Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that may include a tissue ablation system. The tissue ablation system may include an ablation device; an ablation generator; and a controller configured to cause the ablation generator to apply a first power level to the ablation device and cause the ablation generator to apply a second power level to the ablation device, the second power level being higher than the first power level; the power provided by the ablation generator to the ablation device is adjusted from the first power level to the second power level, adjusting the power from the first power level to the second power level includes causing the ablation generator to provide a plurality of distinct intermediate power levels corresponding to delivering a plurality of intermediate energy levels from the ablation device, and each of the intermediate power levels is between the first power level and the second power level.

Abstract: A method for restricting write cycles to a storage device includes tracking a first count of a first set of writes to memory executed by a first subsystem of a computing device and, further, determining that the first count meets a write threshold of the first subsystem. The method includes determining that blocking criteria are met by the first subsystem based on the first count exceeding the write threshold of the first subsystem and, further, determining that blocking criteria are not met by a second subsystem of the computing device. The method includes blocking the first set of writes from being synchronized to the storage device, based on the blocking criteria being met by the first subsystem, and synchronizing memory contents of the second subsystem to the storage device, based on the blocking criteria not being met by the second subsystem.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first member; a first array of flexible actuators connected to the first member, where each of the flexible actuators includes a piezoelectric member and an extension on the piezoelectric member; and a first flexible membrane connected to the first array of flexible actuators. Each of the piezoelectric members is configured to be activated to move their respective extensions. Each of the extensions, when moved by their respective piezoelectric members, is configured to move the first flexible membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for modifying the position of particles distributed in a fluid flow in a channel, comprising a channel formed by two substrates, each of the two substrates being on opposite sides of the channel, each substrate having a preselected periodic profile pattern along a length of the channel, and a transducer, wherein one of the substrates is between the transducer and the channel, the transducer to generate an acoustic standing wave within the channel with at least one node or antinode positioned within the channel.

Abstract: A speaker apparatus is provided in order to both receive and dissipate heat and to provide acoustic absorption for sound waves propagating through a speaker cavity. The speaker apparatus includes a speaker and a speaker cavity configured to receive sound waves emitted by the speaker for propagation through the speaker cavity. The speaker apparatus also includes a heat dissipation structure disposed at least partially within the speaker cavity. The heat dissipation structure includes a thermally conductive mesh that at least partially fills the speaker cavity. The heat dissipation structure further includes an active element configured to direct heat generated by a component into the thermally conductive mesh for dissipation therein. The thermally conductive mesh is configured to provide acoustic absorption for the sound waves propagating through the speaker cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first member; a first array of flexible actuators connected to the first member, where each of the flexible actuators includes a piezoelectric member and an extension on the piezoelectric member; and a first flexible membrane connected to the first array of flexible actuators. Each of the piezoelectric members is configured to be activated to move their respective extensions. Each of the extensions, when moved by their respective piezoelectric members, is configured to move the first flexible membrane.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product enhance audio quality during a voice communication session, enhancing audio quality for a device of a remote user. The apparatus can comprise a processor, a memory, and a computer program code, and can be configured to receive and weight audio signals based on signal attributes such that audio signals can be adjusted and adjusted signals mixed to form a composite audio signal. In a method, a processor receives audio signals from audio sensors around a room, selects one or more audio signals based on audio signal attributes, and adjusts or causes the adjustment of the one or more audio signals based on the audio signal attributes. The method can also include causing the adjusted audio signals to be mixed to form a composite signal, and causing the composite signal to be communicated to a device of a remote user.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product enhance audio quality during a voice communication session, enhancing audio quality for a device of a remote user. The apparatus can comprise a processor, a memory, and a computer program code, and can be configured to receive and weight audio signals based on signal attributes such that audio signals can be adjusted and adjusted signals mixed to form a composite audio signal. In a method, a processor receives audio signals from audio sensors around a room, selects one or more audio signals based on audio signal attributes, and adjusts or causes the adjustment of the one or more audio signals based on the audio signal attributes. The method can also include causing the adjusted audio signals to be mixed to form a composite signal, and causing the composite signal to be communicated to a device of a remote user.

Abstract: A speaker apparatus is provided in order to both receive and dissipate heat and to provide acoustic absorption for sound waves propagating through a speaker cavity. The speaker apparatus includes a speaker and a speaker cavity configured to receive sound waves emitted by the speaker for propagation through the speaker cavity. The speaker apparatus also includes a heat dissipation structure disposed at least partially within the speaker cavity. The heat dissipation structure includes a heat pipe or a heat sink configured to receive heat from a component that generates heat. The heat dissipation structure is configured to provide acoustic absorption for the sound waves propagating through the speaker cavity.

Abstract: A speaker apparatus is provided in order to both receive and dissipate heat and to provide acoustic absorption for sound waves propagating through a speaker cavity. The speaker apparatus includes a speaker and a speaker cavity configured to receive sound waves emitted by the speaker for propagation through the speaker cavity. The speaker apparatus also includes a heat dissipation structure disposed at least partially within the speaker cavity. The heat dissipation structure includes a thermally conductive mesh that at least partially fills the speaker cavity. The heat dissipation structure further includes an active element configured to direct heat generated by a component into the thermally conductive mesh for dissipation therein. The thermally conductive mesh is configured to provide acoustic absorption for the sound waves propagating through the speaker cavity.

