Abstract: A sound or vibration source localization system with a master unit and a plurality of slave units. The master unit transmit a time synchronization signal via an RF link to the slave units. A microphone or vibration sensor in each of the slave units are used to record a short time sequence, e.g. 0.2-2 seconds, of sound or vibration time aligned with the time synchronization signal to ensure synchronous recording of the time sequences at all slave units. The slave unit transmit the recorded time aligned time sequences via an RF link along with a time stamp and an identification code to the master unit. The master unit has a processor system arranged to process the received time sequences from the slave units according to a lizard ear mimicking algorithm. Such type of algorithm provides a good direction estimate in response to two input signals recorded at different positions, even with a short time sequence.

Abstract: A computing device may be disposed in a command center positioned remotely from each test cell of a plurality of test cells of a testing facility. The computing device may include a visual display disposed in the command center and may include a network transceiver configured to receive monitored parameters of a test object disposed in each test cell. The computing device may include a command center module in communication with, at least, the network transceiver and the visual display. The command center module may be configured to execute instructions for: presenting, via the visual display, tests associated with the test object; receiving the monitored parameters of the test object; presenting, via the visual display, tasks associated with the tests; selectively assigning the tasks to a staff member; and communicating the assigned task to the staff member for performing the assigned task associated with the test object.

Abstract: A computing device may be disposed in a command center positioned remotely from each test cell of a plurality of test cells of a testing facility. The computing device may include a visual display disposed in the command center and may include a network transceiver configured to receive monitored parameters of a test object disposed in each test cell. The computing device may include a command center module in communication with, at least, the network transceiver and the visual display. The command center module may be configured to execute instructions for: presenting, via the visual display, tests associated with the test object; receiving the monitored parameters of the test object; presenting, via the visual display, tasks associated with the tests; selectively assigning the tasks to a staff member; and communicating the assigned task to the staff member for performing the assigned task associated with the test object.

Abstract: There is provided a unique signal processing technique for localizing and characterizing each of a number of differently located acoustic sources. Specifically there is provided a method for auditory segregation of multiple voice inputs comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of voice input signals from different source locations; filtering said voice input signals with head related transfer functions (HRTF) using a digital signal processor (DSP) thereby assigning the voice input signals to different locations in virtual auditory space; and changing the HRTF filtered voice input signals in two dimensions, wherein pitch is changed and the signal is filtered with different filters emulating vocal tracts of different sizes thereby further segregating the voice input signals from each other.

Abstract: There is provided a biomimetic robot modelling the highly directional lizard ear. Since the directionality is very robust, the neural processing is very simple. This mobile sound localizing robot can therefore easily be miniaturized. The invention is based on a simple electric circuit emulating the lizard ear acoustics with sound input from two small microphones. The circuit generates a robust directionality around 2-4 kHz. The output of the circuit is fed to a model nervous system. The nervous system model is bilateral and contains a set of band-pass filters followed by simulated EI-neurons that compare inputs from the two ears. This model is implemented in software on a digital signal processor and controls the left and right-steering motors of the robot. Additionally, the nervous system model contains a neural network that can self-adapt so as to auto-calibrate the device.

Abstract: A patient support and software evaluate spinal instability by controlled isocentric rotation of the spine and measurement of rotation among vertebra to detect damaged vertebra having disproportionately large rotations. The patient support comprises a first support, adapted to support the shoulders of a patient, and a second rotatable support adapted to support the hips and legs of the patient.

Abstract: A patient support and software evaluate spinal instability by controlled isocentric rotation of the spine and measurement of rotation among vertebra to detect damaged vertebra having disproportionately large rotations.

Abstract: A pipe fitting with a body adapted for connection at a first end thereof to a supply pipe and at a second end thereof to a distribution pipe so as to permit fluid communication between the supply pipe and the distribution pipe. The body is provided with first valve device by which said fluid communication can be interrupted. The body is provided with an upstream port and a downstream port, respectively upstream and downstream, in use, of the first valve device. The upstream port and said downstream port permitting the first valve device to be by-passed and fluid from the supply pipe to be introduced to the distribution pipe.

Abstract: A pipe fitting (31) comprises a body (32) adapted for connection at a first end thereof to a supply pipe and at a second end thereof to a distribution pipe so as to permit fluid communication between the supply pipe and the distribution pipe. The body (32) is provided with a valve (32a) by which said fluid communication can be interrupted, and has an upstream port (37) and a downstream port (38), respectively upstream and downstream, in use, of the valve (32a). The upstream port (37) and the downstream port (38) permit the valve (32a) to be by-passed and fluid from the supply pipe to be introduced to the distribution pipe. The pipe fitting (31) is of particular utility in the commissioning of new water mains.

Abstract: A patient support and software evaluate spinal instability by controlled isocentric rotation of the spine and measurement of rotation among vertebra to detect damaged vertebra having disproportionately large rotations.