Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes receiving audio input by a microphone of an access control device that controls access through a passageway, processing an audio signal associated with the audio input to identify and authenticate a user, determining a command corresponding with the audio signal in response to identification and authentication of the user, and performing at least one action that corresponds with the command.

Abstract: A device comprises one or more circuits that dynamically adjust a load profile of one or more processing devices processing a workload in a bulk-synchronous mode.

Abstract: In one aspect of the disclosure, a method to generate a custom video workout program for a user may include dividing each of multiple video workout programs into multiple segments, selecting a subset of the segments for inclusion in a custom video workout program for a user based on one or more user criteria specific to the user, the subset including at least a first segment from a first video workout program and a second segment from a second video workout program, and splicing the subset of segments together to generate the custom video workout program for the user.

Abstract: A method for producing a granular material from sintered magnesia by sintering of pressed articles, in particular pellets, from MgO powder, preferably from caustic MgO powder, and subsequent mechanical comminution of the pressed articles, the sintering being carried out in such a way that the granular material has a grain porosity (total porosity), according to DIN EN 993-1:1195-04 and DIN EN 993-18:1999-01, of from 15 to 38 vol %, preferably 20 to 38 vol %. Also, a batch for producing a coarse ceramic, refractory, shaped or unshaped product containing the porous sintered magnesia, to such a product produced from the batch and to a method for its production, to a lining, in particular a working casing and/or a backing, of a large-volume industrial furnace, the lining, in particular the working casing and/or the backing, having at least one such product, as well as to such an industrial furnace.

Abstract: A method for producing a granular material from sintered magnesia by sintering of pressed articles, in particular pellets, from MgO powder, preferably from caustic MgO powder, and subsequent mechanical comminution of the pressed articles, the sintering being carried out in such a way that the granular material has a grain porosity (total porosity), according to DIN EN 993-1:1195-04 and DIN EN 993-18:1999-01, of from 15 to 38 vol %, preferably 20 to 38 vol %. Also, a batch for producing a coarse ceramic, refractory, shaped or unshaped product containing the porous sintered magnesia, to such a product produced from the batch and to a method for its production, to a lining, in particular a working casing and/or a backing, of a large-volume industrial furnace, the lining, in particular the working casing and/or the backing, having at least one such product, as well as to such an industrial furnace.

Abstract: Automated assignment of insurance claim work includes: obtaining an insurance claim work unit; identifying among a plurality of users of the insurance claims processing platform a set of eligible users who are eligible to process the insurance claim work unit; and automatically selecting among the set of eligible users a selected user to process the insurance claim work unit, including determining a set of weighted workloads that corresponds to the set of eligible users and applying a set of one or more assignment rules based on the set of weighted workloads.

Abstract: A floating sub-floor system includes panel assemblies in which each panel assembly includes a surface panel and a base panel. A bottom side of the base panel includes a vent channel system which provides passageways for moisture to evaporate and/or flow under the sub-floor. The surface panel and the base panel are coupled together so that complementary ship lap and overlap joints are formed along the sides of each panel assembly. Methods of fabrication and installation are disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment involves a method for monitoring water associated with at least one of a water purification, distribution, or treatment facility. The method includes operating a number of monitoring units remotely positioned with respect to one another to at least partially perform the monitoring, the units each including several different types of sensors to detect correspondingly different characteristics of the water, a processing subsystem, and a two-way communication subsystem. For each of the units, the method includes processing signals corresponding to the different characteristics with the processing subsystem. Additionally, for one of the units, the method includes detecting an abnormal condition by executing diagnostic logic and communicating the abnormal condition to a host with the two-way communication subsystem for the one of the units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a combination of sonication and ozone to decontaminate pressurized water. The process includes pumping polluted water from a source, such as a creek, river, pond or the like. The water is transferred to a treatment container where it is dissolved air is removed via vacuum, sonication, or both. Ozone is then dissolved into the water to destroy or otherwise remove pollutants. Dissolved gasses are once again then removed from the water. The treated water may then be piped to a storage tank for subsequent use. The uninterrupted sequential transfer of water from the source, through a treatment container and to the storage tank may be accomplished automatically by way of electronic sensors, valves and pumps that are made to communicate with a central processor control unit.

Abstract: An adaptive variable bit rate audio encoder and method that examines audio level information and detects various information in the audio data in a psychoacoustic model to create a quantization value and assign a mode tag to a single frame of audio. A bit rate is assigned according to one of three modes, a self-adaptive mode which is free-running and takes direction only from the characteristics of the incoming audio signal, a managed mode which is controlled by rules set from a statistical multiplexer, and a combination of self-adaptive and managed in which control rules from the statistical multiplexer act to maintain limits on the self-adaptive mode.

Abstract: A mechanical gearing with a first rotatable member, three spherical balls in contact with and rotated by the first member, a second relatively flexible member in contact with the balls and a third rigid member fixed with respect to the second member and against which the second member is urged by the balls so that the second and third members rotate with respect to each other.

Abstract: A tone arm for a record player having a mirror at one end is provided. Opposite the mirror are a light source and two detector elements. When the tone are pivots from a desired angle light from the source is reflected upon the element more than on the other. The mirror is convexly curved so that pivotal motions of the tone arm in one plane will not affect the amount of light reaching the detectors.

Abstract: A combination of a turntable for playing phonograph records, a lid covering the turntable, tone arm for tracking record grooves, and a cleaning element mounted on the lid for movement into contact with a constant annular area on the top side of the record for cleaning. A counterbalance weight controls the pressure of the cleaning element upon the record.