Abstract: A system, device, and methods for autonomous navigation using intensity-based localization. One example computer-implemented method includes receiving data including a plurality of intensity values from one or more sensors disposed on a vehicle as the vehicle traverses a route and generating a first group of intensity values wherein the first group includes at least some of the plurality of intensity values received. The method further includes removing the intensity values below an adaptive threshold from the first group of intensity values to generate a second group of intensity values, comparing the second group of intensity values to an intensity map, and generating a localized vehicle position based on the comparison between the second group of intensity values and the intensity map.

Abstract: An adaptive speaker panel is provided. The speaker panel can have a speaker opening and a pair of concentric sealing ribs proximate to the speaker opening, the pair of sealing ribs having a first sealing rib and a second sealing rib towards a center of the speaker opening from the first sealing rib. The first sealing rib is first sealing rib dimensioned to seal against a first speaker basket and the second sealing rib dimensioned to seal against a second speaker basket that is smaller than the first speaker basket. Also, the first sealing rib and the second sealing rib are operatively arranged such that without modification to the speaker panel the first speaker basket or the second speaker basket can be attached to and sealed against the panel.

Abstract: Vane type mist eliminator segments are arranged in a plurality of tiers at separate vertically spaced locations in a tower, typically of the upright, cylindrical type, with the eliminator at each tier covering only a portion of the cross section of the tower. The eliminator segment(s) in each tier are laterally displaced in the tower from the adjacent vertically spaced eliminator segments to form a staggered configuration for the segments. Each mist eliminator preferably extends over 50-70% of the cross-sectional area of the tower to leave an open flow passage in the tier; the staggering of the segments and the associated flow passages defines an upward tortuous or zig-zag open flow path for vapors ascending the tower through the open flow passages when the eliminator segment(s) become fouled in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a panel opening is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plug body including an interior portion and an exterior portion. The exterior portion of the plug body includes a pair of opposed sealing surfaces forming an annular ring. The apparatus also includes a locking blade extending from the interior portion of the plug body across the exterior portion of the plug body. The locking blade is configured to rest in a first position disposed within the annular ring and a second position extending beyond the annular ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of microalgae culture and specifically relates to a trap-type carbon supplement device and carbon supplement method for cultivating microalgae in an open pond. The trap-type carbon supplement device for cultivating microalgae in an open pond, comprises a trap-type container, a partition plate and a gas distributor, wherein the gas distributor is positioned at the culture solution inlet of the trap-type carbon supplement device; the thickness of the trap-type carbon supplement device on the side of the culture solution inlet is 0.5-2 times of the depth of the culture solution in the open pond; the gap between the lower end of the partition plate and the bottom of the trap-type container is 0.5-2 times of the thickness of the trap- type carbon supplement device on the side of the culture solution inlet; the upper end of the partition plate is higher than the wall of the trap-type container; and the width of the partition plate is matched with the trap-type container.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for child restraint monitoring. Some embodiments include determining that a child restraint seat has been installed in a vehicle seat of a vehicle, determining whether the child restraint seat is being properly utilized, and detecting an issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat. Some embodiments include determining that a guardian is remote from the vehicle and, in response to detecting the issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat and determining that the guardian is remote from the vehicle, sending a communication to a third party, wherein the communication provides an option to contact the vehicle to regarding improper utilization of the child restraint seat.

Abstract: A three dimensional woven preform, a fiber reinforced composite incorporating the preform, and methods of making thereof are disclosed. The woven preform includes one or more layers of a warp steered fabric. A portion of the warp steered fabric is compressed into a mold to form an upstanding leg. The preform includes the upstanding leg and a joggle in a body portion. The body portion and upstanding leg are integrally woven so there is continuous fiber across the preform. A portion of the warp steered fabric includes stretch broken carbon fibers in the warp direction, and another portion includes conventional carbon fibers. The warp steered fabric can be woven on a loom equipped with a differential take-up mechanism. The warp steered fabric can be a single or multilayer fabric. The preform or the composite can be a portion of an aircraft window frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the securing of a garnish in a vehicle. The garnish is disposed over the airbag and secures to one or more apertures in the vehicle. The garnish includes a cover, which hides the airbag before it is deployed. A tether is attached to the cover. The tether extends from the cover, and includes a flexible securing portion which is received in the vehicle aperture. When the airbag deploys, the garnish is displaced. Displacement of the garnish, and deployment of the airbag, is enabled by the flexible securing portion, which deforms in response to the airbag, thereby allowing deployment while maintaining attachment of the cover to the vehicle.

