Abstract: A method for providing a flow control system for an aircraft. A compressor is removed from an existing air cycle machine, along with compressor ducting that is connected to a primary stage outlet of the heat exchanger and a secondary stage inlet of the heat exchanger in the existing air cycle machine. A first connector duct is provided and connected to the primary stage outlet of the heat exchanger and the secondary stage inlet of the heat exchanger. The turbine is removed from the existing air cycle machine, and a second connector duct is provided and connected to the upstream turbine duct directly and the downstream turbine duct.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the delivery of component parts and tooling to a robotic welding assembly positioned on a motor vehicle body assembly line. Automatic guided vehicles deliver component parts from a source of parts to a parts staging area on the robotic welding assembly including a substage awaiting area, a substage in-use area and a substage empty area, and further automatic guided vehicles deliver tooling from a tooling management area to the robotic welding assembly whereafter the tooling, upon model changeover, is moved to a tooling use area proximate the assembly line whereafter, upon further model changeover, the tooling is removed from the tooling use area and loaded onto an automatic guided vehicle for return to the tooling management area.

Abstract: A method for ranking experts in a knowledge management system. A plurality of data elements are stored in a database, the data elements having substantive technical data and bibliographic information encoded therein. A result set is produced from the database in response to a user query, the result set including data elements having technical data encoded therein that corresponds to the query. An expert list is produced based on the bibliographic information for the data elements contained in the result set. Each expert in the expert list is ranked based on criteria associated with the result set to produce a ranked expert list.

Abstract: An engine start control system for starting the engine of a hybrid vehicle operated in an EV drive mode. The system responds quickly to an acceleration request while limiting unpleasant deceleration sensations. The hybrid vehicle has a first clutch disposed between the engine and motor/generator. An electric drive mode exists in which the first clutch is disengaged and the driving torque is provided only by the motor/generator, and a hybrid drive mode exists in which the first clutch is engaged and the driving torque is provided by both the engine and motor/generator. The system uses an engine start shift pattern that is high-geared as compared with a normal shift pattern. Shift control of the transmission is performed using the engine start shift pattern when an engine start request arises. The engine is started by controlling the engagement of the first clutch after performing the shift control.

Abstract: A lancing device including a rail having opposed side surfaces, a lancet that is receivable on the rail, and a firing mechanism configured to propel the lancet. The lancet has a sharp tip and a body configured to engage the opposed side surfaces of the rail.

Abstract: A lump coal size sorting grate comprising parallel bars is provided with three spaced apart, parallel cleaning combs which can be individually activated to clean the sizing grid of lodged coal lumps in a predetermined sequence so that the entire sizing grid is never closed during a coal sorting operation. The cleaning combs are made of spaced, parallel bars which can be pivoted upwardly, between and through the bars of the sizing grate. An adaptive system which senses and responds to a clogged condition in the grate can be provided by sensing crusher motor current or, in the alternative, sensing grate bar deflection using strain gage transducers.

Abstract: A visor protector for caps having a visor including a periphery having a front edge, a pair of lateral edges, and upper and lower sides. The visor protector includes a flexible body having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the flexible body meets the lower portion of the flexible body at a leading edge of the flexible body. The upper portion of the flexible body is receivable on the upper side of the visor, and the lower portion of the flexible body is receivable on the lower side of the visor. The upper and lower portions of the flexible body cooperate to define a substantial U-shape, wherein the visor is receivable between the upper and lower portions such that the leading edge of the flexible body is substantially aligned with the front edge of the visor. The visor protector includes a pair of spring clips that each have a first leg that is engageable with the upper portion of the flexible body and a second leg that is engageable with the lower portion of the flexible body.

Abstract: Lancing devices are disclosed having a carriage slidably disposed within the housing and a lancet carrier configured to directly receive and hold the lancet. The lancet carrier is engaged within the carriage and movable relative to and independently of the carriage between a forward incision position and a rearward cocked position. A trigger assembly has a user accessible first portion and a second portion attached to the carriage and movable with the carriage along the longitudinal axis. The second portion is configured to maintain the lancet carrier in the rearward cocked position and the first portion is configured to release the lancet carrier from the rearward cocked position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a stowable storage net and a vehicle with a stowable storage net. The storage net comprises a storage area having a front, a back and two sides, the front and back being pivotally connected at one end. Elements are included for providing a predetermined amount of longitudinal elasticity to the storage area. The storage net comprises elements for removably attaching the storage area to a desired surface of the cargo area. The storage net further comprises a storage pouch forming the bottom of the storage net, the two sides of the storage net pivotally mounted proximally to the ends of the storage pouch and configured to fold into the storage pouch, allowing the associated net to fall easily and neatly into the pouch. The storage pouch can further comprise a zipper or other type of closure. Methods and vehicles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for use in a tank containing a contaminative fluid. The system includes an electrically conductive resistive material in fluid communication with the contents of the tank, a controller configured to periodically generate a control signal, and a variable power supply coupled to the electrically conductive material to provide a current within a normal operating range and to supply current at an elevated level in response to a control signal, wherein the elevated level is selected to heat the electrically conductive material to a temperature sufficient to remove contamination building thereon.

