Abstract: A valve train for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft configured to be driven by a crankshaft of an engine and including a camshaft tube. At least one cam support including a plurality of cam profiles is disposed on the camshaft so as to be rotationally engaged and axially displaceable with respect to the camshaft. A switching shaft is disposed in the camshaft tube and is configured to rotate together with the camshaft tube. A dog operatively connects the at least one cam support to the switching shaft. A displacement piece is connected to the switching shaft and is configured to be rotationally engaged with and axially displaceable on the camshaft tube. The displacement piece is actuatable so as to rotate the switching shaft relative to the camshaft tube and displace the cam support relative to the camshaft tube using the dog.

Abstract: Bandwidth and/or Quality of Service (QoS) for a user session may be modified in a network that includes a Regional/Access Network (RAN) that facilitates differentiated end-to-end data transport between a Network Service Provider (NSP) and/or an Application Service Provider (ASP) and a Customer Premises Network (CPN) that includes a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) by receiving a request at the NSP and/or the ASP to change the bandwidth and/or QoS associated with the user's session. An Application Programming Interface (API) is used at the NSP and/or the ASP to communicate with the RAN to modify the bandwidth and/or QoS associated with the user's session.

Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate a computer-implemented method of energy consumption and energy demand management in a building. In accordance with some embodiments, interval energy data of a specific building may be collected with a fixed time interval and paired with local historical weather data and other forms of operational data, as well as financial data including historical utility bills, utility rate structures and billing cycle dates. Paired energy interval data and the local historical weather data may be analyzed according to one or more analytic algorithms.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) device (PD) having a controller to receive signals over a first cable having twisted pair wires from at least one of a network element and a gateway where the network element is associated with a service provider where the gateway is associated with a premises and where the service provider provides network communications to the premises, adjust the signals, transmit the adjusted signals over a second cable having twisted pair wires to at least one of the network element and the gateway, and receive power from at least one of the network element and the gateway, where the power is received over at least one of the first and second cables, where the power is received according to PoE protocol, and where the PD is positioned between the network element and the gateway. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A valve train includes a a plurality of individual cam sleeves axially displaceable relative to one another and disposed so as to form the camshaft, each of the plurality of individual cam sleeves including a plurality of different cam profiles each having a same base circle portion and being configured to engage, by switching, one of a plurality of gas exchange valves. A switching shaft is disposed inside the plurality of cam sleeves and configured to rotate together with the plurality of cam sleeves. An encircling switching contour is disposed inside each of the plurality of cam sleeves. A switching pin operatively connects one of the plurality of cam sleeves to the switching shaft, the switching pin configured to slide in the encircling switching contour. An actuator is operatively connected to the switching shaft so as to rotate the switching shaft relative to the plurality of cam sleeves.

Abstract: A variable valve drive for internal combustion engines is used for activation of gas exchange valves, in which the gas exchange valves engage different cam profiles of a camshaft driven by the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The camshaft has at least one displaceable cam segment that carries multiple different cam profiles having the same base circle section. Each one of the cam profiles is switched to be active for the related gas exchange valve, in accordance with the axial position of the cam segment relative to at least one related gas exchange valve. The axial positioning of the cam segment takes place by a setting shaft that can be rotated and is disposed parallel and next to the camshaft. The setting shaft has a guide track in which a tappet is guided, which acts on a transfer element that determines the axial position of the cam segment.

Abstract: A composite sheet material in one embodiment includes a porous core layer. The porous core layer includes a thermoplastic polymer, about 20 weight percent to about 80 weight percent of reinforcing fibers based on a total weight of the porous core layer, and an effective amount of a flame retardant agent.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) device (PD) having a controller to receive signals over a first cable having twisted pair wires from at least one of a network element and a gateway where the network element is associated with a service provider where the gateway is associated with a premises and where the service provider provides network communications to the premises, adjust the signals, transmit the adjusted signals over a second cable having twisted pair wires to at least one of the network element and the gateway, and receive power from at least one of the network element and the gateway, where the power is received over at least one of the first and second cables, where the power is received according to PoE protocol, and where the PD is positioned between the network element and the gateway. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Bandwidth and/or Quality of Service (QoS) for a user session may be modified in a network that includes a Regional/Access Network (RAN) that facilitates differentiated end-to-end data transport between a Network Service Provider (NSP) and/or an Application Service Provider (ASP) and a Customer Premises Network (CPN) that includes a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) by receiving a request at the NSP and/or the ASP to change the bandwidth and/or QoS associated with the user's session. An Application Programming Interface (API) is used at the NSP and/or the ASP to communicate with the RAN to modify the bandwidth and/or QoS associated with the user's session.

