Abstract: A holder is described. The holder is for a sample vial and includes a base and a cap, where the holder and cap include one or more materials that are opaque or optically black. The holder includes an interior space for placement of the vial in a light-tight environment, where the holder cap includes an opening for insertion of a probe therethrough and into the sample vial. The disclosure also includes systems and methods using the holder.

Abstract: A method of assembling a battery pack includes, outside of a battery pack enclosure, securing at least one first battery cell to a first side of a thermal barrier, and securing at least one second battery cell to an opposite, second side of the thermal barrier. The method provides a battery cell subassembly with the thermal barrier sandwiched between the at least one first battery cell and the at least one second battery cell.

Abstract: A battery pack terminal retention system includes a clasp configured to hold tab terminals as the tab terminals are electrically connected together. A battery pack terminal retention method includes holding terminals together using a clasp; and electrically connecting together the plurality of terminals during the holding. The terminals can be tab terminals that are electrically connected together using welds.

Abstract: Multifunctional cross-member beams are provided for use within traction battery packs. An exemplary cross-member beam may include features for interfacing with and supporting various subcomponents (e.g., battery cells, cell tab terminals, bus bars, thermal barriers, etc.) of a cell stack of the traction battery pack. The cross-member beam may further incorporate features for facilitating the venting of battery cell vent byproducts during battery thermal events.

Abstract: An embodiment of a laser induced breakdown system is described that comprises a portable device that includes: a laser configured to produce a beam comprising a plurality of repeating pulses; a processor configured to open a data acquisition window after a delay period, wherein the delay period begins upon production of one of the pulses; one or more optical elements configured to direct the beam at a sample and collect emitted light from a plasma continuum; and an optical detector configured to produce a plurality of signal values from the emitted light from the plasma continuum collected during the data acquisition window, wherein the processor is configured to identify an element from the signal values.

Abstract: A method provides instructions for the application of a surface covering laminate material. A quantity of a surface covering laminate is provided. A portion of the quantity comprises a web material having a first side and a second side. The first side comprises an adhesive. The second side is releasably joined to a release liner material. The first side of a first portion of the surface covering laminate is disposed in contact with a target surface. The first side of a second portion is disposed in contact with the target surface. At least a portion of the first portion is disposed between a trim piece and the target surface. The release liner is removed from the first portion of the surface covering laminate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating two laminae of a laminate. The apparatus has a separator extending into the path of the laminate as it travels through the apparatus. The separator may be shaped similar to a knife blade and be interposed between the two laminae of the laminate as the laminae pass by the separator. At least a portion of the laminae of the laminate are separated from one another by the separator during dispensing.

Abstract: In-store display systems, and methods for displaying products in stores are disclosed. In one embodiment, the in-store display system includes a display structure and at least one sample surface material. The display structure can be any type of structure that is suitable for holding the sample surface material. The sample surface material may be used to demonstrate the application of an architectural surface covering product thereto. In one embodiment, a method is provided for demonstrating an architectural surface covering product to a potential purchaser. In one version of such a method, the method includes a step of marring an area of the architectural surface covering product, and a step of repairing the marred surface.

Abstract: A method and device for applying sheet material, such as wallpaper, to a substrate. The applicator is bi-positionable, having a first position where the sheet material is spaced apart from the substrate and a second position where the sheet material contacts the substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the applicator may be provided with a control bar. In the first position, the control bar contacts a portion of the sheet material such as its free end. This minimizes the chance of the sheet material prematurely contacting the substrate. In the second position, the sheet material is disengaged from the control bar for application to the substrate. The applicator and sheet material may be provided together in a kit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating two laminae of a laminate. The apparatus has a separator extending into the path of the laminate as it travels through the apparatus. The separator may be shaped similar to a knife blade and be interposed between the two laminae of the laminate as the laminae pass by the separator. At least a portion of the laminae of the laminate are separated from one another by the separator during dispensing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scrub pad comprising a scrubbing layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer; a wiping layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer; and an absorbent core layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer comprising at least one absorbent material selected from the group consisting of short-fiber, air-laid nonwoven material, nonwoven plastic batting, cellulosic fibrous web materials, wax coated paper, corrugated paper, fluff pulp, cotton balls, cotton batting, or mixture thereof; wherein the absorbent core layer is located intermediate to the scrubbing layer and the wiping layer and wherein the scrubbing layer, the absorbent core layer and the wiping layer are joined at the periphery of each layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scrub pad comprising a scrubbing layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer; a wiping layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer; and an absorbent core layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer comprising at least one absorbent material selected from the group consisting of short-fiber, air-laid nonwoven material, nonwoven plastic batting, cellulosic fibrous web materials, wax coated paper, corrugated paper, fluff pulp, cotton balls, cotton batting, or mixture thereof; wherein the absorbent core layer is located intermediate to the scrubbing layer and the wiping layer and wherein the scrubbing layer, the absorbent core layer and the wiping layer are joined at the periphery of each layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer article having bonded first and second layers is described herein. The first layer has two plies and a third material disposed therebetween. The two plies are bonded together at a plurality of discrete bond sites. Bonding the plies forms an interior region between the plies. The second layer of the article preferably comprises a cellulosic web.

Abstract: A kit providing at least one roll of a convolutely wound web material and at least one roll-support adapter and a method of marketing the kit. The roll-support adapter interfaces with an existing roll-holding fixture to increase the single roll capacity of the roll holder and to hold and dispense the roll of convolutely wound web material. The kit may provide rolls having a diameter larger than the capacity of the existing roll-holding fixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling motorcycle frames includes a conveyor defining a path of travel and at least one pallet movable along the conveyor through at least one workstation. The pallet supports at least one rotatable frame for receiving individual components and/or sub-assemblies in fixed relationship with respect to one another in a geometry fixture. The angular position of the rotatable frame and supported geometry fixture can be reoriented about an axis of rotation by engagement with a drive motor. The rotatable frame is normally locked in an angular orientation with respect to the pallet until released by engagement with a lock release actuator or key. The pallet is supported on a movable section of the conveyor. The movable section of the conveyor is operable in response to actuation of a drive motor.