Abstract: A human machine interface enables human users to interact with a machine by inputting auditory and/or textual data. The interface and corresponding method perform efficient look up of words, corresponding to inputted human data, which are stored in a domain database. The robustness of a speech synthesis engine is enhanced by updating the deployed pronunciation vocabulary dynamically. The architecture of the preferred embodiment of the former method includes a combination of ensemble matching, clustering, and rearrangement methods. The latter method involves retrieving suggested phonetic pronunciations for words unknown to the speech synthesis engine and verifying those through a manual or autonomous process.

Abstract: A method for presenting a plurality of messages to a user includes constructing a tree of the plurality of messages, wherein each of the plurality of messages is a different node. Each of the plurality of messages is in one of a plurality of threads in the tree. The nodes representing a subset of the plurality of messages that are already read and their ancestor nodes are designated as do-not-read. A reading order of the plurality of messages is determined by traversing the tree in a depth-first manner while appending a tree separator at each terminal node and skipping any do-not-read nodes. The plurality of messages are then presented to the user based upon the reading order.

Abstract: A variable rating impeller (10) for the pump of a waterjet unit that is rotatably driven by an engine to generate a high velocity jet stream. The impeller (10) having a hub (12) mountable to a rotating shaft through which an input power is transmitted by the engine, and a plurality of blades (18) spaced about the periphery of the hub. The blades (18) have a primary profile that defines the primary rating of the impeller, and a trailing portion (28) of each blade has resilient flexibility relative to the primary profile such that the trailing portion will progressively flex under hydrodynamic load to alter the profile of the blades to progressively lower the rating of the impeller (10) with increase in engine speed.

Abstract: A dynamic control system for a marine vessel having two or more waterjet units as the primary propulsion system of the vessel, for maintaining vessel position or velocity when in a dynamic control mode, comprises a position or velocity indicator to indicate vessel position or velocity or deviations in vessel position or velocity; such as a satellite-based positioning system indicator, or accelerometers as a relative position indicator, a heading indicator to indicate vessel heading from position heading or yaw rate or deviations in vessel heading or yaw rate, such as a compass as an absolute heading indicator or a yaw rate sensor as a relative heading indicator, and a controller to control the operation of the waterjet units to substantially maintain the vessel position or velocity, and vessel heading or yaw rate when the dynamic control mode is enabled.

Abstract: A variable rating impeller (10) for the pump of a waterjet unit that is rotatably driven by an engine to generate a high velocity jet stream. The impeller (10) having a hub (12) mountable to a rotating shaft through which an input power is transmitted by the engine, and a plurality of blades (18) spaced about the periphery of the hub. The blades (18) have a primary profile that defines the primary rating of the impeller, and a trailing portion (28) of each blade has resilient flexibility relative to the primary profile such that the trailing portion will progressively flex under hydrodynamic load to alter the profile of the blades to progressively lower the rating of the impeller (10) with increase in engine speed.

Abstract: A dynamic control system for a marine vessel having two or more waterjet units as the primary propulsion system of the vessel, for maintaining vessel position or velocity when in a dynamic control mode, comprises a position or velocity indicator to indicate vessel position or velocity or deviations in vessel position or velocity; such as a satellite-based positioning system indicator, or accelerometers as a relative position indicator, a heading indicator to indicate vessel heading from position heading or yaw rate or deviations in vessel heading or yaw rate, such as a compass as an absolute heading indicator or a yaw rate sensor as a relative heading indicator, and a controller to control the operation of the waterjet units to substantially maintain the vessel position or velocity, and vessel heading or yaw rate when the dynamic control mode is enabled.

Abstract: This invention features a reagent card suitable for performing small volume colorimetric and other visually-readable reactions. The reagent card is characterized by one or more liquid containment wells defined by an embossed perimeter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to combination therapies and drug delivery devices comprising antisense oligonucleotides directed to a raf gene. In certain embodiments, the combination therapies and drug delivery devices of the present invention are used to treat cancers and ocular diseases.

Abstract: A recess light fixture adapter for mounting a recess light fixture in an existing ceiling or a wall comprises an interior member for mounting against the interior surface of a ceiling or a wall, an exterior member for mounting against the exterior surface of a ceiling or a wall, and fasteners for interconnecting the interior member and the exterior member with respect to the ceiling or a wall.