Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an exhaust gas recirculation valve based on crankcase pressure. In one example, a method comprises indicating a condition of a valve disposed in a first exhaust passage downstream from a cylinder exhaust valve based at least in part on a crankcase pressure.

Abstract: A system for removing undesirable compounds from contaminated air includes a biofilter having a fuzzy-logic based controller. A contaminant, such as hydrogen sulfide, is removed from contaminated air by passing the contaminated air through the biofilter.

Abstract: A fluid heater for heating fluid at high pressure may comprise a containment vessel with a base portion having a primary face with a peripheral surface section having a substantially frusta-conical shape. The vessel may comprise an elongated main portion having a perimeter wall with a thickness and terminating with a base edge surface. The base edge surface may have a substantially frusta-conical shape such that the base edge surface and the peripheral surface section collectively form a weld receiving groove. A width of the peripheral surface section of the primary face of the base portion may be greater than the thickness of the perimeter wall of the main portion.

Abstract: In a system for dynamically and remotely providing user interface (UI) display and processing information to a touch panel embedded within a multifunction peripheral (MFP) such as a digital copier having an internal computer for controlling the touch panel, a method that comprises linking the internal computer to an external data communication network having an external remote computer on the network; and upon the inputting of desired selections by a user at the UI and communicating the same over the network to the external computer, providing information from the external computer via the network back to the internal computer that enables dynamically changing or updating the UI display and behavior during run time of the MFP.

Abstract: An improved ballast adhesive for model train ballast beds is provided. The improved ballast adhesive and the method of using the same enable the adhered ballast beds to remain flexible after the curing of the ballast adhesive, facilitating the final flexible arrangement and securing of the adhered ballast beds in the desired layout of the model train set.

Abstract: A casting core assembly (140) includes a metallic core (144, 146, 148; 360; 380; 400) and a ceramic core (142). A protuberant portion (184) of a metallic core is received in compartment (186) of the ceramic core.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an exhaust gas recirculation valve based on crankcase pressure. In one example, a method comprises indicating a condition of a valve disposed in a first exhaust passage downstream from a cylinder exhaust valve based at least in part on a crankcase pressure.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for blocking backflow of exhaust through an exhaust gas recirculation system. In one embodiment, a method comprises flowing exhaust gas through an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage in a first direction from at least a first cylinder group of an engine to an intake manifold of the engine, the exhaust gas flowing in the first direction through a filter arranged in the EGR passage prior to reaching the intake manifold, and blocking flow of gas through the filter in a second, opposite direction with a mechanical one-way valve positioned in the EGR passage between the filter and the intake manifold.

Abstract: A device, system, and method are disclosed that supplements a human spinal column's structure by replacing a damaged intervertebral disc with a machined spacer comprising a movable pair of blades that rotate to expand from the spacer in-situ to interlock with a patient's vertebras, and a locking system that provides secondary protection from blade movement within the spacer.

Abstract: A casting core assembly (140) includes a metallic core (144, 146, 148; 360; 380; 400) and a ceramic core (142). A protuberant portion (184) of a metallic core is received in compartment (186) of the ceramic core.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for controlling a hydraulically actuated engine valve. In one example, a system includes a hydraulically actuated engine valve and an engine having a first hydraulic system. The system further includes a second hydraulic system, which is separate from the first hydraulic system, and where the second hydraulic system provides fluid pressure to actuate the valve.

Abstract: A system for removing undesirable compounds from contaminated air includes a biofilter having a fuzzy-logic based controller. A contaminant, such as hydrogen sulfide, is removed from contaminated air by passing the contaminated air through the biofilter.

Abstract: In general, apparatuses, methods and computer program products for receiving a contactless transmission from an external apparatus to an automated teller machine (ATM) are disclosed. An ATM machine is provided that has been equipped with a contactless interface for interacting with an external apparatus such as a debit/credit card, mobile device, and/or contactless transmission equipped stickers.

Abstract: A power actuator for a window in a building includes a drive unit, a cable system, and a controller. The drive unit is positioned within a sill of the window. The cable system is engagable with the drive unit for moving a pane of the window relative to a window frame between an opened position and a closed position. The controller is electrically coupled to the drive unit and a power outlet located in the building and connected to an external power grid.

Abstract: A vehicle closure assembly includes a closure movable relative to a vehicle opening between closed and open positions. A latch is coupled to one of a threshold of the vehicle opening and the closure, and a striker is coupled to the other of the threshold of the vehicle opening and the closure. The striker and latch are engageable to secure the closure in the closed position. A striker cover is movable relative to the striker between a concealing position in which the striker is substantially concealed from the latch, and an exposing position in which the striker is substantially exposed to the latch. An actuator is coupled to the striker cover and is operable to move the striker cover to the concealing position or the exposing position from the other position in response to movement of the closure relative to the vehicle opening.

Abstract: A vibratory compactor includes a roller and an eccentric shaft. The roller is rotatably mounted on a main frame and may include a first vertical support and a second vertical support. The eccentric shaft is rotatably connected between the first vertical support and the second vertical support in the roller. The eccentric shaft includes a first end, a second end, a first eccentric weight, a second eccentric weight, and a center portion, casted as a single piece. The first eccentric weight is proximal to the first end and the second eccentric weight is proximal to the second end. The center portion may be disposed between the first eccentric weight and the second eccentric weight. The center portion may include at least one cavity on a surface of the center portion. The at least one cavity is elongated between the first eccentric weight and the second eccentric weight.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for blocking backflow of exhaust through an exhaust gas recirculation system. In one embodiment, a method comprises flowing exhaust gas through an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage in a first direction from at least a first cylinder group of an engine to an intake manifold of the engine, the exhaust gas flowing in the first direction through a filter arranged in the EGR passage prior to reaching the intake manifold, and blocking flow of gas through the filter in a second, opposite direction with a mechanical one-way valve positioned in the EGR passage between the filter and the intake manifold.

Abstract: A fluid heating system for heating and dispensing fluid in a primary fluid flow path is disclosed, and may include a reservoir defining an interior for holding a quantity of a fluid, with the interior being in fluid communication with the primary fluid flow path such that the quantity of fluid in the interior is able to flow into the primary fluid flow path. A primary pump may be configured to pump fluid in the primary fluid flow path, the primary pump being in fluid communication with the primary fluid flow path. A fluid dispensing device may be configured to selectively dispense fluid from the primary fluid flow path. A steam injection apparatus may be in communication with the interior of the reservoir device to inject steam into the interior to heat fluid located in the interior of the reservoir.

Abstract: In a system for dynamically and remotely providing user interface (UI) display and processing information to a touch panel embedded within a multifunction peripheral (MFP) such as a digital copier having an internal computer for controlling the touch panel, a method that comprises linking the internal computer to an external data communication network having an external remote computer on the network; and upon the inputting of desired selections by a user at the UI and communicating the same over the network to the external computer, providing information from the external computer via the network back to the internal computer that enables dynamically changing or updating the UI display and behavior during run time of the MFP.

Abstract: In a system for dynamically and remotely providing user interface (UI) display and processing information to a touch panel embedded within a multifunction peripheral (MFP) such as a digital copier having an internal computer for controlling the touch panel, a method that comprises linking the internal computer to an external data communication network having an external remote computer on the network; and upon the inputting of desired selections by a user at the UI and communicating the same over the network to the external computer, providing information from the external computer via the network back to the internal computer that enables dynamically changing or updating the UI display and behavior during run time of the MFP.