Abstract: A method calculates a rotational speed of a node of a linkage in a transmission allows the continued operation of the transmission even when rotational speeds are difficult to sense due to the lack of rotational speed. The method begins by sensing rotational speed at each node to define a sensed rotational speed for each node. The sensed rotational speed at each node is compared to a threshold rotational speed. The sensed rotational speed continues to be used if an absolute value of the sensed rotational speed of the node is greater than the threshold rotational speed. A calculated rotational speed is calculated when the sensed rotational speed is less than the threshold rotational speed. The sensed rotational speed value is replaced with the calculated rotational speed for the node when the sensed rotational speed is less than the threshold rotational speed.

Abstract: A method of efficiently extracting large data sets from a database may include receiving a first result set from a first query executed on one or more data sources. The one or more data sources may use a first schema when the first query was executed. The method may also include receiving a second result set from a second query executed on the one or more data sources. The one or more data sources may use a second schema when the second query was executed. The method may further include generating a view that combines the first result set and the second result set. The view may resolve differences between the first schema and the second schema.

Abstract: A transmission is shifted into a reverse state. The transmission includes a clutch. The clutch includes a pocket plate, a notch plate, a first strut housed within a pocket of the pocket plate, and a second strut housed within another pocket. A command is received to shift the transmission to reverse. It is then determined whether the at least one second strut has retracted into the pocket plate. If it remains extended, the first actuator is activated. A first rotational torque is applied to the notch plate in a direction allowing the notch plate to abut the first strut. By doing so, the second strut is released from abutting engagement with the notch plate. A second rotational torque is applied to the notch plate opposite the first rotational torque to rotate the notch plate out of engagement with the first strut, resulting in the transmission entering the reverse state.

Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.

Abstract: A method selectively locks a notch plate to a pocket plate such that the notch and pocket plates rotate together. The pocket plate includes struts that work in opposite directions. The pocket plate rotational speed and the notch plate rotational speed are identified. Once the notch plate rotational speed is close to the pocket plate rotational speed, the struts in one direction are activated. Once seated, the struts in the other direction are activated. This two-step engagement of the struts provides a smoother transition between clutch engagements (gear shifts) while not requiring the precision of having all struts activated at the same time.

Abstract: Resistance spot rivet welding systems, subsystems, and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: A method of efficiently extracting large data sets from a database may include receiving a first result set from a first query executed on one or more data sources. The one or more data sources may use a first schema when the first query was executed. The method may also include receiving a second result set from a second query executed on the one or more data sources. The one or more data sources may use a second schema when the second query was executed. The method may further include generating a view that combines the first result set and the second result set. The view may resolve differences between the first schema and the second schema.

Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.

Abstract: A method of efficiently extracting large data sets from a database includes receiving a query to be executed on a first view of one or more data sources, where previous result sets resulting from previous queries are stored separately from the one or more data sources. The method also includes receiving a current result set from the one or more data sources that is responsive to the query, where the query is reformatted before it is executed such that the result set does not overlap with the previous result sets. The method additionally includes generating a second view that combines the current result set and the one or more previous result sets, where the second view resolves changes in a schema of the one or data sources between when the previous result sets were received and when the current result set is received.

Abstract: Rivet dispenser systems and methods of use thereof are provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, the rivet dispenser system comprises a rivet receiving member defining a channel therein, and a seat member. The channel includes a curved region. The rivet receiving member comprises a first port and a second port. The first port communicates with the channel and is configured to receive rivets. The second port communicates with the channel and is configured to dispense rivets. The channel extends between the first port and the second port and is configured to transport rivets from the first port to the second port in a series arrangement and in a preselected orientation. The seat member communicates with the second port and is configured to selectively engage with a rivet holder of a resistance spot rivet welding apparatus and introduce a single rivet to the rivet holder at one time.

