Abstract: A method for powering an internal combustion engine or other device powered by combustion includes a step of feeding a first stream of biogas to a catalytic reforming reactor in which the first stream contacts oxygen to form a first product stream comprising synthesis gas. The first product stream is combined with a second stream of biogas to form a second product stream. The second product stream is provided to a device powered by combustion. A system implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: This specification describes an X-ray scanning system that adaptively generates a scatter signal, in the course of a single scan, based on the detected brightness areas of a scanned object. An X-ray source is configured to emit an X-ray beam towards an area over a target object. At least one detector detects radiation scattered from the target object and generates a corresponding scatter radiation signal. The scatter radiation signal is characterized, at least in part, by one or more brightness levels corresponding to one or more scanned areas of the target object. A feedback controller receives the scatter radiation signal from the detector, generates a signal that is a function of the one or more brightness levels and that is based on the received scatter radiation signal, and transmits the signal to the X-ray source. In response, the X-ray source is configured to receive the signal and adjust the X-ray beam intensity based on the signal.

Abstract: Diffractive optical structures, lens, waveplates, systems and methods of combinations of CDWs (cycloidal diffractive waveplates) and PVGs (polarization volume gratings) that result in high efficiency polarization-insensitive diffraction. Although our modelling and experiments were performed for structures with optical axis orientation periodic along one of the Cartesian coordinates parallel to the plane of the structure, the results are applicable to more complex structures such as diffractive waveplate lenses. The focusing performance of such structures can be predicted by considering the structure to be locally periodic along one axis.

Abstract: A system and methods for a turbo-boost control system are disclosed for providing a driver of a vehicle with greater control over vehicle performance. The turbo-boost control system instructs an electronic control unit of the vehicle to increase the manifold pressure to a higher level before releasing the pressure through a waste gate so as to provide a greater power output of the engine. The turbo-boost control system includes a control module, a wiring harness, and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness couples the control module with a turbo inlet pressure sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The control module sends signals to the electronic control unit based on input readings from the turbo inlet pressure sensor and the manifold absolute pressure sensor. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the power output of the engine.

Abstract: A self-contained, mobile Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracker and hardware assembly and method of use thereof. The mobile RFID asset tracker includes a frame mounted on locking swivel casters which provide a mobile base for mounting of an RFID antenna, RFID reader and other electrical equipment thereon. An electronics control box, which is adjustably mounted on the frame, houses the RFID reader, a custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB) control module, cellular and WIFI modems, and a power source. The electronics control box is operatively engaged via Input/Output (IO) ports and cabling to an external indicator assembly and to the external adjustably mounted RFID antenna.

Abstract: A canned motor device includes a base unit, a motor, and front and rear covers. The base unit includes a side surface including inner and outer annular segments. The motor is mounted in the base unit and includes a flange. The rear cover is mounted in the base unit and includes a disk clamped sealingly between the flange and the inner annular segment. The front cover has an end abutting against the side surface and includes inner and outer surrounding segments. The disk and flange are clamped sealingly between the inner annular and surrounding segments. A first sealing element is disposed between the base unit and the disk. A second sealing element is disposed between the outer annular segment and the outer surrounding segment to form an airtight seal between the base unit and the front cover.

Abstract: Catalytic compositions and sequential catalytic methods are generally described. in some embodiments, a composition comprises a first catalyst comprising a Cu-modified zeolite, and a second catalyst capable of a coupling reaction between (a) an intermediate resulting from a reaction of a reactant at the first catalyst, and (b) a co-reagent, wherein a rate of diffusion of the co-reagent within one or more cages and/or pores of the first catalyst is lower than a rate of diffusion of the intermediate within the one or more cages and/or pores of the first catalyst.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly includes at least one battery cell and a terminal connector mechanism. The at least one battery cell has at least one terminal which includes a terminal engagement portion. The terminal connector mechanism has a retention member and a biasing member. The retention member has retention portion and is configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The biasing member is positioned between the housing and the retention member to bias the retention member towards the engaged position. In the engaged position, the retention portion of the retention member engages with the terminal engagement portion to inhibit movement of the terminal connector mechanism. In the disengaged position, the retention portion of the retention member is disengaged from the terminal engagement portion to permit movement of the terminal connector mechanism.

Abstract: A method for sealing a post-cast strip in a foundation with no gap includes the following steps: mounting steel plates, horizontal pipes and vertical pipes cooperatively layer by layer in a post-cast strip, respectively, such that the upper open end of each vertical pipe protrudes from the ground through the post-cast strip; pouring grout into the post-cast strip from the top of the post-cast strip after the end of the settlement of the foundation, and carrying out high-pressure grouting into the vertical pipe using grouting equipment simultaneously; delivering the sealing grout poured into the vertical pipe to the horizontal pipes, such that the sealing grout overflows from the grout outlets of the horizontal pipes to densely fill up existing gaps; and cutting off the portion of the vertical pipe above the ground after the post-cast strip is completely sealed, and levelling the top of the cut-off vertical pipe with concrete.

