Abstract: A method, apparatus and/or system for measuring engine oil consumption using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Abstract: A fumed silica monolithic integrating cavity device. The device is configured to facilitate optical measurements taken from a sample positioned within a cavity of the device. The cavity is defined by a fumed silica monolith with the added feature of a fused quartz lining on the surface of the monolith. This provides an intermediate surface that allows for cleaning and reuse of the highly effective diffuse light scattering fumed silica monolith. Furthermore, the lining may be placed under pressure or vacuum to structurally enhance mechanical integrity of the underlying monolith. Thus, continued or reliably repeated use of the device may be appreciated as well as use in more industrial environments that are prone to vibration.

Abstract: A synthetic route to scopolamine and/or atropine. In such context, the present invention identifies a method for preparing 6,7-dehydro atropine, which can be converted into either scopolamine and/or atropine, along with a method for converting a protected pyrrole into a tetrachlorobicylic compound, such as benzyl 3-oxo-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-ene-8-carboxylate.

Abstract: A far square or diamond architecture engine with tumble flow to support spark-ignited fuel usage. The engine may be provided in a configuration generally suited for swirl flow, compression combustion fuel usage. However, the introduction of a unique, replaceable valve head assembly may be utilized to induce tumble flow within a combustion chamber of the engine. Thus, spark-ignited fuel may be utilized without requiring vast overhaul of the engine to accommodate such fuels. Notably, with the addition of such an assembly, diesel fuel may be replaced with natural gas on large scale equipment without the requirement of impractically burdensome or expensive measures.

Abstract: A method of generating a digital twin and of using the digital twin to predict activity of an animate subject. The digital twin is generated from at least system model data and movement data. The digital twin can be activated to simulate a specified activity that the subject is performing or will perform. If desired, the subject can be instructed to perform the same activity while wearing at least one wearable sensor, which is applied to the digital twin. Using artificial intelligence techniques, the activity simulation predicts one or more physical outcomes from the activity.

Abstract: A seamless fumed silica monolithic integrating cavity device tailored to analyzing a flowed sample. The device is configured to facilitate optical measurements taken from a sample flowed through a cavity of the device. The cavity is defined by a fumed silica monolith with the added feature of a fused quartz lining on the surface of the monolith. This provides an intermediate surface that allows for cleaning and reuse of the highly effective diffuse light scattering fumed silica monolith. The lining may be placed under pressure or vacuum to structurally enhance mechanical integrity of the underlying monolith. Thus, continued or reliably repeated use of the device may be appreciated as well as use in more industrial environments that are prone to vibration. Additionally, while well suited for flow-based sample analysis, a valve of the cavity may be utilized for holding a sample in a temporarily static state for measurement.

Abstract: An electrical igniter for incendiary and explosive devices. In particular, an electrical igniter assembly comprising two component parts including a cap and well where an ignition or detonation mixture may then be positioned within the well along with electrical leads.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes first and second road surface image obtaining devices that are located on a bottom surface of the vehicle body and obtain images of a road surface below the vehicle body, respectively. The autonomous vehicle also includes a memory unit that stores a map image of the road surface, the map image being associated with geographical location information. The autonomous vehicle further includes first and second self-location estimating units that each compare a feature extracted from the image of the road surface obtained by corresponding one of the first and second road surface image obtaining devices with a feature extracted from the map image, thereby estimating a self-location of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A retainer apparatus configured to releasably retain an article, comprising a face plate member each having a front face, a plurality of vacuum cups and a plurality of support pins each extending distally relative to the front face, respectively, wherein the vacuum cups and the support pins are laterally spaced from one another, wherein the plurality of vacuum cups retain the article to the retainer apparatus in a presence of vacuum, wherein the plurality of support pins are extendable/retractable relative to the face plate member, wherein each of the support pins have a longitudinal axis, respectively, and are configured to contact the article to support the article against movement along the longitudinal axis and support the article against movement transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a locking mechanism configured to inhibit the support pins from being retractable and extendable when the locking mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: Vehicle controller circuitry for a subject vehicle to determine vehicle constraints including predicted values for vehicle speed of at least one other vehicle and predicted values of for vehicle position of the at least one other vehicle relative to the subject vehicle, wherein the vehicle constraints are determined at predetermined time steps (k) over a time horizon (Th).

