Abstract: A hydraulic brake system includes a piston that separates a first pressure chamber from a second pressure chamber of a cylinder bore. A valve within a piston bore is movable between three positions. In the first position, the first and second pressure chambers are in fluid communication with a low-pressure fluid supply; in the second position, the second pressure chamber is isolated from the first pressure chamber and the low-pressure fluid supply; in the third position, a high-pressure fluid supply is in fluid communication with the second pressure chamber, allowing high-pressure fluid to flow into the second pressure chamber. High pressure in the second pressure chamber moves the boost piston, applying boosted braking pressure to a vehicle brake. Pressure in the second chamber against a surface of the valve biases the valve toward the first position.

Abstract: Hydrophobic, asymmetric membranes are formed integrally from elastomeric polymers. The membranes have a dense, discriminating layer and a thick, porous support layer and require no other support. The membranes of the invention provide an economic advantage over prior art composite membranes used for separating target organics from a mixture. Using the methods of the invention it is possible to separate two or more organic components wherein discrimination is made on the basis of molecular size.

Abstract: Oral, topical and injectable contraceptives, which are based on sperm protein 22 kDa (SP22) polypeptides and antibodies and infertility diagnostics and kits are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an open-path optical sensor. Typically, the optical sensor directs UV radiation from a source assembly to a detector assembly along a monitoring path. The source assembly emits UV radiation corresponding to a signal channel and to a reference channel. The detector assembly detects UV radiation corresponding to the signal channel and to the reference channel. The detector assembly is in communication with a data acquisition system, which compares the intensity of the detected UV radiation corresponding to the signal channel to the intensity of the UV radiation corresponding to the reference channel.

Abstract: A turbocharged engine system is configured to vaporize methanol using heat from exhaust gases and uses the vaporized methanol to drive the engine's turbocharger. The methanol may also be dissociated into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. After passing through the turbocharger, the vapor is injected into the engine by port injection. By selective timing of exhaust valves, the exhaust gases are separated into two streams, a first stream comprising gases ejected during exhaust blowdown, and a second stream of gases ejected during the remainder of the engine's exhaust stroke. The blowdown gases are employed to drive a separate turbine of the turbocharger.

Abstract: An energy storage car for a locomotive includes a hydraulic energy storage system designed to capture and reuse energy normally lost in dynamic braking. The energy storage car is preferably configured to provide functions sufficient to replace one of multiple locomotives used to pull a freight train. Braking and other methods for improved efficiency of such trains are provided.

Abstract: A reactor produces a surface corona for emitting UV light and for the production of ozone by passing air or oxygen through the surface corona. The emitted UV light activates a photocatalyst coated on a surface facing a surface with embedded electrodes which generate the surface corona. The photocatalyst is a thin film of nanoparticle TiO2 with primary particle size of 0.02 to 0.2 ?m was deposited on a substrate by a flame aerosol method. The method combines ozonation and photocatalysis to provide effective and efficient oxidation of alcohols and hydrocarbons to value added products. The method can also be used for air and water cleaning.

Abstract: A hydraulic energy storage system (comprising a hydraulic pump/motor, a high pressure hydraulic accumulator, a low pressure hydraulic accumulator/reservoir, and interconnecting hydraulic lines) is incorporated into a EV, HEV, or PHEV to provide hydraulic regenerative braking and propulsive assistance for the vehicle. Implementation of the low cost and long-lasting hydraulic energy storage system in the vehicle, together with the electric energy storage system (comprising a motor/generator and battery pack) of the vehicle, allows significantly reduced demands and higher operating efficiencies for the battery pack, thereby facilitating a more cost-effective, efficient and/or durable overall energy storage system for the vehicle.

Abstract: A turbocharger system includes first and second turbines arranged such that exhaust gas passes through the first turbine then the second turbine. A bypass channel is configured such that exhaust gas entering the channel passes only through the second turbine. A valve positioned in the bypass channel regulates the flow of gas therethrough. The valve accelerates a stream of gas and focuses the stream toward the second turbine such that a large part of the added velocity of the stream is preserved as it enters the second turbine. Operation of the valve may be controlled so as to maintain the valve in a closed position while exhaust gas pressure above the first turbine pressure is below a first threshold, to progressively open the valve as the pressure increases above the first threshold, and to maintain the valve in a full-open position while the pressure is above a second threshold.

Abstract: A method for operating a series hybrid vehicle is provided, in which an engine generates secondary power that is either stored or used as direct input energy by a secondary power source to provide motive power to the vehicle. Regenerative braking is used to convert kinetic energy of the vehicle into secondary energy, which is also stored. When the vehicle driver makes a power demand, the secondary power source is powered by secondary energy from an energy storage device, direct input energy generated by the engine, or both, depending on the amount of stored secondary energy in combination with vehicle speed. When in use, the power level at which the engine is operated is also determined on the basis of available stored energy and vehicle speed. At higher vehicle speeds, the amount of stored energy is allowed to be depleted in order to increase the available storage capacity for regenerative braking.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold has features adapted to the needs of hybrid vehicle applications. In one embodiment, multifunction valves selectively regulate fluid flow among primary and auxiliary flow paths. A normally closed butterfly valve is biased by a relatively small secondary biasing force against rotation in first and second (opposite) directions, and by a relatively large principal biasing force against rotation in the first direction past a transitional angular position at which the principal biasing force takes effect. An actuator selectively controls the transitional angular position and the magnitude of the principal biasing force. In the first direction, flow must overcome only the secondary biasing force to pass the valve. In the second direction, any flow sufficient to overcome the secondary biasing force but not the principal biasing force will divide into a first flow passing the valve and a second flow induced to enter an auxiliary path upstream.

