Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to battery charging management of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In an example method, a processor generates an operational profile for a first BEV among a number of BEVs. The profile may be based on a mileage accumulation pattern, a parking pattern, and/or a battery charging pattern, detected over an information collection period. The mileage accumulation pattern may be based on the use of the first BEV for commuting from a residence to a workplace. The processor determines an availability of a battery charging outlet in a section of a garage of the residence, and based on the operational profile of the first BEV, identifies a period of time for charging a battery of the first BEV in the garage. The processor then issues a directive to park the first BEV in the section of the garage over the identified period of time for charging the battery.

Abstract: A safety apparatus having a first half-shell component, a second half-shell component and at least one strip of reflective material affixed to both half-shell components. The first half-shell component has a first interior surface and a first exterior surface and defines a first c-shape cross-section. The second half-shell component has a second interior surface and a second exterior surface and defines a second c-shape cross-section. The first half-shell component and the second half-shell component are configured to form a cylindrically shaped housing when connected to each other. The cylindrically shaped housing allows the apparatus to be attached to a power pole, post or other obstacle. At least one strip of reflective material is affixed to the exterior surfaces of the half-shell components in a manner to provide high visibility.

Abstract: A mobile oilfield storage tank includes a wall and a stair system securely coupled to the wall. The stair system a platform suitable for use as a walkway and a platform extension pivotally engaged with the platform. The platform extension pivots from a folded position to an extended position and creates a continuous walkway between the platform and a platform of an adjacent mobile oilfield storage tank.

Abstract: A mobile oilfield storage tank includes a wall and a stair system securely coupled to the wall. The stair system a platform suitable for use as a walkway and a platform extension pivotally engaged with the platform. The platform extension pivots from a folded position to an extended position and creates a continuous walkway between the platform and a platform of an adjacent mobile oilfield storage tank.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, from a tube with desirable mechanical properties, such as improved circumferential strength and rigidity, are described herein. Improved circumferential strength and rigidity may be obtained by inducing molecular orientation in materials for use in manufacturing an implantable medical device. Methods of inducing circumferential molecular orientation by inducing circumferential flow in a molten polymer are disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile oilfield storage tank includes a front wall and a removable stair system coupled thereto. The stair system includes a platform suitable for use as a walkway and a platform extension operably associated therewith. The platform extension creates a continuous walkway between the platform and a platform of an adjacent mobile oilfield storage tank.

Abstract: A keel punch impactor comprises a main body having an interior bore. A locking shaft is positioned in the interior bore of the main body, the locking shaft defining a shaft axis. An actuator is in contact with the locking shaft. The actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position. The position of the locking shaft is moved within the interior bore of the main body upon movement of the actuator. In particular, the locking shaft is moved such that the shaft axis is offset when the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position. When the shaft is moved, a head on the shaft is moved into or out of alignment with a boss extending from the main body of the keel punch impactor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, from a tube with desirable mechanical properties, such as improved circumferential strength and rigidity, are described herein. Improved circumferential strength and rigidity may be obtained by inducing molecular orientation in materials for use in manufacturing an implantable medical device. Methods of inducing circumferential molecular orientation by inducing circumferential flow in a molten polymer are disclosed.

Abstract: A stair system for a mobile storage tank includes a platform subsystem attached to a wall of the mobile storage tank, a staircase subsystem coupled to the platform subsystem, and a rail subsystem attached to the staircase subsystem. The platform subsystem includes a retractable platform extension, and the staircase and rail subsystem are configured to be extended for use and retracted for transit and non-use modes of operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, from a tube with desirable mechanical properties, such as improved circumferential strength and rigidity, are described herein. Improved circumferential strength and rigidity may be obtained by inducing molecular orientation in materials for use in manufacturing an implantable medical device. Some embodiments may include inducing molecular orientation by expansion of a molten annular polymer film. Other embodiments may include inducing circumferential molecular orientation by inducing circumferential flow in a molten polymer. In certain embodiments, circumferential orientation may be induced by expansion of a polymer tube. Further embodiments may include manufacturing an implantable medical device from a biaxially oriented planar polymer film.

