Abstract: A nuclear reactor includes a heat exchanger that transfers thermal energy from a primary reactor coolant to a secondary coolant. The heat exchanger is formed with a hot flow channel, a cold flow channel, and a porous layer between the hot flow channel and the cold flow channel. The porous layer may be thermally insulative to reduce the efficiency of thermal energy transfer from the hot flow channel to the cold flow channel. The porous layer may have a control gas passed therethrough that can be tailored to control the thermal energy transfer through the porous layer. The control gas can be tested for leakage within the heat exchanger. The control gas may also be used to sequester fission or activation products.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: Vehicle windshield wiper systems and methods are disclosed for controlling windshield wipers in a manner that reduces the buildup of frozen precipitation on the vehicle windshield. In exemplary embodiments, a windshield wiper can be automatically commanded to wipe a windshield at a pre-calculated wiping interval rate when precipitation is detected on a vehicle surface, a vehicle ambient temperature is below a predefined ambient temperature threshold, and a vehicle interior temperature exceeds a predefined interior temperature threshold.

Abstract: An assist handle assembly for use in an interior of a vehicle. The assist handle assembly includes an assist handle configured to be gripped by a user, a display connected to the assist handle, a communication link operatively coupled to the display, a connector configured to secure the assist handle assembly to a structural component in the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for forming a glass panel includes a mixing apparatus for weighing and mixing glass particles and additives, an oven for melting and holding molten glass, a float chamber for floating molten glass thereover, an annealing lehr, and at least a nozzle for delivering compressed air at least of one of a first pressure and a second pressure.

Abstract: An assist handle assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assist handle assembly includes an assist handle configured to be gripped by a user, a hanger connected to the assist handle and configured to hang a holder configured to hold an electronic device, a charger configured to charge an electronic device held in the holder hanging on the hanger, and a connector configured to secure the assist handle assembly to a structural component of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel is provided that includes a rim having a core structure, a plurality of heaters surrounding at least a portion of the core structure to define a plurality of heating zones, at least one sensor for sensing location of a user's hand on the steering wheel, and a controller controlling the plurality of heaters to activate one or more of the heaters based on the sensed location of the hand.

Abstract: Processes and methods for preparing glass panels for use with automobiles include mixing and melting glass particles. Molten glass is passed along into a lehr, where the molten glass is annealed. Annealed glass is cut into glass panels. A nozzle systems delivers compressed air to the glass panels to form a curvature for providing a top seal contact area. A nozzle system delivers a second blast of compressed air, which marks the glass panel to identify characteristics of the glass panel.

Abstract: Vehicle windshield wiper systems and methods are disclosed for controlling windshield wipers in a manner that reduces the buildup of frozen precipitation on the vehicle windshield. In exemplary embodiments, a windshield wiper can be automatically commanded to wipe a windshield at a pre-calculated wiping interval rate when precipitation is detected on a vehicle surface, a vehicle ambient temperature is below a predefined ambient temperature threshold, and a vehicle interior temperature exceeds a predefined interior temperature threshold.

Abstract: An AC inverter in a vehicle operates using a 24 V input when a vehicle powertrain is in a parked/idling state. A first 12 V battery is connected with a first bus segment. A second 12 V battery is connected with a second bus segment. A switch module selectably interconnects the first and second bus segments. In a nominal 12 V state, the batteries are connected in parallel from the bus segments to ground. In a dual voltage state, the batteries are connected in series so the first bus segment is at 12 V and the second bus segment is at 24 V. A first alternator driven by the powertrain provides a regulated voltage to the second bus segment, wherein the regulated voltage corresponds to 12 V when the switch module is in the nominal state and corresponds to 24 V when the switch module is in the dual voltage state.

Abstract: This disclosure details vehicle windshield wiper systems and methods for controlling windshield wipers in a manner that reduces the buildup of frozen precipitation on the vehicle windshield. In exemplary embodiments, a windshield wiper can be automatically commanded to wipe a windshield at a pre-calculated wiping interval rate when precipitation is detected on a vehicle surface, a vehicle ambient temperature is below a predefined ambient temperature threshold, and a vehicle interior temperature exceeds a predefined interior temperature threshold.

Abstract: An assist handle assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assist handle assembly includes an assist handle configured to be gripped by a user, a hanger connected to the assist handle and configured to hang a holder configured to hold an electronic device, a charger configured to charge an electronic device held in the holder hanging on the hanger, and a connector configured to secure the assist handle assembly to a structural component of the vehicle.

Abstract: An assist handle assembly for use in an interior of a vehicle. The assist handle assembly includes an assist handle configured to be gripped by a user, a display connected to the assist handle, a communication link operatively coupled to the display, a connector configured to secure the assist handle assembly to a structural component in the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical power device includes a plurality of switches and a plurality of interfaces configured to removably couple with a corresponding battery of a vehicle. Each switch of the plurality of switches is connected to an interface of the plurality of interfaces and another switch of the plurality of switches. The electrical power device also includes a controller programmed to transition at least a first switch of the plurality of switches from an open state to a closed state based on a charge state of a first battery such that the first switch electrically connects the first battery to a second battery of the vehicle in the closed state.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel is provided that includes a rim having a core structure, a plurality of heaters surrounding at least a portion of the core structure to define a plurality of heating zones, at least one sensor for sensing location of a user's hand on the steering wheel, and a controller controlling the plurality of heaters to activate one or more of the heaters based on the sensed location of the hand.

Abstract: An assist handle assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes an assist handle configured to be gripped by a user, a releasable connector configured to secure the assist handle assembly to a structural component of the vehicle, the connector comprising a fastener having a key surface, a storage compartment provided in the assist handle, and an assembly tool for engaging the key surface of the fastener during assembly and disassembly of the connector from the structural component of the vehicle, wherein the assembly tool is stored in the storage compartment.

Abstract: Vehicle windows may include water management features. In some embodiments, the vehicle windows include a water management corner piece for managing the flow of water or other precipitation around the window. The water management corner piece may be secured to a window glass pane and may positioned and shaped for channeling the water along an engineered drainage path.

Abstract: An AC inverter in a vehicle operates using a 24V input when a vehicle powertrain is in a parked/idling state. A first 12V battery is connected with a first bus segment. A second 12V battery is connected with a second bus segment. A switch module selectably interconnects the first and second bus segments. In a nominal 12V state, the batteries are connected in parallel from the bus segments to ground. In a dual voltage state, the batteries are connected in series so the first bus segment is at 12V and the second bus segment is at 24V. A first alternator driven by the powertrain provides a regulated voltage to the second bus segment, wherein the regulated voltage corresponds to 12V when the switch module is in the nominal state and corresponds to 24V when the switch module is in the dual voltage state.

Abstract: An AC inverter in a vehicle operates using a 24V input when a vehicle powertrain is in a parked/idling state. A first 12V battery is connected with a first bus segment. A second 12V battery is connected with a second bus segment. A switch module selectably interconnects the first and second bus segments. In a nominal 12V state, the batteries are connected in parallel from the bus segments to ground. In a dual voltage state, the batteries are connected in series so the first bus segment is at 12V and the second bus segment is at 24V. A first alternator driven by the powertrain provides a regulated voltage to the second bus segment, wherein the regulated voltage corresponds to 12V when the switch module is in the nominal state and corresponds to 24V when the switch module is in the dual voltage state.

Abstract: A request to monitor a data packet to be transmitted from a first location to a second location over a first network is received. A projected time for the transmission of the data packet from the first location to the second location is determined. Responsive to determining the projected time, whether the data packet arrived at the second location after the projected time plus a variance is determined.