Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes receiving audio input by a microphone of an access control device that controls access through a passageway, processing an audio signal associated with the audio input to identify and authenticate a user, determining a command corresponding with the audio signal in response to identification and authentication of the user, and performing at least one action that corresponds with the command.

Abstract: Access control devices are provided that include locking mechanisms, reader devices, and control units powered by solar devices.

Abstract: Access control devices are provided that include locking mechanisms, reader devices, and control units powered by solar devices.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes receiving audio input by a microphone of an access control device that controls access through a passageway, processing an audio signal associated with the audio input to identify and authenticate a user, determining a command corresponding with the audio signal in response to identification and authentication of the user, and performing at least one action that corresponds with the command.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes receiving audio input by a microphone of an access control device that controls access through a passageway, processing an audio signal associated with the audio input to identify and authenticate a user, determining a command corresponding with the audio signal in response to identification and authentication of the user, and performing at least one action that corresponds with the command.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes receiving audio input by a microphone of an access control device that controls access through a passageway, processing an audio signal associated with the audio input to identify and authenticate a user, determining a command corresponding with the audio signal in response to identification and authentication of the user, and performing at least one action that corresponds with the command.

Abstract: A sports training apparatus for injecting actual game timing into team practice includes a portable housing having an on/off switch, a skill level selection switch, an area selector switch for selecting position areas for practice, and two time sequence initiator switches. A light and a horn are attached to the housing for signaling a running of a time sequence, and the end of the time sequence, respectively. A programmable controller is mounted in the housing and connected to the above mentioned switches and light and horn. For baseball, the programmable controller is programmed with up to 29 speed time sequences including those for infielder, outfielder, and steal position areas for pre-high school, high school, college, and professional skill levels. For the infielders and outfielders each are provided two time sequences for practicing plays as follows.

Abstract: Disclosed are sorbents and sorbent systems made from lightweight expanded silicate aggregates derived from rice hull ash and processes for sorbing liquids using such sorbents and sorbent systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight silicate aggregate produced by the steps of mixing together dry rice hull ash, an alkali metal hydroxide, boric acid, and water; heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to initiate reaction; curing the composition at a temperature less than the boiling point of water until the reaction is complete; comminuting the cured product and heating the comminuted product to form the expanded aggregate. The expanded aggregate is useful as, inter alia, a sorbent, filler, energy insulator or filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a lightweight silicate aggregate. The process includes the steps of mixing together dry rice hull ash, an alkali metal hydroxide, boric acid, and water; heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to initiate reaction; curing the composition at a temperature less than the boiling point of water until the reaction is complete; comminuting the cured product and heating the comminuted product to form the expanded aggregate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved insulation material which comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture of inorganic, non-flammable, fibrous material and discrete particles of expanded amorphous glass.