Abstract: A rotating detonation engine including an annular main chamber configured to sustain a main shockwave that moves along a perimeter of the main chamber and an annular pilot chamber configured to sustain a pilot shockwave that moves along a perimeter of the pilot chamber. The main shockwave may be generated in response to the pilot shockwave extending into the main chamber.

Abstract: A method of charging a lithium-ion battery. It is assumed that the battery has a cooling system. A desired temperature profile for the battery during charging is determined. The charge current is pulse width modulated (PWM), as is the activation of the cooling system. During charging, various parameters of either or both of the PWM signals are adjusted such that the desired temperature profile is maintained.

Abstract: A method of providing a passive ignition pre-chamber for an internal combustion engine. The pre-chamber is typically implemented as a cap on the electrode end of a spark plug and encloses a pre-chamber volume in which fuel is mixed with air to form a consistently ignitable mixture. The pre-chamber is passive in the sense that gas exchange with the engine's main combustion chamber is realized by local flow fields near nozzles into the main chamber and by pressure differences between the pre-chamber and the main chamber. The nozzles are sized such that at least one of the nozzles has a larger diameter than the remaining nozzles, as optimized using flow field and pre-chamber turbulence analysis.

Abstract: An end of arm tool (EOAT) for use during manufacture of parts using one or more pre-impregnated composite plies is disclosed. In an embodiment, the EOAT includes a mechanical gripper arrangement with first and second fingers configured to supply a compressive force to grip a pre-impregnated composite ply therebetween. At least one of the first and second fingers include a roller member to engage opposite surfaces of the pre-preg ply and supply a compressive gripping force. The roller member on either or both the first and second fingers preferably include a torque regulator to selectively adjust an associated roller member's resistance to rotation via supply of a rotational torque resistance.

Abstract: A self-driving assembly capable of traversing an elevated window. The elevated narrow space window may be present within a confined area, for example, at a wall separating different wide space rooms. The assembly is configured to carry out unique techniques for gaining access to the window from a floor level location. Further, in addition to gaining access unique stabilizing features may be employed both in terms of physical security at an edge defining the window as well as in the form of maintaining balance through unique control over mass transfer when secured at the window.

Abstract: An autonomous self-driving assembly for confined regions. The assembly is configured to move within and through narrow spaces as well as larger wider spaces. Once more, the assembly may support the carrying out of load-based applications even within the wider spaces. The assembly includes bracing capacity within such wide spaces to facilitate the carrying out of such load-based applications.

Abstract: An autonomous self-driving assembly that includes a shape-shifting tread unit. The tread unit is utilized the support the mobility of the assembly while also of a shape-shifting capacity to brace the assembly in a narrow space of a confined area. In this manner, a load-based application may be performed with the assembly in a stable and reliable manner. Once more, the shape-shifting tread unit includes jacking mechanisms to support the raising of the vertical profile of the unit to attain the bracing. At the same time, tensioners are used to cooperatively shorten the vertical profile so as to maintain a predetermined range of tension on the treads of the unit during the shape shifting.

Abstract: A valve system that includes a housing defining an intake port, a cylinder port and a valve bore; wherein the intake port defining a valve seat portion at an interface between the intake port and the cylinder port. The valve system also includes a valve to control fluid communication between the intake port and the cylinder port. The valve includes a valve stem disposed within the valve bore and extending into the cylinder port and extending out of the housing, the valve stem having an open face exposed to atmospheric pressure and a valve head coupled to the valve stem comprising a first face and an opposing second face. A diameter of the valve stem is selected to control a closing force on the first face of the valve head.

Abstract: Separation of carbon dioxide from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine, the production of hydrogen from water, and reformation of carbon dioxide and hydrogen into relatively high-octane fuel components.

Abstract: A system for providing microwave energy to aftertreatment devices that treat the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. The system has a microwave generator and a transmission network for delivering the microwaves to one or more of the aftertreatment devices. The transmission network comprises a combination of solid and hollow waveguides. Antenna(s) transmit microwave energy into the working chamber the aftertreatment device(s), with at least one of the devices having antenna(s) capable of distributing microwave energy throughout its chamber.