Abstract: A light controlled semiconductor switch (LCSS), method of making, and method of using are provided. In embodiments, a vertical LCSS includes: a semiconductor body including a photoactive layer of gallium nitride (GaN) doped with carbon; a first electrode in contact with a first surface of the semiconductor body, the first electrode defining an area through which light energy from at least one light source can impinge on the first surface; and a second electrode in contact with a second surface of the semiconductor body opposed to the first surface, wherein the vertical LCSS is configured to switch from a non-conductive off-state to a conductive on-state when the light energy impinging on the semiconductor body is sufficient to raise electrons within the photoactive layer into a conduction band of the photoactive layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a coating layer on a fibrous mat to make a coated article includes depositing a coating composition on a carrier material and at least partially embedding a first major surface of a fibrous mat in the coating composition, the fibrous mat including a plurality of mat fibers. The coating composition is at least partially hardened to form a coating layer at the first major surface of the fibrous mat. A second major surface of the fibrous mat opposite the first major surface includes an uncoated portion of the plurality of mat fibers.

Abstract: An adhesive binder composition for adhering a paper sheet to a gypsum article with a gypsum layer having at least one paper sheet on a major surface thereof. The adhesive binder composition includes a polymeric adhesive and at least one surfactant. The adhesive binder composition resides at a boundary between the gypsum layer and the paper sheet.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a multiple mode electro-mechanical drive unit of a motor vehicle includes multiple torque transmitting mechanisms each including at least one friction clutch. Multiple clutch control valves are individually in fluid communication with one of the torque transmitting mechanisms and are operable when actuated to change a condition of the torque transmitting mechanisms from a clutch disconnected condition to a clutch engaged condition. Solenoid valves are individually paired with and in fluid communication with one of the clutch control valves. A normally open variable force solenoid valve is in fluid communication with the solenoid valves. Operation of the variable force solenoid valve sets a hydraulic pressure between any of the solenoid valves in an open condition and its paired clutch control valve.

Abstract: A method of forming a coating layer on a fibrous mat to make a coated article includes depositing a coating composition on a carrier material and at least partially embedding a first major surface of a fibrous mat in the coating composition, the fibrous mat including a plurality of mat fibers. The coating composition is at least partially hardened to form a coating layer at the first major surface of the fibrous mat. A second major surface of the fibrous mat opposite the first major surface includes an uncoated portion of the plurality of mat fibers.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a multiple mode electro-mechanical drive unit of a motor vehicle includes multiple torque transmitting mechanisms each including at least one friction clutch. Multiple clutch control valves are individually in fluid communication with one of the torque transmitting mechanisms and are operable when actuated to change a condition of the torque transmitting mechanisms from a clutch disconnected condition to a clutch engaged condition. Solenoid valves are individually paired with and in fluid communication with one of the clutch control valves. A normally open variable force solenoid valve is in fluid communication with the solenoid valves. Operation of the variable force solenoid valve sets a hydraulic pressure between any of the solenoid valves in an open condition and its paired clutch control valve.

Abstract: An electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands including an elongate shaft that defines a handle end and a distal end, a first discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate shaft, a first active electrode of conductive material disposed on the distal end of the elongate shaft, the first active electrode has an edge feature, a first return electrode of conductive material disposed a substantially constant distance from the first active electrode, and an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate shaft fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit.

Abstract: An adhesive binder composition for adhering a paper sheet to a gypsum article with a gypsum layer having at least one paper sheet on a major surface thereof. The adhesive binder composition includes a polymeric adhesive and at least one surfactant. The adhesive binder composition resides at a boundary between the gypsum layer and the paper sheet.

Abstract: Membrane-ready fibrous faced gypsum panels, methods, and apparatus are provided. The panels include a first fibrous mat having a first surface and a second surface, a second fibrous mat having a first surface and a second surface, a gypsum core in contact with the second surfaces of the first and second fibrous mats, and a material coating that covers the first surface of the first fibrous mat and forms a substantially smooth outer surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating an airway disorder and delivering an implant to airway tissue are provided. A method includes partially inserting at least a first and second wire into airway forming tissue, wherein the first and second wires' axes define implant positions for a first and second implant, respectively. A wire guide can be used to maintain an orientation of the first and second axis relative to each other.

