Abstract: A turbocharger system, in certain embodiments, includes a compressor, a turbine, a shaft of common diameter coupling the compressor to the turbine, and a first fluid film bearing disposed about the shaft at a compressor end portion of the shaft. The system also includes a second fluid film fixed pad bearing disposed about the shaft at a turbine end portion of the shaft, wherein the first and second fluid film fixed pad bearings have different clearance ratios, effective lengths, or both, relative to one another. The system, in some embodiments, includes a compressor fluid film fixed pad bearing and a turbine fluid film fixed pad bearing, wherein the compressor and turbine fluid film fixed pad bearings have different clearance ratios and effective lengths, relative to one another.

Abstract: Electrical power from a dynamic braking process in an off-highway vehicle is used to power an auxiliary system in the vehicle. The auxiliary system may be a urea storage container heating unit or a particulate filter regeneration heating unit. When dynamic braking electricity is unavailable, and to the extent the dynamic braking electricity is insufficient for powering the auxiliary system, electrical power from an energy device on board the vehicle is used to power the auxiliary system. The energy device may be an auxiliary energy storage device, devoted for use in powering the auxiliary system.

Abstract: An appliance for washing objects in which is employed a pump system for varying the spray velocity of washing fluid dispensed from spray jets affixed at an angle relative to a spray arm. In one embodiment, the pump system includes a pump having a pump motor such as a synchronous motor responsive to a variable frequency, single-phase alternating current input. The pump system also includes a pump motor control circuit configured to vary the frequency and voltage of the input, which in one example effectuates changes in the rotational speed of the pump motor in accordance with one or more operational cycles. The pump motor control circuit incorporates in one example a rectifier and an inverter that permits operation of the appliance when coupled to supply mains.

Abstract: A system for use in supplying current from an electric power source to a plurality of power storage devices includes a first of a plurality of charging devices configured to supply current to a first of the plurality of power storage devices. The system also includes at least one other charging device coupled to the first charging device to form a network. The other charging device is configured to supply current to at least one other power storage device. The first charging device includes a processor programmed to determine an amount of current to be at least one of received from the electric power source and supplied to the first power storage device as a function of a number of charging devices, and enable the amount of current to be at least one of received by the first charging device and supplied to the first power storage device.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an air induction system for an engine. In one example, the air induction system includes an intake conduit and an assembly coupled to the intake conduit which includes a water spray for removing particulates from, and for cooling, intake air flowing through the water spray.

Abstract: A controller for a power system including a plurality of power system components includes a memory for storing computer-executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions program the processor to determine an operating condition of at least one first power system component and at least one second power system component of the plurality of power system components. The processor is also programmed to determine whether a predetermined condition is met based on at least one operating condition, and transmit a command to at least one other controller to at least one of electrically couple the first power system component to the second power system component and electrically decouple the first power system component from the second power system component based on whether the predetermined condition is met.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the three-dimensional movement of a patient positioned on a table between an X-ray source and an image receiver of an X-ray imaging apparatus is presented. The apparatus has an X-ray source positioned opposite an image receiver, the X-ray source and the image receiver being driven in rotation about an axis. The method and apparatus has the following operation: radio-opaque markers are placed on the patient's body; at least one first radiographic image of the patient is taken for a first determined fixed position of the imaging apparatus; at least one second radiographic image of the patient is taken for a second determined fixed position; and a matrix of the three-dimensional movement of the patient is determined on the basis of the two-dimensional movements of the markers in the radiographic images, the X-ray source constituting a fixed reference frame.

Abstract: A method for preventing a possible overspeed of a wind turbine rotor with at least one rotor blade is provided. The method includes detecting a yaw misalignment of the rotor, and imposing a restriction on changes of a pitch angle towards a feathered position of the at least one rotor blade after detecting the yaw misalignment. Further, a wind turbine having a rotor and a control system configured to prevent a possible overspeed of the rotor is provided.

Abstract: A method for delivering energy to an electric vehicle includes coupling the electric vehicle to an energy delivery point via a connector, receiving a unique identifier of the electric vehicle via the connector, determining an account associated with the identifier, delivering an amount of energy to the electric vehicle via the connector, and determining a transaction amount based on the amount of energy delivered to the electric vehicle by the energy delivery point.

