Abstract: A fuel pump system for pumping fuel to an engine in a vehicle includes a pump motor having a carbon-based commutator and brushes in a position exposed to fuel, resulting in a tendency to form a film between the commutator and brushes that can reduce pump performance by increasing the electrical resistance of the brush-commutator interface. The pump motor has a nominal voltage rating. A power circuit is coupled to the pump motor for selectably providing an operating voltage and a boost voltage, wherein the boost voltage is greater than the nominal voltage rating. A controller selecting the operating voltage during an ordinary run cycle and selects the boost voltage during a clean-up cycle. The controller selects the clean-up cycle for a limited time that is sufficiently short to avoid damage to the pump motor from exceeding the nominal voltage rating and sufficiently long to create arcing between the commutator and brushes that reverses formation of the film.

Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a pair of spaced apart side frame tubes and a pair of foot support frames. Each of the foot support frames has a first end configured to connect to the side frame tubes and a second end configured to receive a cross member. The cross member interconnects the second ends of the foot support frames and supports a foot support assembly.

Abstract: A method for controlling a clutch of an electronic locking differential for a vehicle includes determining either that a speed of the vehicle is less than a reference speed or that a desired state of the clutch is a disengaged state, determining that an angular displacement of a steering wheel from a centered position is less than a first reference angle, and disengaging the clutch.

Abstract: A mattress has cells with low air permeability envelopes. Check valves permit air flow into cell groups. An inflation structure expands within the cells when not loaded to cause the envelope to fill with air through the check valves. Another mattress has a cell with a primary bladder, a hollow inflation structure in the primary bladder, a secondary bladder in the hollow inflation structure. The inflation structure expands when not under load to cause the primary bladder to fill with air through the check valve. An air cell has a bladder, a check valve permitting air flow to the bladder, and an inflation structure that expands in the bladder when not under load to cause the bladder to fill with air through the check valve. The inflation structure is a cylindrical foam structure with a portion removed along a surface and a D-shaped hollow space within an upper portion thereof.

Abstract: A lockable assembly for a urinal valve is provided. The lockable assembly includes a shaft assembly configured to displace portions of the urinal valve and a housing body configured to connect to the urinal valve and further configured to support the shaft assembly. The lockable assembly is configured to allow selective operation of the urinal valve between an unlocked flushable state and a locked non-flushable state. In the locked non-flushable state, the shaft assembly is prevented from displacing portions of the urinal valve and in the unlocked flushable state, the shaft assembly is configured to displace portions of the urinal valve to allow a flow of water to pass through the urinal valve.

Abstract: A method for controlling creep in a vehicle having no transmission torque converter, includes operating an input clutch of the transmission at a desired clutch torque capacity, using a feed-forward engine torque to minimize the impact on the engine speed when additional load on the engine occurs from increasing the clutch torque capacity, producing a desired clutch slip by controlling engine idle speed, and achieving a desired vehicle speed by controlling the input clutch torque capacity.

Abstract: A lockable assembly for a urinal valve is provided. The lockable assembly includes a shaft assembly configured to engage portions of the urinal valve and a housing body configured to connect to the urinal valve and further configured to support the shaft assembly for axial movement. The lockable assembly is configured to allow selective operation of the urinal valve between a flushable state and a locked non-flushable state, wherein in a locked non-flushable state, the shaft assembly is prevented from moving in the axial direction and in a flushable state, axial movement of the shaft assembly urges the shaft assembly into contact with portions of the urinal valve.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a carrier part and a ball joint housing. The housing is provided with an attachment projection which is formed integrally with the housing on an outer surface of the housing. The carrier part is formed as a double-layer structure, and the attachment projection is held between two layers of the carrier part.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly unit for a motor vehicle, having a first fluid pressure actuator and a second fluid pressure actuator which are associated with opposite ends of an antiroll bar, characterized in that exactly one pressure fluid connection is provided on each of the fluid pressure actuators.

Abstract: In a powertrain for a motor vehicle that includes a power source, a transmission driveably connected to the power source and wheels of the vehicle, an electric machine able to operate as an electric motor for transmitting power to at least some of the vehicle wheels, a method for controlling the powertrain includes operating the power source and the transmission in a desired gear to produce a first wheel torque in response to a demanded wheel torque, increasing the demanded wheel torque while turning the vehicle along a curved path, and using the electric motor to provide a second wheel torque, such that a combined magnitude of the first wheel torque produced in the desired gear and the second wheel torque is equal to or greater than the increased demanded wheel torque.

