Abstract: An audio system is for a motor vehicle having a passenger compartment. The system includes a plurality of microphones disposed in the passenger compartment and each producing a respective microphone signal indicative of audible voices in the passenger compartment. A plurality of loudspeakers are disposed in the passenger compartment and emit sounds based on infotainment audio signals. An audio processor receives the microphone signals, and determines from the microphone signals respective locations of people in the passenger compartment who are participating in a voice conversation. The audio processor modifies the infotainment audio signals sent to individual ones of the loudspeakers based on the determined locations such that the sounds emitted by the loudspeakers are quieter as heard by the people participating in the voice conversation than as heard by at least one other person in the passenger compartment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for dynamic wireless resource utilization includes monitoring a wireless communication resource; generating wireless communication resource data; using the wireless communication resource data, predicting the occurrence of one or more holes in a future time period; generating hole prediction data; using the hole prediction data, synthesizing one or more wireless communication channels from the one or more predicted holes; generating channel synthesis data; receiving data reflecting feedback from a previous wireless communication attempt and data reflecting a network condition; according to the received data and the channel synthesis data, selecting a particular wireless communication channel from the one or more synthesized wireless communication channels; generating wireless communication channel selection data; using the wireless communication channel selection data, instructing a radio unit to communicate using the selected wireless communication channel; and instructing the rad

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for dynamic wireless resource utilization includes monitoring a wireless communication resource; generating wireless communication resource data; using the wireless communication resource data, predicting the occurrence of one or more holes in a future time period; generating hole prediction data; using the hole prediction data, synthesizing one or more wireless communication channels from the one or more predicted holes; generating channel synthesis data; receiving data reflecting feedback from a previous wireless communication attempt and data reflecting a network condition; according to the received data and the channel synthesis data, selecting a particular wireless communication channel from the one or more synthesized wireless communication channels; generating wireless communication channel selection data; using the wireless communication channel selection data, instructing a radio unit to communicate using the selected wireless communication channel; and instructing the rad

Abstract: An in-line generator fits between the engine and transmission of a conventional motor vehicle. The in-line generator comprises an externally cooled housing having a first end that is mounted to the engine in place of the transmission. The transmission is secured to the housing second end in the same manner as the transmission would normally be secured to the engine. One end of a rotor is fastened to the engine crankshaft. A coupling is attached to the rotor second end and to the transmission input shaft. When the engine is operated, the rotor rotates to cooperate with a stator in the housing to produce electric power. The rotor also transmits torque to the transmission to propel the motor vehicle. The coupling includes a flex plate that accommodates thermal expansion of the rotor and other generator parts. The in-line generator can be removed from the vehicle and the transmission resecured to the engine as in a normal vehicle should the in-line generator require repair.

Abstract: An illuminated retractor provides illumination to a surgical field deep in a cavity in a patient's back. The illuminated retractor has a first blade that is inserted into the cavity and hooks on a vertebrae. A second blade lies on the patient's back. Weights applied to the second blade hold the cavity open. Fiber optic cables are embedded in the illuminated retractor. Output ends of the fiber optic cables terminate at a step in the first blade. Input ends of the fiber optic cables extend from a second blade and are gathered into a fitting. By connecting the fitting to a source of illumination, light is provided by the fiber optic cables output ends to the surgical field. The illuminated retractor first blade is smooth and occupies minimum space so as to not interfere with the surgeon's fingers or instruments.