Abstract: A triangular microphone assembly (101) for use in a vehicle accessory includes a mirror housing (106) adapted for attachment to the interior of the vehicle. A mirror is disposed in an opening of the mirror housing (106) and a plurality of virtual digital microphones (108a, 108b, 108c) are arranged in a substantially triangular configuration in the mirror housing (106). A digital signal processor (DSP) (537) is used for receiving signals from the plurality of digital microphones (108a, 108b, 108c) such that the digital microphones exhibit directional characteristics for reducing undesirable noise in at least one direction by normalizing the phase of the received signals as a function of signal frequency.

Abstract: A waste disposal system includes a basin having a bottom and at least one side. A retainer is disposed in the basin. A plurality of flexible nets are disposed in the basin. A securing rim is in abutting contact over the at least one side edge of the basin. The plurality of nets have at least one edge disposed between the securing rim and the basin.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.

Abstract: A paver assembly includes a substrate member having a bottom wall adapted to support the paver assembly above a roof surface, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and at least one engagement member extending above the bottom wall, and an over-molded paver member having a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a top surface adapted to support a person thereon, wherein the bottom surface is molded about the at least one engagement member, thereby securing the paver member to the substrate member.

Abstract: A method of making a cementitious composition comprises (a) selecting at least one pozzolanic particulate material; (b) selecting and grinding at least one feldspar material to a fineness of at least 3000 Blaine; (c) mixing calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide with gypsum; (d) mixing the ground feldspar with the lime-gypsum mixture to produce an activator; (e) conditioning the pozzolanic particulate material with an aqueous solution; (f) adding the activator to the conditioned material to produce a slurry; and (g) curing the slurry in a sealed container. The pozzolanic particulate material can be slag, fly ash, or siliceous rock. A cementitious composition of the invention comprises a pozzolanic particulate material, a ground feldspar material, a lime compound and gypsum, and uses readily available materials, as an economic replacement for Portland cement, fly ash or other materials in filling, backfilling and paving, particularly for backfilling or stabilizing mine sites.

Abstract: An apparatus for vehicle door deflection and movement control. The apparatus includes a primary electromagnetic device disposed generally in a vehicle door frame or generally in an area of a vehicle body adjacent the vehicle door frame, and a controller for activating the primary electromagnetic device to push or pull the vehicle door frame. The apparatus may further include a sensor for measuring vehicle door deflection during vehicle movement. The controller may activate the primary electromagnetic device based on deflection measurements by the sensor to pull the vehicle door frame to generally cancel the vehicle door deflection.

Abstract: A conveyor belt has a mono-ply construction comprising a central fabric ply, top and bottom cover layers and a connection interconnecting the opposite ends of the belt. The top and bottom cover layers are removed from the opposite ends of the belt to define exposed fabric ply regions which are arranged in a mutually overlapping relationship. Two connection plates extend generally over the entire width of the conveyor belt on opposite sides thereof, and fasteners extend through the connection plates and the opposite ends of the conveyor belt to form a secure, yet flexible, connection.

Abstract: An energy storage mechanism for folding seats for vehicles and the like includes an energy-storing component such as a spring that assists in moving the seat or other component. The mechanism provides for relatively small user input forces and distances, yet provides a relatively large force acting over a relatively large distance as an output of the mechanism. The mechanism may be configured to provide for a single user input/release, without requiring powered actuators or the like.

Abstract: A data acquisition system and method are described that may be used with various spectrometers. The data acquisition system may include an ion detector, an initial processing module, and a spectra processing module. The initial processing module is provided for processing the ion detection signals and for supplying processed signals to the spectra processing module. The spectra processing module generates spectra from the processed signals and supplies the generated spectra to an external processor for post-processing. The spectra processing module may include one or more of: a cross-spectra filter for filtering data in each spectra as a function of data in at least one prior spectra; a shaping filter for removing skew and shoulders from the processed signals; a sharpening filter for sharpening the peaks of the processed signals to effectively deconvolve and separate overlapping peaks; an ion statistics filter; and a peak histogram filtering circuit.

Abstract: An entry assembly includes a frame and a gate. The frame has a first side and a second side. The gate is connected to the frame. The gate defines a demarcation between the first side and the second side of the frame. The gate is pivotable about the frame along at least two axes of rotation. Each axis of rotation intersects at least one of the at least two axes of rotation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carpet material that typically includes applying a coating to a substrate where the coating includes the reaction product of a B-side that includes an esterified vegetable oil-based polyol and a catalyst and an A-side that includes an isocyanate and the reaction product of a B-side that includes a vegetable oil-based polyol and a catalyst and an A-side that includes an isocyanate. The polyols may optionally be blown, oxylated, and/or neutralized.

Abstract: An improved image acquisition and processing system includes an image sensor and one or more processors that are configured to receive at least a portion of at least one image from the image sensor. The dynamic aim of the image sensor is configured as a function of at least one feature extracted from at least a portion of an image. The processors are further configured to generate at least one vehicle equipment control signal as a function of the extracted feature.

Abstract: A motor system and method thereof are provided, wherein the system includes an energy storage device, a piston assembly including a magnet, at least two end assemblies in operable communication with the piston assembly, and includes first and second end assemblies, each having an electromagnet. The motor system further includes a controller that controls a supply of electrical power to first and second electromagnets of the first and second end assemblies, such that a first polarity of the first electromagnet is opposite a second polarity of the second electromagnet, and the first and second polarities are intermittingly altered by the supply of electrical power, so the magnet of the piston assembly is attracted and repelled from the first and second end assemblies.

Abstract: A bimini extender fits overlappingly onto and extends forward of a pontoon's primary bimini for extended shade. The bimini extender includes a flexible cover that is at least about one-third of the deck surface area of the pontoon boat, a framework configured for attachment to one or both of the deck and pontoon's perimeter railing, a rear attachment structure for attaching the flexible cover to one of the deck, perimeter railing, and primary bimini, and a front attachment structure for attaching the flexible cover to the framework. The flexible cover shades an “extra” portion of the deck surface area. The bimini extender is made to be collapsible, removable, and storable, and further is made with robust and lower-cost components including a novel railing clamp, yet is aesthetic, durable and easily installable/removable.