Abstract: A multi-stage actuator for a turbocharger is disclosed. The actuator may comprise a diaphragm having an axially movable portion. An actuating shaft is coupled to the axially movable portion such that axial movement of the axially movable portion causes axial movement of the actuating shaft. Only a first spring resists axial movement of the axially movable portion within a first range of axial positions of the axially movable portion, and both a first and a second spring resist axial movement of the axially movable portion within a second range of axial positions of the axially movable portion.

Abstract: An audio enhanced hearing protection system to be worn by a user includes an ambient noise reduction assembly having a primary noise reduction unit and a secondary noise reduction unit. The audio enhanced hearing protection system also includes an audio input assembly having one or more environmental microphones to receive raw environmental audio signals. The raw audio signals are transformed into processed audio signals via a digital signal processing assembly prior to transmission to a user. The audio enhanced hearing protection system also includes an audio output assembly having at least one speaker to transmit processed audio signals to a user.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for use in controlling souring and corrosion causing prokaryotes, such as SRP, by treating oil and gas field environments or treatment fluids with a newly identified bacterial strain ATCC Accession No. PTA-124262 as a self-propagating whole cell that produces an anti-SRP bacteriocin in situ. In another aspect, the methods use one or more toxic peptides or proteins isolated therefrom in methods to control unwanted prokaryotic growth in these environments.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for use in controlling souring and corrosion causing prokaryotes, such as SRP, by treating oil and gas field environments or treatment fluids with a newly identified bacterial strain ATCC Accession No. PTA-124262 as a self-propagating whole cell that produces an anti-SRP bacteriocin in situ. In another aspect, the methods use one or more toxic peptides or proteins isolated therefrom in methods to control unwanted prokaryotic growth in these environments.

Abstract: A mechanical failure detection system for mechanical equipment that has an acoustic capture device disposed in operative proximity to the mechanical equipment in order to acquire an operative state audio signal from the mechanical equipment, and a signal processor structured to processes the operative state audio signal and isolate a constituent signal from the operative state audio signal. The system further includes an operation processor that identifies operating parameters of the mechanical equipment that substantially correspond with the operative state audio signal an which facilitate analysis by a test processor that maintains base line audio signals and corresponding base line operational parameters so that it can compare them to the constituent signal and identify correlations between the constituent signal and the base line audio signal indicative of an operational state of the mechanical equipment such as a failure state.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for use in controlling souring and corrosion causing prokaryotes, such as SRP, by treating oil and gas field environments or treatment fluids with a newly identified bacterial strain ATCC Accession No. PTA-124262 as a self-propagating whole cell that produces an anti-SRP bacteriocin in situ. In another aspect, the methods use one or more toxic peptides or proteins isolated therefrom in methods to control unwanted prokaryotic growth in these environments.

Abstract: An audio enhanced hearing protection system to be worn by a user includes an ambient noise reduction assembly having a primary noise reduction unit and a secondary noise reduction unit. The audio enhanced hearing protection system also includes an audio input assembly having one or more environmental microphones to receive raw environmental audio signals. The raw audio signals are transformed into processed audio signals via a digital signal processing assembly prior to transmission to a user. The audio enhanced hearing protection system also includes an audio output assembly having at least one speaker to transmit processed audio signals to a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a noise reduction assembly for auscultation of a body. An embodiment of the assembly includes an auscultation device formed of a first material and having a proximal end for engagement with the body when the auscultation device is in an operative orientation. An interior dampening layer, which may be formed of a second material, is formed along an exterior surface of the auscultation device and covering all exterior surfaces thereof except the proximal end. An exterior dampening layer, which may be formed of a third material, is then formed in covering relations relative to the interior dampening layer.

