Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for a multipurpose microphone for hearing devices. A hearing assistance device includes a first housing configured to be worn above an ear of a wearer and a second housing configured to be worn in the ear of the wearer. The device also includes a cable configured to connect to the first housing at a first end and to the second housing at the second end, and a microphone at the second end of the cable, the microphone including an input port facing an acoustic channel. A switch is provided in the acoustic channel, the switch having a first position such that acoustic input to the microphone is received from an inner portion of the ear of the wearer, and a second position such that acoustic input to the microphone is received from an area outside the ear of the wearer.

Abstract: A microelectronic chip device includes a semiconductor substrate and multiple on-chip strain sensors (OCSSs) constructed on the substrate at various locations of the substrate. The OCSSs may each include multiple piezoresistive devices configured to sense a strain at a location of the various locations and produce a strain signal representing the strain at that location. A strain measurement circuit may also be constructed on the semiconductor substrate and configured to measure strain parameters from the strain signals produced by the OCSSs. The strain parameters represent the strains at the various location. Values of the strain parameters can be used for analysis of mechanical stress on the chip device.

Abstract: A masonry veneer machine is disclosed having adjustable fingers for applying the proper amount of pressure to the brick against a guide. The adjustable fingers are disposed on the lateral side of the saw blade, whereas, the guide is disposed on an arbor side of the saw blade. This provides for quick adjustments to the fingers and guide when changing over from cutting bricks of a first size to bricks of a second size which are significantly different from each other.

Abstract: A masonry veneer machine is disclosed having adjustable fingers for applying the proper amount of pressure to the brick against a guide. The adjustable fingers are disposed on the lateral side of the saw blade, whereas, the guide is disposed on an arbor side of the saw blade. This provides for quick adjustments to the fingers and guide when changing over from cutting bricks of a first size to bricks of a second size which are significantly different from each other.

Abstract: A corner jig for a masonry saw for fabricating a cut in a masonry unit (e.g., brick) such as to form a corner brick veneer may have a push block wherein its height is substantially equal to a length of a brick to be formed into the corner brick veneer. A lateral position of a cut guide is adjustable to regulate a thickness of the corner brick veneer. A height of the cut guide may also be substantially equal in length of the bring to be formed into the corner brick veneer. Once the cut guide and push block are mounted to the masonry saw, the brick is positioned within the corner jig and a first cut is made. The user's hands are out of the way so that the cut can be made safely without harming the operator. The brick is repositioned and a second cut is made in the brick to finish off the corner brick veneer. Once again, the user's hands are out of the way for safe operation of the masonry saw.

Abstract: A corner jig for a masonry saw for fabricating a cut in a masonry unit (e.g., brick) such as to form a corner brick veneer may have a push block wherein its height is substantially equal to a length of a brick to be formed into the corner brick veneer. A lateral position of a cut guide is adjustable to regulate a thickness of the corner brick veneer. A height of the cut guide may also be substantially equal in length of the bring to be formed into the corner brick veneer. Once the cut guide and push block are mounted to the masonry saw, the brick is positioned within the corner jig and a first cut is made. The user's hands are out of the way so that the cut can be made safely without harming the operator. The brick is repositioned and a second cut is made in the brick to finish off the corner brick veneer. Once again, the user's hands are out of the way for safe operation of the masonry saw.

Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.