Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to auditory nerve stimulation to create the perception of sound in the brain of a subject such as an animal or human being. In one form, a system includes an implantable electrode array including a plurality of spaced apart micro-needles. The system also includes a first electrical lead electrically coupled to and extending from the implantable electrode array, and an auditory signal device configured to produce one or more electrical signals representative of communications received from an external processor. An interposer is configured to electrically couple the implantable electrode array and the auditory signal device in an arrangement where one or more electrical signals produced by the auditory signal device may be transmitted through the first electrical lead to the implantable electrode array. Various novel stimulation strategies can be employed, such as place modulated stimulation signals.

Abstract: A floor cleaning system having a flat headed mop is provided. The system includes a bucket having a wringing assembly. A blade including a first angled portion is provided for that is adjacent a plurality of first openings for compressing the flat headed mop as it is inserted in the wringing assembly to remove dirt and debris accumulated during use. A second angled portion is provided for adjacent a plurality of second openings for compressing the flat headed mop as it is withdrawn from the wringing assembly.

Abstract: A device and system for purifying a fluid is provided. The system includes a tank having an interior space and a media container disposed within the interior space. A valve is provided that cooperates with an element within the interior, the valve being movable between an open and a closed position. The valve being biased to the open position when the element is not positioned within the interior space, wherein the interior space is fluidly coupled to the atmosphere in the open position. The valve further being configured to move to a closed position when the element is positioned within the interior space.

Abstract: A device and system for purifying a fluid is provided. The system includes a tank having an interior space and a media container disposed within the interior space. A valve is provided that cooperates with an element within the interior, the valve being movable between an open and a closed position. The valve being biased to the open position when the element is not positioned within the interior space, wherein the interior space is fluidly coupled to the atmosphere in the open position. The valve further being configured to move to a closed position when the element is positioned within the interior space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for automated outage and work-flow planning system in a distributed electrical power grid with planned de-energization of electrical equipment as opposed to responding to an unplanned power outage. An automated system provides core conflict resolution and power outage planning. The present invention automatically notifies requestors of upcoming work orders. In addition, the present invention reduces scheduling in efficiencies by requiring requestors to confirm, to decline, or to edit on the fly their pending work order(s). The system also determines if all the orders are not completed and places the order back on the calendar for another day.

Abstract: A tire air pressure system is disclosed for continuously monitoring the pressure of air in an inflatable tire of a vehicle or aircraft, and activating an audio and/or visual alarm when the air pressure drops below a predetermined level. An electrically conducting sensor is attached to a tire valve stem, and a decrease in air pressure causes a normally electrically insulated, spring biased piston to contact the sensor, thereby grounding the piston. The piston is electrically connected to an insulated disk having a conducting ring, mounted between a wheel and a hub. A contact brush disposed at the ring is connected to an alarm maintained at positive potential.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of voice encryption uses segment swapping. Features of the invention include weighting the input time-function segments by a Hamming or Hanning Window function, before converting to frequency domain segments.