Abstract: According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, a safety control system for vehicles, includes, a communication device having at least one of an input accessible from within the vehicle and an output communicated within the vehicle, at least one sensor operable to sense at least one condition related to vehicle operation, and a controller communicated with the sensor and the communication device to selectively suppress at least one of said input and said output in response to a sensed parameter of said at least one condition being outside of a threshold. When an input is suppressed, the driver is prevented from accessing or inputting information into the communication device. When an output is suppressed, communication between the device and the driver of a vehicle is suppressed to, among other things, avoid distracting the driver during certain driving situations or conditions relating to the driver, vehicle and/or environment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for vibrometry, gauging, condition monitoring and feedback control of robots, using one or more ultrasonic probes (100) that are non-contact and form a focused beam. The ultrasonic probe is driven by a pulser-receiver (120) controlled by a computer. The probe has a substantially spherical transducer surface (75) that forms the focused beam within a gas or a liquid. The curvature of the transducer surface determines the focal length (25) and the extent of the focal region (50) of the beam. For greatest lateral accuracy, measurements are made within the focal length, where beam is narrowest. Diameter (80) of the probe determines the size of the beam, which can be chosen to satisfy a particular application. The focused beam has acoustic depth of field (85), which is the furthest distance from the probe to a surface (90) that can return a measurable echo to a pulse emitted by the probe.

Abstract: A voice dialing method includes the steps of receiving an utterance from a user, decoding the utterance to identify a recognition result for the utterance, and communicating to the user the recognition result. If an indication is received from the user that the communicated recognition result is incorrect, then it is added to a rejection reference. Then, when the user repeats the misunderstood utterance, the rejection reference can be used to eliminate the incorrect recognition result as a potential subsequent recognition result. The method can be used for single or multiple digits or digit strings.

Abstract: A twin strand conveyor uses roller chains to move pallets along straight conveyor sections and an unpowered corner assembly that enables the pallets to glide around corners of the conveyor. The pallets are transferred from an upstream conveyor section into the corner assembly using a corner injection unit that includes powered rollers that lift the pallets off the roller chains an onto a set of ball transfers that support the pallets as they glide through the corner assembly. A pickup unit having powered rollers draws the pallets off the ball transfers and onto the roller chains of the downstream conveyor section. Side guides are used to direct the pallets around the turn and onto the downstream conveyor section. One or more movable guides can be used in conjunction with a third or more conveyor sections to permit selective diverting of the pallets between the different conveyor sections.

Abstract: An insert for a deburring tool is used to machine openings of bores that are formed in metal work pieces. In an exemplary embodiment, the insert has an inward portion, a central portion connected to the inward portion, and an outward portion connected to the central portion. The central portion has a dovetail-shaped retaining feature that attaches the insert to the deburring tool.

Abstract: A system and method for making vehicle originated calls to a telematics service provider or other call center. The method includes identifying a call type associated with a desired wireless communication of speech or data to the call center, and then carrying out one of a number of different call connection processes depending on the call type. For voice channel cellular connections, an in-band modem cellular connection is preferably established in most instances using a connection retry strategy that includes primary, secondary, and possibly tertiary connection attempts. The system and method can be carried out in connection with various cellular system technologies, but is especially suited for use with GSM systems.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle engine during one or more performance driving events, such as a performance takeoff, shifting or cornering event. The engine control system may be used to maintain stability when the vehicle is being driven in a competitive or aggressive fashion by temporarily controlling the vehicle engine through the manipulation of engine torque, engine speed or some other means. If the engine control system receives competing command signals from different vehicle subsystems, then the system may arbitrate or otherwise manage the competing command signals so that different subsystems can function together properly. In one embodiment, the engine control system blends the commands signals from two or more subsystems.

Abstract: Unitary closure panels for automotive vehicles may be formed to have regions of different materials by a spray casting process. Separate sprays of different materials, for example two different metal alloys, are applied to touching regions of a spray application surface. The separate sprays may be applied sequentially or simultaneously to the forming surface to coat the respective regions so that the regions are contiguous or overlapping and a unitary body is formed. The spray formed body may be compressed and trimmed between facing surfaces to form a vehicle closure panel of specified outline, curvature, thickness, and porosity.

