Abstract: A reflective wire grid polarizer (WGP) can include an array of wires 12 on a face of a substrate 11, with channels 15 between adjacent wires 12. The wires 12 can have certain characteristics for WGP performance, such as index of refraction, alternating high/low index continuous thin films, thickness of layer(s), duty cycle, reflective rib shape, a curved side of transparent ribs 21 or 32, aspect ratio, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An energy storage system is selectively mountable to a vehicle and includes a frame, a battery supported on the frame, and a frame mounting interface. The frame includes a base surface and a mounting surface. At least a portion of the base surface is positioned in a plane oriented at an acute angle relative to a direction that is perpendicular to the mounting surface. The base surface may rest on a ground surface while the frame is not mounted to the vehicle. The frame mounting interface is positioned adjacent the frame mounting surface. The frame mounting interface may engage a chassis mounting interface positioned on a chassis of the vehicle, and the engagement of the base surface with the ground surface causes the frame mounting interface to be positioned in an orientation that may facilitate engagement with the chassis mounting interface while the frame is not mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: An energy storage system is removably coupled to a vehicle and includes a frame, a battery supported on the frame, and a frame alignment system. The frame includes a base configured to rest on a support surface while the frame is uncoupled from the vehicle, and a first mounting feature configured to engage a complementary second mounting feature positioned on the vehicle. The battery is configured to provide power to the vehicle while the energy storage system is coupled to the vehicle. The frame alignment system includes a guide surface configured to engage the second mounting feature as the frame is coupled to the vehicle, the engagement between the guide surface and the second mounting feature facilitating alignment between the first mounting feature and the second mounting feature.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing or tracking users at a geographic location or destination and collecting data based upon such users and/or the tracking of such users for enhancing the experience of the users, providing increased operational functionality of venues or attractions associated with the destination, and/or managing or influencing behavior associated with users or employees at the geographic location or destination. The system may be accessible via software applications executed upon mobile devices and/or permanent hardware kiosks and/or via a web-based interface. Trackable hardware is carried and/or worn or otherwise associated with the users so that the users' movement and activities may be tracked at the geographic location or destination.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed technology involves a system having a generator set comprising a first engine and an output terminal coupled to a power distributor, a load comprising two or more sub-loads, wherein each of the sub-loads are coupled to the power distributor via one or more respective electrical contactors, and a controller communicably coupled to the electrical contactors and the generator set comprising a processor, and a memory, the memory having computer-readable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor cause operations. The operations may include determining a number of sub-loads available, receiving data representing power generation of the generator set, determining which of the available sub-loads to connect in order to balance the generator set to the load, and controlling the respective electrical contactors of the determined sub-loads so as to provide electricity to the determined sub-loads.

Abstract: Tissue access devices and methods of using the same are disclosed. The devices can have a sensor configured to occlude a flow path by deflecting a membrane into the flow path when the devices become dislodged from tissue. The sensor can be configured to partially or fully occlude the flow path. The sensor can have a spring. The spring can be biased to move the sensor from a sensor first configuration to a sensor second configuration when a force applied by the sensor first surface against a non-sensor surface changes from a first force to a second force less than the first force. The membrane can be deflected into the flow path when the sensor is in the sensor second configuration.

Abstract: The pressing of an article is achieved with a closed-loop feedback press. The closed-loop feedback press is effective to measure an amount of pressure applied and adjust the pressure to achieve a prescribed amount of compression on the article. Further, the press may leverage a closed-loop feedback system to maintain a consistent temperature of one or more platens. The press is able to adjust a pressure applied one or more times during a pressing operation to accelerate a temperature change in the pressed article while reducing the pressure applied as the temperature approaches a target temperature to limit unintentional deformation and bleeding of the pressed material of the article.

Abstract: The pressing of an article is achieved with a closed-loop feedback press. The closed-loop feedback press is effective to measure an amount of pressure applied and adjust the pressure to achieve a prescribed amount of compression on the article. Further, the press may leverage a closed-loop feedback system to maintain a consistent temperature of one or more platens. The press is able to adjust a pressure applied one or more times during a pressing operation to accelerate a temperature change in the pressed article while reducing the pressure applied as the temperature approaches a target temperature to limit unintentional deformation and bleeding of the pressed material of the article.

Abstract: The pressing of an article is achieved with a closed-loop feedback press. The closed-loop feedback press is effective to measure an amount of pressure applied and adjust the pressure to achieve a prescribed amount of compression on the article. Further, the press may leverage a closed-loop feedback system to maintain a consistent temperature of one or more platens. The press is able to adjust a pressure applied one or more times during a pressing operation to accelerate a temperature change in the pressed article while reducing the pressure applied as the temperature approaches a target temperature to limit unintentional deformation and bleeding of the pressed material of the article.

