Abstract: A lubrication dispensing apparatus for lubricating a device with moving parts includes a lubricant reservoir, a lubricant dispenser for dispensing lubricant from the lubricant reservoir, an ultrasonic detection module which detects the amplitude of ultrasonic energy emitted by said device when its parts are moving and produces an signal related thereto, and a control module which analyzes the amplitude of the signal from the ultrasonic detection module and, in response to a lubricate signal, causes the lubricant dispenser to automatically dispense lubricant onto the moving parts of the device until the signal from the ultrasonic detector indicates that the ultrasonic energy produced by the device has decreased to a particular level. The control module includes a programmed processor and a storage memory. The memory stores as a base value the value of the detected amplitude of ultrasonic energy when the device is operating properly.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for determining testing the condition of a machine or device using ultrasonic signals with an array of ultrasonic sensors for receiving an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the machine or device. The apparatus possesses a heterodyne circuit coupled to receive the output signals from the ultrasonic sensors and convert the output signals to a heterodyned audio signal to be analyzed via a digital spectrum analyzer integral to the portable apparatus. The digital spectrum analyzer performs real-time fast fourier transformations on the heterodyned audio signal. After analyzing the signals, the hand held device uses a variety of audiovisual cues to direct a user to portions of the machine in need of repair or monitoring.

Abstract: This invention provides a mobile device ecosystem that is simpler than existing options for all of its participants regardless of their role or business model. The ecosystem includes a mobile device and operating software development kit and store, both of which are implemented as web-based services such that creation, testing, and distribution of customized mobile devices, as well as discovery, investigation, and delivery of same, can all be performed using a standard web browser and includes features that facilitate communication, interaction, community, and sharing among and between creators, users, and other interested parties. The device and operating software store is also not specific to any mobile device brand or brand group, and integrates with both branded and independent application stores.

Abstract: The telescopic support with an internal brake provides a telescoping tube with a selectively actuable and adjustable internal braking mechanism. At least one lower opening is formed through a lower end of a sidewall of an inner hollow tube. A mounting plate is secured within the inner tube adjacent the lower end, and at least one resilient element is secured to the mounting plate so that the resilient element projects through the lower opening. At least one brake pad is secured to the resilient element, so that the brake pad contacts an inner surface of an outer hollow tube when the internal brake is engaged. At least one cable is provided, with a lower end thereof being secured to the brake pad. An actuating mechanism translates the upper end of the at least one cable to selectively disengage the brake pad from the inner surface of the outer hollow tube.

Abstract: A ventilator includes a compressor, a storage vessel, a valve assembly communicating with the compressor, the storage vessel, and an inhalation line. A controller directs the valve assembly between a storage configuration where ventilation gas is delivered from the compressor into the storage vessel, and a delivery configuration where ventilation gas is delivered from the storage vessel to the inhalation line. The controller is coupled to a pressure sensor for detecting a first pressure within the storage vessel when the valve assembly is directed to the delivery configuration, and detecting subsequent pressure while ventilation gas is delivered from the storage vessel to the inhalation line, the controller determining the volume of ventilation gas delivered to the patient based at least in part on the difference between the first pressure and the subsequent pressure.

Abstract: The telescopic support with an internal brake provides a telescoping tube with a selectively actuable and adjustable internal braking mechanism. At least one lower opening is formed through a lower end of a sidewall of an inner hollow tube. A mounting plate is secured within the inner tube adjacent the lower end, and an element is secured to the mounting plate so that the resilient element projects through the lower opening. At least one brake pad is secured to the resilient element, so that the brake pad contacts an inner surface of an outer hollow tube when the internal brake is engaged. At least one cable is provided, with a lower end secured to the brake pad. An actuating mechanism linearly translates the upper end of the cable to selectively disengage the brake pad from the inner surface of the outer hollow tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed an ultrasonic frequencies fault detecting apparatus. The present invention uses high frequency ultrasonic energy signals to analyze bearings and determine the presence of faults therein. The ultrasonic return signals are heterodyned (by amplitude demodulation) into the audio spectrum for purposes of audio detection. In addition, a FFT spectrum of the signal is displayed on a monitor for more accurate results. According to the present invention software is used to automatically analyze the FFT spectrum by comparing the current spectrum with stored spectrums of known bearing conditions as modified based on the rotary speed of the bearing and the number of balls. Once a defect in a bearing has been located in this manner using automated FFT analysis, an operator can then use a device, such as a calibrated lubricant dispenser, to effectuate maintenance and/or repair.

