Abstract: A center bearing tuned absorber assembly includes a cylindrical center bearing for supporting a rotating propeller shaft, and a tuned absorber having an inner sleeve disposed around the center bearing, and a mass-spring assembly arranged on an outer circumference of the inner sleeve. The mass-spring assembly includes a mass radially offset from, and attached to, the inner sleeve by a first damping element. The mass-spring assembly is arranged circumferentially on the inner sleeve in the direction of a first bending frequency associated with the rotating propeller shaft. The mass-spring assembly may be axially or radially offset from the center bearing.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes a display means for displaying an image. The apparatus includes a camera means distributed throughout the display means to take images of objects in view of the display means. A screen. The screen includes a display for displaying an image. The screen includes a plurality of pinholes distributed in the display. The screen includes a plurality of sensors with at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors in alignment with and corresponding with one pinhole of the plurality of pinholes to receive light passing through the pinhole to image a ray of a specific size and a specific direction out from the display. A method for imaging.

Abstract: An audio signal processor forms gaps or guard bands in sequences of blocks conveying encoded audio information and time aligns the guard bands with video information. The guard bands are formed to allow for variations in processing or circuit delays so that the routing or switching of different streams of video information with embedded audio information does not result in a loss of any encoded audio blocks.

Abstract: A headset to accompany virtual reality units which provides a user the sensation of motion by vestibular stimulation. A fixed or adjustable device positions conductors on the forehead and mastoid regions of the user's head capable of receiving computer generated electrical currents that may be synchronized to audio or video displays to enhance the effect of virtual environments by causing dysequilibrium and a resulting sensation of motion therein.

Abstract: In an encoder, multiple channels of audio information representing multidimensional sound fields are split into subband signals and the subband signals in one or more subbands are combined to form composite signals. The composite signals, the subband signals not combined into a composite signal and information describing the spectral levels of subband signals combined into composite signals are assembled into an encoded output signal. The spectral level information conveys either the amplitude or power of the combined subband signals or the apparent direction of the sound field represented by the combined subband signals. In digital implementations, adaptive bit allocation may be used to reduce the informational requirements of the encoded signal.

Abstract: When an audio stream signal is transmitted, the bit stream information for determining the surround mode and special-use mode, including karaoke use, is sensed from the signal at a mode sensor. After the surround mode has been sensed, the audio data is converted by a decoder into a front left, front center, and front right main audio signals and a back left and back right surround audio signals in the surround mode, which are converted into analog signals and outputted to the corresponding speakers. When the special-use mode has been sensed, by using the central main audio signal of the front left, front center, and front right main audio signals and back left and back right surround audio signals converted at the decoder, a normally used first-type accompanying sound selectively made unused, for example, guide melody, is generated. In addition, by using the back left and back right surround audio signals, a normally unused second-type accompanying sound selectively used, for example, vocals, is generated.

Abstract: Several audio signal processing techniques may be used in various combinations to improve the quality of audio represented by an information stream formed by splice editing two or more other information streams. The techniques are particularly useful in applications that bundle audio information with video information. In one technique, gain-control words conveyed with the audio information stream are used to interpolate playback sound levels across a splice. In another technique, special filterbanks or forms of TDAC transforms are used to suppress aliasing artifacts on either side of a splice. In yet another technique, special filterbanks or crossfade window functions are used to optimize the attenuation of spectral splatter created at a splice. In a further technique, audio sample rates are converted according to frame lengths and rates to allow audio information to be bundled with, for example, video information.

Abstract: In an encoder, multiple channels of audio information representing multidimensional sound fields are split into subband signals and the subband signals in one or more subbands are combined to form composite signals. The composite signals, the subband signals not combined into a composite signal and information describing the spectral levels of subband signals combined into composite signals are assembled into an encoded output signal. The spectral level information conveys either the amplitude or power of the combined subband signals or the apparent direction of the sound field represented by the combined subband signals. In digital implementations, adaptive bit allocation may be used to reduce the informational requirements of the encoded signal.

Abstract: Several audio signal processing techniques may be used in various combinations to improve the quality of audio represented by an information stream formed by splice editing two or more other information streams. The techniques are particularly useful in applications that bundle audio information with video information. In one technique, gain-control words conveyed with the audio information stream are used to interpolate playback sound levels across a splice. In another technique, special filterbanks or forms of TDAC transforms are used to suppress aliasing artifacts on either side of a splice. In yet another technique, special filterbanks or crossfade window functions are used to optimize the attenuation of spectral splatter created at a splice. In a further technique, audio sample rates are converted according to frame lengths and rates to allow audio information to be bundled with, for example, video information.

Abstract: When an audio stream signal is transmitted, the bit stream information for determining the surround mode and special-use mode, including karaoke use, is sensed from the signal at a mode sensor. After the surround mode has been sensed, the audio data is converted by a decoder into a front left, front center, and front right main audio signals and a back left and back right surround audio signals in the surround mode, which are converted into analog signals and outputted to the corresponding speakers. When the special-use mode has been sensed, by using the central main audio signal of the front left, front center, and front right main audio signals and back left and back right surround audio signals converted at the decoder, a normally used first-type accompanying sound selectively made unused, for example, guide melody, is generated. In addition, by using the back left and back right surround audio signals, a normally unused second-type accompanying sound selectively used, for example, vocals, is generated.

Abstract: A multi-channel signal compressor for compressing digital sound signals in the respective channels of a multi-channel sound system. The apparatus comprises a first-stage compression system and a second-stage compression system. In the first-stage compression system, a coupling circuit performs coupling between the digital sound signals of at least two of the channels to generate coupling-processed signals, one for each of the channels. A compressor circuit receives the coupling-processed signals from the coupling circuit and frequency divides each coupling-processed signal into frequency range signals in respective frequency ranges, and compresses the frequency range signals obtained by dividing each coupling-processed signal to generate a first-stage compressed signal.

Abstract: Galvanic vestibular stimulation is combined with visual stimulation to extend movement and directional cues within a virtual reality scene. The vestibular sensory system will be stimulated through the use of galvanic stimulation to induce a state of vestibular dysequilibrium. Synchronizing this inner-ear dysequilibrium with an optical reference will amplify the user's postural movement. The current state of virtual reality stimulates principally only the visual scene of the user through head mounted visual display units. However, the human body uses three different senses to resolve motion and acceleration cues like those simulated in virtual reality. Reliance on the visual scene, therefore, necessarily invites conflict between the visual system and the two remaining centers for motion sensation which remain dormant and, therefore, do not reinforce the visual sensations. This confuses the user and detracts from the experience.

Abstract: A mobile cart, comprising a frame module including a plurality of frame members. The frame members include a perimeter frame member. At least one caster wheel supporting member, supporting at least one caster wheel, and at least one handle member are attached near a first end of the perimeter member. Right and left main supporting wheel members are mounted near the apex of the perimeter member. A floor member is supported by the frame module. A beverage component container retaining assembly is included in the floor member. A cooling and dispensing module includes a beverage chilling assembly and a dispensing unit including at least one dispensing valve; or a liquid receiving and dispensing module holds a liquid to be dispensed and maintains the liquid substantially at a desired temperature. A substantially vertical side member extends at least partially around the cart.