Abstract: Loudness control systems or methods may normalize audio signals to a predetermined loudness level. If the audio signal includes moderate background noise, then the background noise may also be normalized to the target loudness level. Noise signals may be detected using content-versus-noise classification, and a loudness control system or method may be adjusted based on the detection of noise. Noise signals may be detected by signal analysis in the frequency domain or in the time domain. Loudness control systems may also produce undesirable audio effects when content shifts from a high overall loudness level to a lower overall loudness level. Such loudness drops may be detected, and the loudness control system may be adjusted to minimize the undesirable effects during the transition between loudness levels.

Abstract: There is disclosed methods and apparatus for decomposing a signal having a plurality of channels into direct and diffuse components. The correlation coefficient between each pair of signals from the plurality of signals may be estimated. A linear system of equations relating the estimated correlation coefficients and direct energy fractions of each of the plurality of channels may be constructed. The linear system may be solved to estimate the direct energy fractions. A direct component output signal and a diffuse component output signal may be generated based in part on the direct energy fractions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve for use in controlling fluid flow between first and second passageways in a hydraulic valve block includes a valve body. The valve body defines a central axis, has a central opening therethrough, and has a lower end adapted to be inserted into a bore of the valve block. A hollow valve dome is attached to an upper end of the valve body. An armature is axially moveable within the valve dome. A spring biases the armature in one axial direction. A closing element is coupled to a lower end of the armature. An electromagnetic coil coaxially surrounds the armature and is operable to effect axial movement of the armature in an axial direction opposite the one axial direction. A valve seat member is carried by a lower end of the valve body and has an orifice providing fluid flow between the first and second valve block passageways. The valve seat member defines a valve seat that surrounds the orifice and cooperates with the closing element for selectively closing the orifice.

Abstract: A inert sampling needle is provided for piercing a septum of a vial containing a sample. The sampling needle includes a hollow rigid support member having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a septum-piercing end. The sampling needle also includes a sheath member affixed to the rigid support member. The sheath member covers the septum-piercing end of the support member, the inner wall, and at least a portion of the outer wall adjacent the septum-piercing end to isolate the support member from the sample. Preferably, the sheath member is formed of polyetheretherketone and is affixed to the rigid support member by heat fusing. A method of forming, and a method of using the inert sampling needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, apparatuses and systems for fabricating photovoltaic cells and modules. In certain embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems involve coating ferromagnetic substrates with thin film solar cell materials and using magnetic force to constrain, move or otherwise manipulate partially fabricated cells or modules. According to various embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide magnetically actuated handling throughout a photovoltaic cell or module fabrication process, from forming photovoltaic cell layers on a substrate to packaging the module for transport and installation. The magnetically manipulated processing provides advantages over conventional photovoltaic module processing operations, including fewer mechanical components, greater control over placement and tolerances, and ease of handling. As a result, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide highly efficient, low maintenance photovoltaic module fabrication processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, apparatuses and systems for fabricating photovoltaic cells and modules. In certain embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems involve coating ferromagnetic substrates with thin film solar cell materials and using magnetic force to constrain, move or otherwise manipulate partially fabricated cells or modules. According to various embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide magnetically actuated handling throughout a photovoltaic cell or module fabrication process, from forming photovoltaic cell layers on a substrate to packaging the module for transport and installation. The magnetically manipulated processing provides advantages over conventional photovoltaic module processing operations, including fewer mechanical components, greater control over placement and tolerances, and ease of handling. As a result, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide highly efficient, low maintenance photovoltaic module fabrication processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, apparatuses and systems for fabricating photovoltaic cells and modules. In certain embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems involve coating ferromagnetic substrates with thin film solar cell materials and using magnetic force to constrain, move or otherwise manipulate partially fabricated cells or modules. According to various embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide magnetically actuated handling throughout a photovoltaic cell or module fabrication process, from forming photovoltaic cell layers on a substrate to packaging the module for transport and installation. The magnetically manipulated processing provides advantages over conventional photovoltaic module processing operations, including fewer mechanical components, greater control over placement and tolerances, and ease of handling. As a result, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide highly efficient, low maintenance photovoltaic module fabrication processes.

Abstract: Light fixtures are disclosed having a first light source. The light fixtures can include a second light source, and a flameless candle that includes the first light source. A sensor can also be included that is configured to detect at least one of movement and light, and produces a sensor signal.

