Abstract: Various methods and systems disclosed compand audio signals using signal prediction, followed by expansion and reconstruction. The methods and systems compress and expand an error signal that represents deviations between samples of the original signal and predicted samples. Each predicted sample is generated by an extrapolation based on a sub-sequence of prior samples of the original signal. A time series of correction samples based on the error signal as it is received from the analog channel after amplitude expansion. Output samples are then generated from the sums of the correction samples and respective predicted samples of a second time series, each of which is extrapolated based on a sub-sequence of prior correction samples. Numerous variations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that determines a spatial position of a tracker device relative to an object sending a return signal to the tracker. Such a system advantageously maintains phase accuracy between a forward signal from the tracker device and the return signal from the object. The system can include, as part of a tracker device, a reference signal generator, a transmitter, a receiver, and a spatial position computer. The reference signal generator is responsive to and phase-stabilized by a broadcast signal, e.g., a signal received from a commercial AM broadcast transmitter. The transmitter and receiver are both coupled to and phase-stabilized by the tracker reference signal generator. Variations and methods with different advantageous features are also described.

Abstract: In a disclosed method for authenticating a digital signature key, a record is prepared that includes an integrated combination of indicia uniquely corresponding to the key, and indicia of a covenant not to repudiate any digital signature made with the key except under specified conditions. The owner of the key performs a legally accepted execution of the record, whereby he enters into a covenant with any bearer of the record not to repudiate any digital signature made with the key except under the specified conditions.

Abstract: An exemplary signal processing system determines vector mismatch between a plurality of signal paths. Advantageously, the system can determine mismatch across a range of frequencies. A signal generator of the system can provide a periodic calibration signal having a plurality of frequency components. The system frequency can translate the calibration signal to provide a first set of observed samples. The first sample set can be compared to a second set of samples, which can be modeled by a function of parameters including an estimated vector mismatch and a plurality of basis functions. A value of vector mismatch can then be determined (at least to an estimate) that minimizes the difference between the first sample set and the second sample set. Methods and other systems with different advantageous configurations are also described.

Abstract: A disclosed accelerator pedal offset system includes a first connector that can be coupled to an accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle and a second connector that can be coupled, in place of the accelerator pedal, to an engine control module of the vehicle. The second connector is coupled to the first connector via a plurality of electrical conductors. The system further includes a resistor selectably connected across a first pair of the electrical conductors. The selectable connection is implemented with an electrically activated switch that connects between each resistor and its respective pair of electrical conductors. In such a configuration, the resistor can be connected across its pair of electrical conductors to apply an accelerator signal offset, and disconnected to remove the offset. Variations and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain disclosed methods and systems perform multiple different types of message recognition using a shared language model. Message recognition of a first type is performed responsive to a first type of message input (e.g., speech), to provide text data in accordance with both the shared language model and a first model specific to the first type of message recognition (e.g., an acoustic model). Message recognition of a second type is performed responsive to a second type of message input (e.g., handwriting), to provide text data in accordance with both the shared language model and a second model specific to the second type of message recognition (e.g., a model that determines basic units of handwriting conveyed by freehand input). Accuracy of both such message recognizers can be improved by user correction of misrecognition by either one of them. Numerous other methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Global positioning system inputs are used in a manufacturing process where location of a work piece relative to a robotic manipulator is input into a control system. The manipulator is located and tracked by using “GPS” signals, as is an associated work piece. Radio signal based position indicators associated with work pieces transmit work piece location and status. In some embodiments manipulator locations are sensed by position indicators associated with manipulators and signals relating to the position of the manipulators are transmitted to the control system. The control system controls the manipulator and may also control material handling equipment for the transport of work pieces.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that determines a spatial position of a tracker device relative to an object sending a return signal to the tracker. Such a system advantageously maintains phase accuracy between a forward signal from the tracker device and the return signal generator from the object. The system can include, as part of a tracker device, a reference signal generator, a transmitter, a receiver, and a spatial position computer. The reference signal generator is responsive to and phase-stabilized by a broadcast signal, e.g., a signal received from a commercial AM broadcast transmitter. The transmitter and receiver are both coupled to and phase-stabilized by the tracker reference signal generator. Variations and methods with different advantageous features are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for displaying data on a head's-up display screen. Multiple forms of data can be selectively displayed on a semi-transparent screen mounted in the user's normal field of view. The screen can either be mounted on the user's head, or mounted on a moveable implement and positioned in front of the user. A user interface is displayed on the screen including a moveable cursor and a menu of computer control icons. An eye-tracking system is mounted proximate the user and is employed to control movement of the cursor. By moving and focusing his or her eyes on a specific icon, the user controls the cursor to move to select the icon. When an icon is selected, a command computer is controlled to acquire and display data on the screen. The data is typically superimposed over the user's normal field of view.

