Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (b) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.

Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (b) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.

Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (b) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.

Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (b) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.

Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (b) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.

Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (b) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.

Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (o) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an anti-vibration sound insulator for a suspended ceiling which is intended to be used either in residential or commercial applications. The insulator comprises a metal furring devised to be fixed to the ceiling. It also includes a central part comprising a star-shaped element having an upper vertical plate provided with an orifice and two lower plates each having extremities. These extremities are folded so as to jointly form a slide rail sized to receive and support the folded extremities of the metal furring. The central part also comprises an insulating element devised to be inserted in the upper plate orifice, this insulating element including an orifice. This latter orifice allows introducing a fixing element so as to fix the insulator beneath a floor, or against a joist supporting the floor.

Abstract: The thermo-acoustic radiant membrane is designed for use on a floor beneath a spa, whirlpool or therapeutic bath, inertia base or similar. The membrane comprises a radiant layer made of a metallic film, on which a layer of rubber granules of varying size are hot-laminated with a bitumen elastomer to which other components can be added such as wood, mineral, synthetic, or vegetable fibres. The membrane is also provided with a water-impermeable layer to act as a vapour block. Said layer is made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester or metal is resistant to tearing, static crushing and tension and has a large capacity for stretching and is covered with bitumen elastomer. The bitumen elastomer layer on the water-impermeable layer is placed on the granule layer of the radiant layer in order to assemble the membrane by adhesion of the layers.

Abstract: A multi-composite acoustic panel for application to walls or ceilings. The panel is made from 15 to 65% of particles of sawdust with a granulometry of 4 to 60 mesh, 25 to 75% of rubber crumb or other petroleum derivatives or recycled rubber with a granulometry of 4 to 30 mesh and 3 to 20% of a polyurethane elastomer binder, the percentages being expressed by weight with relation to the total weight of the panel. In use the rubber acts as an anti-vibration element and the sawdust acts as an acoustic energy absorber as this type of fibre is hollow-centered which permits an absorption role which the rubber particle does not have. Said particle has the ability to reduce an impact.

Abstract: An engine driven pump 24 is connected with a power steering motor assembly 18. An electric motor 36 drives a pump 34 connected with the power steering motor assembly 18. A controller 38 effects operation of the electric motor 36 to drive the pump 34 to supply fluid to the power steering motor assembly 18 at a flow rate based on the speed of the engine 28.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an anti-vibration sound insulator for a suspended ceiling which is intended to be used either in residential or commercial applications. The insulator comprises a metal furring devised to be fixed to the ceiling. It also includes a central part comprising a star-shaped element having an upper vertical plate provided with an orifice and two lower plates each having extremities. These extremities are folded so as to jointly form a slide rail sized to receive and support the folded extremities of the metal furring. The central part also comprises an insulating element devised to be inserted in the upper plate orifice, this insulating element including an orifice. This latter orifice allows introducing a fixing element so as to fix the insulator beneath a floor, or against a joist supporting the floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-composite acoustic panel for application to walls or ceilings. The panel is made from 15 to 65% of particles of sawdust with a granulometry of 4 to 60 mesh, 25 to 75% of rubber crumb or other petroleum derivatives or recycled rubber with a granulometry of 4 to 30 mesh and 3 to 20% of a polyurethane elastomer binder, the percentages being expressed by weight with relation to the total weight of the panel. In use the rubber acts as an anti-vibration element and the sawdust acts as an acoustic energy absorber as this type of fibre is hollow-centered which permits an absorption role which the rubber particle does not have. Said particle has the ability to reduce an impact.

Abstract: A non-woven synthetic sheet material for use in sound insulation and/or thermal insulation is described. The sheet material is a felt or mat of substantially uniform synthetic fiber thickness and defines opposed flat surfaces. The sheet material is needle-punched from at least one of the opposed flat surfaces thereof to cause the synthetic fibers to intertwine to form a pliable sound and/or thermal insulating sheet. The insulating sheet has a density in the range of from about 100 to 1500 g/m2 and a homogeneous integrity resistant to fragmentation. Preferably a polymeric film is interconnected to a surface of the synthetic fiber sheet by a further needle punch step the polymeric film is preferably a metalized polyethylene film. The material has a multitude of uses in the construction industry. The felt may also be provided in strip form for use in the framing of wooden structures to sound insulate interconnected parts.

Abstract: The whirlpool tub includes a rigid tub shell inserted into the opening of a surrounding podium. The tub is to be filled with hot water. A first insulation membrane is installed spacedly around the tub inside the podium, defining a first closed air pocket between the tub and this first insulation membrane. A second insulation membrane is installed spacedly around the first insulation membrane, also inside the podium, defining a second closed air pocket between the first and the second membranes. The first membrane is punctured and hangs loosely from the podium structure, thus allowing limited air circulation between the first and second air pockets. Consequently, positive condensation control is accomplished, preventing same from occurring, in addition to providing thermal and acoustic insulation to the tub. The first membrane comprises an inner reflective metallic foil fixedly mounted on a synthetic felt backing. The second membrane is a mineral wool blanket.

Abstract: A sound absorbing substrate for use as an underlayer in a flooring structure including a subfloor. The substrate is made of a resilient material and more particularly of recycled tires and comprises a bottom surface sized to cover a given surface area. This bottom surface is provided with cavities that preferably consist of parallel grooves extending at an angle of about 45° with respect to one side edge of the substrate. These cavities leave a portion only of the bottom surface in contact with the subfloor. The surface ratio of the portion of bottom surface in contact with the subfloor to the given surface area covered by the bottom surface ranges from 20 to 65%. Such substrates can be of reduced thickness while still having good sound absorbing properties.

Abstract: In a multiblower system for cooling electronic components, each blower has a backflow preventor. The backflow preventor has two pieces of flexible material and a screen attached to the intake side of the blower assembly. Each of the pieces of flexible material is scored through to form a petaled opening through which air may pass. The scores on one of the pieces of flexible material are out of alignment with the scores on the other piece when assembled together in the blower assembly. When the blower is running, the petals in the pieces of flexible material open to allow air to pass through the blower assembly. When the blower is stopped, the petals are closed against the screen due to the pressure differential between the inside of the enclosure and the outside of the enclosure caused by the effect of the draw of the other blowers in the system.

Abstract: An acoustic construction panel for use in the construction of walls, floors, or ceiling structures to improve the acoustical properties thereof, and a method of making that panel. The panel comprises a composition of natural wood fibers, paper and starch, and is absent of any chemical toxic products. The panel has a minimum thickness of about 3/4-inch, and an average density in the range of from about 15-lb/ft.sup.3 to 17-lb/ft.sup.3. A plurality of cavities are perforated on one surface of the panel to increase the acoustical surface properties of the panel. In the construction of the panel the wood pulp is directed into a holding tank for a predetermined period of time in order to expand the wood fibers, and further in which a composite mixture is produced by introducing into the wood pulp predetermined quantitites of starch and wax.