Abstract: Probes are provided with caps, the caps comprise rolling bearing elements so that the probes can be slid along a surface to be measured, without damaging the surface or wearing away the tip of the probe or a sacrificial cap. The rolling bearing elements can be arranged in a ring around the probe tip, with the plane of the foremost edges of the rolling bearing elements a predetermined distance from the probe tip. The caps can comprise a housing with a grip, to encourage users to grip the cap, which comprises the rolling bearing elements, rather than the probe.

Abstract: Resistance spot rivet welding systems, subsystems, and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: Described is a system for roasting, grinding, brewing and dispensing coffee comprising a grinding and infusion assembly comprising a tubular extraction sleeve, infuser head and blade grinder, wherein the system further comprises a first seal, being a linear shaft seal for preventing a flow of coffee brew between the infuser head and inner surface of the extraction sleeve during extraction of the coffee grounds; a second seal, being a static seal for preventing a flow of coffee brew between the infuser head and grinder spindle when the grinder is not rotating and in the retracted position; and a third seal, being a rotary shaft seal for preventing the movement of coffee grounds between the infuser head and grinder spindle when the grinder is rotating in the extended position.

Abstract: Described is a system for roasting, grinding, brewing and dispensing coffee comprising: an infuser head in fluid communication with a source of hot water and comprising bedding means for distributing coffee grounds such that they are disposed substantially evenly on an inner surface of a slidable wall of a coffee cartridge thereby forming an extraction bed within an extraction chamber; and infuser means comprising one or more outlets for the hot water, the infuser head being adapted to deliver hot water to the extraction bed within the extraction chamber, whereby coffee is extracted to yield a coffee brew.

Abstract: Described is a system for roasting, grinding, brewing and dispensing coffee comprising an infuser head adapted to deliver hot water preferentially to coffee grounds located on the periphery of an inner surface of a central portion of a slidable wall of a coffee cartridge and/or the inner surface of an extraction sleeve.

Abstract: Described is a system for roasting, grinding, brewing and dispensing coffee comprising a coffee cartridge containing: (i) unground and (ii) unroasted or part-roasted coffee beans, said cartridge having walls defining a cartridge chamber in which the beans are confined, wherein part or all of at least one wall of the cartridge is openable, and the openable wall of the cartridge is opposed to a slidable wall thereof, said slidable wall comprising: inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface being in contact with the beans; a peripheral sealing portion on the inner surface; and a central portion bounded by the peripheral sealing portion and comprising a screen for retaining the beans within the cartridge chamber while permitting a flow of coffee brew therethrough.

Abstract: Described is a cartridge containing non-coffee plant materials, said cartridge having walls defining a chamber in which the plant materials are confined, the cartridge being adapted to serve as a grinding and extraction chamber for the plant materials.

Abstract: A method of efficiently extracting large data sets from a database includes receiving a query to be executed on a first view of one or more data sources, where previous result sets resulting from previous queries are stored separately from the one or more data sources. The method also includes receiving a current result set from the one or more data sources that is responsive to the query, where the query is reformatted before it is executed such that the result set does not overlap with the previous result sets. The method additionally includes generating a second view that combines the current result set and the one or more previous result sets, where the second view resolves changes in a schema of the one or data sources between when the previous result sets were received and when the current result set is received.

Abstract: Probes are provided with caps, the caps comprise rolling bearing elements so that the probes can be slid along a surface to be measured, without damaging the surface or wearing away the tip of the probe or a sacrificial cap. The rolling bearing elements can be arranged in a ring around the probe tip, with the plane of the foremost edges of the rolling bearing elements a predetermined distance from the probe tip. The caps can comprise a housing with a grip, to encourage users to grip the cap, which comprises the rolling bearing elements, rather than the probe.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus featuring a signal processor or processing module that may be configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about calibrated motor speed and power data for a hydronic pumping system; and determine system pumping flow rate and pressure associated with an equivalent hydronic system characteristic variable, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor or processing module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the system pumping flow rate and pressure determined. The corresponding signaling may contain information used to control the hydronic pumping system.