Abstract: A system and method for joining curved surfaces such as pipes by obtaining pipes having additional rough stock material on the pipe ends, the rough stock material being precision machine processed to prepare complementary face profiles on each of the curved surfaces and then performing friction stir joining of the pipes to obtain a joint that has fewer defects than joints created from conventional welding.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a mandrel that can be used to react the loads that are created by a friction stir joining tool as it performs friction stir joining of tubulars, the mandrel selected from a disposable mandrel, a partially disposable mandrel, a reusable mandrel, and a mandrel that is partially disposable and partially reusable.

Abstract: A novel energy saving mode of charging an accumulator in an electro-hydraulic system is disclosed involving toggling the position of a fan isolation valve from the flow-passing position, where the flow is driving a fan motor thereby maintaining a fan in an on position, to the flow-blocking position where the flow is inhibited from driving the fan motor thereby causing the fan to turn off, when the time to charge an accumulator is less than the period of time that the fan may be off and still allow for the cooling requirements of the engine to be satisfied. By diverting fluid flow from driving the fan motor to charging the accumulator, the disclosed energy saving mode allows for a greater flow of fluid to be delivered to the accumulator for charging, making it possible to charge the accumulators quicker and more efficiently while maintaining the cooling requirements of the engine. The energy saving mode of operation may illustratively be used in a hystat fan and hybrid system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for operating an HVAC system for conditioning inside air of a building. The HVAC system includes an HVAC unit and a local HVAC controller. In some instances, control of an HVAC system may be modified based upon predictions of Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) events. For example, and in an illustrative but non-limiting example, a local HVAC controller may control an HVAC unit in accordance with at least one nominal HVAC control parameter, such as a nominal setpoint. At least one measure related to an environmental condition in or around the building and/or load on the HVAC unit may be observed, and a CPP event of a utility supplying power to the building may be predicted based at least in part on the observed measure(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for operating an HVAC system for conditioning inside air of a building. The HVAC system includes an HVAC unit and a local HVAC controller. In some instances, control of an HVAC system may be modified based upon predictions of Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) events. For example, and in an illustrative but non-limiting example, a local HVAC controller may control an HVAC unit in accordance with at least one nominal HVAC control parameter, such as a nominal setpoint. At least one measure related to an environmental condition in or around the building and/or load on the HVAC unit may be observed, and a CPP event of a utility supplying power to the building may be predicted based at least in part on the observed measure(s).

Abstract: A system and method for friction stir welding of small diameter tubing, wherein the small diameter tubing is held in a correct position with a grasp sufficient to perform FSW when the tubing is comprised of high melting temperature materials, wherein the small diameter tubing can be rotated by the positioning and holding system while a FSW tool is held stationary, or vice versa, wherein internal mandrels are also described which can fit inside the smaller dimensions of the small diameter tubing and expand to provide a counter force to prevent deformation of the tubing when forces are applied by the FSW tool, wherein new FSW tool geometries are also described which enable the FSW tool to direct more heat on a tool/workpiece interface to counteract a lack of contact between the FSW shoulder and the workpiece because of tube curvature, and wherein the FSW tool is positioned on a small diameter tube by trailing the joint to provide desirable heating at the joint/workpiece interface and surface finishing.

Abstract: A humidifier for adding humidity to an air stream of an HVAC system during a call for humidity includes an air intake configured to fluidically interface with an HVAC duct, a humidifier pad, a valve for controlling delivery of water from a water source to the humidifier pad, and a controller for controlling the valve. The controller may be configured to cause the valve to deliver a variable amount of water over a particular call for humidity. For example, and in some instances, the controller may cause the valve to deliver water to the humidifier pad for substantially less than all of the time for a particular call for humidity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of obtaining immunogenic proteins from genomic sequences including Neisseria, including the amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences, as well as the genomic sequence of Neisseria meningitidis B.

Abstract: Collapsible filter assemblies for use with pleated or other filter media are disclosed. A collapsible filter assembly can include at least one filter element including a filter media supported within a collapsible filter frame. The filter frame can include a number of frame members each including a number of frame panel sections hingedly connected to each other. Each frame member can be configured to bend or fold outwardly away from the sides of the filter media to permit the filter frame to be actuated between a collapsed position and an expanded position. A number of elastic members can be coupled to opposing sets of frame members in order to bias the filter frame in the expanded position, causing the filter assembly to self-expand when removed from its packaging. During installation, such auto-expanding feature reduces the amount of time required for the installer to place the filter assembly into service.

Abstract: Methods, materials, and systems for texturizing mold surfaces is disclosed. In one method and system of the invention, a first step involves generating a graphics file of a desired texture pattern. The graphics file is subsequently output to an ink jet printer, which is configured to print using an acid-etch resist ink. The acid-etch resist ink is formulated to provide optimal properties for ink-jet printing, while also providing excellent acid-etch resist and superior handling properties. The acid-etch resist ink is printed onto a sheet of a carrier substrate that allows the acid-etch resist to be transferred to a mold surface, after which the mold surface is etched with a strong acid.

Abstract: This invention provides, among other things, protein, polypeptides, and fragments thereof, derived from bacteria Neisseria meningitidis B. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding for such proteins, polypeptides, and/or fragments, as well as nucleic acids complementary thereto (e.g., antisense nucleic acids). Additionally, this invention provides antibodies which bind to the proteins, polypeptides, and/or fragments. This invention further provides expression vectors useful for making the proteins, polypeptides, fragments, and/or nucleic acids, for use as vaccines, diagnostic reagents, immunogenic compositions, and the like. Methods of making the compositions and methods of treatment with the compositions are also provided. This invention also provides methods of detecting the proteins, polypeptides, fragments and/or nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of obtaining immunogenic proteins from genomic sequences including Neisseria, including the amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences, as well as the genomic sequence of Neisseria meningitidis B. The proteins so obtained are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics.