Abstract: A circuit that increases input voltage to higher output voltage connected to a variable frequency drive in an appliance. Several switching arrangements, timing, and safety mechanisms are in place to assist. When the circuit experiences high draw, high voltage output values of circuit decrease over time, but different aspects of the circuit can be constructed so that the amount of time required at a higher voltage does not exceed the amount of time in which the high voltage output is provided.

Abstract: Dies for forming components, such as sheet components, and methods of producing the dies are disclosed. The die may include a bulk material and a forming surface. A solid conductor may be formed in the bulk material. The solid conductor may be spaced from and extend adjacent to the forming surface and have a melting point that is greater than a melting point of the bulk material. The solid conductor may be configured to absorb heat from the forming surface. There may multiple solid conductors within the bulk material, for example spaced apart and extending along an axis. The solid conductor may be a bundle of carbon fibers, which may be pitch-based. The solid conductor may be conformal to the forming surface, for example, having a constant spacing therefrom. The solid conductor may be cast-in to the die during its production.

Abstract: A circuit that increases input voltage to higher output voltage connected to a variable frequency drive in an appliance. Several switching arrangements, timing, and safety mechanisms are in place to assist. When the circuit experiences high draw, high voltage output values of circuit decrease over time, but different aspects of the circuit can be constructed so that the amount of time required at a higher voltage does not exceed the amount of time in which the high voltage output is provided.

Abstract: A circuit that increases input voltage to higher output voltage connected to a variable frequency drive in an appliance. Several switching arrangements, timing, and safety mechanisms are in place to assist. When the circuit experiences high draw, high voltage output values of circuit decrease over time, but different aspects of the circuit can be constructed so that the amount of time required at a higher voltage does not exceed the amount of time in which the high voltage output is provided.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to methods for large area graphene precipitation onto glass, and associated articles/devices. For example, a coated article including a graphene-inclusive film on a substrate, and/or a method of making the same, is provided. A metal-inclusive catalyst layer (e.g., of or including Ni and/or the like) is disposed on the substrate. The substrate with the catalyst layer thereon is exposed to a precursor gas and a strain-inducing gas at a temperature of no more than 900 degrees C. Graphene is formed and/or allowed to form both over and contacting the catalyst layer, and between the substrate and the catalyst layer, in making the coated article. The catalyst layer, together with graphene formed thereon, is removed, e.g., through excessive strain introduced into the catalyst layer as associated with the graphene formation. Products including such articles, and/or methods of making the same, also are contemplated herein.

Abstract: A glass bubble includes a hollow glass body having an outer surface with a diameter of between about 16 micrometers and about 25 micrometers and a surface roughness of about 0.01% to about 0.1% of that diameter. A low density sheet molding compound incorporating a plurality of glass bubbles and resin is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle having a deck, a plurality of wheels mounted to the deck, a drive system mounted underneath the deck, an energy storage system that provides power to the drive system, and a frame configured to secure a load mounted to the deck. Particularly, the vehicle is an electric vehicle in the form of an electric skateboard for us in golf environments. The frame of the vehicle is adapted to secure and carry a golf bag, as well as various accessories, and enables an operator to traverse a golf course together with their golfing equipment on the vehicle.

Abstract: A circuit that increases input voltage to higher output voltage connected to a variable frequency drive in an appliance. Several switching arrangements, timing, and safety mechanisms are in place to assist. When the circuit experiences high draw, high voltage output values of circuit decrease over time, but different aspects of the circuit can be constructed so that the amount of time required at a higher voltage does not exceed the amount of time in which the high voltage output is provided.

Abstract: Dies for forming components, such as sheet components, and methods of producing the dies are disclosed. The die may include a bulk material and a forming surface. A solid conductor may be formed in the bulk material. The solid conductor may be spaced from and extend adjacent to the forming surface and have a melting point that is greater than a melting point of the bulk material. The solid conductor may be configured to absorb heat from the forming surface. There may multiple solid conductors within the bulk material, for example spaced apart and extending along an axis. The solid conductor may be a bundle of carbon fibers, which may be pitch-based. The solid conductor may be conformal to the forming surface, for example, having a constant spacing therefrom. The solid conductor may be cast-in to the die during its production.

