Abstract: A continuous metal building framing member may be cut and bent to form at least one wall member and at least one roofing member. The continuous metal building framing member may eliminate or reduce the use of web connector clips, rafter ties, and stud-to-rafter or top plate-to-rafter clip connections while expediting wall and roof assembly in light gauge cold formed steel framed building structures. The framing members may be specific pre-notched steel framing members, notched at predetermined bend locations, with remaining web and flange material to be structurally significant after bending, while simultaneously dictating points and extend of bending.

Abstract: A frame assembly for supporting a wall panel includes a stud configured to engage and support the wall panel, the stud having an end portion. The frame assembly also includes a track member having a generally U-shaped cross-section defined by a base and two sidewalls. The track member defines a longitudinal axis. The frame assembly further includes an engagement member coupled to the base of the track member and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The engagement member defines a slot that receives the end portion of the stud to support the stud.

Abstract: A construction fastening system adapted to fasten sheathing to framing with one or more fasteners. The fastening system has a frame and a fastening actuator coupled to the frame. The fastening actuator has a fastener reservoir portion and a fastener insertion portion. A position detector is coupled to the frame, the position detector connected to a controller, the position detector adapted to detect a position of the system. A trigger is coupled to the fastening actuator, the trigger coupled to the controller. The fastening actuator is adapted to insert a fastener from the reservoir into the sheathing upon actuation of the trigger. The controller is adapted to actuate the trigger upon detection of a predetermined change in the position of the system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a waterproof cladding method for a floor connector. A floor connector is first put between floor panels, a Y-shaped cladded connector is inserted into the floor connector and then glued, and next RC grouting is executed between floor panels. After that, excessive useless parts at an upper opening portion of the Y-shaped cladded connector are cut out, and then a tube unit is inserted, followed by cladding on the upper opening portion of the Y-shaped cladded connector with a waterproof material. By a design of the Y-shaped funnel-like cladded connector, similar to a letter Y in a side cutaway view, an obtuse angle is formed between tubing and floor concrete to increase a contact area among the tubing, floor concrete and waterproof material, thereby having an advantage of easy implementation.

Abstract: A method of framing a structure at a job site. The method of framing has a step of providing a framing material kit having framing components, the framing components being pre cut to length and size to form at least a portion of the structure, the framing components having mating pins and mating sockets that mate during assembly of the structure. A step of assembling mating framing components from the framing components to form the portion of the structure by mating the mating pins and the mating sockets and fastening the mating framing components together is provided.

Abstract: A molding arrangement for creating a recess when casting a building part for connecting the tensile reinforcement element to the building part, with the molding arrangement including at least one molding element (2) to form the recess (5) as well as at least one anchoring element (3) for the creation of a form-fitting connection between the building part and a filler material to be introduced into the recess. Additionally the invention provides a building element for thermal insulation between two building parts having the molding arrangement. And finally a method is disclosed to connect a reinforcement element to a building part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling element of a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material, comprising at least one dispensing opening formed at a bottom face of the filling element for dispensing the filling material in a controlled manner, and further comprising a closure system having at least one closure element, which in an activated state of the closure system rests in a sealed position pressed against the filling element and/or an outer functional element of the filling element by the pressure of a pressure medium, specifically to create a rinsing chamber, which is closed toward the outside and encloses at least one dispensing opening and through which a cleaning and/or sterilizing medium can flow. The pressure medium is the pressurized cleaning and/or sterilizing medium.

