Abstract: A speaker can have a main body with a generally spheroidal shape, which can be supported standing on its end. The speaker can include a subwoofer that faces forward. A plurality of mid-range drivers can be distributed around the sub-woofer, facing generally forward and radially outward. A plurality of tweeters can be distributed around the sub-woofer, facing generally forward and generally outward. The outer housing portion of the speaker can be covered with a fabric material. A user interface ring 162 can be touch sensitive to receive input, and can have a plurality of lights that can be illuminated separately to convey information to the user.

Abstract: An, adjustable, retractable hanging system that enables hangers to be easily attached, moved, and removed from a suspended ceiling or unique wall rail. The hanger, which houses a take-up reel and a retractable cable, is backed with a pressure-clip or in an alternate embodiment, an adhesive or magnetic back. The hanger affixes to a suspended ceiling member or unique wall rail by means of a specially devised cup. Once attached to ceiling or wall, the retractable cable within the hanger extends or retracts to receive the object to be hung. The cable is reached by means of a hook on the telescoping pole and is retracted to within arm's reach. A movable device referred to here as a cable-stop, which is also attached to the cable, allows individuals the ability to adjust the suspending height of the material to be hung.

Abstract: A valve system is provided having a housing including a first end, a second end and a first passageway. The housing has a first port and a second port. A valve member is disposed within the housing and movable relative thereto. The valve member defines a portion of the first passageway that includes a first opening configured for alignment and sealed fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The portion of the first passageway further includes a second opening having a greater relative dimension than the first opening. The valve member is manipulable to establish sealed fluid communication between the first opening and the first port or the second port while maintaining continuous sealed fluid communication between the second opening and the first passageway adjacent to the second end of the housing. The valve member can be disposed within the housing for rotation relative thereto.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a fan housing, comprising a unitary molded structure formed from a material that has a flame spread rating of twenty five or less. The unitary molded structure comprises a base, an impeller housing centrally located next to the base, and a flow path located circumferentially around the impeller housing with one or more defined walls for directing air flow. An exhaust port receives air from the flow path and outputs air in a particular direction.

Abstract: Signal converter systems are provided with N analog-to-digital converters that respectively respond to N interleaved clock signals which have a common clock frequency and are further provided with a filter network that processes the converters' output digital sequences with a selected filter passband a filter passband that is contained within a single one of Nyquist zones whose widths are one half of the clock frequency and that is positioned to pass information contained in the analog signal. In a system embodiment, the filter network comprises a symmetric systolic finite impulse response filter arranged to define N input ports for reception of the digital sequences.

Abstract: A system of detecting and adjusting the normal force exerted by a web material around the circumferential surface of a cylinder is provided. Sensors associated with the cylinder surface are wired to a processor that compares detected normal web forces with a set value. An actuation device is activated by the processor to adjust the normal force exerted by the web by, e.g., adjusting the tension in the web material. A positioning device that preferably translates a web-wound spool is also provided as an option for the actuation device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an improved automated version of a word game that incorporates game play methodology into a central controller and communicates game play information to the players through a game console that provides each player with an input pod for communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor incorporates features including a timer, scoring system, random letter generator and a random element generator so as to increase ease of use and speed up game play. The microprocessor communicates information to the players through a variety of lights that are selectively illuminated as well as a self-contained speaker for communicating audible information to the players.

Abstract: A valve system is provided having a housing including a first end, a second end and a first passageway. The housing has a first port and a second port. A valve member is disposed within the housing and movable relative thereto. The valve member defines a portion of the first passageway that includes a first opening configured for alignment and sealed fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The portion of the first passageway further includes a second opening having a greater relative dimension than the first opening. The valve member is manipulable to establish sealed fluid communication between the first opening and the first port or the second port while maintaining continuous sealed fluid communication between the second opening and the first passageway adjacent to the second end of the housing. The valve member can be disposed within the housing for rotation relative thereto.

Abstract: Signal converters are provided that accurately process dc-coupled source signals in the presence of different predetermined voltage and current source requirements. Processing structures are described that satisfy these requirements while providing accurate control of common mode levels along a processing path and accurate reduction of converter offset errors.

