Abstract: A DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder receives an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions. The set of available functions comprises a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder. Subsequently, at least in part in response to the instructions from the user, the DVR controller issues a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function. The digital video recorder is operative to present content on a presentation device controlled by the user. The DVR controller, in turn, is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder in a facility of a content provider.

Abstract: Flow measurement inserts replace standard orifice plates within single or dual-chamber orifice fittings. Flow measurement inserts are described which have insert bodies are shaped and sized to reside within the flow bore insert chamber of standard orifice fittings. An exemplary flow measurement insert includes an insert body with an opening formed therein which will align with the flow bore of the orifice fitting when the flow measurement insert is disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A topical application of nitric oxide may be provided by two separate containers, each containing an active component media to produce nitric oxide when combined. For example, a nitrite component media may be contained in one dispenser and an acidified component media may be contained in another dispenser. Each dispenser may dispense the respective component media as a foam. The resultant foams are combined to initiate the production of nitric oxide and the mixture of foams is applied topically to treat various skin disorders or wounds.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting charging of a battery before entry into a zero emissions zone. In one example, the battery is charged with a ratio of motor torque drawn from a first electric motor of an electric turbocharger and a second electric motor of an HEV driveline. The ratio is coordinated with adjustments to an exhaust waste-gate and an intake throttle so as to maintain operator torque demand and propel the vehicle while charging the battery.

Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of an energy-storage device of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system. The thermostat further comprises powering circuitry configured to: extract electrical power from one or more HVAC control wires in a manner that does not require a “common” wire; supply electrical power for thermostat operation; recharge the energy-storage device (if needed) using any surplus extracted power; and discharge the energy-storage device to assist in supplying electrical power for thermostat operation during intervals in which the extracted power alone is insufficient for thermostat operation.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a controller that is configured to generate control signals for moving vehicles in a yard or other facility. The vehicle control system is configured to generate the control signals responsive to a determination that a user selection of vehicle movement is possible within the yard or other facility.

Abstract: A circuit includes a monitoring circuit that monitors a voltage and a switching circuit. Closing the switching circuit causes an external AC load to receive power from an external AC source. The circuit further includes a control circuit that opens the switching circuit for a time interval, where the time interval begins after the voltage is below a lower threshold. The control circuit also ends the time interval after the voltage exceeds an upper threshold, where the time interval is short enough that the operation of the AC load is not affected during the time interval. The circuit also includes a power harvesting circuit that harvests power from the external AC source to raise the voltage during the time interval.

Abstract: An apparatus and method isolating ion generation from target metal precipitation and flocculation rely on an ion generator and a precipitation reactor distinct, separated, optimized, and otherwise independent, so no co-habitation of ion generation and precipitation, nor their flow regimes, is permitted. Plug flow is hyper turbulent in the ion generator. Flow is quiescent to laminar the precipitator. Coating sacrificial anodes is avoided by not over driving currents for ionization at the anode. Control of electrical resistance across flows of very high TDS (over 200 kppm, often over 225 kppm) is accomplished by selectively masking a portion of the anode, cathode, or both of such electrodes. Masks may be dielectric films or layers, such as plastic sheets or tubes, or curtains of bubbles injected into the flow near an electrode.

Abstract: A topical application of nitric oxide may be provided by two separate containers, each containing an active component media to produce nitric oxide when combined. For example, a nitrite component media may be contained in one dispenser and an acidified component media may be contained in another dispenser. Each dispenser may dispense the respective component media as a foam. The resultant foams are combined to initiate the production of nitric oxide and the mixture of foams is applied topically to treat various skin disorders or wounds.

Abstract: The apparatus is a portable three-in-one food griller, food smoker and fire pit in which the sidewalls can nest into a compact self-contained unit for easy transportation. In one variation, there are five rectangles with four walls that encompass a void that can be configured and stacked for use as a grill, a smoker or a fire pit. The bottom rectangle can contain an adjustable air inlet door and a grate for holding a fire source. The top rectangle can contain an adjustable air outlet door in the ceiling with a thermometer. The second, third and forth rectangles can contain various configurations of grates for grilling food, smoking food or use as a fire pit. After use, rectangles two through five can fit and nest into the first rectangle (the base) and be latched to the floor section forming a self-enclosed compact and transportable rectangle box with a carrying handle.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a controller that is configured to generate control signals for moving vehicles in a yard or other facility. The vehicle control system is configured to generate the control signals responsive to a determination that a user selection of vehicle movement is possible within the yard or other facility.