Abstract: A debris sweep and dry assist device is for use with a strapping machine. The debris sweep and dry assist device is positioned between the strapping machine and an associated strap supply. The device includes a body having a strap inlet and a strap outlet and defining a strap path therethrough. The body has a first wall at about the strap inlet and a second wall at about the strap outlet. The body has a first manifold and a plurality of first branches extending between the first manifold and the first wall to provide a plurality of flow paths from the first manifold to the environs through the first branches. A compressed is gas directed into the first manifold and flows out of the first branches, and is directed onto strap material at a location at about the strap inlet.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a packaging machine and to a method of forming a vacuum package. A first evacuable chamber is used for accommodating therein a product-accommodating section of a package, whereas a second evacuable chamber is used for accommodating therein an opening section of the package. Pressure gauges measure the pressure in both chambers, and a supply air valve serves to supply air into the first chamber. The disclosure is characterized in that the supply air valve is a control valve and is adapted to be controlled in dependence upon the difference between the pressures which prevail in the first and second chambers and which are measured by means of the two pressure gauges. The disclosure also relates to the fact that a gap is provided in a partition between the two chambers and that an adjuster is provided for varying and adjusting the cross-sectional area of said gap.

Abstract: The present inventive concept(s) relates, in general, to articles that are packaged in a compressed state relative to an uncompressed fully articulated state and methods of making and using same. In a specific embodiment, but not to be considered as limiting, the articles so packaged in a compressed state are plant covers that are either substantially rigid and/or substantially flexible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined amount of pre-stretched film based upon load girth. An amount of pre-stretched film to be dispensed for at least a portion of a relative revolution between a film dispenser and a load is determined based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum film use may be obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched film that is between approximately 100% and approximately 130% of load girth. Once the amount of film to be dispensed per relative revolution is determined, a ratio of final pre-stretch surface speed to relative revolutions (i.e., number of pre-stretch roller revolutions/relative rotation) can be set. Thus, for the at least a portion of a revolution of the rotating ring and dispenser, a predetermined amount of film is dispensed and wrapped around the load.

Abstract: A method and unit (11) for folding a sheet (5) of wrapping material about a group (2) of cigarettes, the method including the steps of: feeding the group (2) of cigarettes and the sheet (5) of wrapping material into a pocket (14) of a wrapping conveyor (12), so the sheet (5) of wrapping material folds into a U inside the pocket (14) and has an outer portion (8) projecting from the pocket (14), and an inner portion (9) resting on a lateral wall (?a) of the group (2) of cigarettes; folding the inner portion (9) 90° with respect to the lateral wall (6a) of the group (2) of cigarettes, so the inner portion (9) is perpendicular to the lateral wall (6a); folding the outer portion (8) into an L inside the pocket (14), onto the lateral wall (6a) of the group (2) of cigarettes and onto the inner portion (9) perpendicular to the lateral wall (6a), so as to superimpose the outer portion (8) and the inner portion (9) and impart a tubular shape to the sheet (5) of wrapping material; and heat sealing the outer portion (8)

Abstract: A yard waste bag device is provided having a rectangularly tubular structure with rounded lower edges, adapted to maintain a bag opening while loading contents therein. The device comprises two open ends, a hollow interior and rotating corners adapted to allow a condensed, folded configuration for storage. A user may slide this assisting device into a yard waste bag in order to maintain the bag opening, whether in a vertical or horizontal position. Once the yard waste bag is full, the assisting device may be removed and stored. There is a designated marker within the device to identify the fill mark for the bag to prevent overfilling. A handle may be provided in the top edges of the device to facilitate removal of the device once the bag has been filled. The lower edges of the device are rounded to facilitate smooth entry into a yard waste bag.

Abstract: A capping machine for closing a receptacle with a cap having a preformed internal thread, the capping machine including a capping head, a drive shaft, a drive, a shifting device, at least one sensor and at least one control device. The at least one sensor senses the position of the cap relative to the receptacle once the cap has been placed on the receptacle. The shifting device includes a comparing unit in which the sensed position and the reference position are compared. A direction of rotation of the drive is defined by the control device via the shifting device in accordance with the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter for liquid or gaseous media, having a cylindrical form in the closed position, and a curved form in the open position, and comprising a frame (1), at least one filter element (2) arranged on the frame (1), two ends (3, 4) of the frame (1), which are provided with fixing means (5, 6) for fixing to each other in the closed position, a plurality of first sections (12) of the frame (1), in which the frame (1) has a first wall thickness, and a plurality of second sections (13) of the frame (1), in which the frame (1) has a second wall thickness less than the first wall thickness, the wall thicknesses being measured in the radial direction in the closed position of the filter, respectively with a second section (13) between two first sections (12).

