Abstract: A cable-stranding apparatus for performing SZ-stranding of strand elements about at least one core member is disclosed. A first stationary guide member individually guides the strand elements in a spaced apart configuration and centrally passes the at least one core member. At least one hollow-shaft motor is arranged downstream of the stationary guide member. A rotating guide member is disposed in the hollow shaft and rotates with the hollow shaft according to a rotation relationship. The rotation relationship controls the rotational speed and direction of the rotating guide member to SZ-strand the strand elements about the at least one core member to form an SZ-stranded assembly. Embodiments of cable-stranding apparatus having multiple hollow-shaft motors and respective multiple rotating guide members are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for transferring heat energy between a heat exchanging subsystem installed above the surface of the Earth, and material beneath the surface of the Earth, by installing one or more coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures in the material beneath the surface of the Earth. Each coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure has inner and out flow channels along which aqueous-based heat transfer fluid is circulated. Turbulence is generated in the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing along the outer flow channel, to increase the rate of heat energy transfer between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and material beneath the surface of the Earth along the length of the outer flow channel. This in turn increases the rate of heat energy transfer between the heat exchanging subsystem installed above the surface of the Earth and material beneath the surface of the Earth.

Abstract: A method for cooling a battery after a charging phase including the steps of providing a user display, identifying a starting point at which the charging phase of the battery transitions to a cooling phase, when the starting point is identified, instructing the user display to provide a first indication for a first predetermined amount of time, and after the first predetermined amount of time has elapsed, instructing the user display to provide a second indication.

Abstract: A method of inspecting equipment to ensure quality control that employs a computer program to assist in the inspection. The program contains an inspection protocol adapted to specific equipment. The inspector follows the protocol to inspect component parts of the equipment. The inspection protocol can only be closed, indicating completion of the inspection, when the protocol has been followed. The program is capable of generating a variety of inspection reports.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis having a femoral component with two condyles, an opening disposed between the two condyles, and a tibial component having bearing surfaces to engage and support each of the femoral component condyles. Moving the femoral and tibial components in flexion from about 0° to about 165° causes medial pivot rotation of the femoral component upon the tibial component. Rotation may be caused by interaction between an asymmetrical cam extending between the femoral condyles and a post disposed between the bearing surfaces and extending superior from the tibial component. Rotation may alternatively be caused by asymmetrical medial and lateral condyles which translate posteriorly upon respective medial and lateral bearing surfaces at disparate rates, without a femoral cam, a tibial post, or a post/cam contact surface. Embodiments of the knee prosthesis may be used in cruciate-substituting or cruciate-retaining procedures. Embodiments of the knee prosthesis may also prevent roll forward.

Abstract: A carton for packaging articles includes a plurality of panels arranged to form walls of the carton and at least one handle structure that comprises a pair of inner and outer handle panels hingedly connected together along a fold line. The inner and outer handle panels are in an overlapping relationship. Each of the inner and outer handle panels has a transverse edge at a position opposite to the fold line. The inner handle panel is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a first one of the plurality of panels. The outer handle panel is disposed adjacent to a second one of the plurality of panels. One of the transverse edges is connected to one of the first and second panels. The fold line is interrupted by an aperture defined at least in part by a first edge of the aperture. The first edge defines a carrying edge of the at least one handle structure.

Abstract: A method of providing a high symbol rate communication system with reduced overhead bandwidth includes calculating a minimum feasible aperture length at a network operations center, setting a hub demodulator subsystem to use an aperture length calculated from the minimum feasible aperture length, broadcasting the aperture length to a VSAT, and receiving an inroute data stream from the VSAT utilizing the aperture length.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for implementing power distribution unit with a hybrid switching module. The apparatus comprises multiple outlets coupled to a hybrid switching module that switches on or off the plurality of outlets. The apparatus further comprises a single SSR for the hybrid switching module and two EMRs for an outlet and a controller that communicates with the hybrid switching module via digital line(s) to control power distribution. The apparatus comprises a display for displaying information related to the power outlets, two current detection circuitries for monitoring the total input current and an individual outlet, and a voltage detection circuitry for sensing voltages. The number of outlets may be scaled by using one or more hybrid switching module that share the single SSR. The apparatus further comprises an Internet server running thereon to interface with remote users to process the user's requests for the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for transporting cargo includes a cargo terminal having a pair of longitudinal sides, at least one of the pair of longitudinal sides disposed adjacent to and spaced a predetermined distance from a railway track and at least one railcar positioned at a predetermined acute angle relative to the at least one of the pair of longitudinal sides of the cargo terminal and having one end thereof disposed in close proximity thereto so as to enable loading or unloading such cargo through such one end of such at least one railcar. A network of at least two cargo terminals and a method of intermodal cargo transporting are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for using a temporary power source to transfer a power bus from a first power source to a second power source. The first power source operates at a first electrical frequency, and the second power source operates at a second electrical frequency that is different from the first electrical frequency. The method includes adjusting the output frequency of the temporary power source to match the first electrical frequency and supplying power to the power bus from the temporary power source. The method also includes disconnecting the first power source from the power bus. The method further includes adjusting the output frequency of the temporary power source to match the second electrical frequency. The method further includes coupling the second power source to the power bus.