Abstract: The telescopic support with an internal brake provides a telescoping tube with a selectively actuable and adjustable internal braking mechanism. At least one lower opening is formed through a lower end of a sidewall of an inner hollow tube. A mounting plate is secured within the inner tube adjacent the lower end, and an element is secured to the mounting plate so that the resilient element projects through the lower opening. At least one brake pad is secured to the resilient element, so that the brake pad contacts an inner surface of an outer hollow tube when the internal brake is engaged. At least one cable is provided, with a lower end secured to the brake pad. An actuating mechanism linearly translates the upper end of the cable to selectively disengage the brake pad from the inner surface of the outer hollow tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an architecture for translating closed captioning text originally provided with a video program from one language to another and presenting the translated closed captioning text with the video program to a viewer. As such, the viewers are able to receive the closed captioning text in languages other than that used for the closed captioning originally provided with the video program. The original closed captioning text may be translated from one language to another by a centralized closed captioning processor, such that the customer equipment for various subscribers can take advantage of centralized translation services. Once, the original closed captioning text is translated, the translated closed captioning text may be delivered to the customer equipment in different ways.

Abstract: The telescopic support with an internal brake provides a telescoping tube with a selectively actuable and adjustable internal braking mechanism. At least one lower opening is formed through a lower end of a sidewall of an inner hollow tube. A mounting plate is secured within the inner tube adjacent the lower end, and at least one resilient element is secured to the mounting plate so that the resilient element projects through the lower opening. At least one brake pad is secured to the resilient element, so that the brake pad contacts an inner surface of an outer hollow tube when the internal brake is engaged. At least one cable is provided, with a lower end thereof being secured to the brake pad. An actuating mechanism linearly translates the upper end of the at least one cable to selectively disengage the brake pad from the inner surface of the outer hollow tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an architecture for translating closed captioning text originally provided with a video program from one language to another and presenting the translated closed captioning text with the video program to a viewer. As such, the viewers are able to receive the closed captioning text in languages other than that used for the closed captioning originally provided with the video program. The original closed captioning text may be translated from one language to another by a centralized closed captioning processor, such that the customer equipment for various subscribers can take advantage of centralized translation services. Once the original closed captioning text is translated, the translated closed captioning text may be delivered to the customer equipment in different ways.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for determining testing the condition of a machine or device using ultrasonic signals with an array of ultrasonic sensors for receiving an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the machine or device. The apparatus possesses a heterodyne circuit coupled to receive the output signals from the ultrasonic sensors and convert the output signals to a heterodyned audio signal to be analyzed via a digital spectrum analyzer integral to the portable apparatus. The digital spectrum analyzer performs real-time fast fourier transformations on the heterodyned audio signal. After analyzing the signals, the hand held device uses a variety of audiovisual cues to direct a user to portions of the machine in need of repair or monitoring.

Abstract: A lubrication dispensing apparatus for lubricating a device with moving parts includes a lubricant reservoir, a lubricant dispenser for dispensing lubricant from the lubricant reservoir, an ultrasonic detection module which detects the amplitude of ultrasonic energy emitted by said device when its parts are moving and produces an signal related thereto, and a control module which analyzes the amplitude of the signal from the ultrasonic detection module and, in response to a lubricate signal, causes the lubricant dispenser to automatically dispense lubricant onto the moving parts of the device until the signal from the ultrasonic detector indicates that the ultrasonic energy produced by the device has decreased to a particular level. The control module includes a programmed processor and a storage memory. The memory stores as a base value the value of the detected amplitude of ultrasonic energy when the device is operating properly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile device ecosystem that is simpler than existing options for all of its participants regardless of their role or business model. The ecosystem includes a mobile device and operating software development kit and store, both of which are implemented as web-based services such that creation, testing, and distribution of customized mobile devices, as well as discovery, investigation, and delivery of same, can all be performed using a standard web browser. The device development kit offers such capabilities as simply personalizing the exterior decoration of an existing device, designing the physical form factor of a device incorporating existing electronic components, and even creating new electronic components for incorporation in multiple device designs.

