Abstract: A pad particularly adapted for surface cleaning. The pad includes an absorbent core having the ability to absorb and retain liquid material, and a liner layer in contact with and covering at least one side of the absorbent core. The liner layer has the ability to retain and wick liquid material through the liner layer. Cleaning apparatus containing such pads and methods of using such pads are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for modeling an oil dilution qualitative indicator based on an integrated difference between a commanded air-to-fuel ratio and an engine air-to-fuel ratio as determined via an oxygen sensor, cumulative cold engine temperature operating duration, and fuel injection characteristics (timing, duration, number of injections) allowing fuel injection timing modifications that minimize oil dilution when the oil dilution qualitative indicator is greater than a threshold level.

Abstract: A pad particularly adapted for surface cleaning. The pad includes an absorbent core having the ability to absorb and retain liquid material, and a liner layer in contact with and covering at least one side of the absorbent core. The liner layer has the ability to retain and wick liquid material through the liner layer. Cleaning apparatus containing such pads and methods of using such pads are also described.

Abstract: A pad particularly adapted for surface cleaning. The pad includes an absorbent core having the ability to absorb and retain liquid material, and a liner layer in contact with and covering at least one side of the absorbent core. The liner layer has the ability to retain and wick liquid material through the liner layer. Cleaning apparatus containing such pads and methods of using such pads are also described.

Abstract: A mobile surface cleaning robot including a robot body having a forward drive direction, a drive system supporting the robot body above a floor surface for maneuvering the robot across the floor surface, and a robot controller in communication with the drive system. The robot also includes a collection volume supported by the robot body and a cleaning module releasably supported by the robot body and arranged to clean the floor surface. The cleaning module includes a first vacuum squeegee having a first duct, a driven roller brush rotatably supported rearward of the first vacuum squeegee, a second vacuum squeegee disposed rearward of the roller brush and having a second duct, and a third duct in fluid communication with the first and second ducts. The third duct is connectable to the collection volume at a fluid-tight interface formed by selectively engaging the cartridge with the robot body.

Abstract: A mobile robot that includes a robot body having a forward drive direction, a drive system supporting the robot body above a cleaning surface for maneuvering the robot across the cleaning surface, and a robot controller in communication with the drive system. The robot also includes a bumper movably supported by a forward portion of the robot body and a obstacle sensor system disposed on the bumper. The obstacle sensor system includes at least one contact sensor disposed on the bumper, at least one proximity sensor disposed on the bumper and a auxiliary circuit board disposed on the bumper and in communication with the at least one contact sensor, the at least one proximity sensor, and the robot controller.

Abstract: A method for compensating for thermal transient conditions of an engine that can cause valve growth or contraction is disclosed. In one example, the method provides cylinder air amount compensation during non-blow-through and blow-through conditions. The approach may improve cylinder air amount estimates, thereby improving engine emissions.

Abstract: A method for compensating for thermal transient conditions of an engine that can cause valve growth or contraction is disclosed. In one example, the method provides cylinder air amount compensation during non-blow-through and blow-through conditions. The approach may improve cylinder air amount estimates, thereby improving engine emissions.

Abstract: A system includes a first semiconductor device, a second semiconductor device, and an external crystal oscillator. The first semiconductor device includes a source voltage output and an external pin input. The first semiconductor device includes a direct current-to-direct current (DC-DC) converter circuit that provides the source voltage output. The second semiconductor device includes a source voltage input that is coupled to the source voltage output of the first semiconductor device and includes a clock signal output. The external crystal oscillator is coupled via an input of the second semiconductor device to a first oscillator clock generation circuit.

Abstract: A multi-functional ratchet includes first and second bars with left and right axially opposed ends respectively. Each bar is provided with a channel formed therein with a longitudinal length that is less than the longitudinal length of the bar. The apparatus further includes first and second beams with axially opposed proximal and distal ends. The beams are pivotally attached to the bars. Each beam is provided with a channel formed therein with a longitudinal length that is less than a longitudinal length of the beam. A mechanism winds a strap about a central portion of the ratchet when the first and second beams are laterally displaced away from equilibrium. The winding mechanism is connected to the bars and the beams respectively. The strap is freely rotated about the central portion while the first and second beams are maintained at a static position.

Abstract: A system includes a first semiconductor device, a second semiconductor device, and an external crystal oscillator. The first semiconductor device includes a source voltage output and an external pin input. The first semiconductor device includes a direct current-to-direct current (DC-DC) converter circuit that provides the source voltage output. The second semiconductor device includes a source voltage input that is coupled to the source voltage output of the first semiconductor device and includes a clock signal output. The external crystal oscillator is coupled via an input of the second semiconductor device to a first oscillator clock generation circuit.

Abstract: A protective undergarment for a football player includes an undergarment and a plurality of protective pads. The undergarment is formed out of thin, stretchable fabric and has a plurality of internal pockets. Each protective pad corresponds in shape to one of the internal pockets and may be inserted therein.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery system for a direct injection internal combustion engine operating in both stratified and homogenous modes includes using fuel vapor with air assisted injectors. A compressor compresses a controlled mixture of fresh air and fuel vapor which is then delivered to the air supply of air assisted injectors, allowing fuel vapors to be purged from the vapor recovery system during all engine operating modes.

Abstract: A protective cover for the ends of reinforcing bars has a cylindrical tube having upper and lower ends. A cap is mounted on the upper end of the tube and is comprised of a continuous circular wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the upper end of the tube, with a bottom covering the top of the tube. A post extends upwardly from the center of the bottom, and a plurality of spaced rib elements are secured to and extend radially outwardly from the post for connection to the wall. A canopy is secured to the upper edge of the wall and extends slightly downwardly therefrom. The canopy has a circular perimeter which has a downwardly extending circular flange extending therearound. The ribs are tied together by secondary ribs. Friction bars are located within the tube to create friction between the tub and a bar upon which it is mounted.