Abstract: A speaker apparatus is provided in order to both receive and dissipate heat and to provide acoustic absorption for sound waves propagating through a speaker cavity. The speaker apparatus includes a speaker and a speaker cavity configured to receive sound waves emitted by the speaker for propagation through the speaker cavity. The speaker apparatus also includes a heat dissipation structure disposed at least partially within the speaker cavity. The heat dissipation structure includes a heat pipe or a heat sink configured to receive heat from a component that generates heat. The heat dissipation structure is configured to provide acoustic absorption for the sound waves propagating through the speaker cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a chamber and an intake device configured to control a flow of fluid into the chamber. The fluid comprises particles; a resonance device is configured to resonate the chamber to provide an acoustic standing wave within the chambers. The frequency of the standing wave is selected to cause particles above a specific size to collect at a node of the standing wave.

Abstract: A method includes formatting for display, on a visual screen, an image comprising: (1) a coordinate system, (2) a plurality of distinguishable areas within the coordinate system, each distinguishable area graphically representing a respective formula, and (3) a plurality of data points. The method also includes receiving user input comprising a modification to a particular distinguishable area. In response to receiving the user input, the method includes modifying one or more respective formulas based on the modification to the distinguishable area. For each data point, the method further includes associating the data point with one of the distinguishable areas by determining which of the modified formulas the data point falls within. The method further includes formatting for display a graphical representation of each modified formula. The method additionally includes storing the graphical representation of each modified formula for use as a modified image in future operations.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product enhance audio quality during a voice communication session, such as by enhancing audio quality for a remote participant in a meeting. In a method and for each of two or more microphones of a first device at a first location, a target audio signal is generated that has been steered in a direction of a target audio source in order to provide at least partial isolation from a second audio source in the same environment. The method also produces a filtered audio signal based on the target audio source at least from a respective one of the two or more microphones. The method also includes mixing the filtered audio signal from at least the first device to create an audio output signal associated with an audio playback format and causing the audio output signal to be output by a second device.

Abstract: An article comprises an elastic membrane having a mass element provided thereon the mass element having an asymmetric shape and a resonator structure having a resonance frequency. The elastic membrane is configured to oscillate in response to a sound wave incident thereon, and the asymmetry of the mass element is configured to induce a flapping motion which in combination with the oscillation of the membrane trap vibrational mechanical energy from the sound wave and the resonator structure is configured to absorb at least a part of the incident sound wave. A composite material comprising the article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism which applies a balancing force to lift a load. The counterbalance mechanism includes an adjustment arm pivotally attached at first end to a frame and to a spring at a second end. The counterbalance mechanism further includes a travelling arm pivotally attached at a first end to the frame and connected to the spring at a second end. The counterbalance mechanism further includes one or more cables attached at one end to a container securing a load or arms securing the container. A second end of the one or more cables are attached to the travelling member or pass over a pulley attached to the travelling arm. The one or more cables transmit an assisting force to the container for lowering and raising the container. A relative position of the spring, adjustment arm, and travelling arm are adjusted in response to the load acting on the one or more cables to generally offset the load in the container.

Abstract: A storage system and associated method of assembling the storage system. The storage system includes one or more rails for attaching the storage system to a structure. The storage system further includes one or more arms attached to the one or more rails. The storage system further includes a counterbalance mechanism attached to the one or more arms configured to provide a force to assist lifting or lowering a load applied to the one or more lift arms. The storage system further includes a release for engaging the counterbalance mechanism to assist a user in raising or lowering the one or more lift arms.

Abstract: A force engine operable to counterbalance a load. The force engine includes one or more energy reservoirs operable to store energy. The one or more energy reservoirs are operable to generate a force to balance the load through the displacement in an operating mode. A traveling member is hingedly connected to the one or more energy reservoirs. The force generated by the one or more energy reservoirs is transferred to the load through the traveling member and an associated linkage. A variable member is coupled to the one or more energy reservoirs. In the adjusting mode the variable member is displaced to configure an operating relationship between the one or more energy reservoirs and the traveling member. A release interacts with the variable member to fix a position of the variable member.

Abstract: A method includes formatting for display, on a visual screen, an image comprising: (1) a coordinate system, (2) a plurality of distinguishable areas within the coordinate system, each distinguishable area graphically representing a respective formula, and (3) a plurality of data points. The method also includes receiving user input comprising a modification to a particular distinguishable area. In response to receiving the user input, the method includes modifying one or more respective formulas based on the modification to the distinguishable area. For each data point, the method further includes associating the data point with one of the distinguishable areas by determining which of the modified formulas the data point falls within. The method further includes formatting for display a graphical representation of each modified formula. The method additionally includes storing the graphical representation of each modified formula for use as a modified image in future operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a utility meter by obtaining a temperature value associated with the meter, determining whether the temperature value crosses a threshold, triggering an action if the threshold value is crossed. In another form the temperature can be used as a fault parameter to determine the condition of a utility meter.