Abstract: A handheld multiple-input personal audio enhancement device comprises a device power source, a signal processor coupled to the device power source, a first bidirectional audio connector port coupled to the signal processor and a second bidirectional audio connector port coupled to the signal processor. The personal audio enhancement device may also include a wireless receiver antenna coupled to the signal processor for receiving wireless signals, and the signal processor may include a frequency-selective amplifier. A control interface may be coupled to the signal processor for selecting among a plurality of audio modes, including a wireless audio mode for listening to audio from a wireless audio signal, an ambient mode for listening to conversations, and an interconnect mode for using a telephone or other audio device. A predefined audio mode for listening to predefined audio signals may also be provided.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a system for binaural hearing enhancement, including at least one auditory receiver and at least one processor coupled to the at least one auditory receiver. The at least one auditory receiver is configured to receive an auditory signal that includes a target signal. The at least one processor configured to extract a plurality of auditory cues from the auditory signal, prioritize at least one of the plurality of auditory cues based on the robustness of the auditory cues, and based on the prioritized auditory cues, extract the target signal from the auditory signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for a pulp and paper mill, and methods of acting on liquid effluents produced in the mill, which minimizes the discharge of polluting gaseous and liquid effluents to the environment. Liquid effluents from the bleach plant are concentrated (e.g. evaporated), incinerated (e.g. gasified), leached, crystallized (e.g. freeze crystallized) then washed, and then fed to the plant chemical recovery loop. White liquor produced from the recovery boiler melt is fully oxidized and used in place of caustic in the bleach plant. Essentially all sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide, caustic, and chlorine dioxide necessary for the pulp mill is produced from mill liquid effluents and gas waste streams, on site at the pulp mill. Typical bleaching sequences that can be used are DE.sub.op D.sub.n D, or AZE.sub.o PZP.