Abstract: System and method for determining a mapping operator for use in a pattern matching application, where the mapping operator enhances differences between respective objects of interest and background objects, e.g., objects not of interest. First and second information is received regarding an object of interest and objects that may appear with the object of interest in an acquired target data set, respectively. The mapping operator is determined using the first information and the second information by determining a template discrete curve characterizing the object of interest, determining one or more target discrete curves characterizing the background objects, and generating a mapping operator that enhances differences between the mapped template discrete curve and the mapped target discrete curves. The operator is stored in a memory and is operable to be used in a pattern matching application to locate instances of the object of interest in acquired target data sets or images.

Abstract: A system and method and computer program for seamlessly accessing multiple data sources and voice repositories using voice commands in a single phone call session. The system comprises of voice grammars that span various contexts for all data sources and voice repositories, a telephony platform, an automatic speech recognition engine, extractors for extracting information from the data sources and voice repositories and an interpreter for controlling the extractors and telephony platform. It is the co-operation between the voice grammars and the telephony platform, controlled by a VoiceXML interpreter that enables this seamless access to information from the multiple data sources and voice repositories.

Abstract: An article, apparatus and method for simulating poisoning and deactivating catalysts with catalyst poison compounds at least one catalyst poison compound selected from the group consisting of a compound comprising phosphorous, a compound comprising zinc compound and a compound comprising phosphorous and zinc.

Abstract: Integration of telecommunication message services and other communication services is achieved by notifying a user of a communication system of successful receipt of a message (e.g., a facsimile message) by sending a confirmation message to the user, e.g., using e-mail, facsimile, voice and/or data communications. The user may be identified by a unique identifier, e.g., a telephone number. The confirmation message may comprise a facsimile message, an attachment which includes the received message or a computer network address of a location where information regarding the received message and/or the message itself may be accessed. For the latter case, the computer network address is preferably a universal resource locator (URL) associated with a web page at which the information and/or received message may be accessed. The information may allow the user to view the message (e.g.

Abstract: An article, apparatus and method for simulating poisoning and deactivating catalysts with catalyst poison compounds at least one catalyst poison compound selected from the group consisting of a compound comprising phosphorous, a compound comprising zinc compound and a compound comprising phosphorous and zinc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that converts time-resolved sensor signals into frequency domain signals using Fast Fourier Transforms and power spectral densities. A signal, as a means to assess catalyst performance such as a signal based on sensing oxygen concentration in motor vehicle exhaust in accordance with the present invention is in the time domain and has multiple components at different frequencies. The use of Fast Fourier Transforms isolates the various spectral density which arise from different frequency components of the complex time domain signal. The analysis has been found to be substantially independent of operating conditions. The power spectral density has found to be a precise indication of oxygen storage and release of the catalyst and catalyst performance. The catalyst performance can be signaled to the vehicle operator for on board diagnostics (OBD) of the catalyst.

Abstract: Integration of telecommunication message services and other communication services is achieved by notifying a first user of a shared telephone number of a received message (e.g., a facsimile message) by sending a notification message to the first user, e.g., using e-mail, voice and/or data communications. The user may be identified by a unique identifier appended to the shared telephone number. The notification message may comprise an attachment which includes the received message, or the notification message may comprise a computer network address of a location where the received message may be accessed. For the latter case, the computer network address is preferably a universal resource locator (URL) associated with a web page at which the received message may be accessed. The received message may be accessed by allowing the user to view the message, or it may be accessed by allowing an user to down-load the message in any of a number of forms.

Abstract: A system for interfacing with the ECU of an automotive vehicle for optimizing engine control to meet emission requirements or engineering targets for catalytic converter systems includes a secondary controller and an emission analyzer. The secondary controller monitors sensor input to the ECU and actuator output from the ECU so as to mimic an ECU actuator control function by generation of an operating parameter control map(s) functionally identical to that used by the ECU. The emission analyzer receives vehicle sensor input and additional emission data from a bench gas analyzer to similarly produce not only the parameter control map but also emission maps correlated to the operating parameter control map which are systemically changed to optimize emission conversion by the vehicle's catalytic converter system and modify the operating parameter control map.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication process and apparatus for producing three dimensional parts using layer-by-layer deposition of support powder and part compositional powder, where the deposition is accomplished using electro-photographic powder deposition technology to create a three-dimensional green part. Each successive loose powder layer is deposited directly onto the previously deposited powder layer, which has been compacted or fused to its underlying layer. After all powder layers have been deposited the green part is further processed such that the part compositional powder is fused to create a high-density part while the support powder is easily removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that converts time-resolved sensor signals into frequency domain signals using Fast Fourier Transforms and power spectral densities. A signal, as a means to assess catalyst performance such as a signal based on sensing oxygen concentration in motor vehicle exhaust in accordance with the present invention is in the time domain and has multiple components at different frequencies. The use of Fast Fourier Transforms isolates the various spectral density which arise from different frequency components of the complex time domain signal. The analysis has been found to be substantially independent of operating conditions. The power spectral density has found to be a precise indication of oxygen storage and release of the catalyst and catalyst performance. The catalyst performance can be signaled to the vehicle operator for on board diagnostics (OBD) of the catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus converts time-resolved sensor signals into transfer functions and/or cumulative transfer function signals which can be attained by computation means such as by using Fast Fourier Transforms. A signal, as a means to assess catalyst performance such as a signal based on sensing oxygen concentration or air to fuel ratio or hydrocarbon concentration in motor vehicle exhaust in accordance with the present invention is in the time domain and has multiple components at different frequencies. The use of Fast Fourier Transforms isolates the various spectral densities which arise from different frequency components of the complex time domain signal. Cross spectral density function and power spectral density function are used to determine the transfer function. The analysis has been found to be substantially independent of operating conditions. The transfer function and cumulative transfer function have been found to be a precise indication of the catalyst performance.

Abstract: A method for the detection and measurement of a minor element in a molten metal, the minor element being selected from the group of phosphorous, silicon, arsenic, antimony and sulfur, includes providing a first electrical lead (5) and immersing it in the molten metal (6), disposing a solid electrolyte matrix (2) in the molten metal in spaced relationship to the first electrical lead, providing a second electrical lead (3) connected to the solid electrolyte matrix (2) so that the matrix is between and separates the leads when the matrix is disposed in the molten metal, and connecting a voltmeter (7) between the other ends of the electrical leads and measuring the EMF between the leads as an indication of the concentration of the minor element in the molten metal. The solid electrolyte is a matrix (2) of alumina selected from the group consisting of .beta.-alumina and .alpha.+.beta.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring wear associated with a particular cyclically moving part in a machine, the machine comprising a plurality of moving parts and operating in a succession of cycles. Apparatus is provided for generating a first signal at a predetermined position and direction of movement of the moving part, for generating a second signal at a predetermined cyclic position in each machine cycle, for producing a third signal indicative of the interval of time between the first signal and the second signal, and for forming a comparison with a reference signal to determine the extent of wear associated with the particular moving part.