Abstract: The pressing of an article is achieved with a closed-loop feedback press. The closed-loop feedback press is effective to measure an amount of pressure applied and adjust the pressure to achieve a prescribed amount of compression on the article. Further, the press may leverage a closed-loop feedback system to maintain a consistent temperature of one or more platens. The press is able to adjust a pressure applied one or more times during a pressing operation to accelerate a temperature change in the pressed article while reducing the pressure applied as the temperature approaches a target temperature to limit unintentional deformation and bleeding of the pressed material of the article.

Abstract: Turbocharger control systems used with electric assist turbochargers include an electric motor for controlling turbocharger operation. The system comprises an oil pressure sensor attached to the turbocharger for sensing oil pressure for lubricating a shaft bearing assembly. The pressure sensor provides oil pressure information to a control system that controls the operation of the electric motor and/or other operating parameters of the turbocharger and/or the vehicle. The control system regulates operation of the electric motor during operating conditions where a low oil pressure condition is detected when compared to a predetermined minimum. The control system reactivates the electric motor once a desired minimum oil pressure has been detected.

Abstract: Systems for preventing/controlling compressor surge in an electrically assisted turbocharger comprise a turbocharger having an electric motor disposed around a turbocharger shaft. The electric motor controller is electrically coupled to the electric motor for controlling the rotational movement provided by the electric motor to the turbocharger shaft. A memory is electrically coupled to the electric motor controller and comprises a multi-dimensional map of compressor surge conditions stored therein. Sensors are used to provide desired engine and/or turbocharger operating information for comparing against the stored map data. The sensors are electrically coupled to the electric motor controller. The controller plots the actual operating information provided by the sensors on the stored map to evaluate whether the turbocharger is operating in different operating regions.

Abstract: System for controlling an electric assisted turbocharger comprise an electric motor disposed within turbocharger, and an electric motor controller electrically coupled thereto for purposes of controlling the same. A memory is electrically coupled to the electric motor controller and is configured with a condition map that correlates electric motor instructions with engine and turbocharger conditions. The system includes sensors that are electrically coupled to the electric motor controller, and that are configured to sense conditions of at least one of the turbocharger and the internal combustion engine that is coupled thereto. The electric motor controller is configured to control the electric motor based upon the input received from the plurality of sensors as compared to the data contained multi-dimensional condition map.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of an electric motor in an electric assisted turbocharger that is coupled to an internal combustion engine has a turbocharger with an electric motor disposed within a motor housing. The motor housing has a motor housing inlet and a motor housing outlet. The turbocharger has a compressor with a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet. The turbocharger also has a turbine. A first cooling hose is coupled to the compressor outlet and coupled to the motor housing inlet. A second cooling hose is coupled to the motor housing outlet and coupled to the compressor inlet.

Abstract: The present invention presents a business method for facilitating a sale of a receivable for the offsetting of payables. The method for the offsetting of payables and sale of receivables is conducted over a computer network preferably composed of a Web server or main computer, a database server, an array of hard disks for storage, and a transaction server. The owner, best offers, and other information about the receivable are open to inspection for registered users in an on-line auction form of the invention. The buyer and seller of the receivable are kept informed of the status of their accounts via e-mail. Alternatively, the business method provides a method of contact for a potential purchaser of the receivable to contact the posting owner of the receivable and negotiate purchase of the receivable.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of an electric motor in an electric assisted turbocharger that is coupled to an internal combustion engine has a turbocharger with an electric motor disposed within a motor housing. The motor housing has a motor housing inlet and a motor housing outlet. The turbocharger has a compressor with a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet. The turbocharger also has a turbine. A first cooling hose is coupled to the compressor outlet and coupled to the motor housing inlet. A second cooling hose is coupled to the motor housing outlet and coupled to the compressor inlet.

Abstract: System for controlling an electric assisted turbocharger comprise an electric motor disposed within turbocharger, and an electric motor controller electrically coupled thereto for purposes of controlling the same. A memory is electrically coupled to the electric motor controller and is configured with a condition map that correlates electric motor instructions with engine and turbocharger conditions. The system includes sensors that are electrically coupled to the electric motor controller, and that are configured to sense conditions of at least one of the turbocharger and the internal combustion engine that is coupled thereto. The electric motor controller is configured to control the electric motor based upon the input received from the plurality of sensors as compared to the data contained multi-dimensional condition map.

Abstract: A collapsible fastener comprises a tubular plastic having a head on one end for bearing against one surface of the work. There is an internally threaded tail portion at the shank end of the sleeve. The shank is slotted to define strips which are notched internally and intermediate the ends. The slots increase in width from their ends to the area of the notches. A screw extends through the sleeve and is devoid of threads intermediate its ends to prevent overtorquing. A radially tapered annulus is positioned atop the sleeve for sealable engagement with the screw head in the assembled condition.