Abstract: Methods and apparatus for in-situ calibration of a flow controller are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of flowing a gas includes providing a flow controller configured to provide a first gas at a first value of a flow rate based on a calculated first relationship determined by using a standard gas; determining an actual first relationship between the flow rate and the setpoint for the first gas from a plurality of values of the flow rate of the first gas determined at a corresponding plurality of values of the setpoint of the flow controller, wherein each of the plurality of values of the flow rate is determined from flowing the first gas through the flow controller at corresponding ones of the plurality of values for the setpoint; and flowing the first gas at the first value of the flow rate based on the actual first relationship.

Abstract: A power-transmitting device (10) and a method of assembling a power-transmitting device (10) secures and releases driving continuity between driving and driven parts (22, 62) through at least one clutch assembly (26, 66). The power-transmitting device (10) includes an apply plate (36) axially moveable with respect to the clutch assembly (26, 66) for engaging and disengaging the clutch assembly (26, 66). A return spring (34) acting on the apply plate (36) and an apply spring (32) having a higher compression force than the return spring (34) can be located between the apply plate (36) and the clutch assembly (26, 66). A ball (38) can be engageable with a portion of the apply plate (36) for locking the apply plate (36) in engagement with the clutch assembly (26, 66) during a steady state condition and a piston (40) can drive the ball (38) into engagement with the apply plate (36) in response to application of fluid under pressure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for in-situ calibration of a flow controller are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of flowing a gas includes providing a flow controller configured to provide a first gas at a first value of a flow rate based on a calculated first relationship determined by using a standard gas; determining an actual first relationship between the flow rate and the setpoint for the first gas from a plurality of values of the flow rate of the first gas determined at a corresponding plurality of values of the setpoint of the flow controller, wherein each of the plurality of values of the flow rate is determined from flowing the first gas through the flow controller at corresponding ones of the plurality of values for the setpoint; and flowing the first gas at the first value of the flow rate based on the actual first relationship.

Abstract: A solar-powered, fan-equipped vent cover is fitted on top of a recreational vehicle roof vent. The vent cover protects the recreational vehicle vent when raining, and includes a solar panel operating a fan to boost the effectiveness of the recreational vehicle roof vent in removing hot air from the recreational vehicle interior living space. The vent cover also includes a battery back-up.

Abstract: A storage basket is configured to hold multiple product units such as blood bags within the cabinet of a freezer. The storage basket includes first and second spaced-apart sidewalls and a plurality of inclined shelves extending between and coupled to these sidewalls. The inclined shelves include a plurality of air flow apertures that defined storage receptacles for product units as well as additional flow apertures to ensure minimal hindrance of cooling air flow within the freezer. The storage basket also includes handles that enable easy grasping and movement of multiple product units at once into and out of the freezer. As a result, the amount of time needed to cool product units down to a desired temperature with the freezer is reduced and the storage density within the freezer is increased.

Abstract: A storage basket is configured to hold multiple product units such as blood bags within the cabinet of a freezer. The storage basket includes first and second spaced-apart sidewalls and a plurality of inclined shelves extending between and coupled to these sidewalls. The inclined shelves include a plurality of air flow apertures that defined storage receptacles for product units as well as additional flow apertures to ensure minimal hindrance of cooling air flow within the freezer. The storage basket also includes handles that enable easy grasping and movement of multiple product units at once into and out of the freezer. As a result, the amount of time needed to cool product units down to a desired temperature with the freezer is reduced and the storage density within the freezer is increased.

Abstract: A solar-powered, fan-equipped vent cover is fitted on top of a recreational vehicle roof vent. The vent cover protects the recreational vehicle vent when raining, and includes a solar panel operating a fan to boost the effectiveness of the recreational vehicle roof vent in removing hot air from the recreational vehicle interior living space. The vent cover also includes a battery back-up. The vent cover can also be provided without internal vent fans, and may be in electrical communication with a vent in fluid communication with an interior of the recreational vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel compositions that cause effective redirection of class I-immunity to Tc1 effectors, that take advantage of the unexpected loading of MHC I by peptide within IgG backbone combined with appropriate instruction of antigen presenting cells. Such compositions are able to transform a seemingly ineffective therapeutics into a highly effective one, associated with generation of class I-restricted cytolytic cells and IFN-?, IL-2 producing T cells, further associated with protection against a highly virulent microbe or recovery from malignant tumoral process.

Abstract: An automotive accessory drive system for a motor vehicle connects to an internal combustion engine crankshaft during at least one mode of operation. The system includes an accessory drive pulley, a starter motor/generator, and an endless loop power transmission member connecting at least the starter motor/generator and the accessory drive pulley. A planetary gear set includes a sun gear, a ring gear integrally associated with the accessory drive pulley, and a planetary carrier connected to the engine crankshaft. First and second one way clutches connect the engine crankshaft to the ring gear, and the sun gear to a grounding member, respectively, to define a normal drive mode and an engine start mode, respectively. An electromagnetic disconnect includes a normally closed friction clutch connecting the grounding member to ground to define a third mode of operation corresponding to a free wheel function with the grounding member disengaged from connection to ground.

Abstract: A system and method of knowledge assessment provides for a computer-executable program capable of generating a user's knowledge profile based on answers to queries posed to the user via a communication network. The user's knowledge profile can be used for creating a detail curriculum in a specific academic subject for the user to pursue or for comparing with the knowledge profile of one or more other users. The detail curriculum, or knowledge path, arranges the subjects to be learned in a hierarchical manner so that the user can determine which subject categories must be mastered before moving to other categories and concepts.