Abstract: Flow measurement inserts replace standard orifice plates within single or dual-chamber orifice fittings. Flow measurement inserts are described which have insert bodies are shaped and sized to reside within the flow bore insert chamber of standard orifice fittings. An exemplary flow measurement insert includes an insert body with an opening formed therein which will align with the flow bore of the orifice fitting when the flow measurement insert is disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for coordinated control of a compound boosting system, including a first compressor staged upstream of a second compressor in an engine intake. In one example, a method may include operating the second, downstream compressor in steady-state to achieve an overall pressure ratio across the compound boosting system while operating the first, upstream compressor transiently, based on an airflow shortfall at the downstream compressor. A timing and amount of electric assistance provided to transiently operate the first, upstream compressor may be adjusted dynamically as the pressure ratio across the second compressor changes.

Abstract: A tank system may be conventional and fixed, or mobile, such as a fracking fluid or other tank trailer. A drain port thereof is fitted with an adapter connecting a snorkel system to drain liquids from near the top of the liquid level in the tank. A snorkel head at the extreme distal end of a tube near the longitudinal center of the tank is suspended by a system of buoys. A flow field controller resists formation of vortices near the snorkel head, so it can operate as near the surface as possible, withdrawing the highest grade oil efficiently without entrainment of overlying gases and vapors, nor the second liquid layered therebelow. All are configured to fit into the tank without requiring any personnel to enter the tank. Oil, water, and sludge may drain through the system to exit the tank.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing aging-related conditions are described. The compositions used in the methods include fractions derived from blood plasma with efficacy in treating and/or preventing aging-related conditions such as neurocognitive disorders.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting and separating botanical oils and compounds from botanical material without the use of solvents, having a vaporizing section which is further coupled to a centrifugal electrostatic precipitator for collection and segregation. The vaporizing section receives the botanical material through which a temperature-controlled inert gas is passed to evaporate specific vaporization temperature oils or compounds from the botanical material. The extracted vapor passes to the centrifugal electrostatic precipitator where the oil or compound is reduced back to the liquid state and is collected and segregated. The oils having the lower vapor temperature are collected first and the remaining oils are collected by specific and progressive vaporization temperature control.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for warming an engine and/or engine fluids. In one example, a method may comprise powering on an electric motor of an intake boost device to generate heat, circulating coolant and/or engine oil through the boost device to absorb the heat produced by the boost device, and then flowing the coolant and/or engine oil to the engine to transfer the heat absorbed from the boost device to the engine. In this way, an engine may be warmed without running the engine rich by using the heat generated by the electric motor of the boost device to warm the engine.

Abstract: An article 7 made from a porous material, such as a ceramic material, is dipped into a liquid impregnating material 12, such as molten urea in a bath 14. After withdrawal from the bath 14, excess impregnating material 12 is removed from the article 6 by means of an air knife 22. The article is carried by a carrier or fixture 6 to be conveyed along the processing line on a conveyor 2. The fixture 6 comprises a lower support 32 in the form of a pair of parallel bars which define between them a slot 38. The fixture also has clamping devices 42 for holding an upper region of the article 7, while the weight of the article 7 is supported by the lower support 32.

Abstract: An article 6 made from a porous material, such as a ceramic material, is dipped into a liquid impregnating material 12, such as molten urea in a bath 14. After withdrawal from the bath 14, excess impregnating material 12 is removed from the article 6 by means of an air knife 22. The air knife 22 is directed obliquely into an enclosure 18, which is maintained at a temperature above the melting point of urea. The article is passed into the enclosure 18 through the flow from a further air knife 20 which creates a separation airflow separating the interior of the enclosure 18 from the ambient surroundings. The article is carried by a fixture 6 to be conveyed along the processing line on a conveyor 2.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing aging-related conditions are described. The compositions used in the methods include fractions derived from blood plasma with efficacy in treating and/or preventing aging-related conditions such as neurocognitive disorders.