Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a CELP-based speech coding with fine grain scalability include a parameter encoder that generates a basic bit-stream from LPC coefficients for a frame, pitch-related information for all the sub-frames obtained by searching an adaptive codebook, and first pulse-related information for even sub-frames obtained by searching a fixed codebook. The parameter encoder also generates enhancement bits, which are preceded by the basic bit-stream, from second pulse-related information for odd sub-frames. The quality of synthesized speech is improved on a basis of one additional odd sub-frame pulse, as more of the second pulse-related information in the enhancement bits is received by a decoder.

Abstract: Various devices for mounting circuit devices and methods of making the same are provided. In aspect, a device is provided that includes a member for holding an integrated circuit. The member contains a first plurality of carbon nanotubes to enhance the thermal conductivity thereof. At least one conductor member projects from the member. In another aspect, a method of fabricating an interface for an electronic component is provided that includes forming a member containing a first plurality of carbon nanotubes and forming at least one conductor on the member.

Abstract: A horizontal bar includes two side supports, a top bar, and a swing member. The side supports are provided at upper ends with two symmetrical locating holes, through which two outer ends of the top bar are extended to thereby connect the top bar to the side supports. The swing member includes horizontally paralleled upper and lower bars connected to each other via a plurality of connecting plates vertically extended between the upper and lower bars. The upper bar is a hollow tubular member put around the top bar, and the lower bar is covered with a sleeve. The horizontal bar includes simple parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled, and can be connected to other types of sporting goods for more kinds of exercises.

Abstract: Compounds of formula IIA and IIB are novel guanidine compounds where the variables R1 through R10 have the values set forth herein. Such compounds have use in treating diseases such as obesity and type II diabetes, and may be provided as pharmaceutical formulations in conjunction with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A fabric slat of Venetian Blind, wherein a thin film such as aluminum film with suitable width and fabric material such as artificial fiber or blended fiber with heat-sealing property are used to form the slat by covering said fabric on the surrounding surface of said thin film and having both sides or one side of the excessive fabric heat-sealed and heat-cut. The adhesive is used to get an adherent layer between said thin film surface and said fabric surfaces, so that the said fabric become the outer cover surface of slat, in order to make the slat of Venetian Blind with fabric appearance and feeling to increase the decoration effect of Venetian Blind.

Abstract: A cleaning facility for cleaning tubing systems includes a reservoir having a chamber to receive flush fluid, a pipe coupling the reservoir to the tubing systems, to allow the flush fluid to flow from the reservoir into the tubing systems to flush the tubing systems. A tank includes a space to receive the flush fluid from the tubing systems, and to collect the flush fluid. A filter is coupled to the tank, to filter the flush fluid and to allow only gas to flow out of the tank. A conduit is coupled to the reservoir, to supply pressurized air to pump the flush fluid from the reservoir to the tubing systems to flush and to clean the tubing systems.

Abstract: An ear thermometer including a main body and a probe secured thereto for receiving heat radiation emitted from ear canal. A disposable sheath is operative to surround the probe and isolate the probe from contact with the ear canal. A non-detachable cap which is secured to the main body and the probe are movable relative to each other, thereby allowing the disposable sheath to be popped off of the probe by movement of the non-detachable cap or the probe.

Abstract: The invention applies to servo controllers for at least the voice coil motor of a hard disk drive. Today, many control algorithms require 80 to 90 percent of the sampling period to complete their calculation of the next control, making computation time delay no longer negligible. The invention accommodates the transport delay, such as computation time delay, into the state estimator and into the whole control system. Experimental results using a commercial hard drive, as well as simulation results, show that the invention's method effectively improves the hard disk drive control system stability by increasing the phase margin and gain margin. The invention includes the method of operating the servo-controller, as well as the apparatus implementing that method. The invention also includes hard disk drives containing servo-controllers implementing the method, and program systems residing in accessibly coupled memory to a computer within the servo controller implementing the method.

Abstract: A processing method for making column-shaped foam includes a first step of preparing long-shaped square foam preset in shape. The long-shaped square foam is positioned on the material-feeding device of a planing machine to be planed. The planing device is pivotally fixed with a rotary knife base fitted thereon with plural planing knives of different lengths and having planing positions. When the long-shaped square foam is pushed to the knife base to be planed, the planing knives will carry out planing in sequence, able to quickly plane the long-shaped square foam into column-shaped foam with a smooth circumferential surface. The column-shaped foam made in this way has excellent functions of floating on water, shock absorption and buffering, able to be employed for making various related products.

