Abstract: The present disclosure utilizes Non-linear Proportional and Derivative (NLPD) control on a duty cycle of an applying clutch for stationary and rolling vehicle garage shifts. The applying clutch can be engaged by as electrically activated solenoid valve, and the present disclosure utilizes NLPD control to adjust the duty cycle of the solenoid to provide a smooth vehicle garage shift engagement. The present disclosure utilizes a control algorithm based on turbine speed, turbine acceleration, and output speed. The present disclosure can utilize an existing vehicle control unit, such as an engine control unit (ECU), transmission control unit (TCU), or the like, to receive turbine speed measurements, to calculate the solenoid duty cycle using NLPD control on the turbine speed acceleration error, and to adjust the solenoid driver on the solenoid valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure utilizes Non-linear Proportional and Derivative (NLPD) control on a duty cycle of an applying clutch for stationary and rolling vehicle garage shifts. The applying clutch can be engaged by as electrically activated solenoid valve, and the present disclosure utilizes NLPD control to adjust the duty cycle of the solenoid to provide a smooth vehicle garage shift engagement. The present disclosure utilizes a control algorithm based on turbine speed, turbine acceleration, and output speed. The present disclosure can utilize an existing vehicle control unit, such as an engine control unit (ECU), transmission control unit (TCU), or the like, to receive turbine speed measurements, to calculate the solenoid duty cycle using NLPD control on the turbine speed acceleration error, and to adjust the solenoid driver on the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain has an engine coupled to an electronically-controlled automatic transmission. A method for controlling the vehicle powertrain during a transmission shift from a neutral gear to a drive gear detects a change in a signal indicative of a desired transmission gear change from a neutral gear to a drive gear. An engine idle speed is reduced by a predetermined RPM in response to the change in the signal. The transmission is shifted from the neutral gear into the drive gear upon the engine idle speed being reduced by the predetermined RPM.

Abstract: A system and method for suspending and sealing a liner below the roof of a tank for protecting the liner from fluids contained within the tank. The liner is a geosynthetic membrane, which is impervious to fluids, and provide a continuous barrier between the fluids and the inner surface of the roof. The liner is suspended between compression seals at the periphery of the tank. Further, cables are attached at the walls of the tank above or below the liner to support the suspended liner. The liner is sealed about any discontinuities, such as ventilation openings or access to the inside of the tank in the roof. Optionally, ventilation is also provided to the space above the liner by providing vents in the roof which do not extend through the liner.

Abstract: A system for testing the integrity of liners for fluid storage tanks prior to filling the tanks with fluid and placing the tanks into service includes a plurality of highly fluid transmissible paths of highly transmissible structure such as geogrid arranged in the interstitial space between the tank and the liner. Vacuum applied to the interstitial space causes fluid to flow through the breaches or leaks in the liner and into the interstitial space. Acoustical equipment is used to detect the sounds of the fluid flow to determine whether the liner and the liner seals are intact.

Abstract: A system for sealing a liner about an internal member in a structural envelope, such as a liquid storage tank. A mechanical seal is located between the liner's first edge and the structural envelope and forms secondary containment between the structural envelope and the liner. A plate sealably attaches outside the outer perimeter of the mechanical seal to either the inner or outer surface of the structural envelope and forms a continuous envelope extension from the liner to the discontinuity. The plate provides secondary containment between the continuous envelope extension and the structural envelope. Tertiary containment is achievable through use of a liner boot, the outer edge attached to the liner outside the perimeter of the mechanical seal and the inner edge mechanically sealed to the discontinuity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a relatively stable magnetic photocatalyst comprising an insulated magnetite core coated with a layer of photoactive titanium dioxide. In one example the insulation layer is silicon dioxide which blocks direct electrical contact between the titanium dioxide and the magnetite.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for unloading packages from a conveyor and then stacking the packages in rows on the floor of a shipping container. A package loader is disposed at the discharge end of the conveyor and is moveable with the conveyor into different positions between the forward and aft ends of the shipping container. The package loader includes a frame. A transfer table is mounted to the frame and aligned for receiving packages from the conveyor and supporting the packages as a person arranges the packages in rows extending across the width of the shipping container. A horizontal platform is mounted to the frame forward of the transfer table. The platform is moveable to selected elevations to first align the platform for receiving packages from the conveyor and transfer table, with the packages arranged in rows, and then to align the platform for transferring the rows of the packages onto the floor of the shipping container.

Abstract: An acoustic data link using the I-beam frame of a structure. The use of sl or aluminum framing permits a structure such as a ship to suffer damage in one section without loss of communication between sections. A universal asynchronous receive and transmit circuit converts data to be sent into a binary code which is inputted to the frame by a transducer. At a different location, a similar transducer receives the signal which is then converted back into an electrical signal.