Abstract: A compression die configured to crimp a composite core is disclosed. The compression die includes an outer body having a tool engaging surface, and an inner body coupled to the outer body. The inner body has a crimping area, wherein the crimping area of the inner body includes ten planar surfaces. The ten planar surfaces are positioned at an angle with respect to an adjacent planar surface such that the combination of the ten planar surfaces form a decagon shaped channel. Crimping is performed by the compression die by inserting the composite core into an encasing connector, which is then inserted into the decagon shaped channel of the compression die. A radial force towards the center of the decagon shaped channel is applied until an outer circumference of the encasing connector containing the composite core fully engages a surface area of each of the ten planar surfaces.

Abstract: A compression die configured to crimp a composite core is disclosed. The compression die includes an outer body having a tool engaging surface, and an inner body coupled to the outer body. The inner body has a crimping area, wherein the crimping area of the inner body includes ten planar surfaces. The ten planar surfaces are positioned at an angle with respect to an adjacent planar surface such that the combination of the ten planar surfaces form a decagon shaped channel. Crimping is performed by the compression die by inserting the composite core into an encasing connector, which is then inserted into the decagon shaped channel of the compression die. A radial force towards the center of the decagon shaped channel is applied until an outer circumference of the encasing connector containing the composite core fully engages a surface area of each of the ten planar surfaces.

Abstract: A compression die configured to crimp a composite core is disclosed. The compression die includes an outer body having a tool engaging surface, and an inner body coupled to the outer body. The inner body has a crimping area, wherein the crimping area of the inner body includes ten planar surfaces. The ten planar surfaces are positioned at an angle with respect to an adjacent planar surface such that the combination of the ten planar surfaces form a decagon shaped channel. Crimping is performed by the compression die by inserting the composite core into an encasing connector, which is then inserted into the decagon shaped channel of the compression die. A radial force towards the center of the decagon shaped channel is applied until an outer circumference of the encasing connector containing the composite core fully engages a surface area of each of the ten planar surfaces.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly configured to increase a mechanical hold on a core. The electrical connector assembly includes a connector member, a plurality of housing segments forming a collet having a tubular shape, and a sleeve having a tubular shape configured to slidably encase the outer surfaces of the plurality of housing segments in the collet.

Abstract: An electrical connector configured to control a compression force applied to a core is disclosed. The electrical connector includes a body having a tubular shape, a centerline extending along a longitudinal direction of the body, and an opening extending along the centerline from an outer surface of the body to the center cavity. The body includes a center cavity configured to receive and encase the core. The centerline defines a first portion and a second portion such that the first portion includes a bore hole configured to receive a bolt and the second portion includes a tap hole with a tapered threaded portion configured to receive a screw portion of the bolt. The tap hole is aligned with the bore hole so that the bolt may connect the bore hole and the tap hole to close the opening.

Abstract: Compositions comprising recyclate blends of polymer recyclate and polyester additives are described. In certain embodiments, the polyester additive is a PHA such as a poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate copolymer having a weight percent 4-hydroxybutyrate of 8.5-45%. In other embodiments the PHA is mixed with the recyclate polymer at concentrations of 10-50% by weight of the recyclate blend. Methods of making the compositions of the invention are also described. The invention also includes articles made from the recyclate blends.

Abstract: Polymer systems comprising poly(vinyl chloride), a non-petroleum based filler, and a polyester additive, wherein the polymer system is highly filled, and articles made therefrom, are described. The high loading of filler (e.g., talc, calcium carbonate or a combination thereof) is achieved by incorporation of polyester additives such as polyhydroxyalkanoates. High filler loading without significant reduction of relevant material properties can be associated with cost savings and environmental benefits.

Abstract: An electrical connector configured to control a compression force applied to a core is disclosed. The electrical connector includes a body having a tubular shape, a centerline extending along a longitudinal direction of the body, and an opening extending along the centerline from an outer surface of the body to the center cavity. The body includes a center cavity configured to receive and encase the core. The centerline defines a first portion and a second portion such that the first portion includes a bore hole configured to receive a bolt and the second portion includes a tap hole with a tapered threaded portion configured to receive a screw portion of the bolt. The tap hole is aligned with the bore hole so that the bolt may connect the bore hole and the tap hole to close the opening.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly configured to increase a mechanical hold on a core. The electrical connector assembly includes a connector member, a plurality of housing segments forming a collet having a tubular shape, and a sleeve having a tubular shape configured to slidably encase the outer surfaces of the plurality of housing segments in the collet.

