Abstract: Systems and methods for filter orientation on a control valve are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided for rotationally orienting a filter retention feature with respect to an application fluid passageway to control forces and stresses exerted on the filter retention feature. Additionally, methods for manufacturing a control valve are provided that enable a rotational relationship between a filter retention feature and an application fluid passageway to be constrained.

Abstract: A tire has an axis of rotation. The tire includes two inextensible annular bead structures for attachment to a vehicle rim, a carcass-like structure having at least one reinforced ply, the carcass-like structure being wound about the two bead structures, a tread disposed radially outward of the carcass-like structure, and a shear band structure disposed radially between the carcass-like structure and the tread. The two bead structures include at least one layer of a three dimensional fabric including a tear drop frame structure and open cells defined by the tear drop frame structure.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (100) and method for an automotive vehicle, comprising: an inner column tube (102), a steering shaft (104), at least one bracket structure, such as a top bracket (106), adapted for receiving a least a portion of the steering shaft and for mounting the steering column assembly within the automotive vehicle, the at feast one bracket structure (e.g., top bracket) including a side wall (124). A column housing (110) is pivotally coupled with the at least one bracket structure. An adjustable spacer (130) is disposed between the column housing and the top bracket and is mounted to the side wall of the at least one bracket structure by a single fastener (128), by a generally vertically oriented fastener adapted for allowing lateral translation (e.g., by sliding) for position adjustment of the spacer or both. The exposed surface of the spacer is in facing relation with a part of the column housing for contacting the column housing during a tilt adjustment.

Abstract: A charging system includes a primary single charging bay unit and at least one secondary single charging bay unit. Each of the units has an adapter cup for receiving one of a battery and a battery-powered device for charging, an associated printed circuit board disposed beneath the adapter cup, and a primary printed circuit board disposed within the main body. The least one secondary single charging bay unit is in communication with the primary single charging bay unit via a user assembled backplane bus. The backplane bus is expandable to permit a gangable or build-out configuration of the charging system.

Abstract: A computing platform of a vehicle may receive a request, from a mobile application accessing a secure vehicle function, to create a secure tunnel between the computing platform and the mobile device; retrieve an application certificate from the mobile application; and validate the creation of the secure tunnel using the application certificate and a module certificate from a local policy table of the computing platform. A mobile device, connected to a computing platform of a vehicle may execute a mobile application requiring a secure vehicle function; send a request to create a secure tunnel with the computing platform responsive to access of by the mobile application of the secure vehicle function; and send to the computing platform an application certificate corresponding to the mobile application to validate creation of the secure tunnel.

Abstract: Certain exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards a disc drive apparatus. A base deck and a cover are joined to one another by a friction-stir weld along a lip of the cover that extends along a periphery of the cover and over a surface of the base deck. The base deck and cover enclose a cavity, which is hermetically sealed by the weld.

Abstract: A pitch control system for a wind turbine includes a backup battery bank assigned to each pitch drive motor, with each battery bank having a plurality of individual batteries connected in series. A battery charger is connected in parallel across each battery in the battery bank. A protective circuit is configured with each battery charger and includes a voltage comparator circuit that detects a reverse voltage applied to the battery charger above a threshold value to isolate the battery charger from the reverse voltage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an energy storage system includes a plurality of energy storage banks. The plurality of energy storage banks include a first set of one or more energy storage banks and a second set of one or more energy storage banks. The first set of the energy storage banks is associated with a faster charge/discharge rate relative to the second set of energy storage banks. The energy storage system includes at least one control device that is configured to control the first set of energy storage banks to accept or discharge energy in response to fluctuations in a power signal associated with a first frequency; and is further configured to control the second set of energy storage banks to accept or discharge energy in response to fluctuations in the power signal associated with a second frequency. The first frequency is greater than the second frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a dynamic digital imaging system for the detection of defects in a moving product stream. The system has an elevated platform above a conveying unit for receiving a reference color tile. The elevated platform allows for the passage of products to be inspected on the below conveying unit surface such that calibration and re-calibration processes during image capturing may be accomplished on a continuous basis without interruption of the product stream.

