Abstract: Systems and methods for modeling electric vehicle towing are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining that a trailer is connected to a vehicle, generating a surface mapping of the trailer based on output of a sensor assembly of the vehicle, predicting a drag coefficient of the trailer based on the surface mapping, estimating a drag force based on the drag coefficient and the surface mapping, calculating an estimated range for the vehicle based on the drag force, and displaying the estimated range on a human machine interface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A command-and-control module for communications, ideally in military operating conditions, is adapted for easy insertion into, and removal from, a portable case. A chassis has front and rear vertical plates secured, e.g. welded, to a horizontal plate. At least one DIN rail, for securing electrical and electronic equipment, is mounted to a vertical plate. The case has electrical ports and outlets as well as multiple features to protect the sensitive electronic equipment inside. Shock absorbers between the horizontal plate and the inner surface of the case protect the equipment from mechanical shock. A thermoelectric cooler keeps the equipment from overheating. An inner cover protects the equipment from dust. The inner cover is bolted to the chassis. The chassis is not otherwise affixed to the case. When the bolts are removed, the chassis is easily lifted out by handles.

Abstract: A tank cleaning machine comprising a housing having an inlet and a stationary guide diverter disposed within the housing. A gearing mechanism is attached to the stationery flow diverter. A nozzle extends from the housing wherein the nozzle is in fluid communication with the inlet and the nozzle includes an inclined portion extending from a horizontal portion of the nozzle. A drag limiter extends into a hydraulic fluid reservoir to limit the rotation speed of the gear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: A tank cleaning machine comprising a housing having an inlet and a stationary guide diverter disposed within the housing. A gearing mechanism is attached to the stationery flow diverter. A nozzle extends from the housing wherein the nozzle is in fluid communication with the inlet and the nozzle includes an inclined portion extending from a horizontal portion of the nozzle. A drag limiter extends into a hydraulic fluid reservoir to limit the rotation speed of the gear.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic thin film is formed on a metal surface of a boiler vessel to alter the wettability and roughness of the surface, which, in turn, changes the boiling behavior at the surface. The superhydrophilic film is formed by depositing a layer of a first ionic species on the surface from a solution. A second ionic species having a charge opposite to the that of the first ionic species is then deposited from solution onto the surface to produce a bilayer of the first ionic species and the oppositely charged second ionic species. The depositions are then repeated to form a plurality of bilayers, on top of the preceding bilayer. The bilayers are then heated, leaving the second ionic species on the metal surface to form a superhydrophilic film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic thin film is formed on a metal surface of a boiler vessel to alter the wettability and roughness of the surface, which, in turn, changes the boiling behavior at the surface. The superhydrophilic film is formed by depositing a layer of a first ionic species on the surface from a solution. A second ionic species having a charge opposite to the that of the first ionic species is then deposited from solution onto the surface to produce a bilayer of the first ionic species and the oppositely charged second ionic species. The depositions are then repeated to form a plurality of bilayers, on top of the preceding bilayer. The bilayers are then heated, leaving the second ionic species on the metal surface to form a superhydrophilic film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating a pair of pipe flanges to cause the flanges to be sealingly engaged. In one embodiment, a connection includes a first flange, a second flange and a coupling. The first and second flanges have complementary mating surfaces. The coupling engages both the first and second flanges, with the flanges oriented so that their mating surfaces face each other. The coupling movably engages the first flange to form a cavity between the coupling and the flange. When fluid is forced into the cavity, expansion of the cavity moves the first mating surface toward the second mating surface. This is continued until the mating surfaces make contact and a desired amount of pressure is applied between them to create a seal. The pressure of the fluid is distributed evenly through the cavity, so the contact pressure between the mating surfaces of the flanges is also evenly distributed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving heat exchangers by implementing self-energizing seals. In one embodiment, a U-tube heat exchanger includes a shell enclosure, a tube sheet, a closure and a set of tubes welded to the tube sheet. The tube sheet separates first and second chambers from a third chamber in the shell enclosure. The closure seals the first and second chambers. Each tube extends from the first chamber, through the third chamber to the second chamber. The improvement comprises a seal between the shell enclosure and either the closure or the tube sheet. The seal includes conically tapered sealing surfaces on the shell enclosure and closure or tube sheet which form a wedge-shaped gap. A seal ring having surfaces complementary to the sealing surfaces of the shell enclosure and closure or tube sheet is positioned between the sealing surfaces to form a self-energized seal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling pipes made of dissimilar materials in applications that are subject to large variations in temperature. In one embodiment, a connection comprises a first flange made of a first material and a second flange made of a second material. Each flange is designed to be welded to a pipe of the same material. One of the flanges has a male mating surface, while the other flanges as a female mating surface. The male flange is made of the material that experiences greater expansion or less contraction when the temperature of the connection is changed from a connection temperature to an operating temperature. The female flange is made of the other material. A sealing ring having elastic properties is preferably used between the mating surfaces of the flanges.