Abstract: A bending wave loudspeaker having an operating frequency range and a coincidence frequency which is above the operating frequency range, comprising a resonant panel having two generally orthogonal axes, vibration exciting means coupled to the panel to excite the panel into resonance along the one axis of the panel, and means restraining or preventing resonance along the other axis of the panel whereby the panel radiates an acoustic output which is of wide directivity along the one axis and of narrow directivity along the other axis of the panel.

Abstract: An assembly (38) comprises a vibration transducer (50) coupled to a substrate (58) which incorporates a circuit (62) electrically connected to the transducer (50). The substrate (58) is adapted to be coupled to a bending wave member (30) for converting actuator vibration into acoustic radiation or vice versa and has sufficient flexibility to allow bending wave coupling between the substrate (58) and the member (30).

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a box-form structure made from stiff lightweight sheet material to define a plurality of faces, at least one face of the structure forming a panel-form bending wave acoustic radiator, and an electro-acoustic vibration transducer coupled thereto to apply bending wave energy to the radiator to cause it to radiate an acoustic output when an input signal is applied to the transducer. The box-form structure is collapsible, so that the box-form structure can be stored and transported in a flat form and erected as a box when required as a loudspeaker.

Abstract: A method and system to manipulate network objects by using Internet authoring, collaboration and versioning tools is described. The method includes: receiving a request for a manipulation of a first network object from a requesting user; verifying a first set of authorization information; translating a logical address of the first network object to a physical file system path; checking a local file system for validity and authorization for the requesting user including determining whether the first network object is a first network object; verifying a username and a password for the requesting user; returning a first error message if requesting user is unauthorized to access the first network object; determining an object type for the first network object; and sending a response to the requesting user. The method can also include verifying that the first network object is found and returning a second error message if the first network object is not found.

Abstract: A loudspeaker includes an assembly of at least two bending wave panel-form acoustic members each having a set of modes which are distributed in frequency. The parameters of at least two of the acoustic members are selected so that the modal distributions of each acoustic member are substantially different. The arrangement is such that the modal distributions of the assembly of acoustic members are interleaved constructively in frequency. A transducer applies bending wave energy to the acoustic members to cause them to resonate to produce an acoustic output. A method of making such a loudspeaker is also provided.

Abstract: A portable display platform for safely performing a motorcycle burnout stunt is disclosed, which includes a textured surface section of the platform floor for frictionally degrading the motorcycle's rear drive wheel tire and means for securing the motorcycle's front wheel tire, among other safety features. In addition to decreasing the risk to spectators, nearby property, and to the motorcyclist performing the burnout stunt, the present portable display platform preferably includes ornamental indicia and lighting to enhance entertainment aspect of the stunt performance.

Abstract: A local fluid power system is provided on a attachment for a skid steer loader or other commercial work vehicle. The local fluid power system can supplement the existing hydraulic power system provided by the commercial work vehicle or skid steer loader. The local fluid power system may comprise a hydraulic reservoir and a hydraulic pump fluidically connected to the hydraulic reservoir for providing a hydraulic power source. The local fluid power system may drive a first hydraulic actuator that acts upon the work attachment tool. The attachment may include a second actuator that is not driven by the local fluid power system, but instead by the existing hydraulic system provided by the commercial work vehicle.

Abstract: A skid-steer loader implement or bucket having a hydraulically actuated grapple component. The skid steer loader includes a hydraulic cushioning mechanism at one or both ends of the hydraulic cylinder such that the grapple component does not come to a hard stop when it impacts against the implement bucket. The cushioning mechanism comprises a fluid restriction that diminishes return fluid flow as piston nears the end of its stroke thereby slowing the movement. The skid-steer also includes a cylinder guard secured to the end of the actuation rod of the hydraulic cylinder to protect the actuation rod from damage. A widened pivot shaft is provided at the pivot structure between the grapple component and bucket implement for filling the gap therebetween and acting as a barrier to objects that would otherwise be forced therethrough.

Abstract: A loudspeaker includes an assembly of at least two bending wave panel-form acoustic members each having a set of modes which are distributed in frequency. The parameters of at least two of the acoustic members are selected so that the modal distributions of each acoustic member are substantially different. The arrangement is such that the modal distributions of the assembly of acoustic members are interleaved constructively in frequency. A transducer applies bending wave energy to the acoustic members to cause them to resonate to produce an acoustic output. A method of making such a loudspeaker is also provided.

Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a box-form structure made from stiff lightweight sheet material to define a plurality of faces, at least one face of the structure forming a panel-form bending wave acoustic radiator, and an electro-acoustic vibration transducer coupled thereto to apply bending wave energy to the radiator to cause it to radiate an acoustic output when an input signal is applied to the transducer. The box-form structure is collapsible, so that the box-form structure can be stored and transported in a flat form and erected as a box when required as a loudspeaker.

Abstract: A snowplow attachment for mounting to the front end of a vehicle that includes both a push blade operable during forward movement of vehicle and a pull blade operable during reverse movement of the vehicle. The pull blade drops down in front of the push blade such that pushed snow can then be pulled back. The snowplow can get up close to permanent structures such as buildings and remove snow therefrom. During the push mode, the pull blade is raised to avoid interference with pushed snow. The snowplow can include side plates located on the ends of the blades for containing the snow and prevent snow from escaping out the sides, thereby increasing the volume of snow moved by the plow during one sweep. According to one embodiment, the snowplow includes a push blade assembly that is adapted to mount directly on the vehicle and a movable pull blade carried by the push blade assembly.