Abstract: An audio enhanced hearing protection system to be worn by a user includes an ambient noise reduction assembly having a primary noise reduction unit and a secondary noise reduction unit. The audio enhanced hearing protection system also includes an audio input assembly having one or more environmental microphones to receive raw environmental audio signals. The raw audio signals are transformed into processed audio signals via a digital signal processing assembly prior to transmission to a user. The audio enhanced hearing protection system also includes an audio output assembly having at least one speaker to transmit processed audio signals to a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus, system, and method for generating a head related audio transfer function in real time. Specifically, the present invention utilizes unique structural components including a tragus structure and an antihelix structure in connection with a microphone in order to communicate the location of a sound in three-dimensional space to a user. The invention also utilizes an audio processor to digitally process the head related audio transfer function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a noise reduction assembly for auscultation of a body. An embodiment of the assembly includes an auscultation device formed of a first material and having a proximal end for engagement with the body when the auscultation device is in an operative orientation. An interior dampening layer, which may be formed of a second material, is formed along an exterior surface of the auscultation device and covering all exterior surfaces thereof except the proximal end. An exterior dampening layer, which may be formed of a third material, is then formed in covering relations relative to the interior dampening layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining access to a session with a remote cloud service server. The methods comprising: receiving, by a first client computing device, a user unique identifier from a mobile device located in proximity to the first client computing device; and performing facial recognition operations by the first client computing device subsequent to the reception of the user unique identifier. The facial recognition operations comprise: capturing an image of the mobile device's user; and analyzing the image to obtain a user name associated with the facial features represented therein. A determination is made as to whether the user name matches the user unique identifier. If so, a first session with the remote cloud service server is automatically launched.

Abstract: A method of forming a protective sheath for an aerofoil component includes: providing a first sheath portion and a second sheath portion, the first sheath portion and the second sheath portion each comprising an inner surface, an outer surface and an end surface between the inner and outer surfaces and having a sacrificial flange at its distal end; positioning the first sheath portion and second sheath portion so that the inner surface of the first sheath portion abuts against the inner surface of the second sheath portion with the end surfaces of the first and second sheath portions aligned to form a mating edge; and joining the first sheath portion to the second sheath portion by welding along the mating edge, wherein the sacrificial flanges are completely consumed and a curved outer profile is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus, system, and method for generating a head related audio transfer function in real time. Specifically, the present invention utilizes unique structural components including a tragus structure and an antihelix structure in connection with a microphone in order to communicate the location of a sound in three-dimensional space to a user. The invention also utilizes an audio processor to digitally process the head related audio transfer function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a noise reduction assembly for auscultation of a body. An embodiment of the assembly includes an auscultation device formed of a first material and having a proximal end for engagement with the body when the auscultation device is in an operative orientation. An interior dampening layer, which may be formed of a second material, is formed along an exterior surface of the auscultation device and covering all exterior surfaces thereof except the proximal end. An exterior dampening layer, which may be formed of a third material, is then formed in covering relations relative to the interior dampening layer.

Abstract: A mechanical failure detection system for mechanical equipment that has an acoustic capture device disposed in operative proximity to the mechanical equipment in order to acquire an operative state audio signal from the mechanical equipment, and a signal processor structured to processes the operative state audio signal and isolate a constituent signal from the operative state audio signal. The system further includes an operation processor that identifies operating parameters of the mechanical equipment that substantially correspond with the operative state audio signal an which facilitate analysis by a test processor that maintains base line audio signals and corresponding base line operational parameters so that it can compare them to the constituent signal and identify correlations between the constituent signal and the base line audio signal indicative of an operational state of the mechanical equipment such as a failure state.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus, system, and method for generating a head related audio transfer function in real time. Specifically, the present invention utilizes unique structural components including a tragus structure and an antihelix structure in connection with a microphone in order to communicate the location of a sound in three dimensional space to a user. The invention also utilizes an audio processor to digitally process the head related audio transfer function.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for use in controlling souring and corrosion causing prokaryotes, such as SRP, by treating oil and gas field environments or treatment fluids with a newly identified bacterial strain ATCC Accession No. PTA-124262 as a self-propagating whole cell that produces an anti-SRP bacteriocin in situ. In another aspect, the methods use one or more toxic peptides or proteins isolated therefrom in methods to control unwanted prokaryotic growth in these environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for auscultation of a body. An embodiment of the device includes a housing dimensioned and configured for disposition in an operative orientation relative to a predetermined portion of the body. The housing includes a plurality of chambers disposed therewithin. The plurality of chambers are collectively structured to receive an acoustic signal at least when the housing is disposed in the operative orientation. The housing also includes at least one transducer at least partially disposed in a corresponding one of the chambers. The transducer is structured to convert the acoustic signal into an electrical signal. A concentric structure is formed around the housing for additionally receiving and processing low frequency signals.

Abstract: An assembly for hot forming a component includes first and second location features reversibly attached to a sheet metal element that forms the component. The assembly is loaded into a high temperature forming rig by loosely locating the location features into corresponding datum features in a forming tool. As the assembly heats up, the location features locate accurately with the datum features. Thus, the assembly can be accurately located onto the tool accurately and with minimal opening of the hot forming rig, thereby improving efficiency and safety.