Abstract: A hair fluid applicator dispensing member is provided for dispensing a fluid, comprising a body having a plurality of orifices that extend from an inside surface to an outside surface, a plurality of bristles extending from the body, and a plurality of walls extending from the body defining zones for containing fluid therein for streaking hair to be treated. A method is also provided comprising providing a hair fluid applicator including a dispensing member that includes zones for containing fluid therein for streaking hair to be treated. The method also includes pivoting a pick away from the dispensing member and picking up a thin layer or strand of hair, releasing the pick to press the hair against the dispensing member, and sliding the dispensing member along the hair shaft(s) to apply fluid to the hair in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A cable-type actuator assembly for a cycling exerciser having a cable operated resistance adjustment mechanism and a cable operated braking system. The actuator assembly includes a caliper actuation cable operably connected to a caliper that acts on a wheel of the cycling exerciser. An actuator is mounted to the frame of the exerciser, and retains the distal ends of a brake cable and a resistance adjustment cable and is connected to a forward end of the caliper actuation cable. Actuation of either the brake cable or resistance adjustment cable moves the actuator, thereby actuating the caliper actuation cable.

Abstract: A stroma-free, serum-free, and chemically defined medium and a method for mononuclear cell expansion ex vivo using the same. An exemplary medium includes a basal medium, a serum substitute, and a cytokine formula.

Abstract: A MOSFET device pair with improved drive current and a method for producing the same to selectively introduce strain into a respective N-type and P-type MOSFET device channel region, the method including forming a compressive stressed nitride layer on over the P-type MOSFET device and a tensile stressed nitride layer on the N-type MOSFET device followed by forming a PMD layer having a less compressive or tensile stress.

Abstract: A projector apparatus includes: a light source, a digital micromirror device for modulating the light beams emitted from the light source into photo signals, an illuminating lens unit for guiding the light beams emitted from the light source towards the digital micromirror device, and an imaging lens unit for guiding and projecting the photo signals generated by the digital micromirror device. into an image. An aperture-controllable diaphragm is disposed in the apparatus, and defines an aperture. The diaphragm includes at least one adjustable blade for altering dimension of the aperture so as to adjust the brightness and contrast of the image.

Abstract: A bridle device for a surfboard includes a flexible rope having its lower end connected with an engage member with an arc-shaped projecting surface. A rope-fitting holder is threadably combined with a connecting base of a board body, having a center hollow. The center hollow has its upper and lower end respectively formed with a small-diameter and a large-diameter hole, the small-diameter hole having its inner wall formed with an arc-shaped recessed surface. The flexible rope has its lower end and its engage member inserted in the rope fitting holder respectively through the small-diameter and the large-diameter hole, letting the arc-shaped projecting surface of the engage member push against the arc-shaped recessed surface in the inner wall of the small-diameter hole. Thus, the flexible rope and the rope-fitting holder can interact to perform three-dimensional turning of 360 degrees.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation sensitive photocatalyst composition and application thereof. The composition can be induced by using ionization radiation or non-ionization radiation, which comprises a photocatalyst to perform photocatalysis; an enhancer to convert radiation energy into photons for photocatalysis; and a porous material to absorb and to immobilize the photocatalyst/enhancer becoming a composition system. The advantages of using radiation to carry out the photocatalytic reaction for environmental protection are high permeability as well as time flexibility in comparison of artificially UV/natural solar radiation. Anyway, the present invention can be used to fulfill the environmental application such as volume-reduction of spent radioactive resin and organics degradation. It is worthy to explore the regeneration of hydrogen energy by this invention.

Abstract: A hair fluid applicator dispensing member for dispensing a fluid includes a body having a proximate end and a distal end and a bendable neck disposed between the proximate end and the distal end. The dispensing member also includes a plurality of bristles extending from the distal end. One or more orifices can be provided in the distal end that are fluidly connectable to the fluid during dispensing of the fluid. In other embodiments, the distal end includes a plurality of bristles with at least one of the bristles including an orifice that is fluidly connectable to the fluid during dispensing of the fluid. The fluid can include at least one of dye, colorant, shampoo, conditioner, and hair straightener.