Abstract: A voice recognition system includes a microphone for receiving speech from a user and processing electronics. The processing electronics are in communication with the microphone and are configured to use a plurality of rules to evaluate user interactions with the voice recognition system. The processing electronics automatically determine and set an expertise level in response to and based on the evaluation. The processing electronics are configured to automatically adjust at least one setting of the voice recognition system in response to the set expertise level.

Abstract: A voice recognition system includes a microphone for receiving speech from a user and processing electronics. The processing electronics are in communication with the microphone and are configured to use a plurality of rules to evaluate user interactions with the voice recognition system. The processing electronics automatically determine and set an expertise level in response to and based on the evaluation. The processing electronics are configured to automatically adjust at least one setting of the voice recognition system in response to the set expertise level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication system for in-vehicle systems, and in particular, to a wireless communication system for a hands free telephone system configured to received text messages. A remote source, such as a cell phone, PDA or the like, is used to modify, configure and add new messages and preference data on the communication system. The modified, configured and new messages are used to respond to messages received on the remote source and/or on the communication system.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs including amorphous polymeric fibers with improved and/or more convenient bondability are disclosed. The nonwoven fibrous webs may include only amorphous polymeric fibers or they may include additional components in addition to amorphous polymeric fibers. The amorphous polymeric fibers within the web may be autogeneously bonded or autogeneously bondable. The amorphous polymeric fibers may be characterized as varying in morphology over the length of continuous fibers so as to provide longitudinal segments that differ from one another in softening characteristics during a selected bonding operation.

Abstract: A printable moisture management fabric including a hydrophilic yarn layer, and first and second hydrophobic yarn layers. The first and second hydrophobic yarn layers may be respectively disposed against opposing faces of said hydrophilic yarn layer to sandwich said hydrophilic yarn layer between said respective first and second hydrophobic yarn layers. The first and second hydrophobic yarn layers may be printable on outer surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs comprise fibers of uniform diameter that vary in morphology along their length. The variation provides longitudinal segments that exhibit distinctive softening characteristics during a bonding operation. Some segments soften under the conditions of the bonding operation and bond to other fibers of the web, and other segments are passive during the bonding operation. Webs as described can be formed by a method that comprises a) extruding filaments of fiber-forming material; b) directing the filaments through a processing chamber in which the filaments are subjected to longitudinal stress; c) subjecting the filaments to turbulent flow conditions after they exit the processing chamber; and d) collecting the processed filaments; the temperature of the filaments being controlled so that at least some of the filaments solidify while in the turbulent field.

Abstract: A new fiber-forming method, and related apparatus, and webs prepared by the new method and apparatus are taught. In the new method a) a stream of filaments is extruded from a die of known width and thickness; b) the stream of extruded filaments is directed through a processing chamber that is defined by two narrowly separated walls that are parallel to one another, parallel to said width of the die, and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stream of extruded filaments; c) the stream of filaments passed through the processing chamber is intercepted on a collector where the filaments are collected as a nonwoven fibrous web; and d) a spacing between the walls of the processing chamber is selected that causes the stream of extruded filaments to spread before it reaches the collector and be collected as a web significantly wider in width than the die. Generally the increase in width is sufficient to be economically significant, e.g., to reduce costs of web manufacture.

Abstract: The invention provides an easily adjustable foot-operated pedal assembly, such as a brake pedal for use in heavy equipment, that can be placed in multiple positions to accommodate people of differing heights and body shapes. The pedal is mounted in an assembly including a dual linkage operating apparatus having one element of that linkage that freely rotates about a shaft. A second link of the pedal linkage is connected to a fixed link through an adjustment mechanism. The fixed link is fixedly mounted to the same shaft as the pedal link. The adjustment mechanism incorporates a latch that has multiple settings yielding three or more pedal positions. The pedal is urged upwardly to effect adjustment to raise the pedal. A latch bar of the pedal assembly is urged up to allow lowering of the pedal.

Abstract: A process is provided to strip a metallic coating from a turbine blade comprising attaching the blade to a positive lead from a power supply, submersing a portion of the blade with a metallic coating to be stripped into a bath of acidic electro stripping solution, said bath containing a negative lead from a power supply attached to a conductive grid; and providing a current to the blade in the bath for a period of time effective to remove the coating on the portion of the blade.

Abstract: A braking system controlled by an operator's pedal for a vehicle equipped with a mechanically actuated brake clutch pack in which a cam is rotated in response to movement of a brake pedal to operate a pressure-modulating hydraulic valve to direct fluid pressure to an hydraulic actuator extendable under pressure to engage a force transfer member secured to an actuator rod, which rod is connected to apply the clutch pack when tensioned.

Abstract: A flush mounted hinge assembly for pivotally mounting a heavy closure on an armored vehicle such that the closure is disposed within an opening in the vehicle hull and is pivotal at least 180.degree. to an open position comprises two pairs of first and second hinge plates pivotally connected to intermediate hinge members so as to enable the first and second hinge plates to pivot about substantially parallel axes with respect to the intermediate hinge members. The hinge plates are disposed within recesses in the exterior surfaces of the closure and the hull, and the intermediate hinge members are mounted on an outwardly facing surface of a floating link member which extends between the intermediate hinge members and which constrains the intermediate hinge members for concerted movement.