Abstract: A method for forming an opening in two different turbine components is provided. The method includes coupling a clamp to a base and coupling the clamp to a clamp bar, wherein the clamp bar is moveable with respect to the base. A first bushing plate is selected based on a first turbine component being drilled and is removably coupled to the base. A bushing is removably coupled to at least one aperture extending through the first bushing plate. An opening is formed in the first turbine component. A second bushing plate is selected based on a second turbine component being drilled. The second turbine component is different from the first turbine component. The second bushing plate is removably coupled to the base. An opening is formed in the second turbine component.

Abstract: A washer cabinet has a bottom floor, a top wall, and a pair of upstanding sidewalls to define a channel that extends the length of the cabinet. The channel has an entry end and an exit end. An overhead track suspends animal carcasses in alignment with the channel. A plurality of rotating appendages and a plurality of fluid nozzles are positioned within the cabinet. An animal carcass suspended from the overhead track is moved into the cabinet through the entry end. The carcass comes into contact with the rotating appendages and is washed by fluid emitted from the fluid nozzles as it traverses the length of the cabinet before exiting at the exit end.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a system and method for improved robustness in a speech system. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving an utterance from an intended talker at a speech recognition system; computing a speaker verification score with a voice characteristic model associated and with the utterance; computing a speech recognition score associated with the utterance; and selecting a best hypothesis associated with the utterance and based on both the speaker verification score and the speech recognition score.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retractable windshield apparatus including first and second opposing traveler tracks adapted to receive and slide the lateral edges of a windshield in a mounting. The apparatus also includes a first retracting rod functionally attached to the first traveler track, a first pivot device functionally attached to the first retracting rod, and a first power source functionally attached to the first pivot device.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a system and method for unsupervised, on-line, adaptation in speaker verification. In one embodiment, a method for adapting a speaker model to improve the verification of a speaker's voice, comprises detecting a channel of a verification utterance; learning vocal characteristics of the speaker on the detected channel; and transforming the learned vocal characteristics of the speaker from the detected channel to the speaker model of a second channel.

Abstract: A controller for modular tooling includes a central processing unit. A scanner port is configured to establish and maintain communicative connection between an optical scanner and the central processing unit. A database is in communicative connection with the central processing unit. The database includes at least one numeric model of an aircraft, assembly, sub-assembly or component part; at least one standardized procedure for a repair of an aircraft, assembly, subassembly or component part; and a tooling library containing operating characteristics of at least one controllable tool. An effecter port is configured to establish and maintain communicative connection between a controllable tool and the central processing unit. An operator interface is in communicative connection with the central processing unit.

Abstract: A swivel device for a wind cone tower assembly comprises a rotating housing, provided with channels for drainage of condensation from its interior, and a fixed axle on which this housing is mounted. Two split bushings of insulated material are offset placed on each other between the surface of the fixed axle and a pair of slip rings. Brushes with enhanced content of copper are used and an insulating coating is applied around the brush holders to prevent electrical leakage. A conductor bushing also of insulating material for protecting the electrical conductors extending perpendicularly from the interior of the fixed axle to the pair of slip rings mounted on this axle.

Abstract: Biosynthesis of a desired macromolecule includes inserting a promoter that encodes for an endogenously produced inducible macromolecule in a Chlorella cell into a DNA vector to form a first recombinant DNA vector. A cDNA sequence that encodes for the desired macromolecule is inserted into the first recombinant DNA vector to form a second recombinant DNA vector, which is then incorporated into the microalgae cell genome to form a transformed microalgae cell. Transcription and translation of the cDNA sequence are induced in the transformed microalgae cell to biosynthesize the desired macromolecule. Control of the method is achieved with the use of a mechanism effective in repressing an expression of the endogenously produced inducible macromolecule. Then, when desired, expression of the cDNA sequence may be induced by removing the repressing agent, thereby inducing a biosynthesis of the desired macromolecule.

Abstract: An apparatus for roll forming convoluted springs in which a tempered steel strip is fed between a pair of forming rolls which produce a continuous convoluted steel strip. A compression mechanism downstream of the pair of forming rolls compresses the continuous convoluted steel strip to set the angular relationship of the adjacent legs of the convoluted steel strip. A cut-off mechanism disposed downstream of the compression mechanism device severs from the convoluted strip individual convoluted springs having a predetermined number of convolutions and desired spring characteristics.

Abstract: A method of preparing milled solid particles of a compound comprises the steps of forming a slurry of a liquid medium, the compound and rigid milling media in a milling chamber, contacting the compound with the milling media while in the chamber to reduce the particle size of the compound, and thereafter separating the compound from the milling media by vacuum filtration through a removable filter probe immersed in the slurry. In a preferred embodiment, the milling media is a polymeric resin having a mean particle size of less than 300 .mu.m. The method enables the use of fine milling media which provides extremely fine particles of the compound while avoiding problems, e.g., decrease yields due to separator screen plugging, associated with prior art processes.

Abstract: A fuse holder of the type having a heat sink consisting of a plurality of specially spaced and constructed vertically extending fins located in the area where the heat generated by the fuse and/or the heat generated in the material of a wire connector or block itself is dissipated between the fuse and the location where the electrical wires enter the connector or block.