Abstract: A torque smoothing apparatus is utilized in conjunction with a large square baler (LSB), which includes a bale chamber, a plunger mounted for reciprocation within the bale chamber, and an LSB drive line. In embodiments, the torque smoothing apparatus includes a planetary gear train and a flywheel, which is mechanically coupled to the LSB drive line through the planetary gear train. An auxiliary motor having a motor output is mechanically coupled to the LSB drive line through the planetary gear train, while a controller is operably coupled to the auxiliary motor. The controller commands the auxiliary motor to selectively apply torque to the LSB drive line such that the torque applied by the auxiliary motor, taken in combination with a torque contribution of the flywheel, reduces variations in torque demands placed on a vehicle engine as the plunger reciprocates during LSB bale formation.

Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording device is disposed in a hermetically sealed enclosure. The device includes a slider comprising a reader, a writer, and an optical waveguide configured to couple light from a light source to a near-field transducer situated at or near an air bearing surface of the slider. The near-field transducer comprises an enlarged portion and a peg extending from the enlarged portion in a direction of the air bearing surface. A fill gas is provided within the enclosure. The fill gas comprises a mixture of a low-density, inert gas and at least one gas that oxidizes carbon, where the total carbon oxidizing gas concentration of the fill gas is 3-50% by volume. In certain embodiments, the fill gas comprises a hydrogen concentration sufficient to retard oxidation of the peg when the peg is at an operating temperature associated with write operations.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame having a patient support deck. A footboard is removably coupled to the frame. A compression therapy module is located inside the footboard or is mounted to a foot section of the frame. A sleeve port is pneumatically coupled to the compression therapy module and is located on the foot section. The sleeve port is configured for attachment to at least one tube extending from a compression sleeve worn on a limb of a patient. Control circuitry is coupled to the frame and is operable to control functions of the patient support apparatus and to control the compression therapy module. A graphical display screen is coupled to the control circuitry and displays user inputs that are selected to control functions of the patient support apparatus and the compression therapy module.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for producing a trimodal polymer in a solution polymerization process comprise three solution polymerization reactors organized in parallel or in series.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to patient support systems, such as hospital beds, and particularly to reconfigurable patient support systems movable among a number of different positions. The present disclosure further relates to control algorithms and interfaces for use in patient support systems.

Abstract: A power supply arrangement having an interface for operation of a multi-voltage system of an agricultural vehicle includes a first network segment with a motor generator connected thereto and a second network segment with a lead battery connected thereto. The first network segment has a first voltage level corresponding to a nominal voltage of the lead battery for operation of an electric vehicle components, and the second network segment includes a higher second voltage level for charging the lead battery and providing electric power to an electric load comprising an agricultural implement. The interface forms a voltage source connecting the two network segments and provides an equalization voltage resulting from the two voltage levels in a charging mode and which is bypassed in a motor operating mode.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a mattress having a head end. A frame is configured to support the mattress. The frame includes a head portion that extends beyond the head end of the mattress. The head portion defines a recess. At least one handle assembly is pivotally coupled to the head portion. The at least one handle assembly includes an elongate member coupled to the head portion proximate the recess. The elongate member is operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The elongate member is disposed over the head portion when in the stowed position. A handle extends from a distal end of the elongate member. The handle extends at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to patient support systems, such as hospital beds, and particularly to reconfigurable patient support systems movable among a number of different positions. The present disclosure further relates to control algorithms and interfaces for use in patient support systems.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: An automated descaling system can be integrated into a tankless water heater or can be a separate system that is attached to a tankless water heater. The automatic descaling system comprises a cleaning media chamber and a four way valve with a motor. The descaling system can be set on an automatic cleaning schedule.

