Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality.

Abstract: A brake system includes a brake cylinder having a piston rod and a brake lever connecting the piston rod to a brake beam and a slack adjuster. An actuating lever is connected to the brake beam and the brake cylinder. A trigger of the slack adjuster is connected to the actuating lever. The actuating lever is pivotally and rotationally connected to the brake beam and swivelably connected to the brake cylinder. Also, a piston stoke indictor including an indicia positioned on a support structure of a brake cylinder to be adjacent the end of a portion of a brake piston at its extended position.

Abstract: The dual vent valve includes a housing having brake pipe, emergency input and exhaust ports, and first and second valves. The emergency output port is fluidly connected to the emergency input port. The first valve selectively connects the brake pipe port to the exhaust port by opening the first valve in response to an emergency signal on the brake pipe port. The second valve selectively connects the brake pipe port to the exhaust port by opening the second valve in response to an emergency signal on the emergency input port.

Abstract: A slack adjuster that is protected against environmental contaminants via a series of holes positioned circumferentially around each end and covered by a sleeve having a slot is aligned with one of the series of holes while covering the remaining holes. The sleeve protects against infiltration of contaminants at the ends of the slack adjuster and allows any contaminants that do infiltrate the slack adjuster to be expelled through the aligned hole and slot. The central portion of the slack adjuster may also be protected by including a series of circumferential holes that are selectively covered by a sleeve having a drain positioned to align with the lowest holes while covering the remaining holes.

Abstract: A voice enhancement device including an earpiece configured to be positioned in an ear canal of a user. A microcontroller is operatively coupled to the earpiece. The microcontroller is configured to selectively provide at least multitalker babble. An accelerometer is located within the earpiece and operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The accelerometer is configured to detect speech by the user and communicate with the microcontroller to provide the multitalker babble to the earpiece during the detected speech by the user. A method of making the voice enhancement device, and a method for increasing vocal loudness in a patient using the voice enhancement device are also disclosed.

Abstract: One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes method and system to improve communication comprising an assembly fixedly positioned during use in close proximity to a user's ear. The assembly includes an accelerometer to detect the initiation and duration of the user's speech and an output presentation system. The output presentation system comprises a non-occlusive ear fitting that presents unintelligible noise that is unrelated to the sound-frequency or intonation of the user's current speech. The unintelligible noise is presented to the patient at a level less than 85 dB. The system further comprises a control arrangement to maintain presentation of the noise substantially throughout the detected duration of the user's speech, but substantially not at other times.

Abstract: In a rail vehicle hand brake having a release activated by a pneumatic cylinder, the present control system includes a manual valve having an output connected to a source of pressure at an input when manually activated. A volume is to be charged by the source of pressure. A choke connects the volume to exhaust. The volume and the choke prolong the time the source of pressure is connected to the pneumatic cylinder after the manual valve is activated.

Abstract: In a rail vehicle hand brake having a release activated by a pneumatic cylinder, the present control system includes a manual valve having an output connected to a source of pressure at an input when manually activated. A volume is to be charged by the source of pressure. A choke connects the volume to exhaust. The volume and the choke prolong the time the source of pressure is connected to the pneumatic cylinder after the manual valve is activated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a first node having audio and video streams. The system includes a second node having only an audio stream. The system includes a mechanism for forming a call between the first node and the second node so the first node and the second node communicate their audio streams with each other. The forming mechanism is in communication with the first and second nodes. Preferably, a third node can communicate with the first and second nodes through the forming means. A method for forming a telecommunications call including the steps of calling from a first node having audio and video streams a second node having only an audio stream. There is the step of forming a call between the first node and the second node so the first node and the second node communicate their audio streams with each other.

Abstract: A nanothermocouple detector includes a nanowire coupled across two electrodes. The two electrodes are electrically connected to an amplifier. The two electrodes generally have a separation of about five micrometers to about thirty micrometers across which the nanowire is coupled. A focusing element is disposed to admit photons that fall on the focusing element onto the nanowire to heat it. A voltage change across the nanowire caused by the heating of the nanowire by the light is detected by the amplifier. The voltage change corresponds to the energy absorbed from the light by the nanowire. The color of a single photon can be detected using such device. An array of such devices can be used for sensing light on a two-dimensional scale, thereby providing an image showing small variances in the energies of the light impinging upon the detector array.

Abstract: One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes method and system to improve communication comprising an assembly fixedly positioned during use in close proximity to a user's ear. The assembly includes an accelerometer to detect the initiation and duration of the user's speech and an output presentation system. The output presentation system comprises a non-occlusive ear fitting that presents unintelligible noise that is unrelated to the sound-frequency or intonation of the user's current speech. The unintelligible noise is presented to the patient at a level less than 85 dB. The system further comprises a control arrangement to maintain presentation of the noise substantially throughout the detected duration of the user's speech, but substantially not at other times.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system-includes a plurality of nodes in communication with each other to form a conference. At least one of the nodes individually controlling, partially, the display layout of each node in the conference. A method for providing a teleconference including forming a conference with a plurality of nodes through a network. At least one of the nodes controls at least partially the display layout of each node in the conference with a specific format unique for each node. A teleconferencing system includes a plurality of nodes in communication with each other through the network to form a conference. Each node communicating only a change to the other nodes when the change occurs. A method for conducting a telecommunications conference between at least three parties includes establishing a conference between the parties and where there is a change to the conference only the change is communicated to the parties.

Abstract: A nanothermocouple detector includes a nanowire coupled across two electrodes. The two electrodes are electrically connected to an amplifier. The two electrodes generally have a separation of about five micrometers to about thirty micrometers across which the nanowire is coupled. A focusing element is disposed to admit photons that fall on the focusing element onto the nanowire to heat it. A voltage change across the nanowire caused by the heating of the nanowire by the light is detected by the amplifier. The voltage change corresponds to the energy absorbed from the light by the nanowire. The color of a single photon can be detected using such device. An array of such devices can be used for sensing light on a two-dimensional scale, thereby providing an image showing small variances in the energies of the light impinging upon the detector array.

Abstract: Alkyldienamides compounds suitable for use as flavoring agents are disclosed. The compounds are used as flavors since they possess umami characteristics or other desirable organoleptic properties. The disclosed compounds are defined by the structure set forth below: wherein R is ethyl or cyclopropyl; and wherein R? is methyl or butyl, with the proviso that when R is ethyl, R? is not methyl.

Abstract: A brake system includes a brake cylinder having a piston rod and a brake lever connecting the piston rod to a brake beam and a slack adjuster. An actuating lever is connected to the brake beam and the brake cylinder. A trigger of the slack adjuster is connected to the actuating lever. The actuating lever is pivotally and rotationally connected to the brake beam and swivelably connected to the brake cylinder. Also, a piston stoke indictor including an indicia positioned on a support structure of a brake cylinder to be adjacent the end of a portion of a brake piston at its extended position.

Abstract: In a rail vehicle hand brake having a release activated by a pneumatic cylinder, the present control system includes a manual valve having an output connected to a source of pressure at an input when manually activated. A volume is to be charged by the source of pressure. A choke connects the volume to exhaust. The volume and the choke prolong the time the source of pressure is connected to the pneumatic cylinder after the manual valve is activated.

Abstract: Described is to a process for augmenting, enhancing, modifying, or imparting a berry or citrus aroma or taste to a foodstuff or a beverage comprising the step of adding to a foodstuff or a beverage an aroma or taste augmenting, enhancing, modifying, or imparting quantity of at least an oxo-terpene carbinol, a carbinyl C1-C6 alkanoate, or a C4-C6 alkenoate.