Abstract: A glass bubble includes a hollow glass body having an outer surface with a diameter of between about 16 micrometers and about 25 micrometers and a surface roughness of about 0.01% to about 0.1% of that diameter. A low density sheet molding compound incorporating a plurality of glass bubbles and resin is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating the outer surfaces of a plurality of glass bubbles. That method includes loading a plurality of glass bubbles into a processing vessel having a roughened lining and displacing the processing vessel so that the plurality of glass bubbles move against the roughened lining to thereby roughen the outer surfaces. Alternatively, or in addition, the glass bubbles are subjected to air plasma treatment to increase the surface energy of the glass bubbles.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating the outer surfaces of a plurality of glass bubbles. That method includes loading a plurality of glass bubbles into a processing vessel having a roughened lining and displacing the processing vessel so that the plurality of glass bubbles move against the roughened lining to thereby roughen the outer surfaces. Alternatively, or in addition, the glass bubbles are subjected to air plasma treatment to increase the surface energy of the glass bubbles.

Abstract: In at least one or more embodiments, a system for scutching material fibers includes first and second plates defining a first cavity to receive and discharge material fibers, the first plate including a first number teeth extending into the first cavity and movable in a first direction, the second plate including a second number of teeth extending into the first cavity and movable in a second direction different from the first direction. Teeth as present in the first number and/or the second number of teeth may be spaced apart from each. In certain instances, the material fibers may be carbon fibers.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a first composite fiber reinforced part that is joined to a second part by a clinch joint. The first part includes a first layer of resin that is reinforced with fibers and a second layer of resin that is devoid of fibers and applied to one side of the first layer of fiber reinforced resin. The second part contacts the first layer of the first part. The first part and second part are joined by a clinch joint including a pressed out portion that is pressed into a clinching portion. The second layer of resin contains the fibers in the first part.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a first composite fiber reinforced part that is joined to a second part by a clinch joint. The first part includes a first layer of resin that is reinforced with fibers and a second layer of resin that is devoid of fibers and applied to one side of the first layer of fiber reinforced resin. The second part contacts the first layer of the first part. The first part and second part are joined by a clinch joint including a pressed out portion that is pressed into a clinching portion. The second layer of resin contains the fibers in the first part. An alternative assembly has fiber-free intended clinch joint forming areas that extend through the first part. A method is provided in which a first part including a first layer of resin reinforced with fibers is molded with a second layer of resin on one side of the first layer is joined by a clinch joint to a second part.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a first composite fiber reinforced part that is joined to a second part by a clinch joint. The first part includes a first layer of resin that is reinforced with fibers and a second layer of resin that is devoid of fibers and applied to one side of the first layer of fiber reinforced resin. The second part contacts the first layer of the first part. The first part and second part are joined by a clinch joint including a pressed out portion that is pressed into a clinching portion. The second layer of resin contains the fibers in the first part. An alternative assembly has fiber-free intended clinch joint forming areas that extend through the first part. A method is provided in which a first part including a first layer of resin reinforced with fibers is molded with a second layer of resin on one side of the first layer is joined by a clinch joint to a second part.

Abstract: In at least one or more embodiments, a system for scutching material fibers includes first and second plates defining a first cavity to receive and discharge material fibers, the first plate including a first number teeth extending into the first cavity and movable in a first direction, the second plate including a second number of teeth extending into the first cavity and movable in a second direction different from the first direction. Teeth as present in the first number and/or the second number of teeth may be spaced apart from each. In certain instances, the material fibers may be carbon fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle having a deck, a plurality of wheels mounted to the deck, a drive system mounted underneath the deck, an energy storage system that provides power to the drive system, and a frame configured to secure a load mounted to the deck. Particularly, the vehicle is an electric vehicle in the form of an electric skateboard for us in golf environments. The frame of the vehicle is adapted to secure and carry a golf bag, as well as various accessories, and enables an operator to traverse a golf course together with their golfing equipment on the vehicle.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for assembly of electric motor starter connecting packages that enable increased automation and reduced assembly via top-down assembly of circuit components, thereby allowing robotic placement, connection, and securing of circuit components. The connecting package can include an electric motor starter, with optional overload protector, packaged as one unit. The motor starter can include an electrical circuit containing a triac, current transformer, Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) element, resistor, and a capacitor. A cover and base of the connecting package enclose and firmly secure connected circuit elements without needing a circuit board or filler material. The device design enables quick testing of the motor starter circuit and circuit elements after being enclosed by the housing.

Abstract: An elevator installation has a guide rail of a predetermined length and a movable body configured to move along the guide rail up and down a hoistway. A proximity sensor is mounted on the movable body to be in a predetermined proximity of the guide rail. The proximity sensor is configured to detect whether or not the proximity sensor is at the predetermined distance to the guide rail. A controller coupled to the proximity sensor acts upon an indication that the proximity sensor is not at the predetermined distance to the guide rail to switch the elevator installation to a secure state.