Abstract: A wheelchair frame assembly comprises a frame member having a first leg adapted to support a seat and a second leg configured to support a caster wheel. An axle mounting assembly connects an axle tube to the frame member. The axle mounting assembly includes an axle tube mount, a frame mount, and a spacer. The spacer is configured to alter the distance between the frame member and the axle tube and transfer longitudinal forces between the axle tube mount and the frame mount.

Abstract: The invention provides crystalline minocycline base. In particular, three crystalline polymorphic forms, designated Form I, Form II and Form III, of minocycline base are provided. These are characterized by XRD and IR data. Processes for preparing the new polymorphic forms are also provided. For example, Form I is prepared by dissolving and/or suspending amorphous minocycline base in an organic solvent chosen from ethers followed by crystallization from the mixture.

Abstract: A method of transmitting driver specific vehicle data includes entering driver specific hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) operating parameter settings for a plurality of drivers into a vehicle controller; identifying a vehicle driver; displaying driver specific HEV data within the vehicle; and configuring HEV operating parameters in accordance with the driver specific HEV operating parameter settings.

Abstract: A method for starting a motor vehicle, which is held at a standstill on an inclined route by a brake force which is maintained independently of the driver, after a predetermined holding time has elapsed gradually reduces the brake force which is generated independently of the driver, to put the motor vehicle into motion, and then controls the movement of the motor vehicle, corresponding to a preset course.

Abstract: A method of forming fibers from molten mineral material is provided. The method comprising the steps of: rotating a spinner having an orificed peripheral wall, the orificed peripheral wall having a top row of orifices, introducing molten mineral material to the spinner to create a fan of primary glass fibers, creating an annular combustion flow of heated gas and directing the annular combustion flow of heated gas substantially through the primary fibers, creating an annular flow of attenuating air with an annular blower, the annular flow of attenuating air being sufficient to attenuate the primary fibers into secondary fibers, directing the annular combustion flow of heated gas and the annular flow of attenuating air so that they are radially spaced apart at the level of the top row of orifices, and directing the annular combustion flow of heated gas and the annular flow of attenuating air so that they are brought together at a position below the top row of orifices.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Also provided are methods of identifying anti-HCC agents.

Abstract: A safety monitoring system for a workspace area. The workspace area related to a region having automated moveable equipment. A plurality of vision-based imaging devices capturing time-synchronized image data of the workspace area. Each vision-based imaging device repeatedly capturing a time synchronized image of the workspace area from a respective viewpoint that is substantially different from the other respective vision-based imaging devices. A visual processing unit for analyzing the time-synchronized image data. The visual processing unit processes the captured image data for identifying a human from a non-human object within the workspace area. The visual processing unit further determining potential interactions between a human and the automated moveable equipment.

Abstract: A method of attaching a cap shingle on a roof ridge line structure includes providing a plurality of risers configured to be flexed for alignment with the opposed roof planes, flexing and positioning the risers over the ridge line structure, and installing a series of the risers in an partially overlapping manner along the ridge line structure by fastening the risers to opposed roof planes. Cap shingles configured for attachment to the risers are flexed and attached to the risers. A roof structure installed according to the method is also provided. A ridge line roofing assembly comprising a series of partially overlapping risers molded together is also provided.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The machine includes a shredding chamber configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders and an agitator. The plurality of shredders and the agitator are configured for rotation. The plurality of shredders and the agitator are configured to rotate at different speeds.

Abstract: A vehicle seat component selection system includes a showroom having a vehicle seat component display and a touch screen terminal for input of customer data such as vehicle identification, vehicle assembly location and vehicle assembly volume. The terminal has access to a vehicle seat component database which defines characteristics of each component, such as sourcing location, cost, and compatibility with other components. A customer seat selection report is created by selecting components from the database, with a signal provided in the event incompatible components are selected. The terminal graphically displays the components as they are selected, and indicates a price range for the seat assembly as it is being proposed.