Abstract: A keel punch impactor comprises a main body having an interior bore. A locking shaft is positioned in the interior bore of the main body, the locking shaft defining a shaft axis. An actuator is in contact with the locking shaft. The actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position. The position of the locking shaft is moved within the interior bore of the main body upon movement of the actuator. In particular, the locking shaft is moved such that the shaft axis is offset when the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position. When the shaft is moved, a head on the shaft is moved into or out of alignment with a boss extending from the main body of the keel punch impactor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, from a tube with desirable mechanical properties, such as improved circumferential strength and rigidity, are described herein. Improved circumferential strength and rigidity may be obtained by inducing molecular orientation in materials for use in manufacturing an implantable medical device. Some embodiments may include inducing molecular orientation by expansion of a molten annular polymer film. Other embodiments may include inducing circumferential molecular orientation by inducing circumferential flow in a molten polymer. In certain embodiments, circumferential orientation may be induced by expansion of a polymer tube. Further embodiments may include manufacturing an implantable medical device from a biaxially oriented planar polymer film.

Abstract: A connector mounting assembly for receiving and holding a connector at an end of a conducting cable. The connector assembly includes a support member and a spring-biased device, wherein the spring-biased device is spaced opposite from the support member a sufficient distance to receive the connector therebetween. Advantageously, the spring-biased device urges the connector against the support member so as to retain the connector without the use of separate fasteners or screws. In another aspect, the connector assembly may include a retaining member that is also spaced opposite the spring-biased device and includes a retaining edge that extends between a pair of shoulders of the connector so as to restrain axial motion of the connector. The connector mounting assembly is particularly suited to securing bulky and heavy connectors at the end of triaxial telecommunications cables.

Abstract: A cable connector is disclosed for hybrid cables having optical fibers, power lines, and audio lines. In one embodiment, the cable connector includes male and female portions having corresponding male and female contact pins for the power and audio lines, and forwardly-biased ferrules housing the optical fibers. All the lines and optical fibers are secured in an insulator device by an insulator lock that lockably engages a receptacle of the insulator device. Each hybrid cable is further secured and sealed with a grip member and a crimp ring. The cable connector of the present invention allows for field serviceability without the use of potting compounds.

Abstract: A cable connector is disclosed for hybrid cables having optical fibers, power lines, and audio lines. In one embodiment, the cable connector includes male and female portions having corresponding male and female contact pins for the power and audio lines, and forwardly-biased ferrules housing the optical fibers. All the lines and optical fibers are secured in an insulator device by an insulator lock that lockably engages a receptacle of the insulator device. Each hybrid cable is further secured and sealed with a grip member and a crimp ring. The cable connector of the present invention allows for field serviceability without the use of potting compounds.

Abstract: An electrical coupling and switching device and associated method advantageous for use with signal bandwidths of 1.5 GHz or more is provided having a housing defining first and second equipment ports for use with coaxial plugs. The housing also defines first and second patch ports for receiving patch plugs, such as video-style plugs. A pair of actuators are positioned within the housing for establishing electrical communication between the equipment ports and a corresponding patch plugs. A flexible microstrip is also provided that, in a normal mode, provides a low return loss, low discontinuity flowpath between the equipment ports, while in a patched mode is flexibly urged away from an equipment port that is patched to the corresponding patch plug via the actuator such that the unpatched equipment port is terminated in its characteristic impedance.

Abstract: A molded polygonally configured scraper which has a plurality of straight blade portions about the perimeter thereof. Preferably each blade portion has two raised edge members to facilitate scraping in opposed directions. One blade portion is supported by an angled wall configuration which permits fingers of the user to exert a maximum of force upon the blade portion.