Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of heat exchangers and applications. In an exemplary embodiment, a heat exchanger can include at least a first feature array and a second feature array, a channel in an interior of the heat exchanger, through which a fluid can flov, an inlet for the fluid to enter the channel, an outlet for the fluid to exit the channel. The channel may include at least one surface and said first feature array and said second feature array are positioned on the at least one surface of the channel, the fluid configured to flow from said inlet, through said channel to said outlet, and the first and second feature arrays have different densities.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments of an electric motor are provided herein. In one embodiment of this disclosure, an electric motor includes a rotor, at least one end of the rotor includes at least one blade and at least one array of micro-features, wherein heat generated by the rotor is dissipated by the at least one blade and the at least one array of micro-features. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an electric motor having a rotor, the method comprising machining a piece of conductive material to create micro-features on at least one end of the conductive material; and inserting the conductive material into the rotor.

Abstract: According to various aspects According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments of a planetary drivetrain including an electric motor having a stator and rotor, with at least one planet gear attached to the rotor, the rotor mechanically coupled to at least two shafts, the integrated electric-planetary drivetrain electromechanically providing both torque and differential capabilities. In other embodiments, a vehicle comprised of one or more integrated electric-planetary drivetrains driving one or more sets of wheels. The vehicle can include one or more long term energy storage systems and one or more inverters and one or more controllers.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of an interconnection device coupled to one or more terminals of one or more batteries that enables the charging and discharging of the one or more batteries. The interconnection device includes an insulating material, a conductor coupled to the insulating material, the conductor is shaped in a pattern to facilitate one or more interconnections with the batteries when the interconnection device is coupled to the one or more terminals of the one or more batteries. Other embodiments described herein disclose a method of manufacturing a device for the interconnection of one or more electrical terminals wherein the method includes a single-action assembly of the device onto one or more batteries.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive and accurate method for micro scale tool touch-off and remaining tool life estimation using advanced methods of tool-workpiece conductivity monitoring. Part registration is based on a conductive circuit detection technique that utilizes an analog DC voltage. A tool life estimation system is provided, and accomplished through the combined application of hardware signal filtering and advanced signal processing techniques implemented on a digital signal processing unit.

Abstract: The micro-ignitor of the preferred embodiment includes a first electrode having a body shaped as an elongated tube and a tip that extends from the body; a second electrode having a body located substantially within and extending at least a length of the body of the first electrode and a tip that extends toward and is spaced from the tip of the first electrode; and an electrical insulator to electrically insulate between the body of the first electrode and the body of the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode cooperate to carry an electrical charge and to produce an ignition spark between the tip of the first electrode and the tip of the second electrode. Although the micro-ignitor can be incorporated into any suitable combustion system, the micro-ignitor is preferably incorporated into a micro combustion engine with a swing arm.

Abstract: The micro-ignitor of the preferred embodiment includes a first electrode having a body shaped as an elongated tube and a tip that extends from the body; a second electrode having a body located substantially within and extending at least a length of the body of the first electrode and a tip that extends toward and is spaced from the tip of the first electrode; and an electrical insulator to electrically insulate between the body of the first electrode and the body of the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode cooperate to carry an electrical charge and to produce an ignition spark between the tip of the first electrode and the tip of the second electrode. Although the micro-ignitor can be incorporated into any suitable combustion system, the micro-ignitor is preferably incorporated into a micro combustion engine with a swing arm.

Abstract: The muffler system of the preferred embodiment includes an outer membrane adapted to operate in a collapsed mode, wherein the outer membrane defines a first volume that facilitates portability and stowage, and in an expanded mode, wherein the outer membrane defines a second volume, which is larger than the first volume, that provides attenuation and muffling of the noise signature of the power system. The muffler system further includes an inlet coupled to the outer membrane and adapted to allow the exhaust gases and sound waves from the portable power system to enter the muffler system.