Abstract: Simulation of sound objects and attributes based on time-varying recursive filter structures each comprising a vector of one or more state variables and a mutable number of sound input and/or sound output signals. For simulating sound reception, the recursive update of at least one state variable involves adding an input term obtained by linearly combining input sound signals being received, wherein said combination involves time-varying coefficients adapted in response to input reception coordinates associated with said input sound signals. For simulating sound emission, state variables are linearly combined wherein said combination involves time-varying coefficients adapted in response to output emission coordinates associated with said output sound signals. Attenuation or other effects induced by sound propagation and/or interaction with obstacles may be incorporated during sound emission and/or reception through scaling the time-varying coefficients involved therein.

Abstract: A dual-configuration microscope is provided that may be converted into an upright or inverted microscope. The microscope includes a body having a plurality of planar surfaces, each planar surface configured to support the body on a working surface as the body is tilted between the upright and inverted configurations. The microscope further includes an objective, a condenser, a stage positioned between the objective and the condenser, and a portable display device to display a specimem.

Abstract: A portable battery-operated tool has a frame on which there are a working component, a drive, and a battery assembly. The battery assembly consists of a battery with at least a first electrical connector and housing with at least a second electrical connector. The battery is movable guidingly between first and second positions. With the battery in the first position the at least first electrical connector is electrically engaged with the at least second electrical connector. With the battery in the second position the at least first electrical connector is electrically disengaged from the at least second electrical connector so that the battery is not powering the drive to allow the drive to be operated. The battery assembly further has a locking assembly through which the battery is selectively releasably fixed in the second position.

Abstract: A saw having a power unit with a drive component and a housing for the power unit with a frame. A bar on the housing guides movement of an operatively positioned cutting chain driven by the drive component in an endless path. The bar is movable guidingly in opposite directions in a predetermined path relative to the housing to thereby vary tension upon an operatively positioned cutting chain. A bar fixing assembly has a knob that is turnable around a first axis relative to the housing in: a) a first direction to a tightened state; and b) a second direction to a loosened state. A first assembly resiliently bears against the knob to at least one of: a) inhibit turning of the knob around the first axis; b) provide a sensory indication to a user grasping and turning the knob that the knob is moving around the first axis; and c) reduce play in the knob.

Abstract: A portable blower having a propulsion unit for continuously generating a supply of pressurized fluid and a conduit assembly for controllably directing fluid from the propulsion unit to and through a discharge opening on the conduit assembly. The discharge opening is bounded by a rim, defined at least partially by a discrete component made from a first material. The conduit assembly has a first portion made from a second material to which the discrete component is operatively connected. The first material is at least one of: a) more resistant to abrasive wear than the second material; b) more resistant to impact than the second material; and c) harder than the second material.

Abstract: A portable fluid blower with a housing having a central axis and defining a fluid flow path extending axially between an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet. A fan assembly has a rotary component that is operable to draw fluid into a first stage of the flow path and accelerate fluid incoming at the inlet radially outwardly to against a first housing surface portion that diverts the fluid to a second stage of the flow path. The second flow path stage is defined by facing second and third housing surface portions that cause the fluid to flow substantially fully axially in an annular space extending around the central axis between the first stage and a third stage. The fluid flows from the third stage to and through the downstream outlet.

Abstract: A log splitter having a bed for accepting a log. The bed has an operating length between first and second components, with the former a wedge. The log splitter can be placed in: (a) a first operative state wherein the bed has a first operating length; and (b) a second operative state wherein the bed has a second operating length. With the log splitter in the first operative state, the wedge is movable: (a) from a first starting position in a first lengthwise direction to effect splitting of a log; and (b) thereafter, oppositely to the first lengthwise direction back into the first starting position. In the second operative state, the wedge is movable: (a) from a second starting position to effect splitting; and (b) thereafter, back into the second starting position. The log splitter further has an operating assembly to move the first component.