Abstract: An adjustment limiting device for a carburetor including a fuel adjustment valve rotatable to adjust a supply of fuel in or delivered from the carburetor includes an adjustment limiting cap and a connector. The adjustment limiting cap is adapted to be disposed over a portion of the fuel adjustment valve and includes a rotary connection feature adapted to limit relative rotational movement between the adjustment limiting cap and the fuel adjustment valve, and a rotation limiter to limit rotational movement of the adjustment limiting cap. The connector may be carried by the adjustment limiting cap to maintain the adjustment limiting cap on the fuel adjustment valve. The connector may be concealed by the carburetor body, permit the adjustment limiting cap to be fitted onto the fuel adjustment valve, and prevent the adjustment limiting cap from being removed from the fuel adjustment limiting valve.

Abstract: A floor finishing apparatus includes a chassis, a housing pivotably mounted to the chassis and having a mounting surface and at least partially defining a chamber, and a plurality of floor finishing units mounted to the mounting surface of the housing. The apparatus may include a rolling device carried by the housing and adapted to contact the ground to assist the housing in being pivoted with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A computing device-controlled system is described for the generation of amplitude-modulated pulse-width modulation (AMPWM) signals for use in treating neurological dysfunction via cranial neurostimulation, where the AMPWM signal is specifically designed to minimize the electrical impedance of the tissues of the head. A low-frequency carrier signal is determined for the AMPWM signal by measuring EEG activity at a reference site or sites, generally corresponding with the location of suspected brain dysfunction. Carrier signal frequency is variably related to critical frequency components of the EEG power spectral density, determined from statistical analysis of amplitudes and variability, and dynamically changed as a function of time to prevent entrainment. The AMPWM signal is presented to a subject via a plurality of neurostimulation delivery modes for therapeutic use.

Abstract: A power supply circuit has a first MOSFET having a body region between the source and drain. The body region is connected so as to be at the same potential as the source. Application of a suitable potential to the gate causes the MOSFET to switch to a conductive on state. The power supply circuit also has signal generation circuitry, which generates a signal indicative of a conductive state of the first MOSFET. The signal generation circuitry generates a reference voltage of a predetermined potential difference from the source potential. The power supply circuit further comprises a second MOSFET having a body region connected so as to be at the same potential as the drain of the first MOSFET, and the second gate is connected to receive the reference voltage.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine has one or more electrodes with an electrode material of a platinum (Pt) based alloy. The alloy includes aluminum (Al) and one or more refractory metals selected from the group containing nickel (Ni), rhenium (Re), ruthenium (Ru), tantalum (Ta), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). In at least some of the disclosed alloys, the aluminum contributes to the formation of an aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer on a surface of the electrode material.

Abstract: A spark plug electrode material that may be used in spark plugs and other ignition devices including industrial plugs, aviation igniters, glow plugs, or any other device that is used to ignite an air/fuel mixture in an engine. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrode material includes a refractory metal (for example, tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), rhenium (Re), ruthenium (Ru) and/or chromium (Cr)) and a precious metal (for example, rhodium (Rh), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and/or iridium (Ir)), where the refractory metal is present in an amount that is greater than that of the precious metal. This includes, but is certainly not limited to, electrode materials including tungsten-based alloys such as W—Rh and ruthenium-based alloys such as Ru—Rh. Other combinations and embodiments are also possible.

Abstract: A driven conveyor having an upper surface for receiving and transporting seed cotton comprises a plurality of spaced apart slats, each extending transversely relative to the direction of travel. Each slat has a roughened surface to which cotton fiber will adhere. The transverse gaps between the respective slats facilitate severance of seed by a transverse blade that is in contact with the upper surface of the conveyor, while the cotton fiber adheres to the slatted upper surface and is pulled through the pinch point between the blade and the conveyor. An air flow chamber is arranged above the blade so that seed separated from the fiber at the pinch point can be removed. An air suction device is provided downstream of the blade for removal of the fiber from the upper surface. A blade mounting assembly resiliently biases the blade in floating contact with the upper surface of the conveyor.

Abstract: Electromagnetic forming methods suitable for creating surface features on a shape memory alloy are described. Features may be created over a range of scales, including those suitable for the generation of holographic images. Features, images, or patterns may be made capable of reversibly appearing and disappearing as a result of changes in temperature and may include temperature sensitive displays for automotive and other applications.

Abstract: A cartridge valve and valve manifold assembly having a valve manifold with at least one valve receptacle for threadlessly receiving and seating a cartridge valve. A threadless valve nose engages the cartridge valve with the manifold to provide an increased diameter central orifice for improved fluid flow.

Abstract: Then invention is related to a rear view mirror attached to a vehicle comprising a mirror housing. The reflective element is fixed in relation to the mirror housing and the mirror housing is movable versus the vehicle by separately extendable elements.