Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a wireless-based communication link between a lead locomotive and a remote locomotive. A user on the lead locomotive is prompted to input a railroad and number identifier of the remote locomotive. A link command signal is transmitted from the lead locomotive, based on a predetermined number identifier of the lead locomotive, and the inputted railroad and number identifier. A second processor on the remote locomotive respectively compares the predetermined number identifier of the lead locomotive, the inputted railroad and number identifier of the lead locomotive, with an inputted number identifier of the lead locomotive, a predetermined railroad and a predetermined number identifier of the remote locomotive. A link reply signal, is transmitted from the remote locomotive, based on the comparison performed by the second processor, to establish the communication link. Additionally, a method is provided for establishing the wireless-based communication link.

Abstract: A method and system for adding a node into a network operating in a cyclic state after one or more nodes have been previously removed without interrupting the synchronous traffic of the remaining nodes on the network is provided. The method includes discovering an added node by sending data to the added node in a downstream timeslot previously assigned to a removed node, the data having a delay value for scheduling a response from the added node to coincide with an upstream timeslot previously assigned to the removed node, thereby avoiding collisions with the synchronous traffic on the network; receiving the response from the added node; configuring the added node in accordance with an original configuration of the removed node; and commencing cyclic operation of the added node.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the solubilization of cellulose into soluble sugars without the need for high temperatures, high pressures, strong acid solutions, and/or added water. The produced sugars can be fermented into ethanol. In one embodiment, the method comprises contacting a cellulose-containing material with a solid acid material and agitating the cellulose-containing material and the solid acid material for a time sufficient to produce an aqueous solution comprising a quantity of soluble sugars.

Abstract: In a geolocation system for determining a geolocation of a target emitter, a method for determining the geolocation.

Abstract: In an electrical power system of a diesel powered system having at least one diesel-fueled power generation unit, the electrical power system configurable in a starting mode for cranking the diesel fueled power unit, the electrical power system having a synchronous machine coupled to the diesel-fueled power generation unit, the synchronous machine having a field winding connected in a parallel relationship with a current conditioner, a method for reconfiguring a baseline circuit topology of the electrical power system for controlling a voltage being developed across the field winding including uncoupling the field winding from the parallel relationship with the current conditioner, and coupling the field winding in a series relationship with the current conditioner.

Abstract: A linkage device that can be connected with other linkage devices and to itself, the linkage device comprising a strip having a first end and a second end, a closure hub attached to the first end of the strip and having an opening to receive a second end and a locking mechanism within the closure hub, a connecting surface protruding from the strip operable to secure the second end within a closure device, and a tampering detection device connected to the linkage device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of intermeshable fruit juice extraction peeler cups (100, 150) comprising respective blades (106, 156) that are arranged so as to intermesh to peel and extract juice from a fruit introduced into a space 107 there between during an extraction stroke. Considering one peeler cup (150), its blades' distal ends 158 collectively define a shape referred to as a Mendesaddle shape (160). The Mendesaddle shape (160) comprises a top opening (164) and a bottom opening (166) extending toward a rearward end (154) of the peeler cup (150). A fruit enters the space (107) through an open area (139) that comprises top opening (164) and a corresponding top opening (114) of the mated peeler cup (100).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel methods for screening for compounds useful in treating or preventing tuberculosis. In exemplary embodiments, screening methods are based on the implementation or manipulation of triacylglycerol hydrolase like polypeptides or polynucleotides encoding the same. The methods are useful in identifying agents active against TB infection.

Abstract: An alternating current machine which generates a magnetic field or induces a voltage. In one embodiment the machine includes a stator and a rotor positioned about an axis. The stator includes three sets of coils, each set including at least a first pair of coil rows wired in series, with first and second members of the first pair configured to generate axial fields in opposite directions. Coil rows in the first pair of each set of coils are each arranged a different distance from the axis. A first member of the pair of the second set of coil rows is positioned between the first and second members of the pair of the first set of coil rows. The distance between the axis and the first member of the second pair of coil rows is intermediate the distances between the members of the first pair of coil rows and the axis.

Abstract: A thermal bottle including an outer body wall defining a shape of the thermal bottle having a top opening and a bottom end, an inner body wall having an inner volume for a storage area disposed within the inner body and selectively connected to the outer body wall wherein the storage area is accessible through the top opening, a thermal area defined therebetween the outer body wall and the inner body wall, a cover configured to be attachable to at least one of the top opening that prevents removal of a material placed within the storage area, and a securing element located at the bottom end of the outer body wall which is configured to hold the cover when the cover is detached from the top opening.

