Abstract: The present disclosure provides a soil amendment composition for solubilizing silicate in soil. The soil amendment includes at least one a microorganism capable of solubilizing the silicate, and may further comprise at least one nutrient, binding agent or silica. This combination facilitates a slow release of silicate into the soil. Addition of the soil amendment composition encourages growth of plants, such as Cannabis plants; and may enable plants to better withstand drought, frost winds and other environmental conditions. The present disclosure provides a soil amendment for providing bioavailable silicon that may be applied infrequently.

Abstract: An electrically-operated electric drive module for use in a vehicle framework that is configured for a powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine. The electrically-operated electric drive module permits the vehicle to be converted to an electrically propelled vehicle in a manner that is cost-effective and which is relatively low in weight.

Abstract: An electrically-operated electric drive module for use in a vehicle framework that is configured for a powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine. The electrically-operated electric drive module permits the vehicle to be converted to an electrically propelled vehicle in a manner that is cost-effective and which is relatively low in weight.

Abstract: An electrically-operated electric drive module for use in a vehicle framework that is configured for a powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine. The electrically-operated electric drive module permits the vehicle to be converted to an electrically propelled vehicle in a manner that is cost-effective and which is relatively low in weight.

Abstract: A front axle assembly with an axle housing that has first and second housing halves that each include a main housing portion, a tubular portion and a steering yoke. The main housing portion defines a cavity that houses at least a portion of a speed differentiation mechanism. The tubular portions are fixedly coupled to an associated one of the main housing portions and extend between the main housing portion and an associated one of the steering yokes. Each steering yoke is fixedly coupled to an associated tubular portion. An annular joint structure is formed where the first and second first housing halves are coupled to one another. The annular joint structure is formed about the rotary axis such that one of the first and second housing halves is inserted into the other one of the first and second housing halves along an insertion axis that is coincident with the rotary axis.

Abstract: Various improvements to axle assemblies are disclosed herein that are especially adapted for highly robust and compact configurations for use in front (i.e., steering) axle configurations.

Abstract: A front axle assembly with an axle housing that has first and second housing halves that each include a main housing portion, a tubular portion and a steering yoke. The main housing portion defines a cavity that houses at least a portion of a speed differentiation mechanism. The tubular portions are fixedly coupled to an associated one of the main housing portions and extend between the main housing portion and an associated one of the steering yokes. Each steering yoke is fixedly coupled to an associated tubular portion. An annular joint structure is formed where the first and second first housing halves are coupled to one another. The annular joint structure is formed about the rotary axis such that one of the first and second housing halves is inserted into the other one of the first and second housing halves along an insertion axis that is coincident with the rotary axis.

Abstract: A vehicle with a primary driveline that is configured to distribute rotary power to a first set of vehicle wheels and a power transmitting device that can be selectively operated to transmit rotary power to a secondary driveline. The power transmitting device has an input member, which is driven by the primary driveline, and an output member that is selectively coupled to the input member to receive rotary power therefrom. The secondary driveline comprises a differential, a pair of shafts, and a side shaft coupling that selectively interrupts power transmission between the differential and one of the shafts.

Abstract: Various improvements to axle assemblies are disclosed herein that are especially adapted for highly robust and compact configurations for use in front (i.e., steering) axle configurations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining a kiosk that scans and/or duplicates keys are provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises: a kiosk comprising: a key slot disposed in a surface of the kiosk; a key scanning device; a key scanning housing mounted behind the key slot, wherein the key scanning device is positioned in relation to the key scanning housing to facilitate capturing information about the key inserted in the key slot; a vacuum cleaner; a hose connecting the vacuum cleaner and the key scanning housing; and at least one hardware processor that is programmed to: determine that the key is to be scanned; and cause the vacuum cleaner to run creating a partial vacuum in the vicinity of the key scanning housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining a kiosk that scans and/or duplicates keys are provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises: a kiosk comprising: a key slot disposed in a surface of the kiosk; a key scanning device; a key scanning housing mounted behind the key slot, wherein the key scanning device is positioned in relation to the key scanning housing to facilitate capturing information about the key inserted in the key slot; a vacuum cleaner; a hose connecting the vacuum cleaner and the key scanning housing; and at least one hardware processor that is programmed to: determine that the key is to be scanned; and cause the vacuum cleaner to run creating a partial vacuum in the vicinity of the key scanning housing.

