Abstract: Method and apparatus for locating and quantifying sound sources using an array of acoustic vector probes (200). Signals received at the probes are converted to digital form and fed into a digital signal processor (400) which computes the sound pressure and the sound-intensity vector at each probe. The set of sound-intensity vectors measured by the array provides a set of directions to a sound source (100) whose approximate spatial coordinates are determined using a least-squares triangulation formula. The sound-intensity vectors also determine sound-power flow from the source. In addition sound pressure measured by the probes can be phased to form a sensitivity beam (250) for scanning a source. Sound-intensity measurements made concurrently can be used to determine the spatial coordinates of the part being scanned and the sound power radiated by that part. Results are displayed on a computer screen or other device (500) permitting an operator to interact with and control the apparatus.

Abstract: A saw table for sheet material includes a platform having an abutment stop along one edge for engaging and locating sheet material supported on the platform. A mast is disposed adjacent to the platform edge for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the platform. A boom extends from the mast over the platform, and has an elongated track perpendicular to the axis of the mast. A carriage is carried by the boom for movement along the track. The carriage is adapted for mounting a saw, such as a circular saw, such that movement of the carriage along the track brings the saw into engagement with sheet material supported on the platform against the abutment stop.

Abstract: A stuffed textile article and method of manufacturing the same has at least one compartment having a baffle gate which receives a tube-like stuffing tool through which loose stuffing is blown into the compartment. Upon removal of the tool, the surrounding layers and panels which define the compartment are placed under tension by the stuffing causing the baffle gates to automatically close upon removal of the tool permanently preventing migration of the stuffing out of the compartment. The gate has a primary panel secured to the top and bottom layers of the article and an adjacent secondary panel at least partially covering the primary panel. The primary panel has a slit and the secondary panel has a slot. Taken individually, the slit and slot are each preferably longer than the thickness of the stuffed textile article and longer than half the circumference of the stuffing tool.

Abstract: An ink flow control device for a printer having at least one print head includes a main body, an ink flow passage formed at least in part in the main body and constructed and arranged to communicate a supply of ink with a print head, a diaphragm carried by the main body and defining at least part of a pressure receiving chamber on one side of the diaphragm that forms part of the ink flow passage and a reference chamber on the other side of the diaphragm, a valve operably connected to the diaphragm and being moved by the diaphragm to control ink flow through the ink flow passage.

Abstract: A method and system for operating an engine wherein ignition of the engine is activated according to a predetermined timing schedule that references engine speed, and the ignition is suppressed above a predetermined engine speed threshold to allow engine speed to fall below the predetermined engine speed threshold. Thereafter, ignition is reactivated according to timing that is retarded relative to the predetermined timing schedule for a predetermined number of engine revolutions substantially when the engine speed has fallen below the predetermined engine speed threshold, thereby mitigating undesirable spikes in combustion chamber maximum pressure.

Abstract: A combination artificial airway device and esophageal obturator (10) includes a esophageal cuff (16) and supraglottic cuff (14) that are inflated in a sequence to provide quick isolation of the esophagus relative to the tracheal air passage. The supraglottic cuff is asymmetrical in shape with a wedge like or cone like shape that is ergonomically shaped for providing less trauma to the pharyngeal tissues. A pressure indicator (25) surrounds a pilot balloon (28) for continuous monitoring of the internal pressure within the cuffs (14 & 16).

Abstract: A multiple-channel, single stage, turbine fuel pump impeller, preferably for use with vehicle fuel delivery systems. The impeller includes independent inner and outer vane arrays concentrically disposed to one another and radially spaced apart. The inner and outer vane arrays respectively communicate with independent inner and outer pumping chambers, each of which receives fuel at an inlet end from a common fuel inlet passage and expels fuel at an outlet end into a common fuel outlet passage. Furthermore, the pumping efficiency and overall performance of the pump is increased by utilizing an impeller where each vane: i) includes a linear root segment and a curved tip segment, ii) has a V-shape that opens in the direction of rotation, and iii) includes a rounded surface or radius on a trailing edge, to name but a few of the attributes of the vanes.

Abstract: A process for treating a coil end is provided, by which upon automatic winding of the coil, an electric connection between a portion of a wire at the front or rear end of the coil and a terminal of a winding object by arc welding can be securely carried out. A stripping section strips an insulating coating off from the portions of the wire at the front and rear ends of the coil while the wire is wound around the winding object with the portions of the wire being bound to the terminal. Each portion of the wire, the insulating coating of which is stripped off, bound to the terminal is electrically connected to the terminal by arc welding.