Abstract: A honeycomb web precursor includes a body of polymer material having a series of branched slits. The body is capable of expanding into a web of honeycomb construction. Various panels and partitions are also disclosed. A method is also provided for producing a honeycomb web of polymer material. That method includes the making of a series of branched slits in a body of polymer material so as to define multiple expansion ribs and the expanding of the body and erecting of the expansion ribs by folding so as to form the honeycomb web.

Abstract: Systems and related methods are provided for modulating web tension loss at the edge of spool-hosting cavities in a cylinder by displacing the feed path and/or the exit path of the web material.

Abstract: A Midwave FLIR imaging optical apparatus has both a narrow and wide field of view. The imaging optical apparatus has a See Spot mode of operation, where a laser designator spot image is superimposed on the FLIR image in the narrow field of view. A laser rangefinder receiver path is also provided. A shared aperture collects incident radiation, which after manipulation by a plurality of optically significant surfaces, projects radiation to a detector. The imaging optical system is lightweight and compact and efficiently transmits FLIR energy and a narrow band of laser energy so that a signal due to a source outside the pass bands of interest (including solar energy) will not adversely effect operation of the imaging optical apparatus.

Abstract: A system of detecting and adjusting the normal force exerted by a web material around the circumferential surface of a cylinder is provided. Sensors associated with the cylinder surface are wired to a processor that compares detected normal web forces with a set value. An actuation device is activated by the processor to adjust the normal force exerted by the web by, e.g., adjusting the tension in the web material. A positioning device that preferably translates a web-wound spool is also provided as an option for the actuation device.

Abstract: Systems and related methods are provided for modulating web tension loss at the edge of spool-hosting cavities in a cylinder by displacing the feed path and/or the exit path of the web material.

Abstract: A milking device having a flexible, unitary body for securing and compressing patient tubing is disclosed comprising first and second portions which are tapered from one another and define a conduit that communicates with a channel formed on one side of the device and an opposing slot formed on the other side thereof. First and second portions further define first and second receptacles, respectively, each adapted to receive a roller disposed rotatably therein for engaging patient tubing. A pair of guides are provided at the entrance of the device in order to facilitate the axial advancement of patient tubing through the conduit of the body. Distal and proximal openings are formed at either end of the conduit to receive a portion of patient tubing inserted through the channel. The device may then be advanced longitudinally along the tubing as a user presses the two rollers together and engages the tubing while progressively evacuating the contents thereof into an appropriate collection site.

Abstract: A milking device having a flexible, unitary body for securing and compressing patient tubing is disclosed comprising first and second portions which are tapered from one another and define a conduit that communicates with a channel formed on one side of the device and an opposing slot formed on the other side thereof. First and second portions further define first and second receptacles, respectively, each adapted to receive a roller disposed rotatably therein for engaging patient tubing. A pair of guides are provided at the entrance of the device in order to facilitate the axial advancement of patient tubing through the conduit of the body. Distal and proximal openings are formed at either end of the conduit to receive a portion of patient tubing inserted through the channel. The device may then be advanced longitudinally along the tubing as a user presses the two rollers together and engages the tubing while progressively evacuating the contents thereof into an appropriate collection site.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit includes a first operational amplifier having an inverting input and a non-inverting input. The non-inverting input receives an input signal, and the inverting input is connected to a noise generating system. The amplifier circuit further includes a second operational amplifier having an inverting input and a non-inverting input. The non-inverting input of the second operational amplifier receives an input signal, and the inverting input is connected to a noise generating system. A differential in/out operational amplifier, in the amplifier circuit, has an inverting input connected to an output of the second operational amplifier and a non-inverting input connected to an output of the first operational amplifier. The noise generating system injects a narrow band noise into a differential amplifier with no insertion loss and mismatching along the signal path. The narrow band noise is obtained by amplifying thermal noise of an amplifier. The amplified thermal noise is bandwidth limited.

Abstract: A splatter screen may be releasably retained to a cookware item to prevent splatter of hot food items and the like from the cookware item during cooking. A rim of the splatter screen is constructed and arranged to be releasably retained within an upper rim portion of the cookware item. Any number of spring clips may be attached to the rim of the splatter screen for releasably retention of a cover of the cookware item to the splatter screen. A grip portion of a handle, attached to the rim of the splatter screen, is constructed and arranged to accommodate a handle of the cookware item with which the splatter screen is intended to be used.