Abstract: A terpolymer composition is described that contains a statistical amount of 50-98 wt % of a first repeating AA-BB comonomer unit; 1-25 wt % of a second repeating AA-BB comonomer unit; and 1-25 wt % of a repeating lactam comonomer unit or 1-25 wt % of a third repeating AA-BB comonomer unit, where the terpolymer composition exhibits a high melting point similar to that of PA66 while also exhibiting a significantly reduced crystallization rate and crystallization temperature.

Abstract: An exemplary method relates to operating a door closer assembly including a closer body, a pinion rotatably mounted to the closer body, a motor including a motor shaft, and a bidirectional clutch connected between the pinion and the motor shaft. The method generally involves permitting, by the clutch, rotation of the pinion in each of a first direction and a second direction without transmitting rotation of the pinion in either direction to the motor shaft; sensing, with a sensor, a rotational position of the pinion; comparing, by a controller, the rotational position of the pinion with a desired rotational position; based upon the comparing, driving the motor to rotate the motor shaft; and by the clutch, coupling the motor shaft with the pinion in response to rotation of the motor shaft, thereby transmitting torque from the motor shaft to the pinion and urging the pinion toward the desired rotational position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polyamide compositions and resulting injection-molded articles that can be plated, e.g., metal coated, to form aesthetic injection-molded articles. The polyamide compositions may include from 45 wt. % to 75 wt. % of an polyamide, from 2 wt. % to 40 wt. % of an etchable filler, from 10 wt. % to 40 wt. % of a semi-structural mineral, and optionally from 0.1 wt. % to 13 wt. % of additive. The polyamide composition imparts very good surface appearance to injection-molded articles that are substantially free of visual defects.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polyamide compositions and resulting injection-molded articles that can be plated, e.g., metal coated, to form structurally aesthetic injection-molded articles. The polyamide compositions may include from 40 wt. % to 80 wt. % of a polyamide, from 0.5 wt. % to 40 wt. % of an etchable filler, from 5 wt. % to 30 wt. % of glass fiber, optionally less than 40 wt. % of a semi-structural mineral, and optionally from 0.1 wt. % to 13 wt. % of additive. The polyamide composition imparts very good surface appearance and excellent mechanical properties to injection-molded articles that are substantially free of visual defects.

Abstract: An exemplary pushbutton mechanism is configured for use with a lockset including a spindle and a plunger extending into the spindle, and generally includes a first component, a second component, and a cam interface. The first component is configured for rotational coupling with the plunger and for axial coupling with the spindle, and is rotatable between a locking orientation and an unlocking orientation. The second component is configured for rotational coupling with the spindle and for axial movement relative to the first component and the spindle, and is axially movable between a depressed position and a projected position. The cam interface is configured to correlate rotation of the first component with axial displacement of the second component.

Abstract: Provided herein are polyamide compositions including one or more semi-crystalline polyamides and either an amorphous polyamide or a semi-crystalline copolyamide such as PA66/6. The provided compositions are particularly useful as vibration isolators more effective at high-temperature noise and harshness damping than conventional polyamide compositions. Also provided are methods for making the provided compositions, and articles that include the provided compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are polymer films including a polyamide composition of PA6 and PA66/6. The provided films are particularly useful as packaging materials as they exhibit improved toughness, e.g., puncture and impact resistance, relative to that of conventional films that include only PA6 as a polyamide component. Also provided are methods for making the provided films, and articles that include the provided films.

Abstract: An exemplary armature assembly is configured for use with a door closer comprising a pinion, and generally includes a first arm configured for rotational coupling with the pinion, a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm at a pivot joint, and a hold-open mechanism. The hold-open mechanism generally includes a clutch having a decoupling and a coupling state, and an electromechanical driver operable to transition the clutch between the coupling state and the decoupling state. With the clutch in the decoupling state, a first torque is operable to cause relative pivoting of the arms. With the clutch in the coupling state, the first torque is inoperable to cause relative pivoting of the arms, and a second torque greater than the first torque is operable to cause relative pivoting of the arms.

Abstract: An exemplary method relates to operating a door closer assembly including a closer body, a pinion rotatably mounted to the closer body, a motor including a motor shaft, and a bidirectional clutch connected between the pinion and the motor shaft. The method generally involves permitting, by the clutch, rotation of the pinion in each of a first direction and a second direction without transmitting rotation of the pinion in either direction to the motor shaft; sensing, with a sensor, a rotational position of the pinion; comparing, by a controller, the rotational position of the pinion with a desired rotational position; based upon the comparing, driving the motor to rotate the motor shaft; and by the clutch, coupling the motor shaft with the pinion in response to rotation of the motor shaft, thereby transmitting torque from the motor shaft to the pinion and urging the pinion toward the desired rotational position.

Abstract: An exemplary credential input device includes a mounting plate, a pivot pad, a sensor, an input device, and a controller. The pivot pad is pivotably mounted to the mounting plate, is biased to a home position, and is operable to pivot to each of a plurality of pivoted positions. The sensor is mounted to the pivot pad such that the sensor moves with the pivot pad, and is configured to generate information relating to an orientation of the sensor. The input device operable to move the pivot pad from the home position to each of the plurality of pivoted positions, thereby altering the orientation of the sensor. The controller is in communication with the sensor, and is configured to determine an inputted code based upon information received from the sensor, to compare the inputted code to an authorized code, and to issue a command in response to the comparing.