Abstract: A vacuum servo brake has an input member by which a valve arrangement may be acted upon at an input force to connect a working chamber selectively to the outside or to a vacuum chamber (separated from the working chamber by a piston which may be brought into operative connection with a main cylinder via an output member to generate a braking pressure). Provided on the piston is an elastomeric reaction member through which a reaction force may be applied to the input member. The output member has a stop which, with a predetermined input force, abuts against the working piston to alter an amplification ratio of the brake. Arranged adjacent to the reaction member is at least one volume take-up means into which part of the reaction member may be displaced in the event of the vacuum servo brake being actuated. Furthermore, the stop is preferably of resilient construction.

Abstract: A prosthetic mounting device for securing a prosthetic device on bone tissue. The device includes a bone screw and a prosthetic abutment attached to an aft end of the screw. The abutment engages and rigidly supports a prosthesis. A tapered collar extends radially outward from around the aft end of the threaded shaft. In one embodiment, the device also includes an installation handle connected to and extending axially from the abutment. A rotary driver is used to engage and rotate the handle. The handle detaches from the abutment under a predetermined torque load both to cue an installer that increased bone density requires that a different instrument be used and that bone density is sufficient to support both initial and long-term stabilization.

Abstract: A charge forming apparatus for delivering a controlled mixture of fuel-and-air to an engine has a butterfly-type throttle-choke valve disposed in a fuel-and-air mixing passage. Incoming air flowing through a downstream primary venturi of the mixing passage creates a strong negative pressure which induces fuel flow through a feed passage into the venturi from a fuel metering chamber held at near atmospheric pressure. When the engine is decelerating, substantial closure of the choke valve creates a secondary venturi having a vacuum which dynamically counters the effect of the primary venturi vacuum reducing fuel flow through the feed passage and causing the engine to run leaner and preventing egine stalls and reducing emmissions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a decorative mass of fiber fluff wherein a source of supply of staple fibers made of natural or synthetic textile fiber and arranged in continuous form, such as in a strand of yarn, are provided as a pattern array of discrete streams of different selected colors with the colors being uniform in each stream and comprising at least one base color and one contrasting color. The array stream of fibers is fed as an array of multiple strands of yarn into a carding operation wherein the fibers are brushed or carded from their input form into card or brush clothing to thereby only partially intermix fibers of at least two different colors in the bristles or wires of the card or brush clothing. The accumulated fibers are then removed from the clothing to form a pillow batt or roving having a streaked appearance representative of the original colors of the individual yarn strands, and with a partial intermixing and blending of the streaks of one color with those of another.

Abstract: A coupler for use in joining two pipes in a butt joint. The coupler includes a band clamp and a split sealing sleeve disposed inside to band clamp for encircling the abutted ends of the pipes. The split sealing sleeve has a tongue-and-groove sealing joint at the confronting free ends of the sleeve. The sealing joint has a member at the mating edges to provide a resilient interference fit of the tongue-and-groove.

Abstract: A rotatable vacuum has a passage through a spindle (32). The spindle protrudes through a bushing (30) and forms an annular chamber (46) therebetween that is connectable to a vacuum source through 360° of rotation.

Abstract: A fuel vapor separator includes a polymeric body that preferably has a polymeric canister and a polymeric lid secured to the canister to define a liquid tight enclosure. The enclosure is preferably divided into at least two chambers. One chamber preferably receives liquid fuel and communicates with a heat exchanger to cool the supply of liquid fuel therein. Vapor is trapped in a vapor dome area above the liquid fuel and is vented through a vent valve carried by the fuel vapor separator. The other chamber of the enclosure preferably receives a high pressure fuel pump adapted to receive liquid fuel from the first chamber, and to deliver liquid fuel under pressure to the engine. Preferably, the chamber in which the fuel pump is received is communicated with a coolant to facilitate cooling the fuel pump in use.

Abstract: A process for preparing optically pure enantiomers of R-(?)tamsulosin of formiula Ia and S-(+)tamsulosin of formula Ib by resolving racemic tamsulosin of formula I by means of (IR)-(?)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid and (1S)-(+)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid, resp., in an environment of organic solvents, water or mixtures thereof.