Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle frame assembly configured to accommodate different first and second suspension system configurations via mounting fixtures. The vehicle frame assembly can include a main frame assembly, and a frame assembly connected to and extending away from the main frame assembly. Multiple mounting locations can be provided on at least one of the main frame assembly and the frame assembly, each of the mounting locations being configured to accommodate one of the mounting fixtures. The mounting locations can include a first set configured for use with the first suspension system configuration, and a second set configured for use with the second suspension system configuration.

Abstract: A charger and a method for charging a battery pack having a plurality of battery cells is presented. The method includes measuring the voltage of the battery cell(s), comparing the voltage measurement(s) of the cell(s) to a target charge voltage value and if the voltage measurement(s) of the cell(s) is not greater than or equal to the target charge voltage value than setting a current for the battery pack based on the voltage measurement(s) of the cell(s).

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding objects singulated from a bulk mass of objects includes receiving the bulk mass into a hopper system having a hopper screw set including first and second hopper screws and a plurality of feeding pockets defined by the thread forms of the hopper screws. Rotation of the hopper screws tumbles the bulk mass to cascade and singulate individual objects into respective feed pockets. An object set including at least one singulated object is discharged from the hopper screw set by rotation of the hopper screws. A discharge assembly including a ramp and star wheel receives the discharged object set, and transfers the object set to a discharge outlet. The object set output from the discharge outlet is received by a target defined by a receiving article. In one example, the object is rounded, the target is an opening of a container.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding objects singulated from a bulk mass of objects includes receiving the bulk mass into a hopper system having a hopper screw set including first and second hopper screws and a plurality of feeding pockets defined by the thread forms of the hopper screws. Rotation of the hopper screws tumbles the bulk mass to cascade and singulate individual objects into respective feed pockets. An object set including at least one singulated object is discharged from the hopper screw set by rotation of the hopper screws. A discharge assembly including a ramp and star wheel receives the discharged object set, and transfers the object set to a discharge outlet. The object set output from the discharge outlet is received by a target defined by a receiving article. In one example, the object is rounded, the target is an opening of a container.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reading a machine-readable optical code encoding information formed in an image that is presented to a user. The method includes using a processor to receive the image with the machine-readable optical code; using a graphic user interface to visually present the received image on a display; using the graphic user interface to receive a user selection of the machine-readable optical code; using a processor to decode the selected machine-readable optical code; and using the graphic user interface to present information referenced by the decoded information on the display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass containing alkali and/or alkaline earth metal (AAEM). The method comprises providing a lignocellulosic biomass containing AAEM; determining the amount of the AAEM present in the lignocellulosic biomass; identifying, based on said determining, the amount of a mineral acid sufficient to completely convert the AAEM in the lignocellulosic biomass to thermally-stable, catalytically-inert salts; and treating the lignocellulosic biomass with the identified amount of the mineral acid, wherein the treated lignocellulosic biomass contains thermally-stable, catalytically inert AAEM salts.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding objects singulated from a bulk mass of objects includes receiving the bulk mass into a hopper system having a hopper screw set including first and second hopper screws and a plurality of feeding pockets defined by the thread forms of the hopper screws. Rotation of the hopper screws tumbles the bulk mass to cascade and singulate individual objects into respective feed pockets. An object set including at least one singulated object is discharged from the hopper screw set by rotation of the hopper screws. A discharge assembly including a ramp and star wheel receives the discharged object set, and transfers the object set to a discharge outlet. The object set output from the discharge outlet is received by a target defined by a receiving article. In one example, the object is rounded, the target is an opening of a container.

Abstract: A method is provided for indicating state of charge of a battery being charged by a charger. The method includes: supplying a charging current from a battery charger to a battery pack; determining voltage of battery cells residing in the battery pack; and illuminating a visual indicator on the battery charger to indicate state of charge of the battery pack, where brightness of the visual indicator correlates to the voltage of the battery cells in the battery pack.

Abstract: A method is provided for indicating state of charge of a battery being charged by a charger. The method includes: supplying a charging current from a battery charger to a battery pack; determining voltage of battery cells residing in the battery pack; and illuminating a visual indicator on the battery charger to indicate state of charge of the battery pack, where brightness of the visual indicator correlates to the voltage of the battery cells in the battery pack.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reading a machine-readable optical code encoding information formed in an image that is presented to a user. The method includes using a processor to receive the image with the machine-readable optical code; using a graphic user interface to visually present the received image on a display; using the graphic user interface to receive a user selection of the machine-readable optical code; using a processor to decode the selected machine-readable optical code; and using the graphic user interface to present information referenced by the decoded information on the display.

