Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is generally directed to low viscosity, low volatility lubricating compositions. The lubricating composition of the instant disclosure includes an oil of lubricating viscosity that contains a lubricating base oil and a hydrocarbon oil. The hydrocarbon oil makes up least 20 wt % of the oil of lubricating viscosity and has a kinematic viscosity of less than 3.7 c St at 100° C. and a NOACK volatility (measured by ASTM D5800) of less than 25 wt %. The lubricant composition further includes a polyalkenyl succinimide dispersant, and, optionally, other formulation additives. The lubricating compositions have been shown to increase fuel economy in internal combustion engines.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for volume control of ear devices. In an embodiment, a method comprises: determining a reference attitude of the ear device based on sensor data collected by motion sensors of the ear device; storing the reference attitude; receiving, with at least one processor, a first user input indicating a user request for a volume control mode of the ear device; receiving a rotation input; determining, with the at least one processor, an amount of volume level increase/decrease based on attitude change relative to the reference attitude due to the rotation input; adjusting a volume level of the ear device in accordance with the volume level increase/decrease; and receiving second user input indicating a second user request to release the volume control mode.

Abstract: A magnified linear power generation system. The magnified linear power generation system may be used with a vehicle and include a mechanical magnification component and a linear power generator. The linear power generator can have a mover and a stator. The mechanical magnification component can be coupled at opposite ends to the mover and to a force receiving surface of the vehicle. When the mechanical magnification component receives a force and a velocity from the force receiving surface, the mechanical magnification component may magnify the velocity and transfer the magnified velocity to the mover. The mover may move along the stator and convert the input mechanical energy into electrical energy. The mover may be coupled to a biasing component distal from the mechanical magnification component. The biasing component can apply a biasing force to the mover to position the mover at a neutral location in the linear power generator.

Abstract: A single-load cleaning packet and method of use are provided for laundry and other applications. The cleaning packet in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a paper material that is sealed to form a pouch, and a detergent sealed within the pouch. In embodiments, the paper material is at least partially dissolvable in water to release the detergent included in the pouch. The cleaning packet further comprises a printed message or graphic on the paper material, wherein an ink of the printed message or graphic includes an active ingredient beneficial for wash. In one example, the active ingredient of the ink may include an anti-microbial or anti-odor compound. The incorporation of the active ingredient into the printing ink allows it to be physically separated from the detergent contained within the pouch, thereby aiding in a staggered release during wash.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid or semisolid compositions the including finely divided particles and a water-soluble matrix that dissolves and disperses the particles when in contact with water. Also disclosed are kits for reducing and/or inhibiting odor formation on garment. The kit include one or more containers, wherein at least one of the one or more container includes solid or semisolid compositions the including finely divided particles and a water-soluble matrix that dissolves and disperses the particles when in contact with water. An edible silver delivery system including the compositions is disclosed as are methods of delivering silver to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A composite laundry additive made of composite particles. The composite particles comprising: a carrier component comprising one or more different inorganic support particles, wherein at least one of the inorganic support particles is a pigment particle; and a silver component comprising a silver metal or silver salt disposed on one or more of the inorganic support particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid or semisolid compositions the including finely divided particles and a water-soluble matrix that dissolves and disperses the particles when in contact with water. Also disclosed are kits for reducing and/or inhibiting odor formation on garment. The kit include one or more containers, wherein at least one of the one or more container includes solid or semisolid compositions the including finely divided particles and a water-soluble matrix that dissolves and disperses the particles when in contact with water. An edible silver delivery system including the compositions is disclosed as are methods of delivering silver to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A composite laundry additive made of composite particles. The composite particles comprising: a carrier component comprising one or more different inorganic support particles, wherein at least one of the inorganic support particles is a pigment particle; and a silver component comprising a silver metal or silver salt disposed on one or more of the inorganic support particles.

Abstract: A delayed release delivery system, comprising: a container for housing contents to be delivered; wherein the container is insoluble in water and sealable and comprises one or more conditionally sealed orifices; and a sealing member for conditionally sealing the one or more conditionally sealed orifices.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer overvoltage protection system is provided. The system includes a resonant receiving circuit. The resonant receiving circuit includes an inductor, a resonant capacitor and a first switching device. The first switching device is connected the ends of the inductor. The first switching device has a first state in which the ends of the inductor are electrically coupled to each other through the first switching device, and a second state in which the inductor and resonant capacitor are capable of resonating. The system further includes a control module configured to control the first switching device to switching between the first state and the second state when the resonant receiving circuit is charging a load and a preset condition is satisfied and otherwise, the first switching device is maintained in the first state.

