Abstract: A method of growing a graphene coating or carbon nanotubes on a catalytic substrate by chemical vapor deposition is provided. In the method, the chemical vapor deposition is carried out in an atmosphere in which a ratio Pox/Pred is about 5×10?26 or less, wherein Pox is the partial pressure oxidizing species in the atmosphere and Pred is the partial pressure of reducing species in the atmosphere. A catalytic substrate coated with a graphene coating grown according to this method is also provided.

Abstract: A spindle for a wheel end assembly includes a first end of the spindle receiving the wheel of a vehicle on a first side of the wheel end assembly, and a second end of the spindle defining a flange and receiving the axle of a vehicle is disclosed. The flange includes a socket joint that receives the axle on the second side of the wheel end assembly. Mounting members extend distally from the second side a first distance to secure the spindle to the wheel end assembly via the flange. The socket joint of the spindle extends from the second side of the wheel end assembly a second distance from the second side. The second distance is greater than the first distance. A third distance represents degree of overlap of the axle by a ratio with respect to the outer diameter of the axle ranging from 8% to 20%.

Abstract: A spindle for a wheel end assembly includes a first end of the spindle receiving the wheel of a vehicle on a first side of in the wheel end assembly, and a second end of the spindle defining a flange and receiving the axle of a vehicle is disclosed. The flange includes a socket joint that receives the axle on the second side of the wheel end assembly. Mounting members extend distally from the second side a first distance to secure the spindle to the wheel end assembly via the flange. The socket joint of the spindle extends from the second side of the wheel end assembly a second distance from the second side. The second distance is greater than the first distance. A third distance represents degree of overlap of the axle by a ratio with respect to the outer diameter of the axle ranging from 8% to 20%.

Abstract: A holder for securing a phone, smartphone or tablet device while driving in a vehicle. The holder has a frame for supporting the device including a base or socket shaped to receive at least a portion of the device, and a clamping mechanism configured to secure the device in the socket; a locking mechanism connected to the clamping mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising a motor actuating a driving member to engage and disengage a driven member of the clamping mechanism to cause the clamping mechanism to lock while tightening its grip on the device and to unlock while loosening its grip on the device.

Abstract: A method of growing a graphene coating or carbon nanotubes on a catalytic substrate by chemical vapor deposition is provided. In the method, the chemical vapor deposition is carried out in an atmosphere in which a ratio Pox/Pred is about 5×10?6 or less, wherein Pox is the partial pressure oxidizing species in the atmosphere and Pred is the partial pressure of reducing species in the atmosphere. A catalytic substrate coated with a graphene coating grown according to this method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of charging an electrochemical generator having a plurality of electrochemical cells. The method includes the step of charging the plurality of electrochemical cells such that the total voltage of the generator reaches a predetermined voltage level, followed by the steps of selecting a particular electrochemical cell and charging the particular electrochemical cell to its respective maximum voltage, such that the cathode(s) of the particular electrochemical cell is(are) restored to a fully-charged state. Once it has been restored to its fully-charged state, the particular electrochemical cell is allowed to discharge itself down to a nominal voltage. Each of the plurality of electrochemical cells of the generator is selected and charged to its respective maximum voltage in turn, according to a predetermined selection sequence.

Abstract: A back-up power system having a monitoring system for determining, and for allowing remote monitoring of, a back-up time can be provided by a plurality of batteries for a given application, at all times. The back-up power system includes a plurality of batteries, each having an integrated circuit adapted to monitor individual battery's state of health. The back-up power system also includes a data management unit for evaluating the back-up time available from the plurality of batteries based on a sum of individual battery available capacity, a measured ambient temperature and a continuously updated measured application current load. The available back-up time and the measured application current load are accessible to a remote user via a communication link.

Abstract: A waveguide structure comprises a thin strip of material having a relatively high free charge carrier density surrounded by material having a relatively low free charge carrier density. The width and thickness of the strip are dimensioned such that optical radiation having a wavelength in a predetermined range couples to the strip and propagates along its length as a plasmon-polariton wave. The device includes a waveguide heater for passing a current through the strip to heat it and the surrounding material, so as to vary propagation of the optical radiation, or means for monitoring propagation of the optical radiation to determine a change in temperature of the strip. Some embodiments provide both heating of the strip and monitoring of its temperature.

Abstract: A method of charging an electrochemical generator having a plurality of electrochemical cells. The method includes the step of charging the plurality of electrochemical cells such that the total voltage of the generator reaches a predetermined voltage level, followed by the steps of selecting a particular electrochemical cell and charging the particular electrochemical cell to its respective maximum voltage, such that the cathode(s) of the particular electrochemical cell is(are) restored to a fully-charged state. Once it has been restored to its fully-charged state, the particular electrochemical cell is allowed to discharge itself down to a nominal voltage. Each of the plurality of electrochemical cells of the generator is selected and charged to its respective maximum voltage in turn, according to a predetermined selection sequence.

Abstract: A back-up power system having a monitoring system for determining, and for allowing remote monitoring of, a back-up time can be provided by a plurality of batteries for a given application, at all times. The back-up power system includes a plurality of batteries, each having an integrated circuit adapted to monitor individual battery's state of health. The back-up power system also includes a data management unit for evaluating the back-up time available from the plurality of batteries based on a sum of individual battery available capacity, a measured ambient temperature and a continuously updated measured application current load. The available back-up time and the measured application current load are accessible to a remote user via a communication link.

Abstract: A laser apparatus provided with an aiming beam using a method for the injection of both laser light and aiming beam forming light in an optic fiber will be described herein. More specifically, the present disclosure describes a method, an injection module and a laser apparatus designed to inject laser light into the core and aiming beam forming light into the cladding of the optic fiber.

Abstract: A laser apparatus provided with an aiming beam using a method for the injection of both laser light and aiming beam forming light in an optic fiber will be described herein. More specifically, the present disclosure describes a method, an injection module and a laser apparatus designed to inject laser light into the core and aiming beam forming light into the cladding of the optic fiber.

Abstract: An agricultural implement which may be pulled by a tractor in an agricultural field for improving soil conditions, provided with the capability to sort rocks according to their sizes whereby rocks of only desired dimension range are crushed, this implement consisting of a frame carried by two wheels, a drawbar assembly for attaching the frame to a tractor, a rock-transporting tilted belt conveyor assembly provided with a ploughshares means, a pair of corrugated crush rollers, a bin for collecting stones of large dimensions, and a hydraulic power system driven by a drive shaft connected to the power take-off of a tractor.