Abstract: An acoustic tile with excellent anti-sagging properties is provided. The tile comprises a soy-protein binder selected from the group consisting of soy flour, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate and any combination thereof. In further embodiments, the tile further comprises polyamide-epichlorohydrin. Other tiles include those made with a thermosetting binder selected from the group consisting of an acrylic binder, a polyester binder, an acrylo-polyester binder and any mixture thereof. Energy-efficient methods for making the tiles are also provided.

Abstract: A less costly multi-layer acoustical panel having improved noise absorption properties includes a fiberglass layer and a mineral wool layer wherein the fiberglass layer has a fibrous content comprising at least about 50% by weight of glass fiber and the mineral wool layer has a fibrous content comprising at least about 50% by weight of mineral wool fiber. The noise absorption coefficient of the panel is linearly related to increases in the thickness of the fiberglass layer. A lamination technique for making the panels is also disclosed.

Abstract: An acoustic tile with excellent anti-sagging properties is provided. The tile comprises a soy-protein binder selected from the group consisting of soy flour, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate and any combination thereof. In further embodiments, the tile further comprises polyamide-epichlorohydrin. Other tiles include those made with a thermosetting binder selected from the group consisting of an acrylic binder, a polyester binder, an acrylo-polyester binder and any mixture thereof. Energy-efficient methods for making the tiles are also provided.

Abstract: A less costly multi-layer acoustical panel having improved noise absorption properties includes a fiberglass layer and a mineral wool layer wherein the fiberglass layer has a fibrous content comprising at least about 50% by weight of glass fiber and the mineral wool layer has a fibrous content comprising at least about 50% by weight of mineral wool fiber. The noise absorption coefficient of the panel is linearly related to increases in the thickness of the fiberglass layer. A lamination technique for making the panels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A laser transmitter adapted for use in small spaces such as pipes and sewers includes a housing having two exit windows positioned in generally orthogonal planes. The laser transmitter includes a leveling mechanism that is capable of directing a collimated beam through a select one of the two exit windows, in a generally horizontal direction at a specified grade irrespective of whether the laser transmitter is oriented generally horizontally or generally vertically.

Abstract: A laser transmitter adapted for use in small spaces such as pipes and sewers includes a housing having two exit windows positioned in generally orthogonal planes. The laser transmitter includes a leveling mechanism that is capable of directing a collimated beam through a select one of the two exit windows, in a generally horizontal direction at a specified grade irrespective of whether the laser transmitter is oriented generally horizontally or generally vertically.

Abstract: A method and system for correlating the performance of at least one cellular coverage area with external impact events. The method can include receiving and storing performance data for the cellular coverage area. The method can also include receiving and storing a national weather service (NWS) weather alert for a geographic area near the cellular coverage area. The weather alert indicates a severe weather condition. The method further includes extracting and storing geographic coordinates, alert type, and alert time data from the NWS weather alert, and generating an output indicative of relationships between the performance of the cellular coverage area and the severe weather condition.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a light beam projection device for adjusting an orientation of a projected light beam is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a base frame, a support platform adapted to set the orientation of the projected light beam, and a pivot member pivotally mounting the support platform relative to the base frame. A tilting motor is provided to the base frame and has a pair of output shafts influencing the orientation of the support platform, whereby rotation of the output shafts in a first direction tilts the support platform only along a first axis, and rotation of the output shafts in a second direction tilts the support platform only along a second axis. A power supply is provided for driving the tilting motor.

Abstract: A laser transmitter adapted for use in small spaces such as pipes and sewers includes a housing having two exit windows positioned in generally orthogonal planes. The laser transmitter includes a leveling mechanism that is capable of directing a collimated beam through a select one of the two exit windows, in a generally horizontal direction at a specified grade irrespective of whether the laser transmitter is oriented generally horizontally or generally vertically.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a light beam projection device for adjusting an orientation of a projected light beam is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a base frame, a support platform adapted to set the orientation of the projected light beam, and a pivot member pivotally mounting the support platform relative to the base frame. A tilting motor is provided to the base frame and has a pair of output shafts influencing the orientation of the support platform, whereby rotation of the output shafts in a first direction tilts the support platform only along a first axis, and rotation of the output shafts in a second direction tilts the support platform only along a second axis. A power supply is provided for driving the tilting motor.

Abstract: A laser transmitter adapted for use in small spaces such as pipes and sewers includes a housing having two exit windows positioned in generally orthogonal planes. The laser transmitter includes a leveling mechanism that is capable of directing a collimated beam through a select one of the two exit windows, in a generally horizontal direction at a specified grade irrespective of whether the laser transmitter is oriented generally horizontally or generally vertically.

Abstract: A clothing item such as a shirt is combined with a concealed and entrapped bladder which can be inflated in the event of an emergency. The shirt can be of fashionable appearance and the buoyance function disguised to make the buoyancy device more attractive to those who otherwise may be inclined to take risks on or in water.