Abstract: A billiard cue stroke simulator includes a wireless acceleration sensing device and a computing system. The wireless acceleration sensing device measures acceleration of a billiard cue along two or more axes of a coordinate system during a stroke of the billiard cue and generates acceleration data including the acceleration data. Additionally, the wireless acceleration sensing device transmits a wireless communication signal including the acceleration data to the computing system. The computing system generates image data indicating movement of the billiard cue during the stroke of the billiard cue based on the acceleration data and displays the image data. In this way, the billiard cue stroke simulator simulates the stroke of the billiard cue.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reading a machine-readable optical code encoding information formed in an image that is presented to a user. The method includes using a processor to receive the image with the machine-readable optical code; using a graphic user interface to visually present the received image on a display; using the graphic user interface to receive a user selection of the machine-readable optical code; using a processor to decode the selected machine-readable optical code; and using the graphic user interface to present information referenced by the decoded information on the display.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reading a machine-readable optical code encoding information formed in an image that is presented to a user. The method includes using a processor to receive the image with the machine-readable optical code; using a graphic user interface to visually present the received image on a display; using the graphic user interface to receive a user selection of the machine-readable optical code; using a processor to decode the selected machine-readable optical code; and using the graphic user interface to present information referenced by the decoded information on the display.

Abstract: An ergonomic handle for use with a power tool defines a first region that includes a switch, adapted to receive a thumb and forefinger when the forefinger is actuating the switch, a second region adapted to receive a middle finger, a third region adapted to receive a ring finger; and a fourth region adapted to receive a pinky finger. Each of the second, third, and fourth region includes a generally oval cross section having a major axis and a minor axis. The longest major axis is in the third region, the shortest major axis is in the fourth region, the shortest minor axis is in the second region, and the longest minor axis is positioned in the fourth region.

Abstract: An ergonomic handle for use with a power tool defines a first region that includes a switch, adapted to receive a thumb and forefinger when the forefinger is actuating the switch, a second region adapted to receive a middle finger, a third region adapted to receive a ring finger; and a fourth region adapted to receive a pinky finger. Each of the second, third, and fourth region includes a generally oval cross section having a major axis and a minor axis. The longest major axis is in the third region, the shortest major axis is in the fourth region, the shortest minor axis is in the second region, and the longest minor axis is positioned in the fourth region.

Abstract: A method is provided for indicating state of charge of a battery being charged by a charger. The method includes: supplying a charging current from a battery charger to a battery pack; determining voltage of battery cells residing in the battery pack; and illuminating a visual indicator on the battery charger to indicate state of charge of the battery pack, where brightness of the visual indicator correlates to the voltage of the battery cells in the battery pack.

Abstract: An ergonomic handle for use with a power tool defines a first region that includes a switch, adapted to receive a thumb and forefinger when the forefinger is actuating the switch, a second region adapted to receive a middle finger, a third region adapted to receive a ring finger; and a fourth region adapted to receive a pinky finger. Each of the second, third, and fourth region includes a generally oval cross section having a major axis and a minor axis. The longest major axis is in the third region, the shortest major axis is in the fourth region, the shortest minor axis is in the second region, and the longest minor axis is positioned in the fourth region.

Abstract: A door hinge template may include a body defining a central portion and at least one alignment portion that extends from the central portion. The door hinge template may include an opening defined in the central portion, the opening configured to guide a cutting instrument to form the mortise for the hinge in a surface of a door jamb and in a corresponding surface of a door frame. First and second substantially parallel alignment surfaces may be disposed on opposite sides of each of the at least one alignment portions, wherein the first alignment surface may be configured to abut against the surface of the door when forming the mortise in the door jamb and the second alignment surface may be configured to abut against the surface of the door frame when forming the mortise in the door frame.

Abstract: A modeling system that converts a three-dimensionally defined aircraft engine harness in a two-dimensional electronic model, a process known as unfolding, is described. The modeling system electronically unfolds the three-dimensionally defined harness to create a two-dimensional representation, while simultaneously determining a plurality of design parameters. The drawing and the design parameters are displayed in a format that may be used for inspection purposes and manufacturing purposes. More specifically, the modeling system determines branch angles, wire lengths, and a plurality of angles of the three-dimensionally defined harness.

Abstract: A modeling system that converts a three-dimensionally defined aircraft engine harness in a two-dimensional electronic model, a process known as unfolding, is described. The modeling system electronically unfolds the three-dimensionally defined harness to create a two-dimensional representation, while simultaneously determining a plurality of design parameters. The drawing and the design parameters are displayed in a format that may be used for inspection purposes and manufacturing purposes. More specifically, the modeling system determines branch angles, wire lengths, and a plurality of angles of the three-dimensionally defined harness.