Abstract: The telescopic support with an internal brake provides a telescoping tube with a selectively actuable and adjustable internal braking mechanism. At least one lower opening is formed through a lower end of a sidewall of an inner hollow tube. A mounting plate is secured within the inner tube adjacent the lower end, and at least one resilient element is secured to the mounting plate so that the resilient element projects through the lower opening. At least one brake pad is secured to the resilient element, so that the brake pad contacts an inner surface of an outer hollow tube when the internal brake is engaged. At least one cable is provided, with a lower end thereof being secured to the brake pad. An actuating mechanism linearly translates the upper end of the at least one cable to selectively disengage the brake pad from the inner surface of the outer hollow tube.

Abstract: A system determines the carbon footprint of a compressed gas leak. The system comprises an ultrasonic detector to detect a compressed gas leak, a storage device storing information on the type of gas, the compressor efficiency, and the carbon emissions necessary to generate electricity to drive the compressor. A processing unit includes software that determines an amount of electrical energy needed to recharge the lost compressed gas based on the compressor efficiency and calculates the carbon emissions created by the amount of electrical energy. A method monitoring for gas leaks comprises detecting ultrasonic emissions, generating an electrical signal representative of the compressed gas leak, and calculating an amount of electrical energy needed to recharge the lost compressed gas. The method further includes calculating the carbon footprint based on the carbon emissions necessary for the electrical power generation system that drives the compressor.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention facilitates efficient metering in a packet network environment by providing a single metering message, which contains sufficient information to provide the complete call tariff model for a particular call. The media gateway receiving the message can analyze the information provided in the message to determine how to provide metering pulses for all phases of the call, as well as any one-time charges, such as setup and add-on charges. Another embodiment of the invention provides a way for handling fractional pulse counts in an efficient manner. Yet another embodiment facilitates the handling of situations where charge intervals do not divide evenly into the phase duration of the phase associated with the call. In still another embodiment, the amount of information necessary to deliver the parameters of the call tariff model is minimized to reduce the overhead necessary for facilitating the metering process.

Abstract: A computer system is used to manage content in a database system that stores data representing data elements defined by a logical data model. For at least one of multiple business functions to be carried out with the database system, the computer system (1) identifies a total amount of data elements required to carry out the business function, (2) identifies an amount of common data elements that are required to carry out both the business function and another of the multiple business functions, (3) creates information that indicates a percentage of the total amount of data elements that are also common data elements, and (4) delivers the information for presentation to a human user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention facilitates efficient metering in a packet network environment by providing a single metering message, which contains sufficient information to provide the complete call tariff model for a particular call. The media gateway receiving the message can analyze the information provided in the message to determine how to provide metering pulses for all phases of the call, as well as any one-time charges, such as setup and add-on charges. Another embodiment of the invention provides a way for handling fractional pulse counts in an efficient manner. Yet another embodiment facilitates the handling of situations where charge intervals do not divide evenly into the phase duration of the phase associated with the call. In still another embodiment, the amount of information necessary to deliver the parameters of the call tariff model is minimized to reduce the overhead necessary for facilitating the metering process.

Abstract: A system determines the carbon footprint of a compressed gas leak. The system comprises an ultrasonic detector to detect a compressed gas leak, a storage device storing information on the type of gas, the compressor efficiency, and the carbon emissions necessary to generate electricity to drive the compressor. A processing unit includes software that determines an amount of electrical energy needed to recharge the lost compressed gas based on the compressor efficiency and calculates the carbon emissions created by the amount of electrical energy. A method monitoring for gas leaks comprises detecting ultrasonic emissions, generating an electrical signal representative of the compressed gas leak, and calculating an amount of electrical energy needed to recharge the lost compressed gas. The method further includes calculating the carbon footprint based on the carbon emissions necessary for the electrical power generation system that drives the compressor.