Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a tubular, the apparatus, in at least certain aspects including a frame, a rocker assembly connected to the frame, the rocker assembly including a top rocker arm pivotably mounted to the frame, and a bottom rocker arm pivotably mounted to the frame, top torque apparatus connected to the frame, upper gripper apparatus connected to the frame for gripping a primary tubular (e.g., but not limited to a first pipe), lower gripper apparatus connected to the frame for gripping a secondary member (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking an object using one or more video cameras together with a plurality of microphones and/or geophones, whereby accurate tracking of the object can be obtained even when the object changes directions as a result of an impact. A tennis ball may be tracked during a tennis match. Prior to and after an impact, the ball is tracked with the use of video cameras, illustratively in accordance with the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,007. Then, the position of the ball at racket or ground impact is accurately determined by measuring the acoustical waves generated by the ball hitting the racket and/or either the acoustic waves or the elastic (Rayleigh) waves generated by the ball hitting the ground, respectively. Tracking then advantageously continues with use of the video cameras.

Abstract: A system and method for acoustic modeling partitions an input 3D spatial model into convex cells, and constructs a cell adjacency data structure representing the neighbor relationships between adjacent cells. For each sound source located in the spatial environment, convex pyramidal beams are traced through the input spatial model via recursive depth-first traversal of the cell-adjacency graph. During beam tracing, a beam tree data structure is constructed to encode propagation paths, which may include specular reflection, transmission, diffuse reflection, and diffraction events, from the source location to regions of the input spatial model. The beam tree data structure is then accessed for real-time computation and auralization of propagation paths to an arbitrary receiver location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking an object using one or more video cameras together with a plurality of microphones and/or geophones, whereby accurate tracking of the object can be obtained even when the object changes directions as a result of an impact. A tennis ball may be tracked during a tennis match. Prior to and after an impact, the ball is tracked with the use of video cameras, illustratively in accordance with the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,007. Then, the position of the ball at racket or ground impact is accurately determined by measuring the acoustical waves generated by the ball hitting the racket and/or either the acoustic waves or the elastic (Rayleigh) waves generated by the ball hitting the ground, respectively. Tracking then advantageously continues with use of the video cameras.

Abstract: A noise-canceling microphone system suitable for use in small telephonic devices such as cellular “flip” telephones has one or more acoustic transmission lines embedded in the flip component through openings in the distal end of the flip component, and coupled to a microphone element carried by the main housing. The acoustic transmission lines have boots coupled to the microphone element to accommodate the swiveling action of the flip component. In a critical aspect of the present invention, the microphone assembly incorporated in a communication device has acoustic transmission tubes containing acoustic impedance elements matched to the specific acoustic characteristic resistance of the tubes to eliminate standing waves and thus resonances in the microphone frequency response.

Abstract: A circuit for protecting telephone/modem equipment from damage, includes a source of a subscriber telephone signal. An energy transfer device is coupled to the subscriber telephone signal source and an inductor coupled between the energy transfer device and the telephone/modem equipment.

Abstract: A monolithic second order gradient (SOG) microphone structure employs acoustic transmission lines wherein the acoustic phase delay along each of the acoustic transmission lines is in direct proportion to the length of each of the acoustic transmission lines and, where this is effected by the use of an acoustic impedance element placed within each acoustic transmission line that has an acoustic impedance related to the acoustic impedance of the associated acoustic transmission line. In one embodiment, the acoustic impedance element has a specific acoustic impedance substantially matched to the specific acoustic characteristic resistance of the acoustic transmission line. Various embodiments may utilize acoustic or electrical subtraction of the signals in the acoustic transmission lines to realize the desired directional sound pickup.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a speaker/microphone peripheral includes a digital-signal-processor (DSP) based acoustic echo canceler and supports a plurality of modes of operation. One mode is a video/telecommunications mode. In this mode, when headphones are inserted or removed, the acoustic echo canceler is reset.

Abstract: An acoustic signal receiving apparatus comprising a housing having an acoustically reflecting surface and a directional acoustic sensor unit having first-order gradient characteristics. The sensor unit is coupled to the housing with use of a retractable member having a retracted position and an extended position. When the member is extended, the sensor unit is positioned relative to the reflecting surface such that the acoustic interaction between the sensor unit and the reflecting surface causes the output of the sensor unit to have second-order gradient response characteristics. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment, in a notebook computer with a "flip-back" lid, the sensor element automatically extends to the desired position when the lid is opened, and automatically retracts to be flush with the housing surface when the lid is closed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for increasing the effectiveness of hammer-type pile drivers by making possible the use of higher hammer velocities without damaging the pile or the equipment. The apparatus includes a pair of aligned cylinders of unequal diameter, the smaller of which contains an anvil piston and the larger of which contains a driving piston, connected to a pile cap engageable with a pile. Means are provided for applying a deadweight load to the apparatus and for maintaining the space lying between the pistons full of liquid. In addition to enabling use of higher hammer velocities, the apparatus effectively incorporates the deadweight load into driving force when the hammer strikes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high pressure intensifier for liquids which includes a housing having a pair of interconnected intensifying chambers with a pair of orifice effect valves, one located in each chamber, but carried on a single stem. The valves are arranged to alternately block the flow of liquid from each chamber to a low pressure exhaust port. Each intensifying chamber is provided with a high pressure exhaust port having a check valve therein. Liquid is fed to each chamber through ram tubes arranged in a trombone configuration. When flow from one intensifying chamber to the low pressure exhaust is blocked, the inertia of the decelerating liquid in the ram tube for that chamber forces a stream of high pressure liquid out through the high pressure exhaust port for that chamber.

Abstract: A loudspeaking teleconferencing circuit serving a plurality of remote conference room locations includes a plurality of speakerphone sets at each conference room location and a communication network connected to an incoming and an outgoing terminal at each location. The transmit channel of each set couples a microphone to the outgoing terminal; the receive channel of each set couples the incoming terminal to a loudspeaking device; and a control circuit selectively activates one of the set transmit and receive channels at a time responsive to speech energy present on the transmit and receive channels. Each set control circuit is operative independently of the control circuits of the other sets; and the outputs of all active transmit channels are combined and applied through the location outgoing terminal to the communication network.

Abstract: A technique for the fabrication of thin film electrets designed for use in electroacoustic transducers involves depositing a thin film of aluminum or titanium upon a perfluorinated foil and etching away the film prior to deposition of gold. The resultant structure evidences superior adhesion characteristics and electrical characteristics comparable to those previously described.