Abstract: A fail-safe system for a hybrid vehicle employing an over-center variable-displacement hydraulic motor includes an actuator configured to stroke the motor to a zero angle if each of two control ports is supplied with fluid at an equal pressure. A control valve is configured, in the event of loss of power to the valve, to default to a position in which high-pressure fluid is supplied to both control ports. A pilot-controlled check valve is coupled between high- and low-pressure ports of the motor such that, during normal operation, passage of fluid through the check valve from the high-pressure port to the low-pressure port is checked, while passage of fluid through the check valve from the second port to the first port is enabled. When the pilot control is activated, passage of fluid in the opposite direction is also enabled.

Abstract: In a bent axis hydraulic machine, a back plate and cylinder barrel vary in distance from a drive plate as a stroke angle of the cylinder barrel changes, thereby minimizing unswept fluid volume in the cylinders of the barrel at any stroke angle. Distance is controlled by one or more rollers, engaging respective tracks that define a profile of contact that determines the distance as a function of the stroke angle. Telescoping fluid supply channels are employed to maintain a fluid supply to the cylinder barrel as the distance changes.

Abstract: Fail-safe methods for utilizing an over-center pump/motor in a hydraulic hybrid vehicle are disclosed. A high-pressure fluid shutoff valve and an optional electrically or manually operated valve are additionally provided as means to ensure disconnection of the high pressure source in the event of a failure. Displacement stroke position and pressure differentials across the pump/motor are continually monitored. On detection of various modes of failure or irregularity in control of displacement, actions are taken including any of: the high pressure and low pressure accumulators are shut off automatically or manually, a check valve between the high and low pressure ports of the pump/motor is activated, and a small amount of pressurized fluid is released from the high pressure circuit to depressurize the captive fluid. Safe startup and shutdown procedures are also specified.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of nano-organocatalysts, and, more specifically, to the use of magnetic nanomaterial-supported organocatalysts. It is an object of the present invention to provide “green” catalysts and protocols. According to one embodiment of the invention, a nano-organocatalyst in the form of a magnetic nanomaterial-supported organocatalyst is provided. According to other embodiments of the invention, glutathione and cysteine are provided as organocatalysts and magnetic nanomaterial-supported glutathione and magnetic nanomaterial-supported cysteine are provided for use as nano-organocatalysts. According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of using a recyclable magnetic nanomaterial-supported organocatalyst using a totally benign aqueous protocol, without using any organic solvent in the reaction or during the workup, is provided.

Abstract: In a series hybrid vehicle, a system for determining a shift schedule for shifting a multi-gear transmission connected to a drive means is disclosed. A vehicle operator selects among a plurality of shift styles respectively representing a plurality of shift schedules variously optimized for performance or fuel economy. A performance-based shift schedule favors providing maximum power to the road by starting at the first (lowest) gear when accelerating from a stop and utilizing all available gears of the transmission. An economy based shift schedule favors energy efficiency by skipping the first gear and optionally one or more higher-numbered gears in order to bias operation of the drive means toward lower speeds and higher torque output while reducing shift frequency.

Abstract: A hydraulic energy storage system (comprising a hydraulic pump/motor, a high pressure hydraulic accumulator, a low pressure hydraulic accumulator/reservoir, and interconnecting hydraulic lines) is incorporated into a EV, HEV, or PHEV to provide hydraulic regenerative braking and propulsive assistance for the vehicle. Implementation of the low cost and long-lasting hydraulic energy storage system in the vehicle, together with the electric energy storage system (comprising a motor/generator and battery pack) of the vehicle, allows significantly reduced demands and higher operating efficiencies for the battery pack, thereby facilitating a more cost-effective, efficient and/or durable overall energy storage system for the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic machine includes first and second opposing motors. Displacement of the first and second motors is controlled such that while the sum of the displacements of the first and second motors is below a threshold, the displacement of the first motor is substantially equal to the sum, and the displacement of the second motor is substantially equal to zero. While the sum of the displacements is above the threshold, the displacement of the first motor may be substantially equal to the displacement of the second motor, either as a displacement percentage or as a displacement volume. The first motor may be equal in capacity, or smaller than the second motor.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine configured to power a hydraulic pump to pressurize hydraulic fluid, which is used to power the vehicle directly or is stored in an accumulator. A drive module, including a hydraulic pump/motor and a multi-speed mechanical transmission, is operatively coupled to drive wheels of the vehicle to provide motive power to the vehicle. The drive module can also include a second hydraulic motor (or multiple hydraulic motors) configured to provide motive power. The transmission is configured to progress through its gears at ratio shifts of no less than 2:1 between adjacent gear positions. The transmission is configured to place the hydraulic motor in neutral during some portions of vehicle operation, and to engage the motor during other portions of vehicle operation.

Abstract: Targeted sequencing of genetic regions that differ between two DNA preparations uses genomic fragment enrichment. This method can be used to study genetic variation among closely related species and microbial communities, particularly for identifying sources of fecal pollution.