Abstract: A car wash brush is constructed by sliding multi-layered, wheel-shaped foam plastic cartridges onto a hub with three keyways formed in the outer surfaces thereof. The cartridges use spacers interspersed with foam layers and adhesively bonded to the foam layers. The spacers have keys which fit into die hub keyways to prevent relative rotation while allowing, longitudinal sliding motion. Multiple cartridges are used to produce a brush of desired length. Old style hubs can be salvaged for use in this construction.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device for expressing blood from a wound site formed in dermal tissue is constructed in the shape of a cap removably mounted onto a lancing instrument. The blood expression device includes an annular support member and a plurality of movable fingers integrally formed onto the support member in a spaced apart relationship, the free ends of the plurality of fingers together defining a generally circular opening. Each finger is adapted for pivotal displacement in such a manner that its free end projects into the circular opening. In use, the free ends of the plurality of fingers are disposed in contact against the dermal tissue immediately surrounding the wound site. As the device is urged downward onto the dermal tissue, the free ends of the plurality of fingers collapse inward from the force of an axially movable sleeve and pinch into the dermal tissue, resulting in the expression of blood.

Abstract: A laser activated phase change device for use in an integrated circuit comprises a chalcogenide fuse configured to connect a first patterned metal line and a second patterned metal line and positioned between an inter layer dielectric and an over fuse dielectric. The fuse interconnects active semiconductor elements manufactured on a substrate. A method for activating the laser activated phase change device includes selecting a laser condition of a laser based on characteristics of the fuse and programming a phase-change of the fuse with the laser by direct photon absorption until a threshold transition temperature is met.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for making content elements available for use at a public computing kiosk operated by a first-party operator. The public computing kiosk can receive a wireless communication from a hand-held device utilized by a second-party end user located in close physical proximity to the public computing kiosk. The wireless communication can include information identifying a third-party provider of the hand-held device with the third-party provider and the first-party operator being different entities. The public computing kiosk can transmit a request to a computing system including information identifying the third-party provider of the hand-held device, receive a transmission including a set of content descriptors, and display the set of content descriptors to the second-party end user. The public computing kiosk can also accept selection of content descriptors and execute at least one content element corresponding to at least one content descriptor.

Abstract: Processes for producing a suitable purity grade of L-Citrulline are disclosed. The processes can include contacting crude L-Citrulline in an aqueous solution with an adsorptive medium at a temperature above approximately 50° C. and below the temperature of denaturement for the L-Citrulline for an interval sufficient to remove at least one contaminant from the L-Citrulline. The processes can also include concentrating the dissolved L-Citrulline relative to the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the volumetric efficiency with which automotive vehicle frames are stacked on a carrier such as a railroad flat car. Frames are alternately reversed end-for-end and/or laterally offset from one another and may be longitudinally angled and internested between adjacent stacks. Twin sheet molded HDPE spacers are used.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making knotted string accessories. One embodiment of a device for making knotted string accessories from a plurality of individual strings comprises a substantially planar member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a securing member carried by the substantially planar member proximate to the first end and configured to secure a first end of the plurality of individual strings; and an elongated holder carried by the substantially planar member proximate the second end, the elongated holder comprising a plurality of individual holders each configured to retain at least one of the plurality of individual strings at a location a spaced distance from the first end, wherein the securing member and elongate holder are configured such that a distance between the securing member and the elongated holder is changeable.

Abstract: A multi function monitor for monitoring environmental conditions and events, the monitor comprising: a monitor panel having a plurality of monitors thereon; and a measuring device attachable at either end of the monitor panel for measuring the circumference of an object around which it is placed. The monitor panel includes: a temperature detection and display device; an ultraviolet radiation detection and display device; and a humidity detection and display device.