Abstract: A compression die configured to crimp a composite core is disclosed. The compression die includes an outer body having a tool engaging surface, and an inner body coupled to the outer body. The inner body has a crimping area, wherein the crimping area of the inner body includes ten planar surfaces. The ten planar surfaces are positioned at an angle with respect to an adjacent planar surface such that the combination of the ten planar surfaces form a decagon shaped channel. Crimping is performed by the compression die by inserting the composite core into an encasing connector, which is then inserted into the decagon shaped channel of the compression die. A radial force towards the center of the decagon shaped channel is applied until an outer circumference of the encasing connector containing the composite core fully engages a surface area of each of the ten planar surfaces.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus comprising a zip-locker receiver. The zip-locker receiver is configured to ratchetably receive a zip-locker and comprises an aperture and a pawl disposed within the aperture configured to complement and cooperate with the ratchet teeth of the zip-locker to prevent removal of the zip-locker from the aperture of the zip-locker receiver at times the pawl of the zip-locker receiver is engaged with the ratchet teeth of the zip-locker.

Abstract: Polymer systems comprising poly(vinyl chloride), a non-petroleum based filler, and a polyester additive, wherein the polymer system is highly filled, and articles made therefrom, are described. The high loading of filler (e.g., talc, calcium carbonate or a combination thereof) is achieved by incorporation of polyester additives such as polyhydroxyalkanoates. High filler loading without significant reduction of relevant material properties can be associated with cost savings and environmental benefits.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a system comprising a zip-locker and a zip-locker receiver. The zip-locker comprises a first portion and a second portion configured to fasten to an interconnect, at least one of the first portion and the second portion having ratchet teeth formed and extending longitudinally on an outer surface thereof. The zip-locker receiver is configured to ratchetably receive the zip-locker and comprises an aperture and a pawl disposed within the aperture configured to complement and cooperate with the ratchet teeth of the zip-locker to prevent removal of the zip-locker from the aperture of the zip-locker receiver at times the pawl of the zip-locker receiver is engaged with the ratchet teeth of the zip-locker.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for determining an internal temperature of a computing device, a power consumption factor for the computing device, and an airflow factor for the computing device. An approximated ambient air temperature is generated based upon the internal temperature, power consumption factor, and the airflow factor. A workload factor is determined for the computing device and a fan speed for the computing device is controlled based at least in part upon the approximated ambient air temperature and the workload factor.

Abstract: Compositions comprising recyclate blends of polymer recyclate and polyester additives are described. In certain embodiments, the polyester additive is a PHA such as a poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate copolymer having a weight percent 4-hydroxybutyrate of 8.5-45%. In other embodiments the PHA is mixed with the recyclate polymer at concentrations of 10-50% by weight of the recyclate blend. Methods of making the compositions of the invention are also described. The invention also includes articles made from the recyclate blends.

Abstract: A power measurement transducer includes a first surface configured to thermally couple the power measurement transducer to a device under test. A second surface is essentially parallel to and spaced apart from the first surface. Two or more temperature measurement elements are positioned between the first and second surfaces. The power measurement transducer is configured to allow at least a portion of the power generated within the device under test to enter the power measurement transducer through the first surface and exit the power measurement transducer through the second surface.

Abstract: Financial advisory methods and systems for creating a steady lifetime income stream within an investment plan is provided. According to one embodiment, a feasible, personalized pattern of periodic cash payouts from an investment plan is structured to achieve level annual income during a payout period when combined with other income sources. A mapping is maintained of fixed income investments from a limited universe of financial products available within the investment plan to corresponding constant maturity Treasury bond (CMT) weights. Based on the mapping, a payout program is designed that is expected to generate a stream of income sufficient to fund the cash payouts by determining an appropriate allocation of assets within the investment plan among the fixed income investments. A payout portfolio is formed within the investment plan including holdings in the fixed income investments in accordance with the determined appropriate allocation. The cash payouts are paid to the investor.

Abstract: A method of determining thermal output of a device under test includes attaching a power measurement transducer to a device under test, wherein the power measurement transducer includes two or more temperature measurement elements. A test sequence is applied to the device under test. One or more signals produced by the power measurement transducer are monitored to determine a quantity of power produced by the device under test during the test sequence.

Abstract: A power measurement transducer includes a thermally conductive heat spreading device having a first surface configured to thermally couple the power measurement transducer to a device under test. Two or more temperature measurement elements are positioned within the thermally conductive heat spreading device.

Abstract: Financial advisory methods and systems for creating a steady lifetime income stream within an investment plan is provided. According to one embodiment, based on an investor's current holdings in the investment plan, a pattern of periodic cash payouts is identified that can be made to the investor from an in-plan payout program implemented with the limited universe of financial products available within the investment plan. The assets of the investment plan are rebalanced to form a payout portfolio and an equity exposure portfolio. The payout portfolio is constructed to create an annuity-like stream of income to support the pattern of periodic cash payouts and includes multiple bond funds. The equity exposure portfolio is constructed to address inflation risk by providing an ability to rise with equities markets. Finally, a periodic cash payout of the pattern of periodic cash payouts is caused to be paid to the investor from the investment plan.