Abstract: Halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes are disclosed herein. The halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes can be manufactured using an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that includes extrusion of polymer-plasticizer mixtures followed by sheet formation and extraction of the plasticizer with a halogen-free solvent. The halogen-free solvent has a flashpoint greater than about 23° C. and an initial boiling point at least about 50° C. lower than the flashpoint of the plasticizer. The process can further be a closed loop process in which the halogen-free solvent can be reused.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for analyzing a video are disclosed. An input video signal can be received and a quality metric associated with the input video signal can be determined. A parameter to be used in a first object tracking process can be selected, based in part on the quality metric associated with the input video signal. A background model can be extracted from the input video signal based on an online median estimate of the intensity values of the pixels in the image frames. The online median estimate can be calculated using a quantile function.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for analyzing a video are disclosed. An input video signal can be received and a quality metric associated with the input video signal can be determined. A parameter to be used in a first object tracking process can be selected, based in part on the quality metric associated with the input video signal. A background model can be extracted from the input video signal based on an online median estimate of the intensity values of the pixels in the image frames. The online median estimate can be calculated using a quantile function.

Abstract: Name customization features allow users to customize calling name information provided to a telecommunications network for calls placed from their subscriber lines. A local exchange switch provides calling party identification information for an associated subscriber line to the telecommunications network. If a custom name is desired for a given call, the local exchange switch changes, if necessary, a name value in the calling party identification information to the custom value. Subscribers can identify particular numbers and corresponding desired custom names, with the local exchange switch selecting the desired name when an identified number is called. Dialing feature codes from a handset or other device also may control custom name information. When appropriate, subscribers may customize calling number information as well. Preferably, screening methods prohibit subscribers from specifying disingenuous custom information.

Abstract: The air drawn into a diesel engine serially passes through a filter and a cavity, which acts as an acoustic attenuator, before being supplied to the cylinders of the diesel engine. In the cavity the air is in a heat transfer relationship with a heat sink for the electronic components of a microprocessor control. The electronic components may be located in the plenum cavity or in a separate chamber but must have a heat transfer relationship with the cavity, such as through a common wall on which the electronic components are mounted. A heat sink may extend into the cavity.

Abstract: The open grille structure normally directly in front of a condenser coil is replaced with an acoustical barrier which is moved forward of the condenser coil. In moving the acoustical barrier forward, space results at the top, bottom and sides of the unit which can be used to provide inlet openings for inlet air. Acoustical absorption material lines the structure defining the air flow path to the coil. The modified air flow path results in a modified sound path which results in sound attenuation.

Abstract: In a refrigeration or air conditioning system employing two positive displacement compressors, one compressor has its speed controlled to exactly match the speed of the other compressor whereby beats between pressure pulsations, structural vibrations and radiated sound are minimized.

Abstract: A process for forming a building unit from ground motor vehicle tires. The process includes the steps of grinding a number of tires to create a ground tire mixture which includes ground rubber metal strands and fiber pieces. Between 15% and 20% of adhesive comprising asphalt is added to the mixture. The asphalt containing mixture is then placed into a heated mold and subjected to heat and pressure to form a building unit such as a block. The metal may be removed after the grinding step by passing the ground material under a magnet. The thinnest block is strong enough to form a structure and yet pliable enough to permit an insertion or nails or screws.

Abstract: A ceiling closure above a portable wall (FIG. 6) includes wall panels (14, 15) having upper edges entrained by channels (17, 19) formed of legs (24-27) of a ceiling track. The closure is rendered demountable by having lower panel support channels formed by legs (31, 32) and L-shaped members (33, 34) having a lip (46) with a vertical component interfering with a corresponding lip 47 on a panel support track (36). The L-shaped member is held in place by virtue of the weight of the wall panel which it entrains. One and two panel embodiments are shown; vertical height adjustment (50) is provided.

Abstract: A belled orifice inlet plate is provided for an induced draft combustion furnace heat exchanger of the type in which an inshot burner produces a hot gaseous combustion that is injected through an opening in the inlet plate into a combustion zone in the heat exchanger. The inlet plate has a flared collar that surrounds the opening at its periphery, and which extends a predetermined distance into the combustion zone. Preferably, the collar should have a depth on the order of one-quarter inch to one-half inch, and the flared portion should have a radius of curvature on the order of about one-quarter inch.

Abstract: Milling apparatus wherein material to be milled is agitated with a charge of particulate material also includes one or more predispersing chambers through which the material to be milled enters the apparatus. The chamber includes pumping means which carry out predispersing work.