R5/00
Filed: 2000-11-14
Granted: 2011-04-06
Abstract: Loudspeakers in general, and including those used in audio equipment e.g. for application in motor vehicles, suffer from the shortcoming of not being able to intrinsically vary their acoustic radiation characteristic, and any change obtained is at the cost of changing the position of the loudspeaker, or incorporating some sort of aid, such as acoustic reflectors, a signal summation stage etc. To change the loudspeaker acoustic emission characteristic more easily, the acoustic radiation characteristic of two loudspeakers (1,2) is made dependent of the evaluation (weighting) of the input signals (E1,E2).
Patent EP-1107411-B1 (EP)
Inventor: HENRICI DIETER DIPL-ING
IPC: H05K13/06
Filed: 2000-11-23
Granted: 2004-02-18
Abstract: The electrical cable (20) holder (10) is in the form of a molded element that has a pair of arms (25) that can be deflected for insertion of several cables. The base of the holder has a claw shaped element (11) that is used for fixing to a surface.
Patent EP-1104848-B1 (EP)
Inventor: PAPST FRITZ
IPC: F23D14/62
Filed: 2000-12-01
Granted: 2004-07-14
Abstract: An air/fuel mixing device (1) for a gaseous fuel internal combustion engine, having a main body (2) defining a mixing chamber (4) connected in series with an intake manifold of the engine; an annular supply chamber (27) coaxial with the mixing chamber (4) and connected to a supply system for supplying the gaseous fuel; and a number of electronically controlled injectors (25) positioned axially and equally spaced about the mixing chamber (4), and having respective inlet fittings (25a) communicating with the supply chamber (27), and respective outlet nozzles (25b) communicating with the mixing chamber (4). <IMAGE>
Patent EP-1120257-B1 (EP)
Inventor: SASAKI TOSHIYUKI
IPC: B41J2/175
Filed: 2000-12-20
Granted: 2003-05-02
Abstract: The ink outlet of a pressure buffer connects reliably to the ink inlet of an inkjet head even if there are dimensional variations in the molded parts of the print head unit. A print head unit (10) has an inkjet head (12) with an ink inlet (14); a carriage (11) for holding the inkjet head (12); a pressure buffer (21) for absorbing pressure variations in the ink supplied to the inkjet head; and a case (20) for housing the pressure buffer (21). The pressure buffer (21) is supported inside case (20) to moveable in the connect/disconnect direction of the ink outlet (22) to the ink inlet (14). A spring (31) pushes against the pressure buffer (21) so that the ink outlet (22) is press fit into the ink inlet (14). <IMAGE>
Patent EP-1216778-B1 (EP)
Inventor: DEMELLAYER RENE
IPC: B01D21/28
Filed: 2000-12-22
Granted: 2005-02-09
Abstract: The purifier for electro-erosion fluid has a first ultrasonic separator (11) to remove metallic particles from the used fluid. There is a second ultrasonic separator (45) with a lower power to separate the particles of a machining additive (39). The purifier has filters (46) to separate carbonized particles (41) caused by decomposition of the fluid.
Patent EP-1101577-B1 (EP)
Inventor: HARROP MARTIN
IPC: B26D7/08
Filed: 2000-09-22
Granted: 2002-10-02
Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting system comprising an ultrasonic vibrating device having an operative face, a block horn having a responsive face connected to the operative face of the ultrasonic vibrating device and an operative face and being provided with at least one normal tuning slot having a width of from 4 to 6mm traversing the block between its operative and responsive faces, a plurality of cutting blades mounted on the operative face of the block horn so as to be vibrated thereby/therewith, the blades lying in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of vibrations characterised in that the block horn is also provided with at least one thin tuning and damping slot having a width of from 0.1 to 2.5mm traversing the block horn between its operative and responsive faces. <IMAGE>
Patent EP-1038752-B1 (EP)
Inventor: RYLAND HENRY ARCHER
IPC: B61L21/08
Filed: 2000-03-16
Granted: 2005-10-12
Abstract: An interlocking for a railway system, comprises first, control computing means (2) which commands route settings in the system and second, protection computing means (3) coupled with the first computing means (2) and which allows commands from the first computing means (2) to be brought into effect or otherwise in dependence on the state of the railway system. <IMAGE>
Patent EP-1059613-B1 (EP)
Inventor: DESLANDES ARNAU
IPC: G06F17/50
Filed: 2000-05-19
Granted: 2005-11-30
Abstract: In a system and method for controlling a reflection line in a CAD system and for adjusting the shape of an object to correspond to a new reflection line, a user sets a reflection line as desired, and at least one constraint on the object. The system determines a shape of the object based on the new reflection line and the constraint. The shape of the object may be determined using energy minimization. Alternatively, the system and method may use vector springs to attract the reflection line to a free-form curve set by the user, and then determine the shape of the object based on the new reflection line and the constraint. <IMAGE>