Abstract: A battery system for an electric vehicle includes one or more battery modules that include one or more battery cells. Each of the battery cells include a plurality of vents on a first end and oriented in a first direction (e.g., an upward direction). The battery system also includes a touch cover arranged above the first end of the battery cells, wherein the touch cover includes a plurality of opening features configured to direct the gas to flow away from the plurality of battery cells, or away from sensitive components, to a predetermined direction that differs from the first direction. The plurality of opening features direct gas in a second direction different from the first direction. The opening features include louvres, arranged in strips or an array, or other suitable venting openings. The touch cover may be formed by pressing a sheet of material.

Abstract: A ventilated seat, a vehicle including the ventilated seat, and a method of controlling airflow in a vehicle having a ventilated seat are provided. The ventilated seat includes a seat cushion assembly and an air duct configured to interface with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module of the vehicle and provide conditioned air from the HVAC module to the seat cushion assembly. The HVAC module of the vehicle further provides conditioned air to an interior cabin of the vehicle through at least one air vent.

Abstract: A heat exchanger air control system is provided that utilizes a central heat exchanger and a pair of side-mounted heat exchangers, where the side-mounted heat exchangers are positioned forward of the central heat exchanger. The air outlets of the side-mounted heat exchangers are coupled to both the air inlet and the air outlet of the central heat exchanger using several air ducts through which air flow is controlled, thus allowing air flow throughout the system to be optimized based on the needs of the thermal systems coupled to the heat exchangers. A single fan proximate to the outlet of the central heat exchanger can be used to draw air through any combination of the three heat exchangers.

Abstract: A heat exchanger air control system is provided that utilizes a central heat exchanger and a pair of side-mounted heat exchangers, where the central heat exchanger is positioned forward of the side-mounted heat exchangers. The air outlet of the central heat exchanger is coupled to both the air inlet and the air outlet of each of the side-mounted heat exchangers using several air ducts through which air flow is controlled, thus allowing air flow throughout the system to be optimized based on the needs of the thermal systems coupled to the heat exchangers. A pair of fans, one adjacent to the outlet of each of the side-mounted heat exchangers, can be used to draw air through various combinations of the three heat exchangers.

Abstract: An airflow system is provided that utilizes a vortex generator to efficiently draw ambient air into one or more automotive heat exchangers. Due to the use of the vortex generator, the air intake may be much smaller than that used in a conventional system and may have a significantly different aspect ratio from that of the heat exchanger, thus providing additional vehicle design flexibility. The vortex generator may use a single outlet or multiple outlets, and may be coupled directly or via a transition duct(s) to the heat exchanger(s).

Abstract: A heat exchanger air control system is provided that utilizes a central heat exchanger and a pair of side-mounted heat exchangers, where the side-mounted heat exchangers are positioned forward of the central heat exchanger. The air outlets of the side-mounted heat exchangers are coupled to both the air inlet and the air outlet of the central heat exchanger using several air ducts through which air flow is controlled, thus allowing air flow throughout the system to be optimized based on the needs of the thermal systems coupled to the heat exchangers. A single fan proximate to the outlet of the central heat exchanger can be used to draw air through any combination of the three heat exchangers.

Abstract: A heat exchanger air control system is provided that utilizes a central heat exchanger and a pair of side-mounted heat exchangers, where the central heat exchanger is positioned forward of the side-mounted heat exchangers. The air outlet of the central heat exchanger is coupled to both the air inlet and the air outlet of each of the side-mounted heat exchangers using several air ducts through which air flow is controlled, thus allowing air flow throughout the system to be optimized based on the needs of the thermal systems coupled to the heat exchangers. A pair of fans, one adjacent to the outlet of each of the side-mounted heat exchangers, can be used to draw air through various combinations of the three heat exchangers.

Abstract: A trolley having two castor wheel assemblies mounted to a trolley frame. The castor wheel assemblies are mounted toward a rear of the trolley frame whereas another pair of conventional castors are mounted to the front of the trolley frame. The castor wheel assemblies are not identical insofar as swiveling of the assemblies is limited in a direction inwardly of the trolley only. It has been found that limited swiveling of one of the castor wheel assemblies only such as at an offset angle provides more efficient guided steering of the trolley.

Abstract: A trolley having two castor wheel assemblies mounted to a trolley frame. The castor wheel assemblies are mounted toward a rear of the trolley frame whereas another pair of conventional castors are mounted to the front of the trolley frame. The castor wheel assemblies are not identical insofar as swiveling of the assemblies is limited in a direction inwardly of the trolley only. It has been found that limited swiveling of one of the castor wheel assemblies only such as at an offset angle provides more efficient guided steering of the trolley.

Abstract: A service system is provided for recording spoken passages exchanged between parties, for example, via the public telephone system. The service system is called into action preferably by the agreement of the parties and is used to make a recording of the spoken exchanges between the parties. At the termination of recording, each party is preferably provided with the opportunity to review the recording and asked to confirm their acceptance of the recording. The service system then provides a reference copy of the recording. Where a digital copy of the recording is made, the parties are preferably required to indicate their acceptance by digitally signing and returning the recording to the service system.

Abstract: A service system is provided for recording spoken passages exchanged between parties, for example, via the public telephone system. The service system is called into action preferably by the agreement of the parties and is used to make a recording of the spoken exchanges between the parties. At the termination of recording, each party is preferably provided with the opportunity to review the recording and asked to confirm their acceptance of the recording. The service system then provides a reference copy of the recording. Where a digital copy of the recording is made, the parties are preferably required to indicate their acceptance by digitally signing and returning the recording to the service system.

Abstract: A man-machine interface comprises a sensor having first and second ends. The sensor carriers four transducers oriented therearound such that the sensor is responsive to flex in two directions. An affixing mechanism, such as a glove or cloth strap, is provided for affixing the man-machine interface to a patient's body. A first mounting mechanism is provided for rigidly mounting the first end of the sensor to the affixing mechanism. A second mounting mechanism is provided for slidably mounting a second end of the sensor to the affixing mechanism. In that manner, flex in two directions can be sensed without adding any tensile forces to the sensor as a result of the joint being flexed.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a viral infection in a subject by administering a surfactant and/or a steroid so as to produce a high concentration thereof in the systemic circulation. The method is particularly applicable to the treatment of HIV infections. The use of surfactants and/or steroids in the production of pharmaceutical compositions is described.

Abstract: Fuel gas produced e.g. in a fluid bed gasifier and which comprises deposit-forming materials such as heavy hydrocarbons (e.g. tars) and non-combustible fines is passed via conduits and solid-removing cyclones to a burner for admixture with air and subsequent combustion. Deposits formed in the conduits cyclones and burner are removed by closing off the burner outlet and air inlet, and passing a deposit-removing reactant (e.g. air) into the conduit to oxidize and thereby remove deposits, particularly from the cyclones. Preferably, there are at least two burners for the fuel gas, and they are closed off alternately to remove deposits from their respective conduits and cyclones.