Abstract: An exemplary armature assembly is configured for use with a door closer comprising a pinion, and generally includes a first arm configured for rotational coupling with the pinion, a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm at a pivot joint, and a hold-open mechanism. The hold-open mechanism generally includes a clutch having a decoupling and a coupling state, and an electromechanical driver operable to transition the clutch between the coupling state and the decoupling state. With the clutch in the decoupling state, a first torque is operable to cause relative pivoting of the arms. With the clutch in the coupling state, the first torque is inoperable to cause relative pivoting of the arms, and a second torque greater than the first torque is operable to cause relative pivoting of the arms.

Abstract: An exemplary pushbutton mechanism is configured for use with a lockset including a spindle and a plunger extending into the spindle, and generally includes a first component, a second component, and a cam interface. The first component is configured for rotational coupling with the plunger and for axial coupling with the spindle, and is rotatable between a locking orientation and an unlocking orientation. The second component is configured for rotational coupling with the spindle and for axial movement relative to the first component and the spindle, and is axially movable between a depressed position and a projected position. The cam interface is configured to correlate rotation of the first component with axial displacement of the second component.

Abstract: An exemplary method relates to operating a door closer assembly including a closer body, a pinion rotatably mounted to the closer body, a motor including a motor shaft, and a bidirectional clutch connected between the pinion and the motor shaft. The method generally involves permitting, by the clutch, rotation of the pinion in each of a first direction and a second direction without transmitting rotation of the pinion in either direction to the motor shaft; sensing, with a sensor, a rotational position of the pinion; comparing, by a controller, the rotational position of the pinion with a desired rotational position; based upon the comparing, driving the motor to rotate the motor shaft; and by the clutch, coupling the motor shaft with the pinion in response to rotation of the motor shaft, thereby transmitting torque from the motor shaft to the pinion and urging the pinion toward the desired rotational position.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for controlling a plurality of washers and the mixture and deliver of laundry product solutions to the plurality of washers. Generally, a GUI allows for a user to select one or more washers and one or more laundry products. A computing device receives the user input and controls the system hardware to further execute the input. The system uses a combination of solenoids and peristaltic pumps to direct water flow to be mixed with the selected solid and/or liquid laundry products. The water and laundry product solution is further directed to the one or more appropriate washer. A third-party payment terminal allows for the user to pay before using the system. The system, method, and apparatus generally allow for a resource efficient and cost effective solution to laundry needs.

Abstract: Compounds are identified that act as crystallization suppressants when added to clear brine fluids, significantly lowering the true crystallization temperatures of the brines, and allowing for higher salt content in clear brine fluids. The crystallization suppressants of the invention also allow for the preparation of higher density zinc free brines.

Abstract: An exemplary door control assembly includes a door control and an armature assembly. The door control includes a body and a pinion rotatably mounted to the body for rotation about a rotational axis. The pinion has a radially-outer periphery and a recess is formed in the radially-outer periphery. The armature assembly comprises an armature and a coupler. The armature is rotationally coupled with the pinion, and includes an opening in which the pinion is received. The coupler is movably mounted to the armature for movement between a coupling position and a decoupling position. With the coupler in the coupling position, the coupler projects into the recess and axially couples the armature and the pinion to prevent removal of the armature from the pinion. With the coupler in the decoupling position, the coupler axially decouples the armature and the pinion to permit removal of the armature from the pinion.

Abstract: A landing tool includes a body with an inner surface. A receiving groove is located on the inner surface and includes a first groove portion and a second groove portion separated by a tab. At least a portion of the tab is recessed from the inner surface of the landing tool. At least a portion of the second groove portion may further be recessed from one or both of the inner surface of the landing tool or an inner surface of the tab.

Abstract: A copolyamide composition comprising a statistical copolyamide containing 70-99 wt % of diamine and dicarboxylic acid repeat units and 1-30 wt % of lactam or AA-BB repeat units, whereby incorporation of the comonomer lactam or AA-BB unit reduces the crystallization rate (longer crystallization times) while maintaining (1) high melting point, (2) low potential plate out, (3) low oxygen permeation, (4) high tensile strength and (5) puncture/tear resistance.

Abstract: Compounds are identified that act as crystallization suppressants when added to clear brine fluids, significantly lowering the true crystallization temperatures of the brines, and allowing for higher salt content in clear brine fluids. The crystallization suppressants of the invention also allow for the preparation of higher density zinc free brines. Crystallization suppressant blends are also identified that allow for the preparation of high density clear brine fluids with lower viscosities.

Abstract: An exemplary credential input device includes a mounting plate, a pivot pad, a sensor, an input device, and a controller. The pivot pad is pivotably mounted to the mounting plate, is biased to a home position, and is operable to pivot to each of a plurality of pivoted positions. The sensor is mounted to the pivot pad such that the sensor moves with the pivot pad, and is configured to generate information relating to an orientation of the sensor. The input device operable to move the pivot pad from the home position to each of the plurality of pivoted positions, thereby altering the orientation of the sensor. The controller is in communication with the sensor, and is configured to determine an inputted code based upon information received from the sensor, to compare the inputted code to an authorized code, and to issue a command in response to the comparing.