Abstract: An acoustic fiber silencer for a motor vehicle includes a first sound absorbing layer and a second sound insulating layer. The layers are formed of lightweight fibrous material, and the sound insulating layer is quilted. The acoustic fiber silencer includes a frame to which the sound absorbing and sound insulating layers are secured. The frame provides structural support and shape to the sound absorbing and sound insulating layers. The acoustic fiber silencer is lightweight while maintaining excellent noise attenuation properties.

Abstract: A hybrid acoustic silencer for a motor vehicle includes an insertion loss layer tuned for good insertion loss properties at specific frequencies and an absorption layer tuned for good absorption properties at specific frequencies. The insertion loss layer is configured to be adjacent to a sound radiating surface of the motor vehicle and the absorption layer is configured to face outward from the sound radiating surface of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The specification discloses a patterned thickness article, a patterned injection molding, and a method for manufacturing the article. The injection molding has patterned internal surface including high-flow channels and a plurality of intermediate and/or lower-flow channels having varying cross-sectional areas within the injection molding. The method includes providing such an injection molding; providing a flow of molten material through a sprue and into the high-flow channels; creating a flow front in the injection molding that advances from the sprue along the high-flow channels and the intermediate and/or lower-flow channels; and applying a clamping pressure to said injection molding.

Abstract: The specification discloses a high-profile, low-volume trash/recycling cart that is compatible with existing pick-up equipment and includes a reduced volume. The cart includes a container and a pedestal supporting the container. The pedestal increases the overall height of the cart to be conveniently handled by existing automated handling equipment. The container can be separated from the pedestal and used as a standalone refuse container. Additionally, wheels may be included on the container to provide a rolling standalone container. Alternatively or additionally, when the pedestal is separated from the container, the pedestal can be fitted with a handle to provide a utility cart.

Abstract: An RFID assembly for securing an RFID device to a container. The assembly includes a clip having a first leg and a second leg connected by a resiliently flexible byte portion. The RFID device is attached to the clip. The assembly is inserted under and within an upper rim of a container, and the spring force provided by the byte portion secures the clip within the space, hidden from view. The first and/or second legs may include teeth to assist in securing the assembly in position.

Abstract: A wheel assembly that may be installed on, and removed from, an axle without the need for tools. The wheel assembly includes a wheel, at least one clip supported by the wheel, and a cover securing the clip in position. The wheel assembly is mountable on an axle including a circumferential groove and is retained on the axle by the extension of the clip into the groove. The clip includes an actuator arm extending away from the plane of the wheel so as to be readily accessible for actuation by one's fingers. Actuation of the arm withdraws the clip from the groove to release the wheel from the axle. Preferably two clips are provided diametrically opposite one another, enabling both arms to be actuated simultaneously in a pinching operation.

Abstract: A waste cart includes a container having first and second wall portions, and first and second openings defined by the wall portions to receive and support a grab bar. The container includes at least one positioning element to constrain the lateral movement of the grab bar. During assembly, the first end of the grab bar is inserted through the opening in the first sidewall, and the grab bar is pivoted to align the grab bar with the opening in the second sidewall. During the pivoting of the grab bar, the first positioning element is deformed. The second end of the grab bar is inserted into the opening in the second sidewall, allowing the first positioning element to snap back to its original, non-deformed orientation. When the grab bar is installed, the positioning elements are positioned at the outer ends of the grab bar.

Abstract: A waste cart includes a container having first and second wall portions, and first and second openings defined by the wall portions to receive and support a grab bar. The container includes at least one positioning element to constrain the lateral movement of the grab bar. During assembly, the first end of the grab bar is inserted through the opening in the first sidewall, and the grab bar is pivoted to align the grab bar with the opening in the second sidewall. During the pivoting of the grab bar, the first positioning element is deformed. The second end of the grab bar is inserted into the opening in the second sidewall, allowing the first positioning element to snap back to its original, non-deformed orientation. When the grab bar is installed, the positioning elements are positioned at the outer ends of the grab bar.

Abstract: A method of forming a container includes providing a mold including at least one bulbous protrusion. The mold is closed to form a mold cavity corresponding to the shape of the container, with the bulbous protrusion being positioned in the mold cavity. Material is injected into the mold cavity to form the container, and the material envelopes the bulbous protrusion to create an undercut slot. The container is removed from the mold and the bulbous protrusion is withdrawn from the slot.

