Abstract: An apparatus includes a valve coupled to a pressure-containing component of a wellhead assembly. The pressure-containing component can include a hollow body, a bore within the hollow body, and an access passage that is in the hollow body and is in fluid communication with the bore. The valve can include a sealing element that is positioned along the access passage and is selectively moveable between closed and open positions to control fluid flow through the access passage. During operation, the sealing element may be moved between the closed and open positions without actuating the sealing element through an outer end of the access passage. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a housing, a drum, a roller, and a shield. The drum is disposed within the housing and is configured to rotate relative to the housing. The roller is rotatably secured internally within the housing and to the housing. The roller is configured to support a lower end of the drum and to rotate collectively with the drum. The shield has a base plate disposed between the roller and the housing and a plurality of auxiliary plates protruding outward from a lower end of the base plate. The plates of the plurality of auxiliary plates are aligned in an array that extends radially about a lower end of the roller. The plates of the plurality of auxiliary plates form a tray along the lower end of the roller to catch debris from the roller.

Abstract: A method of testing a battery including several steps described herein is provided.

Abstract: A method of testing a battery is provided the method may include: (a) applying a heavy load to the battery, (b) measuring the voltage V1 between the positive and negative terminals of the battery after a first time period under which the battery is subjected to the heavy load; (c) removing the heavy load, (d) waiting for a second length of time, (e) reading the voltage across the positive and negative terminals after the second length of time V2, (f) performing a cold cranking amps CCA test if the CCA test indicates a CCA value above a first threshold, then consider V2, if V2 is below the second threshold than skip to step g but if V2 is above a second threshold than determine if the V2 is above a third threshold, if V2 is above a third threshold than determine that the battery is good and skip steps g-h; but if V2 is below the third threshold then if a battery charge flag has been set, determine that the battery is bad and skip steps g and h, if the battery charge flag has not been set, determine that the ba

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the temperature of each individual cell of a battery during the testing and charging. The method and apparatus can monitor the temperature of the cells of the battery, the charger or both. Additionally, a user can be notified when the temperature is at or exceeds a predetermined level. The temperature data is also used to aid in efficiently charging the battery and determining of the battery is defective.

Abstract: A method of boosting a vehicle battery includes supplying a current to the battery, detecting an engine crank event, and, upon detecting the engine crank event, dynamically adjusting (i.e., first substantially increasing, and then decreasing) the current in response to battery voltage. The method may also include verifying a crank-ready condition in the battery by comparing one or more of battery voltage, battery current, and battery charge accumulation to respective crank thresholds. In certain embodiments, this verification step occurs only after a minimum charging time has elapsed, and may time out after a maximum charging time. Once the crank ready condition is detected, the operator may be so signaled. At the conclusion of the boost and crank cycle, the current to the battery may be interrupted and the engine status—started or not started—may be detected. The battery may also be monitored for error conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method that enables a user to easily and efficiently determine a battery pack's rated current capacity without knowing the configuration of the batteries within the battery pack. Thus, the present invention enables a user to avoid manually calculating the battery pack's configuration. Furthermore, in some situations, the present invention enables a user to avoid having to disconnect and individually test the battery pack's batteries.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a battery testing apparatus and method include a processor, a first clamp coupled to the processor, a second clamp coupled to the processor, and a third clamp coupled to the processor wherein the processor is configured to collect data on a current flow when the first and second clamps are connected with a first battery and the third clamp is connected to a conductor connecting the first battery with a second battery connected to the first battery in parallel. The processor is further configured to process the data to determine whether the first battery is stronger than, weaker than or the same capacity as the second battery.

Abstract: A sensor failure accommodation system includes a control computer receiving a sensor signal corresponding to an engine operating condition, and estimating a value of the engine operating condition as a function of one or more engine operating parameters different than the engine operating condition. The computer is operable to control one or more air handling mechanisms as a function of a final engine operating condition value, and if the sensor producing the engine operating condition signal is error free the final engine operating condition value is the engine operating condition signal. If the sensor producing the engine operating condition signal has failed, the final engine operating condition value is the engine operating condition estimate, and if at least one sensor producing the one or more engine operating parameters has also failed, the final engine operating condition value is a commanded or other definable engine operating condition value.

Abstract: A sensor failure accommodation system includes a control computer receiving a sensor signal corresponding to an engine operating condition, and estimating a value of the engine operating condition as a function of one or more engine operating parameters different than the engine operating condition. The computer is operable to control one or more air handling mechanisms as a function of a final engine operating condition value, and if the sensor producing the engine operating condition signal is error free the final engine operating condition value is the engine operating condition signal. If the sensor producing the engine operating condition signal has failed, the final engine operating condition value is the engine operating condition estimate, and if at least one sensor producing the one or more engine operating parameters has also failed, the final engine operating condition value is a commanded or other definable engine operating condition value.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering volatile organic compounds (VOC) from VOC/inert gas mixtures leaving tanker holds during crude oil loading includes an absorption column 12 in which incoming VOC is absorbed into cold kerosene, a portion of the VOC rich kerosene leaving the absorption column being cooled in a cooler 88 and returned to the absorption column to contact incoming VOC/inert gas mixture and absorb further VOC. The remainder of the rich kerosene leaving the absorption column 12 passes to a buffer tank 34 where it is held. It is then pumped to an elevated pressure distillation (stripper) column 46, where VOC is separated from the kerosene by conventional rectification. VOC vapor leaving the top of the distillation column is condensed in condenser 72 and held in the VOC reflux tank 76. Liquid VOC from the reflux tank is passed to a crude oil pipeline 82; a portion of the liquid VOC from the reflux tank enters the top of the distillation column to act as reflux.

Abstract: This invention packages option devices, such as floppy drives and hard disk drives, within an enclosure, thereby providing EMI/RFI shielding, promoting unimpeded option device electronic signaling, and reducing wasted space within an enclosure, such that small enclosures may encase the components. This invention includes a cage, for holding option devices, that is groundingly mounted in spaced relation to the major surface of a logic board, and an option device bracket that is slideably mounted within the cage. Each of the option device brackets contains one option device.

Abstract: This invention is a system for self guiding interengagement of a securement member within a mating member having a slot for holding and securing two surface areas. The securement member is attached to one surface area and the mating member is attached to the other surface area. The securement member has a shape and the mating member has a tongue with a guiding surface, thereby promoting self guiding interengagement of the securement member within the slot of the mating member. The system is convenient for inserting a board within the obstructed view of a receptacle, such as a computer enclosure.

Abstract: A leak detection system and method of detecting leaks are disclosed for detecting leaks in a dispensing system having a pump, dispenser, conduit connecting the pump and dispenser and a valve to isolate the pump from the dispenser when a fluid is not being dispensed. The leak detection system includes a leak detector including an enclosure in fluid flow communication with the portion of the conduit downstream from the valve, a member responsive to the fluid condition within the enclosure and signal means responsive to the fluid condition responsive member for indicating the existence of a predetermined fluid condition.A valve seating means which is pressure activated to forceably seat the valve also is provided.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle, e.g., a nozzle for a gasoline station filling pump, is provided with a trigger retaining mechanism which allows an operator to retain the nozzle trigger member in its operative position by exerting a continuous relatively low manual force in contrast to the relatively high manual force required to operate the trigger member. The trigger member automatically returns to its inoperative position immediately upon release of the manual force on the trigger retaining mechanism. The fluid dispensing nozzle is particularly suitable for use in self-service gasoline filling stations.