Abstract: A skid-steer loader implement or bucket having a hydraulically actuated grapple component. The skid steer loader includes a hydraulic cushioning mechanism at one or both ends of the hydraulic cylinder such that the grapple component does not come to a hard stop when it impacts against the implement bucket. The cushioning mechanism comprises a fluid restriction that diminishes return fluid flow as piston nears the end of its stroke thereby slowing the movement. The skid-steer also includes a cylinder guard secured to the end of the actuation rod of the hydraulic cylinder to protect the actuation rod from damage. A widened pivot shaft is provided at the pivot structure between the grapple component and bucket implement for filling the gap therebetween and acting as a barrier to objects that would otherwise be forced therethrough.

Abstract: A skid-steer loader implement having a hydraulically actuated grapple component that includes an implement having first and second spaced apart pivot support structures and a hydraulically actuated grapple component pivotally secured to the second pivot support structure. A hydraulically actuated cylinder has one end of the cylinder pivotally secured to the first pivot support structure of the implement and is provided with a moveable piston integrally coupled to an output actuation rod that is pivotally secured at an end remote from the piston to the grapple component. The hydraulically actuated cylinder has supply/return ports adjacent the ends of the cylinder adapted to be alternately coupled to a high pressure hydraulic fluid supply or low pressure hydraulic fluid return.

Abstract: A skid-steer loader implement having a hydraulically actuated grapple component that includes an implement having first and second spaced apart pivot support structures and a hydraulically actuated grapple component pivotally secured to the second pivot support structure. A hydraulically actuated cylinder has one end of the cylinder pivotally secured to the first pivot support structure of the implement and is provided with a moveable piston integrally coupled to an output actuation rod that is pivotally secured at an end remote from the piston to the grapple component. The hydraulically actuated cylinder has supply/return ports adjacent the ends of the cylinder adapted to be alternately coupled to a high pressure hydraulic fluid supply or low pressure hydraulic fluid return.

Abstract: A work attachment for a commercial work vehicle such as a skid steer loader has a unique hydraulic circuit that splits hydraulic working flow between two hydraulic functions without the need for electronic solenoids. The commercial work vehicle has hydraulic flow through two hydraulic hoses to the work attachment which can be reversed by the operator of the vehicle to provide two different hydraulic signals. During normal operation, hydraulic working output flow is directed toward a first function, such as the rotary motor of a rotary broom or rotary snow blower. To provide for the second function, the circuit includes a diversion valve that may take the form of a check valve that diverts the flow in response to one of the hydraulic signals (e.g. when flow is reversed). The diversion valve directs flow toward the second hydraulic function such as a hydraulic cylinder for positioning a portion of the attachment (e.g. to effect a selected engaging angle of a rotary broom).

Abstract: A loudspeaker and method of driving it, the loudspeaker having a panel capable of supporting bending waves, a low frequency transducer mounted to the panel for exciting bending waves in the panel at frequencies below a predetermined frequency, a high-frequency transducer mounted to the panel for exciting bending waves in the panel at frequencies above the predetermined frequency, and crossover circuitry for supplying a signal to the low-frequency transducer at frequencies below the predetermined frequency and to the high-frequency transducer for frequencies above the predetermined frequency. The predetermined frequency is substantially equal to the coincidence frequency.

Abstract: The coupler is attached to the boom of a tractor or other vehicle and enables the boom to be quickly and automatically connected to and disconnected from an implement such as a loader bucket. The coupler includes laterally shiftable pins that are moved into and out of latching relation with the implement by a linear actuator powered by an electric motor which may be quickly and easily connected with the electrical system of the vehicle.

Abstract: The coupler is attached to the boom of a tractor or other vehicle and enables the boom to be quickly and automatically connected to an implement such as a loader bucket. The coupler includes spring-loaded and laterally shiftable pins which automatically latch to the implement when the coupler is shifted forwardly toward the implement. Unlatching of the pins is effected by manually turning an operating handle. The operating handle is connected to the pins by laterally rigid links which cause movement of the handle to follow movement of the pins in all positions of the pins so that the position of the handle serves as a visual indicator as to whether the pins are latched or unlatched.

Abstract: A rock raking apparatus which is adapted to be attached to a self-propelled vehicle and includes a rock raking unit with a toothed rotor and a rock collector bucket pivotably connected to the raking unit. The rotor is driven to propel rocks into the bucket. The raking unit includes a power-rotated brush positioned to deflect the propelled rocks into the rear of the bucket, to clean the surface of the rotor to prevent carryover and to prevent the formation of rock barricades at the entrance of the bucket to assure that the bucket is filled. The rotor is based on a cylindrical drum having a pattern of symmetrical radially extending teeth affixed to the peripheral surface thereof, with the pattern also being symmetrical so that the drum is reversible end for end when the leading edges of the teeth are worn. Double pivot mounts allow limited floating of the raking unit with respect to the bucket to accommodate uneven ground.