Abstract: In an audio device that includes a plurality of input controls, mixing circuitry, a left speaker, and a right speaker, a desired balance, between a first audio signal and a second audio signal, may be determined according to the plurality of input controls. A desired volume, of the first audio signal and the second audio signal, may be determined according to the plurality of input controls. A virtualization, of one or both of the first audio signal and the second audio signal, may be determined according to a head related transfer function. A stereo signal may be generated by combining the first audio signal and the second audio signal according to the desired balance, the desired volume, and the virtualization. A left channel of the stereo signal may be outputted to the left speaker and a right channel of the stereo signal may be outputted to the right speaker.

Abstract: A valet vault is described herein. The valet vault may be constructed with components that result in improved strength and prevent theft. In one example embodiment, the vault may comprise a service side, an attachment side, and four exterior sides, a lockable utility box, a secured storage area being accessible through a door where a hinged end of the door is pivotally connected to a door frame by at least one hinge, and a security plate substantially separating the secured storage area and the lockable utility box. The vault may comprise a catch/latch to stop the door. The vault may comprise an illuminatable sign that does not compromise the security of the secured storage area. The door may comprise reinforcements. The vault may be a podium or be coupled to a wall.

Abstract: A crown plug for a tree of an oil/gas well/wellhead has a securement arrangement for securing the crown plug within the tree. The main body of the crown plug comprises a solid body creating the barrier within the production bore. The solid body creates a robust, strong and reliable barrier. The crown plug is retained within the outer member through inward distortion which secures the crown plug. The securement arrangement arises from an inward radial force that distorts the outer member inwardly to grip a component located within the outer member. The outer member elastically deforms and the outer member returns to a released position once the clamping force is released. Two concentric oppositely arranged tapered surfaces move axially to create the inwardly directed force. The clamping force and the solid body together provide an improved crown plug which is easy and reliable to operate.

Abstract: An oven includes an oven cavity, an oven door providing access to the oven cavity, and a dampening hinge member pivotably coupling the oven door to the oven. A channel encloses the dampening hinge member and provides a flow of air to the dampening hinge member.

Abstract: A method for purchasing natural stone includes the steps of choosing a stone, measuring pieces of an environment in which the stone is to be placed, laying out measurements of pieces of the environment upon a slab of the stone, virtually cutting pieces of the slab according to the measurements in a first way, and, recreating the environment with the virtually cut pieces of the slab.

Abstract: A stator assembly includes a stator stack and a plurality of conductors extending from the stator stack. An isolator/assembly ring is located on the stator stack. The isolator/assembly ring includes a plurality of inwardly protruding fingers. A method of assembling the stator assembly includes threading the plurality of conductors through the stator stack such that each of the plurality of fingers on the isolator/assembly ring is located between respective ones of the plurality of conductors.

Abstract: A bar wound stator assembly includes a connection module attached to a stator core at a weld end of the stator assembly. The connection module provides all required electrical connections to connect shaped plurality of hairpin bar connectors of the stator assembly within a first pole pair of a winding set of conductors. All of the hairpin bar conductors include an identical span. The connection module completes each phase of the winding set, to connect each phase of the winding set to define a connection configuration, e.g., a wye or a delta connection configuration, and to connect the stator assembly to all external connections.

Abstract: A stator assembly includes a stator stack and a plurality of conductors extending from the stator stack. An isolator/assembly ring is located on the stator stack. The isolator/assembly ring includes a plurality of inwardly protruding fingers. A method of assembling the stator assembly includes threading the plurality of conductors through the stator stack such that each of the plurality of fingers on the isolator/assembly ring is located between respective ones of the plurality of conductors.

Abstract: A tandem blisk is mounted in a multiaxis electrochemical machine. A first row of blades is electrochemically machined in sequence. A second row of blades is then electrochemically machined in sequence while the blisk is still mounted in the machine. The machine is initially set up for machining both stages without removal of the blisk between the machining sequences.

Abstract: A laser weapon cartridge for disabling and/or destroying a target is disclosed. In an embodiment, the laser weapon cartridge may be compatible within a ballistic gun. For example, the laser weapon cartridge may be placed in the breech of a gun and armed by the gun's firing device. The laser weapon cartridge may assess precise alignment of the optical axis of the laser with a target. Precise alignment maybe based on RF energy from the target. RF energy may be detected by an antenna array coupled to the laser weapon cartridge. When alignment of the target with the laser is detected, the laser weapon cartridge may fire a beam of laser light toward the target. In an embodiment, the laser light may be generated by a chemical laser.

