Abstract: An item repositioning method includes, in response to a request for an item, moving a vehicle along a first route to a location of the item, loading the item in the vehicle using a lift assist device mounted to the vehicle, moving the vehicle along a second route to transport the item to a desired location, and at the desired location, unloading the item from the vehicle using the lift assist device.

Abstract: Remote power supply systems are provided for motor vehicles. The remote power supply systems may power auxiliary devices separate from the vehicle. Exemplary remote power supply systems may include one or more exportable power outlet boxes that include electrical power outlets for connecting the auxiliary devices. The electrical power outlets may be powered by a generator system of the vehicle. A control module associated with the remote power supply system may command one or more vehicle-specific actions designed to reduce the realized sound level at one or more nearby areas of interest when operating the vehicle in a power generation mode.

Abstract: This present invention provides a system, device, and method for influencing the behavior and decision-making process of persons occupying a given space through perceptible indicia that influence such persons making their choice of location in the space in real time using detection devices, a computer system, and indicator devices positioned within the space.

Abstract: An improved device for simulating gravel impact damage on panels, such as protected and unprotected areas of painted vehicle panels, is disclosed. The gravel impact damage simulator includes an enclosure, a gravel inlet port having an extension spout, a motor-driven rotatable impeller below the inlet port, a downwardly angled baffle between the inlet port and the impeller, and a test panel slot through which a test panel may be inserted into the enclosure. During operation, gravel is introduced through the extension spout and inlet port. The gravel drops into the angled baffle, where it is directed toward the rotating impeller. The rotating impeller strikes the gravel and projects it toward the test panel.

Abstract: An improved device for simulating gravel impact damage on panels, such as protected and unprotected areas of painted vehicle panels, is disclosed. The gravel impact damage simulator includes an enclosure, a gravel inlet port having an extension spout, a motor-driven rotatable impeller below the inlet port, a downwardly angled baffle between the inlet port and the impeller, and a test panel slot through which a test panel may be inserted into the enclosure. During operation, gravel is introduced through the extension spout and inlet port. The gravel drops into the angled baffle, where it is directed toward the rotating impeller. The rotating impeller strikes the gravel and projects it toward the test panel.

Abstract: A creamy cleansing composition including from about 0.5% to about 1.2% polymeric emulsifier; from about 0.5% to about 4% water insoluble oil; from about 1% to about 4% fatty alcohol; and greater than 92% water is described.

Abstract: Integrated axially varying engine mufflers, and associated methods and systems. An arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a tailcone having a tapering external surface, a cavity disposed within the surface, and an engine muffler disposed within the cavity. The engine muffler can have a tapering outer surface, a porous inner surface disposed inwardly from the outer surface, and a plurality of cells disposed between the outer surface and the inner surface in fluid communication with the perforations of the inner surface. The inner surface can be positioned adjacent to an exhaust gas flow path having an entrance aperture and an exit aperture. Cells positioned toward the entrance aperture can have a first dimension extending away from the gas path, and cells positioned toward the exit aperture can have a second, different, dimension extending away from the exhaust gas path.

Abstract: Integrated axially varying engine mufflers, and associated methods and systems are disclosed. An arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a tailcone having a tapering external surface, a cavity disposed within the surface, and an engine muffler disposed within the cavity. The engine muffler can have a tapering outer surface, a porous inner surface disposed inwardly from the outer surface, and a plurality of cells disposed between the outer surface and the inner surface in fluid communication with the perforations of the inner surface. The inner surface can be positioned adjacent to an exhaust gas flow path having an entrance aperture and an exit aperture. Cells positioned toward the entrance aperture can have a first dimension extending away from the gas path, and cells positioned toward the exit aperture can have a second, different, dimension extending away from the exhaust gas path.

Abstract: An injection molding machine is illustrated with tie bars extending from a stationary die plate. A movable die plate is slidably movable along the tie bars. Corrugated elastic sleeves cover the tie bars and are seated at opposite ends on the die plates to keep molded parts from contacting the tie bars when the mold is open and thereby protect the molded parts from contamination by lubricant on the tie bars. In the embodiment shown, the corrugated sleeve is made of plastic material and is split longitudinally to facilitate assembly. The split sleeve construction enables the sleeves to be assembled sidewise onto the tie bars, and held snugly onto the bars by wires or cable ties.

Abstract: A contactless pressure switch 10 sensitive to fluid pressure rates of change includes a housing 36 and a diaphragm 42 secured in the housing defining first and second chambers. Ports 48, 50 are included in the first and second chambers to vent the chambers. A magnet 52 is secured to the diaphragm and a switching module 54 is secured to the housing within one of the first or second chambers at a position spaced from the diaphragm. A biasing magnet 53 is mounted with the module to provide symmetrical switching by the module. The other of the first or second chambers is coupled to a sensing tube 28 such that upon a pulse or rate change of pressure being introduced in the other of first and second chambers, the diaphragm is deflected. This moves the magnet 52 toward the module actuating it to switch the module and actuate a desired circuit. In an alternative embodiment, the position of the module may be varied relative to the diaphragm to vary the sensitivity of the switch.

Abstract: A sensitive edge 10 for door systems, lifts, doors, or other moving portions of transit vehicles that come into contact with articles or passengers includes a body defining a resilient deformable leading edge portion 30 and a base portion 32 within which is defined an internal chamber. A coupling portion is defined on and extending from the base for coupling the sensitive edge to the door or similar device 36. The chamber 34 is hollow and at atmospheric pressure and in the preferred embodiment, is filled with air. Within the chamber is mounted a Wiegand wire and pick-up coil 38 that is electrically coupled to a switch for recycling the door or similar device upon engagement of the sensitive edge with an object such as a passenger.