Abstract: A method for adjusting the lateral tilt of a combine header. The method includes receiving, at a control system, a plurality of output voltages from a plurality of potentiometers; determining, by the control system, at least one adjustment signal; determining, by the control system, a rate for transmitting the at least one adjustment signal; transmitting, by the control system, the at least one adjustment signal at the determined rate to at least one adjustment mechanism operably connected to control system; and adjusting, by the at least one adjustment mechanism, the lateral tilt of the combine header in response to the at least one adjustment signal. The rate for transmitting the signal is determined based upon one or more of a forward speed of the combine, the weight of the combine head, and an input selection made by an operator of the combine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crop harvesting header configured for attachment to a mobile frame of a harvesting machine. The header has a cutter mechanism to cut crop material and a pair of laterally extending crop conditioner rolls to condition crop material cut by the cutter mechanism. The header includes a header power system having first and second main hydraulic motors and a belt and sheave drive configured to transmit power from the main hydraulic motors to the pair of conditioner rolls. The header also includes an auxiliary drive motor directly connected one of the conditioner rolls of the pair of conditioner rolls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for use with a lawn mower having a cutting blade, said device comprising: at least flexible monofilament line; and an attachment element for attaching the at least one flexible monofilament line to the lawn mower such that the at least one flexible monofilament line rotates during rotation of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A machine is provided for harvesting stalk-like plants. The machine has at least one mowing and pick-up mechanism that comprises a cutting mechanism that can be set into a rotational movement for cutting plant stalks, and a feed mechanism arranged above the cutting mechanism for taking in and discharging the cut plant stalks. The cutting mechanism is drivably connected to an electric motor allocated to it.

Abstract: A header assembly supported on the front of a windrower includes a header configured to process crop material standing in a field and a lean bar as the leading element for contacting crop material and preparing the crop material for processing by the header. The lean bar is positioned forward of the header so that the lean bar is the forward-most element of the header assembly. The header assembly has a plurality of cutting elements arranged in a line transverse the header. A cutter bar shield door is positioned to an elevated position such that a forward most point of the cutter bar shield door is above a rearward most point of the cutter bar shield door. The forward most point of the cutter bar shield door lies on or behind a line drawn between the forward edge of the lean bar and a rotational center of the cutting elements.

Abstract: A conveyor (16) includes a plurality of conveyor disks (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) that are arranged coaxial to one another and are rotatable about a common central rotational axis, wherein teeth are distributed around the edge of said conveyor disks. A first conveyor disk (20), and a second conveyor disk (22) situated directly adjacent to the first conveyor disk (20), are spaced apart by a smaller axial clearance than that between the second conveyor disk (22) and a third conveyor disk (24) that is situated directly adjacent to the second conveyor disk (22) and arranged on a side of the second conveyor disk (22) that faces away from the first conveyor disk (20).

Abstract: A loop rope assembly includes a main rope segment having a plurality of rope strands and first and second ends, a first end loop provided on the first end of the main rope segment, a second end loop provided on the second end of the main rope segment and at least one intermediate loop defined by at least one of the rope strands.

Abstract: A composite hybrid cord comprising a core comprising of a first bundle of metal filaments and a plurality of cabled strands helically wound around the core, each cabled strand comprising of a plurality of synthetic filaments having a filament tenacity of from 10 to 40 grams per decitex helically wound around a center second bundle of metal filaments. The ratio of the largest cross sectional dimension of the first bundle of metal filaments to the largest cross sectional dimension of the second bundle of metal filaments is from 1.5:1 to 20:1. The synthetic filaments of the cabled strands have an elongation at break that is no more than 25 percent different from the elongation at break of the metal filaments of the first and second bundles.