Abstract: The invention relates to various systems and methods for conveying information associated with one or more entertainment and/or social events to one or more potential participants and/or one or more places of business to one or more potential customers. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a system and method that permits an individual user to find one or more desired entertainment and/or social events based on one or more criteria (e.g., location, date, geographical proximity, etc.). In another embodiment, the present invention permits one or more business users to advertise, interact and/or promote one or more entertainment and/or social events based, and/or their place of business to one or more individual users/customers.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer overvoltage protection system is provided. The system includes a resonant receiving circuit. The resonant receiving circuit includes an inductor, a resonant capacitor and a first switching device. The first switching device is connected the ends of the inductor. The first switching device has a first state in which the ends of the inductor are electrically coupled to each other through the first switching device, and a second state in which the inductor and resonant capacitor are capable of resonating. The system further includes a control module configured to control the first switching device to switching between the first state and the second state when the resonant receiving circuit is charging a load and a preset condition is satisfied and otherwise, the first switching device is maintained in the first state.

Abstract: In an energy storage system that includes a battery and an ultracapacitor, the state of charge (SOC) of the capacitor is the subject of a dynamic set-point. This dynamic set-point control is a function of the load regime to which the storage system is exposed, for example a hybrid automobile or electric automobile. The control may be based in part upon real-time fast Fourier transform analysis of load current, permitting real-time adjustment of control coefficients. In this way, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of the capacitor being fully charged at a time when it would be desired to be able to absorb high current, for example from regenerative braking. Likewise it is possible to minimize the occurrence of the capacitor being nearly discharged at a time when it would be desirable to have boost power available.

Abstract: A non-contacting position sensing apparatus includes at least one vehicle-mounted receiver coil that is configured to detect a net flux null when the vehicle is optimally aligned relative to the primary coil in the charging device. Each of the at least one vehicle-mounted receiver coil includes a clockwise winding loop and a counterclockwise winding loop that are substantially symmetrically configured and serially connected to each other. When the non-contacting position sensing apparatus is located directly above the primary coil of the charging device, the electromotive forces from the clockwise winding loop and the counterclockwise region cancel out to provide a zero electromotive force, i.e., a zero voltage reading across the coil that includes the clockwise winding loop and the counterclockwise winding loop.

Abstract: An energy buffer including an electrochemical capacitor can be added to the primary circuit and/or to the secondary circuit of in-motion wireless power transfer system. The energy buffer(s) can smoothen the power delivered by the power grid and captured by a vehicle passing over an array of transmit coils through in-motion wireless power transfer. The reduction in the transient power transfer can reduce the peak current that flows through various components of the in-motion wireless power transfer system including a vehicle battery on the vehicle, and prolong the life of the in-motion wireless power transfer system.

Abstract: Power transfer rate at a charging facility can be maximized by employing a feedback scheme. The state of charge (SOC) and temperature of the regenerative energy storage system (RESS) pack of a vehicle is monitored to determine the load due to the RESS pack. An optimal frequency that cancels the imaginary component of the input impedance for the output signal from a grid converter is calculated from the load of the RESS pack, and a frequency offset f* is made to the nominal frequency f0 of the grid converter output based on the resonance frequency of a magnetically coupled circuit. The optimal frequency can maximize the efficiency of the power transfer. Further, an optimal grid converter duty ratio d* can be derived from the charge rate of the RESS pack. The grid converter duty ratio d* regulates wireless power transfer (WPT) power level.

Abstract: An apparatus for wirelessly charging a battery of an electric vehicle is provided with a point of load control. The apparatus includes a base unit for generating a direct current (DC) voltage. The base unit is regulated by a power level controller. One or more point of load converters can be connected to the base unit by a conductor, with each point of load converter comprising a control signal generator that transmits a signal to the power level controller. The output power level of the DC voltage provided by the base unit is controlled by power level controller such that the power level is sufficient to power all active load converters when commanded to do so by any of the active controllers, without generating excessive power that may be otherwise wasted.