Abstract: Multiple free-piston stirling-cycle machine modules are connected together in double-acting configurations that may be used as engines or heat pumps and scaled to any power level by varying the number of modules. Reciprocating piston assemblies oriented in balanced pairs reduce vibration forces. There are no buffer spaces. Linear motors or generators are packaged inside piston cavities entirely within the module working spaces. The external heat-accepting and heat-rejecting surfaces in one embodiment are directed along inward-facing and outward facing cylinders, and in another embodiment along parallel planes, simplifying thermal connections to the external heat source and sink.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a carcass reinforced by a carcass ply extending from a first bead to a second bead and a belt structure including a first portion and a second portion. The belt structure is disposed radially outward of the carcass ply in a crown portion of the pneumatic tire. The first portion includes a belt with a belt width extending axially from a first shoulder portion of the crown portion to a second shoulder portion of the crown portion. The second portion includes a plurality of bands with band widths less than the belt width. One of the bands has a first group of cords oriented in a first direction relative to a centerline of the pneumatic tire and a second group of cords oriented in a second direction relative to the centerline of the pneumatic tire.

Abstract: A method in accordance with the present invention manufactures a tire with a biaxial monolayer belt component (MBC). The method comprises the steps of: winding a cord continuously about a first drum according to a pre-defined pattern to create a mesh of cords defining a single belt/overlay structure; adjusting the structure to a predetermined position on the first drum by laser lights; applying a tread component to the structure; transferring the structure and tread component to a second drum; applying the structure and tread component to a carcass component on the second drum; reducing pressure of the carcass component by a predetermined amount; and stitching the structure and tread component to the carcass component.

Abstract: A DNA flow cell processing method including positioning the flow cell on a stage at a predetermined location relative to a camera, illuminating the flow cell from a side with a first light source to reflect light off the DNA fragment bead locations, obtaining a first image of the flow cell and identifying a first reference pattern of bead locations in the first image, moving at least one of the flow cell and the stage relative to the camera, attempting to reposition the stage at the predetermined location, obtaining a second image of the flow cell, identifying the first reference pattern in the second image, and evaluating a first offset, relative to the camera, between the first reference pattern in the first image and the first reference pattern in the second image.

Abstract: A steering column assembly {100} and method for an automotive vehicle, comprising: an inner column tube (102), a fi steering shaft (104), at least one bracket structure, such as a top bracket {106), adapted for receiving a least a portion of the steering shaft and for mounting the steering column assembly within the automotive vehicle, the at feast one bracket structure (e.g., top bracket) including a side wall (124). A column housing (110) is pivotally coupled with the at least one bracket structure. An adjustable spacer (130) is disposed between the column housing and the top bracket and is mounted to the side wall of the at least one bracket structure by a single fastener (128), by a generally vertically oriented fastener adapted for allowing lateral translation (e.g., by sliding) for position adjustment of the spacer or both. The exposed surface of the spacer is in facing relation with a part of the column housing for contacting the column housing during a tilt adjustment.

Abstract: Concepts for presenting display features to a user of a system which comprises a display, an acquisition device, and a controller system. In various embodiments, the acquisition device is configured to capture image data of one or more items moving along a conveying mechanism and read item identifiers associated with each item. The system then associates or identifies display features with each item identifier and presents the captured image data with the display features presented on or near the image data of the items.

Abstract: The sticky back rodent bait tab attracts baits and affixes On live and or rat mouse snap traps

Abstract: Conversion of intermodal shipping containers to a Universal Building Modules for construction industry. The intermodal shipping container is modified to have a plurality of common, framed apertures, adapted to receive a standardized infill panel to define a configurable and reconfigurable structural module.

Abstract: Certain exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards a manufacturing apparatus including a first chamber having a first cavity, and a first actuator. The first actuator aligns the opening of the first chamber to an opening in a second chamber having a second cavity, sealing the first cavity to the second cavity. The manufacturing apparatus further includes gas flow componentry that in conjunction with the first actuator and first chamber evacuate the second cavity by drawing a vacuum in the first cavity. After the second cavity is evacuated, the gas flow componentry fills the second cavity filled with a gas by introducing the gas to the first cavity. A second actuator seals the gas in the second cavity by applying a seal that covers the opening in the second chamber while the first and second cavity remains sealed to one another via the first actuator.

Abstract: A collapsing steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle, comprising an inner column tube, a steering shaft, a tilt bracket, and a steering wheel adjustment subassembly. During a secondary impact, at least a portion of the steering wheel adjustment subassembly is adapted to detach relative to the tilt bracket by way of at least one breakaway structure and translate (e.g., at least partially longitudinally) during the impact, such as a secondary impact, for moving away from a vehicle operator.

Abstract: Certain exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards dual cavity apparatus and related methods involving hermetically sealing the cavities by evacuating and atmosphere therein, filling the cavity with a gas, and sealing the gas in the cavities. This evacuation and fill approach is carried out through openings that provide access to the cavities. During evacuation of at least one of the cavities through one of the openings, one or more spacers prevent the cavity from collapsing in response to the vacuum force.