Abstract: A solar powered fan kit for installation in a roof vent. The solar powered fan kit includes a fan attached to a fan bracket. The fan bracket is shaped to fit within a groove in the roof vent. A solar panel is attached to the vent hood to supply power to the fan. A plurality of flexible clips secure the solar panel to the vent hood.

Abstract: A method of assessing a psychiatric disorder, behavioural problem or mental state following exposure to stress is described. Expression levels of mRNA transcripts for a plurality of genes linked to a stress-related neural state in the peripheral blood of a subject are measured. The expression levels of the genes, relative to a reference set of expression levels for the same genes in a healthy subject, are used to predict or assess a psychiatric disorder following exposure to a stressor.

Abstract: An automotive accessory drive system for a motor vehicle connects to an internal combustion engine crankshaft during at least one mode of operation. The system includes an accessory drive pulley, a starter motor/generator, and an endless loop power transmission member connecting at least the starter motor/generator and the accessory drive pulley. A planetary gear set includes a sun gear, a ring gear integrally associated with the accessory drive pulley, and a planetary carrier connected to the engine crankshaft. First and second one way clutches connect the engine crankshaft to the ring gear, and the sun gear to a grounding member, respectively, to define a normal drive mode and an engine start mode, respectively. An electromagnetic disconnect includes a normally closed friction clutch connecting the grounding member to ground to define a third mode of operation corresponding to a free wheel function with the grounding member disengaged from connection to ground.

Abstract: A cellular telephone is programmed to provide a user input menu for presenting a list of visual signals, from which a user may select one of the signals to be displayed on the screen of the telephone. Such visual signals as monochromatic color displays, national flags, or team emblems or colors may be selected in order to signal appreciation at mass events such as concerts and sporting contests.

Abstract: A predictive failure control circuit and associated method are provided in a data storing and retrieving apparatus. The circuit is configured to schedule a data integrity operation on data associated with a subportion of a data storage space, in relation to a comparison of an accumulated plurality of executed host access commands associated with the subportion. The subportion can comprise a sector or a single track or a band of tracks. A table preferably stores accumulated number of host access commands for each of a plurality of subportions of the data storage space. The data integrity operation can comprise reading the data on to detect degradation and restoring the recovered data to the same or to new, different tracks. The data subportions can also be reallocated to a new location.

Abstract: A rear axle assembly for a motor vehicle which includes two clutch packs to deliver torque to the right and left hand driven axle shafts of a motor vehicle. The axle assembly clutch packs are efficiently packaged within the axle housing within the inside the diameter of the axle ring gear. A single hydraulic actuator is used to apply hydraulic pressure through a closed circuit to pistons associated with each of the clutch packs to apply compressive force to the clutch packs to energize them. In this manner, the single actuator allows the axle to transfer torque between the ring gear to both the left and right hand axles.

Abstract: A shift assembly for a transfer cases, manual and semi-automatic transmissions comprises a drive motor having a worm gear output which engages and drives a gear having an eccentric drive pin disposed parallel to and offset from the axis of a rotation of the gear. The drive pin engages a slot in a shift fork which extends normal to the axis of movement of the shift fork and associated speed change or gear shift mechanism. The shift fork is disposed upon and supported by a shift rail. Uni-directional or bi-directional rotation of the drive motor rotates the gear and sequentially moves the eccentric pin, shift fork and shift mechanism between first and second terminal positions and, typically, a center or intermediate, neutral position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch assembly having a ball ramp operator provides enhanced torque throughput capability. The electromagnetic clutch assembly includes a primary or pilot friction clutch pack and a secondary or main friction clutch pack. A ball ramp operator which is actuated by the primary or pilot friction clutch pack includes a plastic washer or annulus adjacent one of the operator members. The plastic washer provides feedback which enhances the operation of the primary friction clutch pack, augments the compressive force applied to the secondary or main clutch pack and thus increases the torque throughput capability of the electromagnetic clutch assembly.

Abstract: A shift assembly for a two-speed transfer case utilizes a single actuator to drive both the speed range selection mechanism and a modulating friction clutch pack which selectively transfers drive torque from a primary output to a secondary output. The shift assembly includes an actuator which rotates a shift rail and cam having an intermediate helical track and a dwell region at each end. A lost motion assembly operating in conjunction with the helical cam selectively engages and disengages the clutch when the cam follower is in one of the two dwell regions. Thus, the shift assembly provides sequential operation from full clutch engagement in a first speed range, clutch disengagement in the first speed range, de-selection of the first speed range, selection, and de-selection of neutral, selection of a second speed range and, up to full engagement of the clutch in the second speed range.

Abstract: A shift assembly for a two-speed transfer case utilizes a single actuator to drive both the gear or speed range selection mechanism and a modulating friction clutch pack which selectively transfers drive torque from a primary transfer case output to a secondary transfer case output. The shift assembly includes an actuator which rotates a shift rail and cam having an intermediate helical track and a dwell region at each end. A lost motion assembly operating in conjunction with the helical cam selectively engages and disengages the friction clutch pack when the cam follower is in one of the two dwell regions. Thus, the shift assembly provides sequential operation from full clutch engagement in a first speed range through clutch disengagement in the first speed range, de-selection of the first speed range and selection of neutral, de-selection of neutral and selection of the second speed range and thence increasing engagement, up to full engagement, of the friction clutch pack in the second speed range.