Abstract: A novel manufacturing process is described for producing hindered phenolic alkyl esters, which may be useful as antioxidants. This process simplifies catalyst neutralization and removal during the preparation of hindered phenolic esters. Compositions that comprise the hindered phenolic esters produced according to these methods are also described.

Abstract: Programmable-gain amplifier systems are provided that are particularly suited for reducing degrading audio effects such as zipper noise. In one embodiment, these systems switchably couple an electronic potentiometer between an amplifier's inverting input terminal and interleaved tap points along a resistor that is coupled to the amplifier's output terminal. This arrangement introduces a number of fine gain steps between the gain steps that are realized with adjacent ones of the interleaved tap points to substantially reduce or eliminate zipper noise in a audio system that processes the system's output signal. The interleaved tap points facilitate efficient operation of the potentiometer during gain changes. They also permit the potentiometer to be effectively bypassed between gain changes so that distortion effects are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A printable label assembly includes a printable label having an adhesive coating applied to a first surface thereof to facilitate attachment of the label to an article. The label is configured to receive a printed image on a second surface thereof. A removable backing is releasably attached to the adhesive coating and has at least three sections: a removable primary section releasably attached to a central portion of the adhesive coating of the label and being configured to be removed from the central portion to expose the central portion for attachment to the article; and a pair of removable handle sections releasably attached to outward portions of the adhesive coating of the label, the handle sections being configured to remain on the adhesive coating of the label after removal of the primary section to provide at least two handling points for manipulation by a user to assist the user in applying the label to the article.

Abstract: A novel manufacturing process is described for producing hindered phenolic alkyl esters, which may be useful as antioxidants. This process simplifies catalyst neutralization and removal during the preparation of hindered phenolic esters. Compositions that comprise the hindered phenolic esters produced according to these methods are also described.

Abstract: A flight control system is provided with one or more modal sensors that are each configured to measure the rate and possibly acceleration for a flexible body mode of the flight vehicle. The modal sensor's rate and suitably acceleration are subtracted from the rate and acceleration measured by the IMU such that the values provided to the flight controller more closely represent only the rate and acceleration of the flight vehicle's rigid airframe component. A piezoelectric modal sensor is capable of sensing a particular flexible body mode over variations in the modal frequency without inducing additional phase loss in the control loop in order to maintain suitable phase and gain margins. Sensors are suitably provided for at least and possibly only the 1st lateral bending modes in the pitch and yaw channels.

Abstract: A microphone system has an output and at least a first transducer with a first dynamic range, a second transducer with a second dynamic range different than the first dynamic range, and coupling system to selectively couple the output of one of the first transducer or the second transducer to the system output, depending on the magnitude of the input sound signal, to produce a system with a dynamic range greater than the dynamic range of either individual transducer. A method of operating a microphone system includes detecting whether a transducer output crosses a threshold, and if so then selectively coupling another transducer's output to the system output. The threshold may change as a function of which transducer is coupled to the system output. The system and methods may also combine the outputs of more than one transducer in a weighted sum during transition from one transducer output to another, as a function of time or as a function of the amplitude of the incident audio signal.

Abstract: A multi-function tool having a handle portion and a plurality of structures operable therewith for the performance of a plurality of functions. The multi-function tool allows fast and convenient transition between any of the plurality of functions in order to enable completion of jobs or tasks requiring such functions without acquisition, storage, and/or maintenance of a plurality of specialized tools.

Abstract: A multi-function tool having a handle portion and a plurality of structures operable therewith for the performance of a plurality of functions. The multi-function tool allows fast and convenient transition between any of the plurality of functions in order to enable completion of jobs or tasks requiring such functions without acquisition, storage, and/or maintenance of a plurality of specialized tools.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat frame having a seat back and stadium-type seat base for movement between a seating position and a storage position to improve ease of entry to the vehicle area behind the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat assembly includes a swing assembly coupled to the seat back and configured to rotate the folded seat assembly around a substantially vertical axis. A single handle operation is included for unlatching the seat latches—the seat base automatically flips up—and pivoting the entire vehicle seat toward the interior of the vehicle to allow easy entry behind the vehicle seat.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and related automatic system for non-destructive determination of physical-chemical properties of powdered in particular as related to the quality control of powdered materials used in battery industry, for example determination of carbon monofluoride (CFx) degree of fluorination during the process of CFx synthesis.