Abstract: A vehicle with a primary driveline that is configured to distribute rotary power to a first set of vehicle wheels and a power transmitting device that can be selectively operated to transmit rotary power to a secondary driveline. The power transmitting device has an input member, which is driven by the primary driveline, and an output member that is selectively coupled to the input member to receive rotary power therefrom. The secondary driveline comprises a differential, a pair of shafts, and a side shaft coupling that selectively interrupts power transmission between the differential and one of the shafts.

Abstract: Controller for retrofit connection to a pre-installed door entry system of an area having a communal entrance secured by a communal door having a first electrically operated lock and a non-communal internal region secured by an internal door having a second electrically operated lock, the door entry system comprising a door panel associated with the communal entrance and an entry phone located within the internal region; the controller being connectable to existing circuitry of the entry phone to be able to receive a request for entry into the internal region from the door panel; and transmit an electrical signal to the entry phone to unlock the first and second electrically operated locks. The controller comprises a detector; a verifier; and a lock controller arranged to generate the signals to control the entry phone to unlock the first and second electrically operated locks when the right of access has been verified.

Abstract: Systems and methods for duplicating transponder keys and managing key information thereof are provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises: a kiosk comprising: an antenna; and at least one hardware processor is programmed to: determine that the transponder key is to be scanned; receive information related to the transponder key; retrieve signal properties for the transponder key based on the received information related to the transponder key; cause the antenna to emit a first signal; detect a second signal; receive location information; cause information encoded in the second signal to be used to create the duplicate transponder key; and cause the duplicate transponder key to be delivered based on the location information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for duplicating keys are provided. In some embodiments, a system for creating keys is provided, the system comprising: a kiosk comprising: a key scanner capturing geometric information of a key; and a hardware processor that: receives security information; automatically determines a key type and bit heights of the key and causes these, along with first identifying information based on the first security information, to be stored at a remote storage device; receives second security information corresponding to second identifying information; verifies the second security information and, in response, identifies stored geometric information about one or more keys that can be made, wherein the stored geometric information includes geometric information corresponding to the second security information; and a key shaping device that creates a third key using the second geometric information.

Abstract: A vehicle with a primary driveline that is configured to distribute rotary power to a first set of vehicle wheels and a power transmitting device that can be selectively operated to transmit rotary power to a secondary driveline. The power transmitting device has an input member, which is driven by the primary driveline, and an output member that is selectively coupled to the input member to receive rotary power therefrom. The secondary driveline comprises a differential, a pair of shafts, and a side shaft coupling that selectively interrupts power transmission between the differential and one of the shafts.

Abstract: A drive train having a locking differential and a control unit for controlling operation of the locking differential. The control unit is responsive to selected vehicle characteristics to sua sponte activate or inactivate a locking mechanism of the locking differential to cause the locking differential to operate in a locked manner or an unlocked manner, respectively. A method for operating a locking differential is also provided. The method includes: utilizing only preselected vehicle criteria indicative of the operational state of the vehicle to identify a situation in which a locking mechanism associated with the locking differential is to be energized; and responsively energizing the locking mechanism.

Abstract: The circuit controls powertrain, drivetrain, vehicle suspension and accessory components of an automotive vehicle to programmatically provide different drive and handling performance using a portable personal electronic telecommunication device having memory and a processor. The circuit includes a protocol converter circuit coupled to receive electric power from an electrical power system of the automotive vehicle, and has at least one port to electrically couple to at least one actuator that supplies control to the controlled component of the automotive vehicle. The protocol converter circuit provides a communication channel by which communication is established with a portable personal electronic telecommunication device.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a carrier housing, a pair of axle tubes, a differential case, a pair of differential bearings and a pair of bearing adjusters. The carrier housing includes a cavity, which is configured to receive the differential case, and a pair of axle tubes that are mounted to the carrier housing. The differential case includes bearing bores into which the outer races of the differential bearings are received. The bearing adjusters are threaded to the carrier housing and support the differential bearings on a side opposite the differential case.

Abstract: Systems and methods for duplicating transponder keys and managing key information thereof are provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises: a kiosk comprising: an antenna; and at least one hardware processor is programmed to: determine that the transponder key is to be scanned; receive information related to the transponder key; retrieve signal properties for the transponder key based on the received information related to the transponder key; cause the antenna to emit a first signal; detect a second signal; receive location information; cause information encoded in the second signal to be used to create the duplicate transponder key; and cause the duplicate transponder key to be delivered based on the location information.