Abstract: A nozzle segment is disclosed that includes a first platform configured to be connected with a casing of a gas turbine engine, a second platform configured to be connected with the casing, the second platform being disposed apart from the first platform in a radial direction of the gas turbine engine, and a plurality of blades disposed between the first and second platforms and connected thereto, a portion of an inside surface of the first platform or the second platform being scalloped so as to increase a throat area of the nozzle segment in order to increase the nozzle segment's mass flow rate handling capability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a run-time configuration change for domain data in a database for an information systems where the domain data defines entities which are acted upon by the information system and where the reconfiguration of the domain data can take place without taking the information system offline and making it inaccessible to users.

Abstract: A method for controlling a remote controlled locomotive that is part of a train to insure effective braking, the method including calculating an estimated total energy of a train, calculating a threshold representing a predetermined braking capability limit of the locomotive, determining whether the estimated total energy is at least one of approaching and exceeding the threshold, and decreasing a velocity of the train until the threshold is at least one of no longer being approached and is no longer exceeded.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a distributed power repeater for a train system. The method includes: (a) monitoring all radio traffic on a wireless communications channel used by the repeater to relay distributed power commands between a plurality of transmitters and receivers disposed on a plurality of trains for distributed power control of the trains; (b) determining the level of channel loading on the communications channel; (c) comparing the channel loading to a predetermined limit; (d) if the channel loading is less than the predetermined limit, relaying messages over the wireless communications channel at a first activity level; and (e) if the channel loading exceeds the predetermined limit, relaying messages over the wireless communications channel at a second activity level less than the first activity level.

Abstract: A method for preventing a surge event prior to a first surge event occurring in an engine system including a turbocharger and a diesel engine operable at a plurality of discrete speeds, the method comprising sensing an operating parameter of the engine system that determines a surge margin, determining whether a change in the sensed operating parameter may result in exceeding the surge margin, and controlling an operating input to the engine system to prevent the surge event from occurring.

Abstract: A method for generating electricity along a roadway is provided. The method includes actuating an energy transfer assembly coupled to the roadway, wherein the energy transfer assembly is actuated by a force acting upon the roadway. The method also includes generating electricity at a generator coupled to the energy transfer assembly, the generator being driven by actuation of the energy transfer assembly.

Abstract: A visual inspection apparatus can include a handset, elongated inspection tube extending from the handset and a light source bank disposed within a hand held housing of the handset. For reduction of heat energy radiating from the light source bank, the apparatus can include one or more of a thermal control system and a particularly designed heat sink assembly.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus can include an application guiding an inspector in the performance of an inspection. The application can be provided in such form as to be modified. In one embodiment, an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data collected by an inspection apparatus of an inspection system. In one embodiment an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data output by a data output device.

Abstract: A method for operating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine generates a sound level. The method includes selecting a desired sound level; calculating at least one operating parameter by inputting the desired sound level to a model; and operating the wind turbine according to the at least one operating parameter. The method further includes measuring the sound level and based on the measured sound level, calculating at least one of a redefined desired sound level and a revised model. Furthermore, the method includes calculating at least one redefined operating parameter by at least one of inputting the redefined desired sound level to the model and inputting the desired sound level to the revised model.

Abstract: A gas burner assembly for a cooking appliance that includes a cooktop surface includes a gas burner assembly having a first gas burner including a first burner body. The first burner configured to be mounted on, and contact, the cooktop surface, and provide a cooking flame. The gas burner assembly also includes a second gas burner including a second burner body. The second burner configured to be mounted on, and contact, the cooktop surface. The second burner also configured to be concentric with the first burner and separated from the first burner by a distance at all points along the burners. The second burner body including at least one air passage defined therethrough that is configured to allow air to flow through the second burner and to the cooking flame.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a railroad switch machine, the mechanism including a hydraulic circuit operable to move a rail end point of a switch point assembly of the railroad switch machine, a pump to hydraulically operate the hydraulic circuit, and a motor to operate the pump, wherein the only electromechanical parts of the control mechanism are within the motor.