Abstract: A conferencing assembly for use with at least one computer, the assembly including a table top forming a table top opening, a leg support structure, a display screen supported adjacent the top surface, a switcher for controlling input to the display screen, a plurality of handsets, each hand set including a selector button usable to send a signal to the switcher thereby causing the switcher to link a computer associated with the selector button to the display, a plurality of handset cables, each handset cable having first and second ends linked to the switcher and an associated selector button, respectively, for passing signals from the selector buttons to the switcher, a take up assembly including a separate weight for each of the handset cables, the take up assembly disposed below the top member and aligned with the top opening, each handset cable linked to an associated weight, each weight applying a force tending to pull the second end of the associated handset cable into the opening.

Abstract: An interactive video system is disclosed that processes a video data stream and an associated data stream corresponding to the video data stream. The interactive video system displays a video image defined by the video data stream on a display device and performs interactive command functions specified by the associated data stream. The interactive command functions include commands that specify placement of a video display window, commands that specify parameters of graphical objects that are associated with the video image and commands that specify pixel data or graphics description for the graphical object and commands for placement of selection windows and that specify interactive functions for the selection windows.

Abstract: A multi-functional brace for a joint includes a releasable locking mechanism that allows the brace to be set for static stretch of the joint in either flexion or extension, and a range of motion assembly that allows for free movement of the joint through its natural axis over a controlled range of motion when the locking mechanism is released.

Abstract: Programmable-gain amplifier systems are provided that are particularly suited for reducing degrading audio effects such as zipper noise. In one embodiment, these systems switchably couple an electronic potentiometer between an amplifier's inverting input terminal and interleaved tap points along a resistor that is coupled to the amplifier's output terminal. This arrangement introduces a number of fine gain steps between the gain steps that are realized with adjacent ones of the interleaved tap points to substantially reduce or eliminate zipper noise in a audio system that processes the system's output signal. The interleaved tap points facilitate efficient operation of the potentiometer during gain changes. They also permit the potentiometer to be effectively bypassed between gain changes so that distortion effects are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seamless hybrid gasket and the method of making the same. The gasket includes a unitary polymer construction and an insert for enhanced pressure resistance, reduced stress to seal, improved thermal cycling performance and structural support.

Abstract: A companion animal convenience system for a motor vehicle has a moveable partition, said partition comprising a frame and netting attached said frame and said partition pivotally attached to a headliner of the vehicle; a removable bedding apparatus comprising at least one mattress, a plurality of compartments and a rubberized surface between said at least one mattress and the vehicle; and a collar operably sizeable to a companion animal and said collar in communication with the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for selecting an intraocular lens for an aphakic eye that has previously been subjected to refractive surgery by calculating the required power of an IOL to provide the desired refraction using a known formula, and then applying an adjustment based upon the spherical equivalence of the eye prior to refractive surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holographic display whereby a holographic image may be viewed. Existing holographic optical element (HOE) arrays are typically recorded as a two dimensional array. Each element in the array modulates the intensity of light that is transmitted through or off it. Each HOE in a simple HOE array auto-stereogram performs only one optical function, namely to redirect light to a particular viewing location in space. The process of producing HOE arrays was limited in a number of respects. The invention overcomes these limitations by providing an intensity modulated holographic optical element array, comprising: an holographic optical element (12) adapted to modify the direction of light reflected from elements in the array; and a means (18) for modulating the intensity of the reflected light. A method of producing an intensity modulated holographic optical element array is also described. The invention may also be used in transmissive holograms.

Abstract: A multi-function tool having a handle portion and a plurality of structures operable therewith for the performance of a plurality of functions. The multi-function tool allows fast and convenient transition between any of the plurality of functions in order to enable completion of jobs or tasks requiring such functions without acquisition, storage, and/or maintenance of a plurality of specialized tools.