Abstract: A process for the oligomerization of ethylene to a mixture of olefinic products having high linearity is provided, by using a catalyst comprising a reaction product of a simple divalent nickel salt; a boron hydride reducing agent; a water soluble base; a ligand selected from an o-dihydrocarbylphosphinobenzoic acid and alkali metal salt thereof; and, a phosphite.

Abstract: This invention provides a duct cover system for ducts installed in exposed locations. For use primarily with ducts having generally rectangular cross sections, the duct cover system provides a roof over the duct that may be integral with the duct or retrofitted to the duct. The roof includes at least one cover panel extending along the duct length. The cover panel is inclined laterally relative to the duct bottom wall thereby to shed water and prevent snow accumulation.

Abstract: An assisted steering system is provided. In preferred embodiments, the system has driver and assist pinions that are out of phase with each other. As a tooth of the driver pinion is fully engaged with a rack tooth, a tooth of the assist pinion is only partially engaged with a tooth of the rack. Preferably, the driver and assist pinions have differing rack speeds and numbers of teeth.

Abstract: An assisted steering system is provided. In preferred embodiments, the system has driver and assist pinions that are out of phase with each other. As a tooth of the driver pinion is fully engaged with a rack tooth, a tooth of the assist pinion is only partially engaged with a tooth of the rack. Preferably, the driver and assist pinions have differing rack speeds and numbers of teeth.

Abstract: The present invention involves a purge device for a steering gear assembly of a vehicle. The steering gear assembly includes a steering piston chamber having a piston moveably housed therein and having a hydraulic assist port formed on the steering piston chamber. The device comprises a purge channel in fluid communication with the hydraulic assist port and housed in the steering piston chamber. The purge channel extends to a channel opening positioned at a first portion in the chamber to purge trapped air from the chamber during operation of the steering gear assembly.

Abstract: An electric power assist steering system includes an electric motor coupled to a steering mechanism via a roller gear mechanism. The roller gear mechanism transfers power from an electric motor output shaft to a roller pinion gear for a rack and pinion steering mechanism. In an embodiment, a roller pinion gear for use in a power assist steering system comprises a roller wheel having a plurality of radially projecting teeth about its periphery, wherein the teeth comprise pins rotatably mounted in and projecting from the periphery of the roller wheel. The present invention increases the efficiency of power assist steering systems and of vehicles utilizing same.

Abstract: An integrated, i.e unitary, rotary hydraulic vane pump assembly reduces cost and simplifies manufacturing thereof. The integrated assembly includes an electric motor, a rotary vane pump, a pump housing and an end bell. The end bell has an inlet fitting or passageway which communicates with the inlet of the rotary vane pump. The pump housing receives the vane pump and is received within the end bell. The electric motor is secured to the face of the pump housing opposite the end bell. The pump housing includes outlet passageways and a centrally disposed axial opening for receiving an output shaft of the electric motor. The rotary vane pump includes end sections and a center, cam ring section which receives a vane rotor assembly coupled to the output shaft.

Abstract: An integrated, i.e. unitary, rotary hydraulic vane pump assembly reduces cost and simplifies manufacturing thereof. The integrated assembly includes an electric motor, a rotary vane pump, a pump housing and an end bell. The end bell has an inlet fitting or passageway which communicates with the inlet of the rotary vane pump. The pump housing receives the vane pump and is received within the end bell. The electric motor is secured to the face of the pump housing opposite the end bell. The pump housing includes outlet passageways and a centrally disposed axial opening for receiving an output shaft of the electric motor. The rotary vane pump includes end sections and a center, cam ring section which receives a vane rotor assembly coupled to the output shaft.

Abstract: The present invention involves a purge device for a steering gear assembly of a vehicle. The steering gear assembly includes a steering piston chamber having a piston moveably housed therein and having a hydraulic assist port formed on the steering piston chamber. The device comprises a purge channel in fluid communication with the hydraulic assist port and housed in the steering piston chamber. The purge channel extends to a channel opening positioned at a first portion in the chamber to purge trapped air from the chamber during operation of the steering gear assembly.

Abstract: A power steering system 10 is provided including a rack 14 and at least one yoke element 16 supporting the rack 14. At least one roller element 18 is positioned between the rack 14 and the yoke element 16 to reduce frictional losses as the rack 14 moves over the yoke 16.