Abstract: An acoustic transformation system and method. A specific embodiment is the transformation of acoustic speech signals produced by speakers with speech disabilities in order to make those utterances more intelligible to typical listeners. These modifications include the correction of tempo or rhythm, the adjustment of formant frequencies in sonorants, the removal of adjustment of aberrant voicing, the deletion of phoneme insertion errors, and the replacement of erroneously dropped phonemes. These methods may also be applied to general correction of musical or acoustic sequences.

Abstract: A dielectric rod antenna assembly for a level measurement system. The antenna assembly includes a transition structure housed within a coupling sleeve. The transition structure includes a short-circuited waveguide filled with a dielectric material and an exciter element projecting through the waveguide into the material. The transition structure directs electromagnetic energy through the bottom of the dielectric material into a rod antenna attached to the bottom of the coupling sleeve for propagation within the container. The dielectric material includes a longitudinal axial bore having a tapered tip to provide a dielectric-lined waveguide. The bottom end of the dielectric is encircled with a metal ring of a diameter larger than the dielectric to smooth the transition into the rod antenna.

Abstract: An antenna assembly suitable for use with a microwave-based level measurement system mounted on a vessel. The antenna assembly includes an installation thread, a shielded extension, and a rod antenna. The antenna assembly is screwed into a threaded portion in the opening of the vessel. The antenna assembly may be formed as a single integral unit molded from a polymer material. The antenna assembly may also be constructed with the installation thread, the shielded extension and the rod antenna comprising individual polymeric components which are welded together to form a unitary assembly. The polymer material is selected based on chemical resistant properties according to the application.

Abstract: A dielectric rod antenna assembly for a level measurement system. The antenna assembly includes a transition structure housed within a coupling sleeve. The transition structure includes a short-circuited waveguide filled with a dielectric material and an exciter element projecting through the waveguide into the material. The transition structure directs electromagnetic energy through the bottom of the dielectric material into a rod antenna attached to the bottom of the coupling sleeve for propagation within the container. The dielectric material includes a longitudinal axial bore having a tapered tip to provide a dielectric-lined waveguide. The bottom end of the dielectric is encircled with a metal ring of a diameter larger than the dielectric to smooth the transition into the rod antenna.

Abstract: An antenna assembly suitable for use with a microwave-based level measurement system mounted on a vessel. The antenna assembly includes an installation thread, a shielded extension, and a rod antenna. The antenna assembly is screwed into a threaded portion in the opening of the vessel. The antenna assembly may be formed as a single integral unit molded from a polymer material. The antenna assembly may also be constructed with the installation thread, the shielded extension and the rod antenna comprising individual polymeric components which are welded together to form a unitary assembly. The polymer material is selected based on chemical resistant properties according to the application.

Abstract: The invention is a clip used to clip the edge of a web that forms a seat or back of a lawn chair having a tubular frame. The clip is made from a single piece of wire bent into a T-shape with a stem the T-stem having a hook and a C-shaped hole searching lead section which is designed to engage the inside wall of a tube in use to maintain the axis of a hook section extending in a forward direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting stuffed sausage casing into individual lengths in the area of a linkage is described. Chilled casing which is stuffed with sausage meat and linked at predetermined points is guided through the apparatus, a forked blade is positioned over a first linkage and the casing is advanced towards a cutting zone. The forked blade is pivotally mounted on a carriage assembly which is slidably moveable along the direction of the chilled casing. The casing is cut in the area of the linkage by cooperation of a cutting blade with the forked blade in the cutting zone. The carriage assembly is then withdrawn from the cutting zone and the forked blade pivoted forward and upward out of the way of the casing. The forked blade is drawn over the surface of the casing until a second linkage is contacted.