Abstract: A disclosed flying craft includes a suspension structure having a first end and a second end, a lift unit, and a payload unit. The lift unit includes a nacelle and a tailboom, and pivotally couples to the first end of the suspension structure, and a payload unit couples to the structure's second end. Thus the tailboom can pivotally couple with respect to the payload unit, which advantageously permits the tailboom to assume an orientation desirable for a particular mode of flight. During vertical flight or hover, the tailboom can hang from the lift unit in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the suspension structure and that minimizes resistance to downwash from the lift unit. During horizontal flight, the tailboom can be orthogonal to the suspension structure, extending rearward in an orientation where it can develop pitching and yawing moments to control and stabilize horizontal flight. Advantageous variations and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An audio photograph or picture 2 made of a photograph or picture material 6 having an image area 12 for providing at least one photographic or picture image and further having an audio system 4 embedded within the photograph or picture material 6. The audio system 4 comprises a recording system for recording and storing audio information and a playback system for playing audio information. The components of the audio system 4 are made from ultra-thin, compact, and flexible materials, and these components are made paper-thin.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and displaying three-dimensional images of a scene 6 on a screen 12 that provides multiple viewing positions for one or more viewers 16. A stereoscopic video capture system 2 and 4 picks up video images 3 and 5 of the scene 6. A video signal processing unit processes the video images into video signals. The video signal processing unit has a graphics controller 8 for controlling and processing the video signals into stereoscopic display signals. A display unit 10 displays the stereoscopic display signals as stereoscopic display images on the screen 12, and the graphics controller 8 manipulates the stereoscopic display images to provide multiple viewing positions of the stereoscopic display signals on the display unit 10 of the screen 12 to the one or more viewers 16. Multiple viewing angles and distances are provided for the one or more viewers 16. The stereoscopic display images are oscillated to provide multiple viewing angles.

Abstract: A disclosed vertical lift flying craft includes a lift unit that, during operation, develops a force including an upward component. A payload unit suspends from the lift unit. The payload unit suspends from the lift unit in such a way as to impart lateral stability while remaining capable of horizontal flight, without incurring the adverse effects of a downward pitching moment. In addition to a lift unit and a payload unit, the vertical lift flying craft includes a pair of bearings and a suspension structure, which cooperate to suspend the payload unit from the lift unit. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disclosed breast milk expression system supports a pair of breast milk collection devices at the breasts of a nursing mother, allowing her to express breast milk while keeping her hands free. No special bra or other garment is required to provide support. The system includes a substantially rigid bar, a strap, and a pair of breast milk collection device connectors at or near opposite ends of the bar. The strap is comprised of a length of slender, flexible support material, significantly longer than the bar. The strap extends from a point at or near one end of the bar to a point at or near another end of the bar and can suspend from a nursing mother's neck, thereby suspending a pair of breast milk collection devices near the nursing mother's breasts to express milk from them. Numerous variations and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a power distribution block and a set of connectors that are configured to be removably coupled to the power distribution block. The exemplary system is useful for distributing power (pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, etc.). The set of connectors includes connectors of at least two types. The block includes two or more conduction paths that each have two opposite ends. The block and connectors are configured such that one or more connectors of any type in the set can be removably coupled to at least one of the conduction paths, at either end of the paths. Each end of each conduction path connects (both electrically and mechanically) to no more than one connector. Methods and other systems with different advantageous configurations are also described.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer particles (e.g., granules or fragments) employed as filter media, e.g., for filtering runoff water, include an antimicrobial compound on exterior surfaces and can reduce proliferation of microbial organisms as well as sorb chemical contaminants from the water. By employing this dual decontamination action, filter systems employing such particles can improve the quality of runoff water (or other contaminated water streams) and reduce the risk presented by potentially harmful organisms.

Abstract: A dual-mode hose roller including a crank and a mounting plate may be used to roll up collapsed hose into either a compact hose roll or an expanded hose coil. The crank and mounting plate are arranged to facilitate transmission of torque from the crank to the desired type of hose winding. When a compact hose roll is desired, torque is transmitted directly to the hose. When an expanded hose coil is desired, torque is transmitted to the hose through the mounting plate and several extension arms. The extension arms are sized so that the hose roller forms an expanded hose coil having a suitable diameter for structural fire hose. The mounting plate is rotatably mounted on a fixed support through a bearing and, optionally, a ratchet mechanism. Using the hose roller, preparation is made for fighting a structural fire arranging a section of collapsed hose into a hose bundle. A section of hose is rolled up into an expanded hose coil and arranged into a number of hose loops to form a hose bundle.

Abstract: A fuzzy logic based emergency flight control system for an aircraft. The system has a thrust vectoring flight control system, an aerodynamic flight control system, and a fuzzy logic controller. The thrust vectoring flight control system provides thrust to the aircraft in an emergency situation alone or in combination with aerodynamic flight controls. The fuzzy logic controller executes fuzzy logic algorithms for assessing the emergency situation and controlling the aircraft thrust vectoring and aerodynamic flight control systems in the emergency situation. An adjustable nozzle is coupled to an exhaust thrust end of an engine of the aircraft and is angularly adjusted to direct thrust of the aircraft in a determined direction after fuzzy logic controller assessment of the emergency situation.

Abstract: An RF tuner and tuning method employs analog quadrature mixing with a coarse-stepwise tunable local oscillator to a near-baseband passband region, followed by A/D conversion of the I and Q signals, correction of phase, group delay, and amplitude errors, image rejection, and translation to baseband by (1) fixed frequency translation, (2) stepwise channelized translation, or (3) essentially continuously variable tuning over a given digital tuning range. The near-baseband passband region is sized and located such that alternating image rejection provides non-redundant and complete tuning coverage of a desired high frequency spectrum with a local oscillator step size equal to about twice the digital tuning range or about twice the number of channels digitally stepwise tunable times the channel width, effectively doubling the typical local oscillator step size.

Abstract: An audio photograph or picture 2 made of a photograph or picture material 6 having an image area 12 for providing at least one photographic or picture image and further having an audio system 4 embedded within the photograph or picture material 6. The audio system 4 comprises a recording system for recording and storing audio information and a playback system for playing audio information. The components of the audio system 4 are made from ultra-thin, compact, and flexible materials, and these components are made paper-thin.