Abstract: Aquatic structures with adjustable buoyancy constructed in part with a vent valve for a buoyancy control device suitable for divers, where the vent valve may be opened by any combination of over-pressure, manual pressure relief or a powered means, where a force to a valve plug is applied by means of a spring that is constrained to prevent entirely lateral and angular movement but in which movement of the plug in the axis of the seat is unconstrained.

Abstract: Provided is a polycarbonate resin composition that can block ultraviolet light as well as light on the visible light side therefrom at wavelengths of 400 to 420 nm, and that is free of the problem of gas generation during molding. The polycarbonate resin composition characteristically comprises, per 100 parts by mass of a polycarbonate resin (A), (i) 0.02 to 1 parts by mass of a sesamol group-containing benzotriazole ultraviolet absorber (B1) having a maximum absorption wavelength of at least 375 nm in the absorption curve determined according to JIS K 7105 using the following formula, or (ii) 0.08 to 1 parts by mass of a sesamol group-containing benzotriazole ultraviolet absorber (B2) having a maximum absorption wavelength of at least 360 nm and less than 375 nm in the absorption curve determined according to JIS K 7105 using the following formula; and 0.01 to 0.5% by mass of a stabilizer (C).

Abstract: A system for actively mitigating a buffeting noise in an occupant compartment of a vehicle when the vehicle is moving. The system is configured to determine an estimated effective volume of the occupant compartment, and to determine if a single window of the vehicle occupant compartment is open. Responsive to a determination that a single window of the vehicle occupant compartment is open, and using the estimated effective volume of the occupant compartment, an estimated buffeting noise frequency is determined. Responsive to the estimated buffeting noise frequency, the system determines characteristics of a sound configured to cancel a buffeting noise generated inside the occupant compartment while the vehicle is moving. The system may then control operation of a noise cancelling signal generating system to generate the sound having characteristics configured to cancel the buffeting noise inside the occupant compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active shunt capacitance cancelling oscillator circuit. Such systems can be used in resonator-based methods, while avoiding impedance distortion and phase shift anomalies.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to surgical devices, systems, and methods. The system includes a surgical arm having segments and joints. A first joint couples first and second segments. A second joint couples second segment to an end effector joint. End effector joint couples second joint to an end effector. A joint driving assembly includes first joint driving subassembly having a first joint driving subsystem and first joint driving cables. First joint driving subsystem is configurable to move second segment relative to first segment. A second joint driving subassembly includes second joint driving subsystem and second joint driving cables. Second joint driving subsystem is configurable to move end effector joint relative to second segment. An end effector joint driving subassembly includes end effector joint driving subsystem and end effector joint driving cables. End effector joint driving subsystem is configurable to move end effector relative to second joint.

Abstract: A manual skiver (10) for precise removal of outside material from an elongated device, such as a medical catheter or the like, includes a longitudinal recess (11) in a planar bottom surface (24) at the front end, a transverse replaceable blade (28) therein, a removable cover (32), and a handle (22) extending from the back end thereof. A second embodiment (66) is also disclosed.

Abstract: To predict a failure condition in a power module of a vehicle, it is determined whether a discontinuity in statistical data characterizing physical measurements of the power module meets a threshold criterion. Responsive to the discontinuity meeting the threshold criterion, a data offset in the physical measurements is computed at the discontinuity. A shift correction is applied to the physical measurements in accordance with the computed data offset responsive to a determination that the discontinuity is attributable to a restart of the power module. Other statistical data characterizing the shift-corrected physical measurements are computed and the statistical data and the other statistical data are provided to a machine learning processor that predicts the failure condition in the power module.

Abstract: Bird carriers and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each bird carrier may include a torso support, one or more leg clamps, and a head support. The head support may further include a beak receiving passage such that at least a portion of the birds' beaks are exposed. The bird carriers may restrain one or both legs and heads of the birds while supporting their torsos. Restraining the legs and the heads of the birds while supporting their torsos may produce a calming effect such that the birds exhibit significantly reduced struggling in an attempt to free themselves from the carrier.

Abstract: A hot-press sintering method to prepare a loop heat pipe evaporator includes: putting a shell of the evaporator into a mould, uniformly and compactly filling corresponding positions in the mould with material powders of an evaporation core, a heat insulation core and a transmission core, applying a pressure high enough to tightly fit the evaporation core and the transmission core to the shell at corresponding sintering temperatures of powder materials for the evaporation core and the transmission core, carrying out hot-press sintering for molding, carrying out cooling after metallurgically bonding the powder materials of the evaporation core and the transmission core, and carrying out demolding to obtain the loop heat pipe evaporator, wherein the mould is provided with corresponding structures shaped like steam channels on positions where the evaporation core is provided with the steam channels.

Abstract: A safety device for a lock mechanism may have a housing that encapsulates the lock mechanism. The housing may have at least one opening, through which at least one adjustment element coupled to the lock mechanism is guidable. The at least one opening may have a sealing element. A seat track for a seat is also disclosed. The seat track may have a first track assembly with at least one track member, a second track assembly with at least one further track member, and a lock mechanism configured to lock an adjustment of the seat.