Abstract: A method and system for making a donation to a third party, wherein a user executes a purchase transaction using a card linked to a reward point account If a user donation is desired, then the user's reward point account is decreased and corresponding value is transferred to a designated third party as a donation. In another aspect referred to as “topping off”, the donation amount is the difference between the tender amount and the purchase amount, and is transferred to a designated third party as a donation to the third party in lieu of providing change for the transaction back to the user.

Abstract: A high efficiency blood pump includes a pump housing, wherein the pump housing provides an inlet and outlet. The pump includes a motor housing, wherein the motor housing contains a motor. An impeller is housed in the pump housing, wherein the impeller is radially supported by a hydrodynamic bearing providing at least one row of pattern grooves. A diaphragm provided by the pump housing separates the impeller chamber from the motor chamber. A magnetic coupling is provided between the motor and the impeller, wherein the magnetic coupling causes the impeller to rotate when the motor rotates and provides axial restraint of the impeller.

Abstract: A vehicle braking control system includes a vehicle brake associated with a wheel on the vehicle. A pedal activated by an operator of the vehicle controls application of the brake. An electronic control unit determines a grade mode of the vehicle and controls application of the brake independent of the operator activating the pedal while in an automatic braking mode. The electronic control unit sends a control signal to apply the brake in a manner to reduce brake fade while controlling a speed of the vehicle when the electronic control unit is in the automatic braking mode and the vehicle is in a downhill grade mode.

Abstract: A carton (12) includes a first wall (22) and a second wall (20). The first wall (22) includes a first edge (21) and a second edge (23) that are opposed to one another. The first wall (22) and the second wall (20) are adjoined along the first edge (21). The carton (12) includes a handle (30). The handle (30) includes a handle opening (80) that is elongated along a longitudinal axis that extends transversely to the first edge (21). The handle opening (80) is configured to be engaged no closer to the second edge (23) than to the first edge (21).

Abstract: A supersonic gas compressor. The compressor includes aerodynamic duct(s) situated on a rotor journaled in a casing. The aerodynamic duct(s) generate a plurality of oblique shock waves for efficiently compressing a gas at supersonic conditions. The convergent inlet is adjacent to a bleed air collector, and during acceleration of the rotor, bypass gas is removed from the convergent inlet via a collector to enable supersonic shock stabilization. Once the oblique shocks are stabilized at a selected inlet relative Mach number and pressure ratio, the bleed of bypass gas from the convergent inlet via the bypass gas collectors is eliminated.

Abstract: A polymer based index-matching gel for use with nanostructure optical fibers is disclosed. The index-matching gel has a viscosity ? at 25° C. of 3 Pa-s???100 Pa-s, which prevents the index-matching gel from wicking into the voids and down the nanostructure optical fiber to a depth where the fiber performance and/or device performance is compromised. The gel is suitable for use when mechanically splicing optical fibers when at least one of the optical fibers is a nanostructure optical fiber. The gel is also suitable for use in fiber optic connectors wherein at least one of the optical fibers constituting the connection is a nanostructure optical fiber.

Abstract: A method of calibrating positions within a materials handling system, wherein the materials handling system includes multiple stations for carrying out tasks and a carrier that is movable between the multiple stations, includes the steps of: providing calibration points at a plurality of the multiple stations; moving the carrier to at least some of the calibration points; contacting the calibration points; recording the locations of the calibration points; and determining locations of key components of the stations based on the locations of the calibration points. In some embodiments, the method includes contacting the calibration points with a calibration tool, which may include: a cylindrical body; a groove in the cylindrical body sized and configured to receive jaws from the carrier; and a cylindrical upper flange positioned on an upper end of the cylindrical body. In this configuration, the tool can be gripped by the carrier and employed to perform a variety of calibration functions.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for monitoring and detecting movement of components of a shipping container latch. A latch monitor may embody an electromagnetic sensing unit and a nearby magnet or light emitter for measuring and characterizing the profile of a nearby electromagnetic field. The field profile is monitored to detect a change in the profile, log the change, and report any abnormal disturbance to the electromagnetic field, indicating a breach of the integrity of a latching mechanism on a shipping container. An alert of a breach event may be sent via a communication network to an authority for response. The invention can distinguish authorized, incidental, and tampering events, and also store and upload an electronic manifest for a shipping container.