Abstract: The disclosure provides a system having a cage mounted in an air-moving system, such as a wet and dry vacuum cleaner, which provides energy-absorbing structural ribbing for a more robust cage. The energy-absorbing ribs can tolerate impacts better than the relatively stiff, axial ribs aligned in a longitudinal direction of the cage found in prior efforts. The energy-absorbing ribs are formed in a non-aligned direction to the longitudinal axis, that is, at some non-zero angle to the axis. Circumferential ribs can be formed at some angle to the energy-absorbing ribs.

Abstract: A densimeter contains an inlet pipe section, a second pipe section joined to the downstream end of the inlet pipe section, and an outlet pipe section joined to the downstream end of the second pipe section. The inlet and outlet pipe sections are constrained by a support structure, while flexible couplings allow the second section of pipe to undergo a limited amount of radial motion relative to the adjacent pipe sections. The weight of the second pipe section is supported by a weight measuring unit, which continuously measures the weight of the second pipe section as fluid flows through the densimeter. One preferred embodiment of the invention uses the densimeter to measure the density of a proppant in a blender system for preparing fluid mixtures for fracturing and propping oil bearing geological formations.

Abstract: A coated titanium dioxide pigment with good opacity and simultaneously good retention for use in decorative laminating paper characterized by a surface coating containing aluminum oxide phosphate and attached hollow bodies, e.g., hollow microbodies. A manufacturing method is characterized in that an aluminum containing component and a phosphorus containing component are first added to a TiO2 suspension, during which time the pH value does not drop below 10. The hollow bodies are subsequently added, followed by addition of at least one acidic component, as a result of which the pH value of the suspension is lowered to the range from about 4 to 9. In an alternative embodiment of the method, the suspension has a pH value of under 4 at the time of addition of the aluminum containing component and a phosphorus containing component.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for a multimedia user interface for an automated diagnostic hearing test. The user interface provides a means for a patient to interact with the automated hearing test to complete each test. The patient is given instructions and guidance for every test, and can call the operator at any point for help. Warning messages and progress indicators are provided to help the patient gauge his progress. Such an arrangement allows the patient to test his own hearing with minimal or no assistance from an audiologist or other hearing health professional. The user interface also allows the operator to configure the automated hearing test as needed.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for automated testing of a patient's hearing. The automated hearing test allows the patient to quickly and accurately test his own hearing with minimal or no assistance from an audiologist or other hearing health professionals. The test prompts and instructs the patient for inputs and responses as needed as needed. The patient can select one or several tests to be performed, including air and bone conduction testing with masking, speech reception threshold, speech discrimination, and tympanogram/acoustic reflex testing. Multiple languages are supported. Data obtained from one test may be used for another test or another iteration of the same test to calculate masking levels. The automatic hearing test also detects ambient noise and can compensate for it in the test results. If a contingency occurs, the automated hearing test is configured to page the operator for assistance.

Abstract: Polymeric plumbing fixtures such as sinks, lavatories and tubs are disclosed that comprise a thermoformed or molded interior shell having a top side with a relatively smooth, polymeric surface; a polymeric reinforcing layer bonded to the underside of the shell; and a thermoformed or polymeric cap nestably engageable with the underside of the reinforced shell. The cap cooperates with the shell to encapsulate the reinforcing layer and the reinforcing layer bonds the cap the shell to form a unitary structure. The polymeric cap thereby provides an attractive, finished surface on the underside of the resultant fixture. The structural configuration disclosed herein is particularly preferred for use in making kitchen sinks. A method for making the subject fixtures is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adaptive gate drive for an inverter includes control circuitry having a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and includes power circuitry having a plurality of FETs for operating a switching device, such as a Trench Gate Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT device). The control circuitry provides switching signals for operating the switching device. In addition, the control circuitry receives signals of output current of the IGBT device, temperature of the IGBT device, and DC link voltage. The FPGA has a plurality of operating points stored therein. Each operating point has corresponding parameters for a control signal that is used to control the turn-on or turn-off behavior of the IGBT device. During operation, the control circuitry compares the measured current, voltage and temperature operating points stored in the FPGA and sends the corresponding parameters to the gate drive circuit.

Abstract: A field-adjustable motor control system includes a motor, an inverter coupled to provide energization to the motor, a controller coupled to the inverter, and a field adjustment circuit that provides field adjustment signals to the controller. The controller provides signals to control the output of the inverter in response to received input control signals and field adjustment signals. The input control signals define the controller's operating state that corresponds to a desired system operating state. The field adjustment signals and input control signals define a desired output parameter of the inverter for an operating state. In certain embodiments, fail-safe circuitry is also provided that includes a relay receiving controller signals. The relay's input is coupled to a line power and to the inverter output. The relay's output is coupled to the motor. If the controller fails, the relay couples the line power to the motor.

Abstract: A motor mounting assembly includes a motor mount member having a first and second generally opposing sides. A generally U-shaped channel is formed in the second side of the motor mount member extending around its periphery to form a lip extending from the first side of the motor mounting member. The U-shaped channel allows slight movement of the motor mount member in a radial direction to absorb vibrations from a motor attached thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cable-air management adapter system (“CAMAS”) that addresses airflow, heat buildup and cable routing concerns in enclosures that house electronic equipment. The CAMAS allows users to work from a single frame to increase an enclosure's size by adding multiple expansion channels that form a platform on which multiple airflow, heat dissipation and cable support management options are installed, eliminating the need to replace the enclosure.