Abstract: A magnesium electrochemical cell having a positive electrode containing as an active ingredient, an amorphous material of formula [V2O5]c[MgXy]d[MaOb]e is provided. In the formula M is an element selected from the group consisting of P, B, Si, Ge and Mo, and X is O, F, Cl, Br or I.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for increasing thermal stability of fuel, as well as in reducing nitrogen content and/or enhancing color quality of the fuel. According to the method, a fuel feedstock can be treated with a solid phosphoric acid catalyst under appropriate catalyst conditions, e.g., to increase the thermal stability of the fuel feedstock. Preferably, the fuel feedstock can be treated with the solid phosphoric acid catalyst at a ratio of catalyst mass within a contact zone to a mass flow rate of feedstock through the zone of at least about 18 minutes to increase the thermal stability of the fuel feedstock, along with reducing nitrogen content and/or enhancing color quality.

Abstract: A system and method for a navigation system including a hazard avoidance feature is disclosed. The system and method allows for professionals, civilians, vehicles, robots and computer systems to collaborate and share information regarding hazards, defects, obstacles, flaws, and other abnormalities that exist in any environment. Routes may be planned that avoid these hazards reducing lost time or frustration. Moreover, the system and method is configured for participants to detect, catalog, and share information related to obstacles.

Abstract: Provided is a pool spring cover having an elongate tubular member with openings on first and second sides, respectively. The first and second sides span a longitudinal axis. An attachment member extends generally along the longitudinal axis from a first portion of the second side to a free end. A fastener comprised of a first fastener element and a second fastener element is provided. The first fastener element is associated with the attachment member at the free end and the second fastener element is associated with the tubular member at a second portion of the second side. The first and second fastener elements are adapted to fasten to each other such that the attachment member forms a loop. The first fastener element and the second fastener element may form a one-time use fastener. Also provided are related systems and methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hydroprocessing a petroleum fraction, such as a bottoms fraction from a fuels hydrocracking process, to generate a lubricant base oil. A fuels hydrocracking process typically has less stringent requirements for the sulfur and nitrogen content of a feed as compared to a lubricant base oil. Additionally, depending on the nature of the feed for the fuels hydrocracking process, the bottoms fraction may contain a relatively high level of aromatics compounds. The aromatic content of such a petroleum fraction can be reduced using a aromatic saturation stage with multiple catalyst beds, or alternatively using a reactor (or reactors) with multiple aromatic saturation stages. The catalysts in the various beds or stages can be selected to provide different types of aromatic saturation activity. An initial bed or stage can provide activity for saturation of 1-ring aromatics in the petroleum fraction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for producing at least one low sulfur distillate fuel product with improved low temperature properties. A potential distillate fuel feed is initially hydrotreated to reduce sulfur and nitrogen levels in the feed to desired amounts. The hydrotreated effluent is then fractionated to form several fractions, including a light diesel/distillate fraction and a heavy diesel fraction. The heavy diesel fraction is then dewaxed to improve the cold flow properties of the heavy diesel fraction. The dewaxed heavy diesel fraction can be combined with the light diesel fraction, or the dewaxed heavy diesel fraction can be fractionated as well. Optionally, the heavy diesel fraction is dewaxed under conditions effective for producing a dewaxed fraction with a cloud point that is less than or equal to the cloud point of the light diesel/distillate fraction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a rotor system, particularly for use in a wind turbine generator system. A support (11) is provided having first and second rotating members (12, 13) coupled thereto, the rotating members being able to rotate about a common axis. One or more flexible blades (14, 15) having at least two ends are provided, one end being mounted on the first rotating member and another end being mounted on the second rotating member, so that they may rotate about the common axis. Actuating means are provided, being arranged to cause the ends of each blade to move closer together by movement of at least one of the rotating members along the common axis. The first and second rotating members are arranged to rotate relative to each other, said rotation allowing the flexible blades to coil around an axis.

Abstract: A CO2 amine scrubbing process uses an absorbent mixture combination of an amine containing a primary amino group CO2 sorbent in combination with a non-nucleophilic relatively stronger base. The weaker base(s) are nucleophilic and have the ability to react directly with the CO2 in the gas stream while the relatively stronger bases act as non-nucleophilic promoters for the reaction between the CO2 and the weaker base. Two moles of CO2 can be taken up by the primary amine groups in a dicarboxylation reaction, affording the potential for a highly efficient scrubbing process.

Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly including at least one wear part made from a hard and abrasion-resistant material and a protective housing made from a strong and resilient material and having a downstream chamber adapted to receive one or more of the wear parts in releasably trapped relationship, the downstream chamber having a wall including a post defined by a slot in the downstream chamber wall either side of the post, the post including an inwardly extending protuberance at or near its end and adapted to prevent the wear part from escaping from the downstream chamber.

Abstract: A Kalina Cycle control system monitors one or more operating parameters of the Kalina Cycle. The system calculates one or more optimal operating parameters that allow the Kalina Cycle to operate at an increased efficiency. The system automatically adjusts the one or more actual operating parameters to the optimal parameters to increase the efficiency of the Kalina Cycle. Methods of increasing the efficiency of a Kalina Cycle include automatically adjusting one or more operating parameters to an optimal configuration.