Abstract: A waste cart includes a container having a wall, with a pocket formed in an outer surface of the wall that creates a first sidewall facing a second sidewall, with an opening formed in both sidewalls. A grab bar has a free-sliding end and a retention end. The free-sliding end is inserted through the opening in the first sidewall, and the retention end is inserted through the opening in the second sidewall. The retention end includes a retainer for securing the grab bar with respect to the second sidewall. In the current embodiment, the grab bar includes a snap element near the retention end and a flange portion between the snap element and the free-sliding end. When the grab bar is installed, a portion of the second sidewall is positioned between the snap element and the flange portion.

Abstract: A wheel assembly that may be installed on, and removed from, an axle without the need for tools. The wheel assembly includes a wheel, at least one clip supported by the wheel, and a cover securing the clip in position. The wheel assembly is mountable on an axle including a circumferential groove and is retained on the axle by the extension of the clip into the groove. The clip includes an actuator arm extending away from the plane of the wheel so as to be readily accessible for actuation by one's fingers. Actuation of the arm withdraws the clip from the groove to release the wheel from the axle. Preferably two clips are provided diametrically opposite one another, enabling both arms to be actuated simultaneously in a pinching operation.

Abstract: An individual transportation system (10) includes a track system (12), including a primary track section (14), a switching track section (16) and loading/unloading section (18). The transportation system (10) additionally includes a plurality of carriages (20) supported by the track system (12), and a plurality of underslung passenger vehicles (22) each matably engageable with one of the carriages, and adapted to hold at least one passenger therein. The transportation system (10) further includes a storage facility (24) for storing the vehicles (22) when they are disengaged from the carriage, whereby a carriage and vehicle combination traveling on the primary track can be switched between primary track section (14) via an associated switching track section (16), and can be switched to the loading/unloading track (18), wherein the vehicle may be disengaged from carriage (20) and stored in the storage facility (24).

Abstract: A method of forming a container includes providing a mold including at least one bulbous protrusion. The mold is closed to form a mold cavity corresponding to the shape of the container, with the bulbous protrusion being positioned in the mold cavity. Material is injected into the mold cavity to form the container, and the material envelopes the bulbous protrusion to create an undercut slot. The container is removed from the mold and the bulbous protrusion is withdrawn from the slot.

Abstract: A waste cart includes a container having a wall, with a pocket formed in an outer surface of the wall that creates a first sidewall facing a second sidewall, with an opening formed in both sidewalls. A grab bar has a free-sliding end and a retention end. The free-sliding end is inserted through the opening in the first sidewall, and the retention end is inserted through the opening in the second sidewall. The retention end includes a retainer for securing the grab bar with respect to the second sidewall. In the current embodiment, the grab bar includes a snap element near the retention end and a flange portion between the snap element and the free-sliding end. When the grab bar is installed, a portion of the second sidewall is positioned between the snap element and the flange portion.

Abstract: An automated transportation system includes a plurality of vehicles adapted to travel along a pathway, and a monitoring system located within each vehicle and adapted to monitor a location and a speed between an associated vehicle and the pathway. The automated transportation system also includes a transmitter located within each vehicle and adapted to transmit a signal that includes data on the location and the speed monitored, and a receiver located within each vehicle and adapted to receive the signal from each of the other vehicles. The automated transportation system further includes a controller located within each vehicle and adapted to interpret the signal received by the receiver and control the associated vehicle to provide proper spacing between the remaining vehicles to avoid collisions therebetween and maximize throughput of the vehicles along the pathway.

Abstract: An RFID enabled waste/recycling container includes a molded plastic body; and a case containing an RFID device. The case includes a front surface and a rear surface defining a wedge-shape. The case is in-molded with the plastic body such that a substantial portion of the front surface and the rear surface are exposed. In another embodiment, the case is also designed to snap-fit to a waste/recycling container.

Abstract: A connection system for sealingly interconnecting components of a high pressure fluid flow system, for example, an automobile engine air intake. The system can include a conduit defining a groove that is locked in a corresponding groove defined by a component, for example, an engine intake. An interlock ring is placed in the conduit groove. A clamp is placed over the interlock ring, however, the clamp and ring can be an integral component. When tightened, the clamp forces the ring into the conduit groove, which presses the conduit into sealing and/or locking engagement with the component groove.