Abstract: A method of encoding data for distribution over a network includes determining a relative importance of content of a data packet associated with a predetermined class-of-service as compared to content of other data packets associated with the predetermined class-of-service. The data packet is marked to indicate the relative importance of the content thereof within the predetermined class-of-service. For example, based on the information contained in the data packet, the data packet may be marked as discard-eligible. The data packet is selectively discarded based on the marking thereof. Related methods, systems, and devices are also discussed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel halogen-free and acid-free, readily soluble priming bonding agent for polyolefins, said agent containing (meth)acrylate-grafted, amorphous polyolefins.

Abstract: A device to encourage hand washing which provides visual feedback to a user who can control a video game, blow bubbles, or view other visual feedback device while washing their hands. The device in one mode features at least one controller configured to operate when wet or continually doused with water while the user is washing their hands. The user may view a video or other means for visual interaction while washing their hands, and control a portion of the display with the controller. A video game or the like may thus be played by washing their hands thereby providing user encouragement to wash their hands. In a hand powered mode of the device, a compressible shell is employed to blow bubbles while squeezed and concurrently washing the user's hands. The controller or the shell may be employed with components providing a dermabrasive action against the palm of the user.

Abstract: A communications network is operated by providing a plurality of redundant links between a first network node and a second network node. A first identifier is associated with a first one of the plurality of redundant links and a second identifier is associated with a second one of the plurality of redundant links. The first and second identifiers are associated with the regulatory constraint. Traffic that is marked with the first identifier is routed to the first one of the plurality of redundant links and traffic that is marked with the second identifier is routed to the second one of the plurality of redundant links so that operation of the communications network is in compliance with the regulatory constraint.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to composite materials effective for use in deep draw processes. In some examples, the composites can be used to provide vehicle panels such as, for example, vehicle underbody panels. In some configurations, the composite comprises a fiber reinforced polymer core and a skin material disposed on at least some portion of the fiber reinforced polymer core, in which the skin material comprises a basis weight of at least 65 g/m2 and an elongation at break of at least 20%.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile electronic device includes detecting at least one other mobile electronic device within a predetermined distance of the mobile electronic device, and determining a spatial relationship of the at least one other mobile electronic device relative to the mobile electronic device. An ad hoc wireless connection is established with the at least one other mobile electronic device based on the determined spatial relationship. Data may be transmitted to and/or received from the at least one other mobile electronic device over the ad hoc wireless connection based on the determined spatial relationship. Related systems, devices, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A valve drive device for switching the stroke of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft configured, at least in part, as a hollow shaft. A cam unit includes at least two different cams disposed on the camshaft so as to be rotationally engaged and axially displaceable with respect thereto. An adjustment sleeve is disposed so as to be rotationally engaged on an adjustment shaft and rotatable and axially displaceable inside the camshaft. The adjustment sleeve includes thereon a closed adjustment contour extending about a circumference of the adjustment sleeve and is operatively connected to the cam unit through an adjustment clearance in the camshaft via a first coupling element configured to permanently engage in the adjustment contour. A further coupling element is configured to permanently engage in the adjustment contour and connect to the camshaft so as to be fixed in position.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance imaging system having a scanner having a magnetic field system, a radio frequency system and a control device, and a method for operating such a system, the control device generates a control signal sequence on the basis of a control protocol for the purpose of executing a number of scan procedures and a number of adjustments for adjusting the magnetic field system and/or the radio frequency system, at least the scan procedures are predetermined by the control protocol. The control protocol furthermore contains a number of local scan transition indicators assigned to the scan procedures, and on the basis of the scan transition indicators, in each case the control device checks to determine if, directly prior to a scan procedure, an adjustment may be applied.

Abstract: A module is provided for irradiation of at least one substrate. The module includes an irradiation unit for irradiating the substrate with ultraviolet light, wherein the irradiation unit has a discharge lamp with an integrated reflector. A method is also provided for producing an irradiation module for irradiating a substrate using UV light, wherein the reflector is coated on the discharge lamp.

Abstract: A method of operating a data network may include establishing a data path through the data network between a routing gateway and service provider equipment providing a data service. Moreover, the data service may be provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session. A request may be received from the service provider equipment where the request defines a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider equipment providing the data service. The data flow characteristic may then be transmitted to a network element along the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider equipment. A request from service provider equipment can include an allowed bandwidth or prioritization. Related methods, data networks, data service providers, routing gateways, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A composite sheet material in one embodiment includes a porous core layer. The porous core layer includes a thermoplastic polymer, about 20 weight percent to about 80 weight percent of reinforcing fibers based on a total weight of the porous core layer, and an effective amount of a flame retardant agent.