Abstract: An engine friction monitor uses commanded torque and measured torque to provide a prognostic feature to identify failure modes of an engine that causes the engine from delivering the commanded torque.

Abstract: The present invention features nucleic acid trans-splicing molecules (e.g., pre-mRNA trans-splicing molecules (RTMs)) capable of correcting one or more mutations in the ABCA4 gene or the CEP290 gene. Such molecules are useful in the treatment of disorders associated with mutations in ABCA4, such as Stargardt Disease (e.g., Stargardt Disease 1) and disorders associated with a mutation in CEP290, such as Leber congenital amourosis 10 (LCA 10). Also provided by the invention described herein are methods of using the nucleic acid trans-splicing molecules for correcting mutations in ABCA4 and CEP290 and for treating disorders associated with mutations in ABCA4 and CEP290, such as Stargardt Disease and LCA 10.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-part lyophilization container for lyophilizing a fluid, storing the lyophilizate, reconstituting the lyophilizate, and infusing the reconstituted lyophilizate into a patient, including a method of using same. The container includes a front surface, a back surface, a non-breathable section including a port region, a breathable section including a breathable membrane, and a peelable region including a peelable seal encompassing a boundary between the non-breathable section and the breathable section. The method includes inputting a fluid into a non-breathable section of the container, freezing the fluid, applying, in a lyophilization chamber, vacuum pressure, opening the peelable seal using a pressure differential, applying heat energy, sublimating the fluid and creating a temporary occlusion in a peelable region of the container.

Abstract: Diffuser apparatus for turbine frames and outlet guide vanes are disclosed. An example diffuser is integrated into a turbine engine. The example diffuser includes a plurality of struts extending between an inner portion and an outer portion of the turbine engine; and a plurality of flowpath surfaces supported by the plurality of struts. The example plurality of flowpath surfaces extends circumferentially within the turbine engine at a plurality of radial spans to control diffusion of air flow within the turbine engine.

Abstract: An edge connector on a printed circuit board (“PCB”) uses a magnetic force to retain the PCB connected to another connector and to reduce the insertion force. In an example embodiment, a male edge connector includes a first magnetic connector and a female connector includes a second magnetic connector. A first force of attraction between the first magnetic connector and the second magnetic connector holds the male edge connector inserted into the female connector. The first force of attraction further reduces the force required to insert the male edge connector into the female connector.

Abstract: A moisture resistant composite backing board that includes a polystyrene foam core and a composite face structure laminated to each face of the foam core. The composite face structure includes an outer non-woven fabric layer; a central film layer; and an inner film layer, wherein the central film layer and the inner film layer include distinct materials having distinct properties. The composite face structure is laminated to each side of the polystyrene foam core along the inner film layer.

Abstract: Catalyst composition which comprises a first zeolite having a BEA* framework type and a second zeolite having a MOR framework type and a mesopore surface area of greater than 30 m2/g is disclosed. These catalyst compositions are used to remove catalyst poisons from untreated feed streams having one or more impurities which cause deactivation of the downstream catalysts employed in hydrocarbon conversion processes, such as those that produce mono-alkylated aromatic compounds.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices for actuating surgical instruments are provided. In general, a surgical device can include one or more actuation shafts configured to facilitate actuation of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the device can include four actuation shafts, two actuation shafts to facilitate articulation of the device, one actuation shaft to facilitate opening and closing of jaws at a distal end of the device, and one actuation shaft to facilitate moving a cutting element of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more actuation shafts can include a distal elongate member and a proximal elongate member having a proximal end attached to a distal end of the distal elongate member. The proximal elongate member can be rigid, and the distal elongate member can be flexible.

Abstract: A method of transporting a vehicle engine wire harness from a component preparation location to a component pick location is provided. The method includes placing the vehicle engine wire harness on a hook of a component hanger. The component hanger with vehicle engine wire harness is directed along a supply track assembly through a heated enclosure to the component pick location at a vehicle assembly line.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the continuous production of carbon black or carbon containing compounds. The process is performed by converting a carbon containing feedstock, including generating a plasma gas with electrical energy, accelerating the plasma gas through a nozzle, whose diameter is narrowing in the direction of the plasma gas, guiding the plasma gas into a reaction area where feedstock is injected under conditions generated by aerodynamic and electromagnetic forces, including intense rapid mixing between the plasma gas and feedstock occurs. There is no significant recirculation of feedstock into the plasma chamber, and the reaction zone does not immediately come into contact with any contact surfaces. The products of reaction are cooled, and the carbon black or carbon containing compounds are separated from the other reaction products.

Abstract: A robotic wire termination system for efficiently and accurately connecting a plurality of wires to an electrical connector having a plurality of connector pins with corresponding wire receptacles. The system generally includes a housing, a removable alignment plate, a robotic positioner, a heating device, a touch responsive display, and a control unit. The alignment plate removably holds a selected electrical connector in a specific position and orientation with the connector pins exposed in the housing and the wire receptacles exposed outside. The display provides a visual representation of the connector pins and selections of the connector pins. The control unit receives inputs indicating the pin selections and controls the robotic positioner to sequentially move the heating device along three orthogonal longitudinal axes to a series of heating positions relative to the selected connector pins to provide heat for melting solder to connect wires to the wire receptacles.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is configured for off-road terrain and may include a plurality of mounting members configured to support a load and/or support the vehicle during transport. The utility vehicle also includes an upper frame assembly which is movable between a first position and second position. The upper frame assembly may be moved to the second position during transportation of the utility vehicle. Further, the utility vehicle includes a plurality of configurations for a rear cargo area, thereby allowing for passengers or cargo to be supported.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner includes a steam delivery system, a liquid delivery system, and a recovery system, and includes multiple cleaning modes, including a first cleaning mode in which components of the steam delivery system, liquid delivery system, and recovery system are active, a second cleaning mode in which components of the delivery system and recovery system are active, and a third cleaning mode in which components of the steam delivery system are active. Methods for operating an extraction cleaner are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subject suffering from an autoimmune disease, disorder, or condition with an alternative to anti-TNF therapy.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus adapted for wet cleaning includes a heated fluid delivery system that dispenses heated liquid and steam vapor. The heated fluid delivery system can include a heated liquid outlet and a steam vapor outlet. The apparatus can further include a liquid delivery system, and/or a recovery system.

Abstract: A liquid concentrate generation system may comprise a manifold having an inlet receptacle including a first piercing member, an outlet receptacle including a second piercing member, and a flow channel connecting the inlet receptacle and outlet receptacle. The system may further comprise a cartridge having an inlet port and an outlet port sealed by a respective first and second cover. The inlet and outlet port may be respectively configured to displace within the inlet receptacle and outlet receptacle from an unspiked position to a spiked position. First and second piercing members may be in communication with the flow channel and spaced apart respectively from the first and second cover in the unspiked position. The first and second piercing members may be isolated from the flow channel and may respectively puncture the first and second cover in the spiked position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for data storage for a subject vehicle and include receiving data items at the subject vehicle data from a plurality of data sources and determining whether a data item received from one of the plurality of data sources is redundant with a data item already captured by the subject vehicle. If so, the system eliminates the redundant data item to obtain a nonredundant data set of nonredundant data items and determines whether to store a nonredundant data item of the nonredundant data set based on flow characteristics of the nonredundant data item.

Abstract: A bleed air control system is configured to vary the air pressure at the inlet of a gas turbine engine. The bleed air control system includes a first gas turbine engine configured to provide bleed air, a second gas turbine engine acting as an auxiliary power unit, and a bleed air control system configured to selectively provide bleed air from the first gas turbine engine to the second gas turbine engine.