Abstract: An optical sensing probe includes a tube having a tip portion configured for placement in an environment in which conditions are to be sensed and an etalon having a known characteristic disposed proximate the tip portion. The tube also includes a head portion remote from the tip portion containing a light directing element for directing light beams at the etalon and receiving reflected light beams from the etalon wherein the received reflected light beams are used for determining an environmental condition proximate the tip portion. A method for measuring a thickness of the etalon may include directing a light beams at different frequencies at the etalon and receiving the light beams from the etalon. The method may also include identifying conditions of the respective light beams condition received from the etalon and then calculating a first thickness of the etalon responsive to the respective conditions and the known characteristic.

Abstract: A heat sink system with reduced airborne debris clogging, for cooling power electronics, the heat sink system including a heat sink having a plurality of fins, a housing configured to direct air flow around the side, top, and/or bottom of the heat sink and then through the fins of the heat sink at a back of the heat sink, and an inlet airway passage formed between a wall of the housing and said side, top, and/or bottom of the finned heat sink to allow air to pass within the housing, wherein said side, top, and/or bottom of the heat sink comprises at least one of said plurality of fins disposed directly in contact with the inlet airway passage.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed designed to monitor the thermal status of a quality control material. The apparatus has the ability, with visual and/or audible means, to alert the user when the quality control material has become thermally equal to the local, ambient environment by way of natural thermal entropy. The apparatus alerts the user by visual and/or audible indicators when the quality control material, after removal from the monitor, should be returned to cool storage after a pre-determined period to maintain its designed criteria, integrity and/or purpose.

Abstract: An inflatable or gas-filled insulation panel comprises an envelope having two outer sheets sealed together along edges of the sheets and at least one of the sheets has an outer reflective surface. The envelope encases a plurality of internal films that include a polymeric film having a plurality of reflective stripes disposed thereon and spaced apart on the films. Seals are formed along the gaps or areas between the reflective stripes on the films by application of heat and pressure, which causes the films to seal to each other and the outer sheets at spaced apart intervals. A channel is formed between the outer edges of the films and the outer sheets, and a valve, disposed at an end of the panel, is in fluid communication with the channel for the injection of a fluid, such as an inert gas or air, to inflate panel.

Abstract: A method for determining a location of a wireless transmitting device transmitting a digitally modulated transmitted radio frequency signal. The method comprises, at spaced-apart receivers: generating a received radio frequency signal and including time tags therein responsive to the transmitted radio frequency signal, detecting a destination message signal responsive to the received radio frequency signal, comparing the destination message signal and the received radio frequency signal and determining a time of arrival of the destination message signal responsive to the step of comparing and responsive to the time tags. The method further comprises determining a pairwise time difference of arrival of the received radio frequency signal for two pairs of receivers and determining the location of the device responsive to the pairwise time difference of arrival.

Abstract: A sound reproducing device. The sound reproducing device for receiving a frequency-hopping signal having an instantaneous frequency within a hopping bandwidth. The sound reproducing device comprises a first antenna having a bandwidth including the hopping bandwidth for producing a first received signal and a second antenna tunable to frequencies within the hopping bandwidth responsive to an instantaneous hopping frequency. The second antenna produces a second received signal. The device further comprises a module for processing one or both of the first and second received signals to produce a signal for driving the sound reproducing device.

Abstract: A method for restoring a crack formed within a turbo charger engine transition section, the method including preparing a crack in the transition section to receive a material within the crack, applying the material within the crack, and retaining structural integrity of the transition section proximate the crack while at least one of preparing the crack and applying the material.

Abstract: A burner for range covers or similar, to allow a broad range of calorific capacities, and a better burner distribution in the cover, with a generally semi-rectangular form, and containing a plurality of ports and a plurality of manners to ignite it, wherein the burner is capable of interacting with other burners at determined length and height distances, creating discontinuous flames between the burners.

Abstract: A system is provided for cooling an energy storage system of a hybrid electric vehicle. The energy storage system includes at least one energy storage device. The system includes an inlet positioned on the outer surface of the vehicle above the platform. More particularly, the system includes a cooling fluid duct in flow communication with the inlet and the at least one energy storage device. Additionally, the system includes a blower powered by a respective motor and positioned within the to draw cooling fluid into the inlet and through the cooling fluid duct to pass the cooling fluid over or through the at least one energy storage device and into a common vented area of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.