Abstract: A plug-in hybrid vehicle includes an engine mechanically coupled to at least one wheel and having a turbocharger. A first electric machine is coupled to at least one wheel. A second electric machine is coupled to the turbocharger. An electric store or battery is coupled to the first and second electric machines. A controller is coupled to the second electric machine and a plug configured to connect to an external electric grid. The second electric machine is configured to drive the turbocharger during charging of the battery from the external electric grid via the plug.

Abstract: This disclosure details multi-function cargo management systems for managing and securing cargo on vehicles. An exemplary vehicle cargo management system includes a first configuration (e.g., a tie down assembly) for securing a cargo item within a cargo space (e.g., truck bed, trunk, frunk, etc.) of the vehicle, and includes a second configuration (e.g., a roof rack assembly) for securing the cargo item on the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: Poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds are disclosed herein comprising positively charged organic groups. The degree of substitution of the ether compounds is about 0.05 to about 3.0. Also disclosed are methods of producing poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds having positively charged organic groups, as well as methods of using these ether compounds for increasing the viscosity of a aqueous compositions. Hydrocolloids and aqueous solutions comprising the ether compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and kits for use in detecting and measuring infectious diseases are provided. In particular embodiments, methods, devices, systems, and kits for detecting and measuring Ebola virus, including Ebola Zaire strain virus, are provided. Devices and systems may be used within regions suffering from Ebola or other infections, providing local, rapid, and effective diagnosis of infectious diseases such as Ebola, improving treatment and reducing or preventing spread of such infectious diseases.

Abstract: A method and a manager for managing a storage system including a manager and a storage device. The storage device includes a data region and a metadata region. The data region is divided into data blocks. The metadata region stores metadata describing zeroing states of the data blocks. The method comprises allocating a metadata cache in a memory of the manager. The metadata cache includes respective zeroing indication bits indicative of the zeroing states of the corresponding data blocks. The allocating procedure comprises allocating a user data cache for reading or writing user data and allocating a background zeroing cache for a background zeroing operation of the storage device. The method further comprises, in response to receiving an I/O request for the storage system, processing the I/O request with the metadata cache.

Abstract: A bimini top for a boat. The bimini top includes a cover and a frame supporting the cover. The frame may include a first support pivotally connected to an inboard side of a first leg of a tower. The first support has a profile in a stowed position that, when viewed from the port side in the stowed position, is hidden behind the portion of the first leg with the first profile. The frame may also include a second support pivotally connected to an inboard side of a second leg of the tower. The second support has a profile in the stowed position that, when viewed from the starboard side in the stowed position, is hidden behind the portion of the second leg with the second profile. The bimini top may also include a line including a plurality of hangers is integrally formed in the line.

Abstract: A panel audio loudspeaker includes a panel extending in a plane. The loudspeaker also includes an actuator coupled to one side of the panel and configured to couple vibrations to the panel to cause the panel to emit audio waves. The actuator includes a rigid frame attached to a surface of the panel, the rigid frame includes a portion extending perpendicular to the panel surface and a plate extending parallel to the panel. The actuator also includes a magnet assembly and a magnetic coil forming a magnetic circuit. The actuator further includes at least one flexible member connecting the magnetic circuit to the portion of the rigid frame extending perpendicular to the panel surface. The actuator also includes a compliant member positioned between the magnetic circuit and the panel, the compliant member being configured to increase output of the loudspeaker compared to the actuator without the compliant member.

Abstract: A non-contact power reception apparatus is provided, in which a power reception coil for a charging system and a loop antenna for an electronic settlement system are mounted on a battery pack and a cover case of a portable terminal such that the power reception coil is arranged in the center thereof and the loop antenna is disposed outside the power reception coil, so that a mode of receiving a wireless power signal and a mode of transmitting and receiving data are selectively performed, thereby preventing interference from harmonic components and enabling non-contact charging and electronic settlement using a single portable terminal. A jig for fabricating a core to be mounted to the non-contact power reception apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a dual-chamber container with an inner container for holding a food item to be cooked and an outer container for maintaining contact between a temperature-controlled heat transfer liquid and the inner container while the food is being cooked. The dual-chamber container includes an inlet fluid port and outflow fluid port which may be coupled directly to corresponding fluid port connectors on a temperature control unit, or an intervening fluid coupling assembly may convey heat transfer liquid between the control unit and the dual-chamber container. Some control units are adapted to simultaneously control cooking temperature for more than one dual-chamber container. Some dual-chamber containers have a flexible inner container that is separable from an outer container which may be a rigid container or a flexible container.

Abstract: An ADV may determine a predicted path for a moving obstacle. The ADV may determine a predicted area based on the predicted path. The ADV may determine a path for the ADV based on the predicted area. The path for the ADV may avoid the predicted area when determining the path for the ADV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles and b) a hydrophobically modified poly(oxyalkylene-urethane) rheology modifier having a 1) backbone; and 2) a hydrophobic portion represented by Fragment I: where R and R1 are defined herein. The composition is useful as an aqueous coating formulation that exhibits a highly shear thinning rheology profile suitable for spray applications to provide high sag resistance without adverse impact on gloss or corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A door assembly and a frame member for a door assembly. The door assembly may include at least one door panel and a door frame having a plurality of frame members including a header and a pair of side jambs. The invention may also be considered a frame member. The frame member may include a core; and a top piece adjoining the core to form a structural member. The core and the top piece may be a composite of cellulosic material and at least one other material. The top piece may be a two-piece top piece and may include hollow cavities. Also disclosed are door jamb frame members and mullion frame members.