Abstract: A windrower with a frame that: a) has a front, a rear and laterally spaced sides; and b) is movable in an advancing direction. A processing mechanism is capable of: a) unearthing grown product; and b) separating foreign matter from the grown product as the frame is advanced. A cross conveyor assembly controllably discharges grown product from the processing mechanism to the underlying terrain. The cross conveyor assembly has a first discharge end and at least one section, including the first discharge end, that is selectively translatable laterally relative to the frame as the frame is advancing thereby to laterally change a location of the first discharge end and thus the lateral discharge location for the cross conveyor assembly at the first discharge end.

Abstract: A portable powered tool having an elongate housing with a central axis, a working component on the elongate housing, a drive for the working component on the elongate housing and having different states, and a control with a grip that is configured to be grasped by a user by extending a user's one hand at least partially around the grip and thereby the central axis of the elongate housing to thereby situate the user's one hand in an operating position. The user's one hand, grasping the grip in the operating position, is usable to: a) support and reposition the portable powered tool; and b) move the grip around the central axis of the elongate housing to change the state of the drive.

Abstract: A computing system, comprising: an I/O platform for interfacing with a user; and a processing entity configured to implement a dialog with the user via the I/O platform. The processing entity is further configured for: identifying a grammar template and an instantiation context associated with a current point in the dialog; causing creation of an instantiated grammar model from the grammar template and the instantiation context; storing the instantiated grammar model in a memory; and interpreting user input received via the I/O platform in accordance with the instantiated grammar model. Also, a grammar authoring environment supporting a variety of grammar development tools is disclosed.

Abstract: A preferred patient examination table (10) includes a selectively engageable, pivot mechanism (14) allowing the table (10) to be pivoted about an upright pivot axis (98) in order to position the table (10) as needed for ready access to examination equipment (88) by performing a procedure with either a left or right hand.

Abstract: Patient examination methods, by an examiner using an examination instrument having a base unit and a probe soupled with the base unit by a flexible tether are disclosrd. An examination table will support a patient lying thereon, with the probe adapted to be held by the examiner's right or left hand. The method may be used to produce an echocardiogram. A preferred patient examination table (10) includes a selectively engageable, pivot mechanism (14) allowing the table (10) to be pivoted about an upright pivot axis (98) in order to position the table (10) as needed for ready access to examination equipment (88) by performing a procedure with either a left or right hand. In another embodiment, the base unit (90) is shiftable as needed to accommodate left-handed or right-handed holding of a probe (92) for performing a medical examination.

Abstract: A patient-supporting bed especially adapted for cardiac sonography includes a horizontal uppermost bed surface, an exercise apparatus coupled to one end of the bed, a tilting mechanism for tilting the bed surface, and a novel support structure for supporting the patient on the tilted bed. The support structure includes a flexible patient support sling adapted to circumferentially surround the patient's midsection and an adjustable shoulder support apparatus adapted to engage one side of the patient's body while the bed is tilted. The bed surface includes an access opening and a corresponding shiftable bed filler sections disposed within the opening. The bed filler section is shiftable between upper and lower positions and include a latching assembly serving to normally maintain the filler section in an upper, generally horizontal position so that the bed presents a generally horizontal and uninterrupted patient-supporting top surface.

Abstract: A patient-supporting bed (20) especially adapted for cardiac sonography is provided which includes a frame assembly (22) and mattress (24) which are configured to present a pair of marginal, axially offset access openings (49, 54) and a corresponding pair of shiftable bed filler sections (26, 28) disposed within the openings (49, 54). Each of the sections (26, 28) includes a latching assembly (86) serving to normally maintain each of the sections (26, 28) in an upper, generally horizontal position so that the bed (20) presents a generally horizontal and uninterrupted patient-supporting top surface. A patient is positioned on the bed with the patient's heart region located generally above the first filler section (26). The sonographer then manipulates the associated latching assembly (86), allowing the section (26) to pivot downwardly and thus expose an access opening (49). The second filler section (28) is similarly manipulated to expose the opening (54).