Abstract: Multistrand metal cord (C-1) having two layers (Ci, Ce) of J+K construction, which can especially be used for reinforcing tires for industrial vehicles, consisting of a core comprising J strands forming an inner layer (Ci), J varying from 1 to 4, around which core are wound, in a helix, with a helix pitch PK of between 20 and 70 mm, K outer strands forming an outer layer (Ce) around said inner layer (Ci), each outer strand: comprising a cord (10) having two layers (C1, C2) of L+M construction, rubberized in situ, comprising an inner layer (C1) comprised of L wires (11) of diameter d1, L varying from 1 to 4, and an outer layer (C2) of M wires (12), M being equal to or greater than 5, of diameter d2, which are wound together in a helix with a pitch p2 around the inner layer (C1); and having the following characteristics (d1, d2 and p2 being expressed in mm): 0.10<d1<0.50; 0.10<d2<0.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to power generation methods and secondary processes requiring high radiant and emissivity homogeneous combustion to maximize production output. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a top cycle power generator with combustion exhaust modified to have radiant flux in excess of 500 kW per square meter and emissivity greater than 0.90, and supercritical CO2 power generating cycle to maximize energy efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for operating a gas turbine engine. In a first operational mode, the gas turbine engine generates thrust using the propulsion turbine and not the afterburner when it is commanded to generate a thrust between at least a first thrust magnitude and a second thrust magnitude, and generates thrust using the propulsion turbine and the afterburner when it is commanded to generate thrust greater than the second thrust magnitude. In a second operational mode, the gas turbine engine generates thrust using the propulsion turbine and the afterburner when it is commanded to generate a thrust greater than the first thrust magnitude. The steady state thrust-versus-throttle position response has a substantially constant linear slope that is set to be two times the similar slope of the first operational mode.

Abstract: A flange component part (1) for a component of an exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine, in particular of a vehicle, has a flange (2), which extends in a flange plane (4) and has a pipe section (3), which projects away from the flange (2) at a longitudinal center axis (5), which is perpendicular to the flange plane (4). A cost-efficient producibility results when the flange component (1) is a sheet metal mold, which is produced from a single metal sheet (6) by means of metal forming.

Abstract: Various diffusion apparatuses are provided for facilitating the injection of a nitrogen-oxides reductant solution, such as urea, into exhaust gas as part of a selective catalytic reduction system. These diffusion apparatuses direct exhaust gas from an exhaust pipe, through a conduit, and into a diffusion chamber where urea is injected. The flow of exhaust gas through the conduit provides improved transport of injected reductant solution into the exhaust pipe, and adhesion of the reductant solution to the walls of the diffusion chamber is reduced.

Abstract: A detection unit that is arranged in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine configured to detect a state of the exhaust gas, addition unit configured to add the additive agent into the exhaust passage, a catalyst that is arranged at the downstream side of the detection unit and the addition unit so as to receive a supply of the additive agent from the addition unit, determination unit configured to determine whether detection accuracy of the detection unit drops due to the additive agent to be added from the addition unit, and stop unit configured to stop detection of the state of the exhaust gas by the detection unit in cases where it is determined by the determination unit that the detection accuracy of the detection unit drops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (16) for regulating the injection of a quantity of reducer in the gaseous phase, comprising: a reducer supply channel (18), a pressure regulator (20) for regulating the pressure in the channel, members (24) for detecting the pressure downstream of the regulator (20), a reducer injector (22), and a computer controlling the injector according to the measured pressure.

Abstract: A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, an engine controller that activates a heater of an exhaust gas sensor after an output of a particulate matter sensor exceeds a threshold value after an engine is started.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering liquid reducing agent includes a reducing agent tank. At least a delivery unit, at least one first compensation element, a reducing agent line and a metering unit together have an overall volume to be filled with a reducing agent and are configured for delivering, conducting and metering the reducing agent from the reducing agent tank. The at least one first compensation element is configured for reducing the overall volume when a negative pressure occurs in the delivery device. A method for compensating freezing of a reducing agent in a delivery device and a motor vehicle having a delivery device, are also provided.