Abstract: A therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A therapy system that includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for tracking moving objects from a set of measurements. An estimate of a posterior probability distribution for a plurality of track states is determined from an estimate of the posterior probability distribution for a plurality of possible assignments of the set of measurements to a set of tracks representing trajectories of the plurality of moving objects and the set of measurements. A new estimate of the posterior probability distribution for the assignments is determined from the measurements and the estimate of a posterior probability distribution for the track states. A variational lower bound is determined from the new estimate of the posterior probability distribution for the assignments, the estimate of the posterior probability distribution for the track states, and the set of measurements. These steps are iteratively repeated until the variational lower bound is less than a threshold value.

Abstract: A deck system is disclosed having a mounting plate with a planar support surface and at least one locating rod extending from the support surface. The locating rod extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface. A beam having a first end and a second end is positioned on the support surface of the mounting plate. The first and second ends of the beam have a slot and the slot is disposed for receiving the locating rod. At least one tread is disposed to extend between the two spaced apart parallel oriented beams. The tread has opposed shoulders on the side of the tread that engages the spaced apart beams. The opposed shoulders are disposed for engaging a side of the spaced apart beams that are in adjacent relationship.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a media interface device, a media selection command from a user device. The media selection command identifies first media content, the media content available from a first content source in a first format. The media interface device is configured to provide the first media content to the user device as second media content in a second format different than the first format. The method includes selecting a particular module of a plurality of modules of the media interface device to process the first media content based on the media selection command. The method includes receiving the first media content at the particular module, where the particular module converts the first media content in the first format to the second media content in the second format. The method also includes sending the second media content from an interface coupled to the particular module to the user device.

Abstract: A buckle, such as a vehicle seat belt buckle, operable between a buckled and unbuckled condition. A sensor integrated circuit in the buckle senses the buckled or unbuckled condition of the buckle and generates an electrical signal indicative of the buckled or unbuckled condition of the buckle. A RF integrated circuit in the buckle and in the form of a microcontroller integrated circuit with an RF signal transmitter receives the electrical signal generated by the sensor integrated circuit and transmits an RF signal indicative of the buckled or unbuckled condition of the buckle to a vehicle's control unit via an RF signal antenna in the buckle. A battery in the buckle provides power to the sensor and RF integrated circuits.

Abstract: An assembly (8) for a central tire inflation system includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The housing defines a fluid conduit disposed through the first and second ends. The assembly also includes one or more sensors (205, 210) having a portion disposed in the fluid conduit. Further, a power source (245) is in electrical communication with the sensor. The assembly additionally includes a kinetic energy device (220) in electrical communication with the power source. The kinetic energy device may comprise a magnet (255) sliding on a guide (265). As an alternative, the kinetic energy device may comprise a turbine (275).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that allows users to customize audible and visible signals, such as music or video, to maintain a pre-determined or specified pace or to achieve a new pace in repetitive motion activities such as, but not limited to, running, walking, swimming, cycling, aerobics, and the like. Other applications of the system and method include, but are not limited to, enhancing the results of medical rehabilitation programs, physical therapy, weight loss programs, disc jockey services, and industries or manufacturing settings where repetitive motion is common and where audible cues designed to help users maintain a consistent pace are useful.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring fluid conduit connections of an agricultural machine may include a first fluid conduit having a first coupling device, a second fluid conduit having a second coupling device, and a third fluid conduit having a third coupling device. Each of the second and third coupling devices may, in turn, include an identification device. A controller of the system may be configured to receive an input from the identification device of one of the second fluid conduit or the third fluid conduit when the respective second coupling device or third coupling device is coupled to the first coupling device. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to identify the one of the second fluid conduit or the third fluid conduit as a connected fluid conduit based on the received input.

Abstract: Electronic devices having input structures that are operative to translate a relatively small travel of an input surface to a larger travel elsewhere. For example, force exerted on an input surface of an input body may cause a corresponding input body to move a first distance. An arm, lever mechanism, or the like may have an end or other portion that moves a second distance in response to the input body's motion. The second distance may be greater than the first; in some embodiments, the second distance may be an order of magnitude or more than the first distance. The travel may close or open a switch in response to the force exerted on the input surface.