Abstract: A system for detecting a buried conductor comprises a transmitter for producing an alternating test current in the buried conductor and a receiver for detecting an electromagnetic field produced by the test current in the buried conductor. A communication link is provided between the receiver and the transmitter. The receiver measures the signal to noise ratio, SNR, of the electromagnetic field produced by the test current and if the SNR is below a threshold then the receiver controls the transmitter to set frequency and/or power characteristics of the test current.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, apparatuses and systems for fabricating photovoltaic cells and modules. In certain embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems involve coating ferromagnetic substrates with thin film solar cell materials and using magnetic force to constrain, move or otherwise manipulate partially fabricated cells or modules. According to various embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide magnetically actuated handling throughout a photovoltaic cell or module fabrication process, from forming photovoltaic cell layers on a substrate to packaging the module for transport and installation. The magnetically manipulated processing provides advantages over conventional photovoltaic module processing operations, including fewer mechanical components, greater control over placement and tolerances, and ease of handling. As a result, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide highly efficient, low maintenance photovoltaic module fabrication processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, apparatuses and systems for fabricating photovoltaic cells and modules. In certain embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems involve coating ferromagnetic substrates with thin film solar cell materials and using magnetic force to constrain, move or otherwise manipulate partially fabricated cells or modules. According to various embodiments, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide magnetically actuated handling throughout a photovoltaic cell or module fabrication process, from forming photovoltaic cell layers on a substrate to packaging the module for transport and installation. The magnetically manipulated processing provides advantages over conventional photovoltaic module processing operations, including fewer mechanical components, greater control over placement and tolerances, and ease of handling. As a result, the methods, apparatuses and systems provide highly efficient, low maintenance photovoltaic module fabrication processes.

Abstract: A system for detecting a buried conductor comprises a transmitter for producing an alternating test current in the buried conductor and a receiver for detecting an electromagnetic field produced by the test current in the buried conductor. A communication link is provided between the receiver and the transmitter. The receiver measures the signal to noise ratio, SNR, of the electromagnetic field produced by the test current and if the SNR is below a threshold then the receiver controls the transmitter to set frequency and/or power characteristics of the test current.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine that can burn two fuels, the main fuel may become unavailable, either temporarily or until the main fuel is replenished. The present apparatus determines when to fuel an engine with main fuel and secondary fuel, or secondary fuel alone.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine that can burn two fuels, the main fuel may become unavailable, either temporarily or until the main fuel is replenished. The present apparatus determines when to fuel an engine with main fuel and secondary fuel, or secondary fuel alone.

Abstract: An engine operating method and a direct injection gaseous fuelled system directly injects a gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber during a compression stroke, commands gaseous fuel injection pressure to a target value that is determined as a function of at least one pre-selected engine parameter, measures actual gaseous fuel injection pressure and adjusts fuel injection pulsewidth to correct for differences between the target value and the actual gaseous fuel injection pressure to thereby inject the desired mass quantity of gaseous fuel as determined from an engine map.

Abstract: A detector for detecting a buried current carrying conductor includes a digital signal processor, magnetic sensors, and a power supply unit. The power supply unit is a switched mode power supply which incorporates a proportional integral differential controller feedback algorithm and which is managed by the digital signal processor. The load and source voltage are monitored by the digital signal processor and a look-up table is used to control a pulse width modulator, which drives a single ended primary induction controller. The digital signal processor processes and compares signals received from the sensors to calculate a depth of a buried conductor. The self-generated noise of the power supply unit does not interfere with the frequency bands of detection of the detector.

Abstract: An engine operating method and a direct injection gaseous fuelled system directly injects a gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber during a compression stroke, commands gaseous fuel injection pressure to a target value that is determined as a function of at least one pre-selected engine parameter, measures actual gaseous fuel injection pressure and adjusts fuel injection pulsewidth to correct for differences between the target value and the actual gaseous fuel injection pressure to thereby inject the desired mass quantity of gaseous fuel as determined from an engine map.

Abstract: A detector 1 for detecting a current carrying conductor has a pair of vertically spaced antennae 3, 5 to detect the magnetic radiation produced by a current carrying conductor as a result of one or both of the mains power supply or an electromagnetic signal which is induced in the conductor by a dedicated signal transmitter. The detector 1 continuously calculates the depth of a buried conductor and if the buried conductor is above a predetermined minimum depth then the detector 1 triggers an audio and/or visual alarm. By reducing the sensitivity of the antennae 3, 5, the lateral offset range for which the alarm sounds is reduced and the location of a buried conductor can be determined.

Abstract: A detector 1 for detecting a buried current carrying conductor comprises a digital signal processor 16 and a power supply unit 25. The power supply unit 25 is a switched mode power supply which incorporates a proportional integral differential controller feedback algorithm 33 and which is managed by the digital signal processor 16. The load 31 and source 26 voltage are monitored by the digital signal processor 16 and a look-up table. 35 is used to control a pulse width modulator 27, which drives a single ended primary induction controller 29. The self-generated noise of the power supply unit 25 does not interfere with the frequency bands of detection of the detector 1.

Abstract: A detector 1 for detecting a current carrying conductor has a pair of vertically spaced antennae 3, 5 to detect the magnetic radiation produced by a current carrying conductor as a result of one or both of the mains power supply or an electromagnetic signal which is induced in the conductor by a dedicated signal transmitter. The detector 1 continuously calculates the depth of a buried conductor and if the buried conductor is above a predetermined minimum depth then the detector 1 triggers an audio and/or visual alarm. By reducing the sensitivity of the antennae 3, 5, the lateral offset range for which the alarm sounds is reduced and the location of a buried conductor can be determined.