Abstract: An audio system and method for generating improved augmented hearing effects in real-time. The system includes a wearable audio device arranged to obtain audio that includes a voice signal associated with a user and an environmental signal associated with other audio picked up by the wearable audio device that does not includes the user's voice. In some implementations, at least one processor of the wearable audio device is configured to isolate the voice signal from the environmental signal such that augmented hearing effects can be applied to the voice signal and/or the environmental signal, independently. In some implementations, augmented hearing effects are designated by a signal augmentation profile generated or stored in the wearable audio device such that the total time between receipt of the audio signal and the modifications and/or transformations to the respective audio signals does not exceed 100 ms.

Abstract: An audio system and method for generating improved augmented hearing effects in real-time. The system includes a wearable audio device arranged to obtain audio that includes a voice signal associated with a user and an environmental signal associated with other audio picked up by the wearable audio device that does not includes the user's voice. In some implementations, at least one processor of the wearable audio device is configured to isolate the voice signal from the environmental signal such that augmented hearing effects can be applied to the voice signal and/or the environmental signal, independently. In some implementations, augmented hearing effects are designated by a signal augmentation profile generated or stored in the wearable audio device such that the total time between receipt of the audio signal and the modifications and/or transformations to the respective audio signals does not exceed 100 ms.

Abstract: An audio system and method for generating improved augmented hearing effects in real-time. The system includes a wearable audio device arranged to obtain audio that includes a voice signal associated with a user and an environmental signal associated with other audio picked up by the wearable audio device that does not includes the user's voice. In some implementations, at least one processor of the wearable audio device is configured to isolate the voice signal from the environmental signal such that augmented hearing effects can be applied to the voice signal and/or the environmental signal, independently. In some implementations, augmented hearing effects are designated by a signal augmentation profile generated or stored in the wearable audio device such that the total time between receipt of the audio signal and the modifications and/or transformations to the respective audio signals does not exceed 100 ms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing B-picture scene changes. A prediction stage predicts a B-picture scene change based upon a sequence of statistical information in an encoder order and a reaction stage is responsive to the prediction stage for modifying a quantization scale of a rate control algorithm.

Abstract: A wear and oxidation resistant nickel-base alloy, exhibiting resistance to thermal cracking in high-stress elevated temperature environments, comprises, in weight percentages based on total alloy weight: 53 to 67 nickel; 20 to 26 chromium; and 12 to 18 tungsten. The alloy optionally further comprises, in weight percentages based on total alloy weight, at least one of: up to 3 cobalt; up to 3 molybdenum; up to 6 iron; 0.1 to 0.5 manganese; 0.1 to 0.7 silicon; 0.1 to 0.6 aluminum; and less than 0.05 carbon. Components of a seamless tube manufacturing apparatus fabricated from the alloy also are provided. The components may be, for example, tools for one of a piercing mill, a high mill, and a rotary expander, such as piercer points, piercing mill guide shoes, rotary expander guide shoes, reeler guide shoes, and high-mill plugs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing B-picture scene changes. A prediction stage predicts a B-picture scene change based upon a sequence of statistical information in an encoder order and a reaction stage is responsive to the prediction stage for modifying a quantization scale of a rate control algorithm.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method to increase the coefficient of performance (COP) of hydride heat pump systems to compete with the performance of conventional vapor compression and absorption refrigeration systems. The disclosure is particularly directed to hydrides with van't Hoff curves that cross, whereby the regeneration of the refrigerant hydride occurs at a temperature above the crossing, thereby allowing for a major fraction of the energy required for the regeneration to be supplied by the heat of absorption of the refrigerant. Additionally, the COP can be increased by selection of hydrides, and the kinetics of the system can be improved by the use of heat pipes and phase change materials.

Abstract: A method for generating a beam of negatively charged hydrogen ions is described which comprises the steps of providing a source of metal hydride, heating the hydride to extract either atomic hydrogen or negative hydrogen ions directly therefrom, directing an electron beam onto the hydride or applying electrical charge to the hydride in order to ionize the hydrogen atoms or to prevent the ions from losing charge, and electrically accelerating the negative hydrogen ions so produced as a directed beam.