Abstract: A construction machine including an engine, a fuel tank, and a liquid reductant tank. The construction machine further includes a tank cover, and the fuel tank has an upper surface including a high-position surface and a low-position surface located at a lower position than the high-position surface and adjacent to the high-position surface through a step. The tank cover is provided over the low-position surface and at a height position approximately equal to that of the high-position surface to define a liquid reductant tank installation space in cooperation with the low-position surface. The liquid reductant tank has a replenishment port, installed in the liquid reductant tank installation space so that the replenishment port is close to a lower surface of the tank cover.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device or thermoelectric generator (TEG) includes at least one exhaust line having an inlet and an outlet. At least one first tube bundle is a thermoelectric generator module and has tubes with outer surfaces forming the exhaust line in the thermoelectric generator module. At least one further tube bundle is a heat exchanger and has tubes with inner surfaces forming the exhaust line in the heat exchanger. A method for operating a thermoelectric device and a motor vehicle having a thermoelectric device are also provided.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes at least one first flow duct, at least one second flow duct, at least one first carrier layer associated with the at least one first flow duct and at least one second carrier layer associated with the at least one second flow duct, at least one intermediate space between the first carrier layer and the second carrier layer and a plurality of p and n-doped semiconductor elements disposed in the at least one intermediate space and electrically interconnected. A relative first thermal expansion of the first carrier layer and a relative second expansion of the second carrier layer are equal under operating conditions. Suitable materials are provided for the first and second carrier layers that promote the use of such thermoelectric devices in exhaust systems of a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle having thermoelectric devices and a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric device are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for the compression, expansion, and/or storage of a gas are described herein. An apparatus suitable for use in a compressed gas-based energy storage and recovery system includes a pneumatic cylinder having a working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic actuator coupled to the working piston, and a hydraulic controller fluidically coupleable to the hydraulic actuator. The apparatus is fluidically coupleable to a compressed gas storage chamber which includes a first storage chamber fluidically coupleable to the pneumatic chamber, and a second storage chamber is fluidically coupleable to the first storage chamber. The first storage chamber is disposed at a first elevation and is configured to contain a liquid and a gas. The second storage chamber is disposed at a second elevation greater than the first elevation, and is configured to contain a volume of liquid.

Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes an engine driven main pump and an electrical motor driven auxiliary pump. The auxiliary pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to shift control subsystems during a vehicle launch while the main pump provides hydraulic fluid to cooler or lubrication subsystems during the vehicle launch. A pressure regulation valve regulates the pressure of the hydraulic fluid from the main pump. Once the main pump reaches a critical speed, the main pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to the hydraulic control system and the auxiliary pump is turned off.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a flexible spring affixed at a separation distance from a shape memory alloy or artificial muscle element amplifies strain developed by the shape memory alloy or artificial muscle element while maintaining a substantial fraction of the force developed during activation of the shape memory alloy or artificial memory element. A plurality of such actuators positioned relative to each other by encapsulation or attachment to a body of material such as a terminal hub can emulate a wide variety of biological movements such as for providing gripping in the manner of an opposed human thumb or propulsion in the manner of a jellyfish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the batch fixation and electrical connection of pre-strained SMA wires on a microstructured substrate using electroplating, providing high bond strength and electrical connections in one processing step. The integration process here developed relies on conventional micro machining techniques and it provides an efficient solution to some problems that have hindered the widespread diffusion of bulk SMA to MEMS, such as the lack of cost-efficient integration methods of bulk SMA and the difficult electrical contacting of the actuator material at small scale. Also disclosed herein is a Joule-heated SMA wire actuator on silicon MEMS.