Abstract: A rotating clutch operably disposed between two rotating components includes a hydraulic operator having a piston and, on one side of the piston, an apply chamber or cavity and, on the opposite side of the piston, a balance chamber or cavity. The apply chamber is selectively provided with pressurized hydraulic fluid to engage and release the clutch to couple and de-couple the two rotating components. The balance chamber is provided with a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the transmission lubrication system that flows through the transmission main shaft and flow restricting passages to the balance chamber. An exhaust port downstream of the balance chamber releases excess hydraulic fluid flow. Thus, whether, the clutch is rotating or not, hydraulic pressure is maintained in the balance chamber and proper clutch operation is assured.

Abstract: A rotating clutch operably disposed between two rotating components includes a hydraulic operator having a piston and, on one side of the piston, an apply chamber or cavity and, on the opposite side of the piston, a balance chamber or cavity. The apply chamber is selectively provided with pressurized hydraulic fluid to engage and release the clutch to couple and de-couple the two rotating components. The balance chamber is provided with a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the transmission lubrication system that flows through the transmission main shaft and flow restricting passages to the balance chamber. An exhaust port downstream of the balance chamber releases excess hydraulic fluid flow. Thus, whether, the clutch is rotating or not, hydraulic pressure is maintained in the balance chamber and proper clutch operation is assured.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electromechanical transmission includes monitoring a current hydraulic circuit oil temperature, monitoring a current state of flow management valves, monitoring a command for cooling of electric machines, monitoring a desired transmission operating range state, utilizing a state machine to determine a sequence for controlling positions of the flow management valves to achieve the desired transmission operating range state based upon the monitored properties.

Abstract: Substrates prone to heat distortion may be coated with a coating composition containing chlorinated polyolefin-modified acrylic latex emulsion, polyurethane dispersion, non-gelling self-crosslinking acrylic emulsion, and glycol-based solvent. The coating composition contains sufficient non-gelling self-crosslinking acrylic emulsion and glycol-based solvent so that a 0.1 mm wet thickness layer of the coating composition will form a tack-free film when heated at 65° C. for fifteen minutes, and the glycol-based solvent is selected so that the coating composition is shelf stable.

Abstract: A transmission includes two blocking valves that control fluid pressure to a plurality of clutches. The blocking valves are characterized by a plurality of states that result in at least three transmission operating conditions. Each of the three operating conditions is characterized by fluid pressure being unavailable to a respective one of the plurality of clutches.

Abstract: A transmission includes first, second, third, and fourth clutches, first and second shift valves, and first, second, third, and fourth trim valves. Each trim valve is operative to control fluid pressure to a respective one of the first, second, third, and fourth clutches. The transmission also includes a controller. The controller is electrically operatively connected to the first and second shift valves and the first, second, third, and fourth trim valves to selectively provide a first clutch configuration for operating in a first mode and a second clutch configuration for operating in a second mode. The transmission also includes a clutch control mechanization for selectively moving the clutch configuration to a default position in the event power to the transmission is lost.

Abstract: An electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands including an elongate shaft that defines a handle end and a distal end, a first discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate shaft, a first active electrode of conductive material disposed on the distal end of the elongate shaft, the first active electrode has an edge feature, a first return electrode of conductive material disposed a substantially constant distance from the first active electrode, and an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate shaft fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for distributing pressurized fluid to a multi-mode hybrid-type power transmission is provided, as well as a method for regulating the same. The hydraulic control system includes an engine-driven main pump in fluid communication with a main regulator valve, and an electrically-driven auxiliary pump in fluid communication with an auxiliary regulator valve. One pressure control solenoid provides feedback (boost) pressure to both regulator valves, and thereby modify output of the main and auxiliary pumps. A controller selectively modifies distribution of boost pressure to ensure a continuous and controllable feed of hydraulic pressure to the transmission during all vehicle operations.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hydraulic flow within a powertrain comprising an electromechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an engine adapted to selectively transmit power to an output, wherein the transmission utilizes a hydraulic control system serving a number of hydraulic oil consuming functions includes monitoring minimum hydraulic pressure requirements for each of the functions, determining a requested hydraulic pressure based upon the monitoring minimum hydraulic pressure requirements and physical limits of the hydraulic control system including a maximum pressure, determining a desired flow utilizing a hydraulic control system flow model based upon the requested hydraulic pressure, and utilizing the desired flow to control an auxiliary hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A clutch assembly and method of operating the clutch assembly to start an engine of a hybrid vehicle includes a first clutch and a first clutch actuator for selectively engaging the first clutch. The first actuator has a first at-rest position engaging the clutch and a hydraulically charged position disengaged from the first clutch. The clutch assembly further includes a second clutch actuator having a second at-rest position away disengaged from the first clutch and a second hydraulically charged position engaged with the first clutch.