Abstract: Controlling charging of connected devices is provided. Presence of a target connected device is detected using a wireless transceiver of a vehicle. Settings indicative of how to charge the target connected device via a power connector of the vehicle are received a user interface presented to an HMI of the vehicle. Data packets from the target connected device indicative of a current state of charge of the target connected device are received using the wireless transceiver. The target connected device is charged from the power connector in accordance with the settings and the current state of charge.

Abstract: A process for producing organic fertilizers involves using a waste ammonia stream to capture sulfur dioxide from the oxidation of sulfur or a gas containing sulfur dioxide to make an ammonium bisulfite/sulfite solution. The sulfite solution is used to scrub hydrogen sulfide out of a biogas or other gas stream. The resulting products contain ammonium thiosulfate and ammonium bisulfite/sulfite.

Abstract: A bag dispenser includes a frame with a roller portion for receiving a bag roll defined by a plurality of bags attached to a leading bag to be dispensed, the roller defining a longitudinal axis. A brake plate is configured to capture the leading bag against the frame for providing frictional force on the leading bag to limit sliding thereof, the brake plate pivotally attached to the frame via a pivot arm, the brake plate pivotable with respect to the frame between a non-pivoted friction-application position and a pivoted bag roll-installment position, the pivot arm configured to pivot with respect to the frame along a pivot plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A filter element is provided that is preferably a side entry air filter having an air filter media pack, a housing seal and a frame that has a clamping projection, a pivot projection and/or guide members. The clamping projection can define a non-linear bearing surface that may be chevron shaped to provide for interface and potential alignment benefits. The housing seal may be a wave seal that undulates.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for producing a patterned nanostructured surface on a component from a pre-existing, nanostructured surface with a first spatial feature distribution on the component. The system makes use of a force application element configured to apply a force to the pre-existing, nanostructured surface, and a force application control subsystem. The force application control subsystem is configured to control elevational movement of the force application element along a first axis of movement into and out of contact with the pre-existing, nanostructured surface to apply a predetermined load to the pre-existing, nanostructured surface. The predetermined load is sufficient to modify the pre-existing, non-patterned nanostructured surface to create the patterned nanostructured surface.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive data indicating that an electric vehicle is in an enclosed space; in response to receiving the data, instruct window actuators of the electric vehicle to open windows of the electric vehicle; and in response to receiving the data, instruct a heater of the electric vehicle to generate heat.

Abstract: A subplate mounted (SPM) valve includes a valve body having pilot port, a piston configured to be actuated by fluid from the pilot port, a first control chamber and second control chamber each formed in the valve body and fluidicly isolated from the pilot port, a first flow restrictor fluidicly disposed between the first control chamber and the second control chamber and configured to restrict flow in at least one direction between the first control chamber and the second control chamber, a cage coupled to the valve body and having a supply port, a return port, and a work port, and a spool slidably engaged with the cage and configured to selectively restrict flow between the supply port and the return port by actuation of the piston.

Abstract: A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.

Abstract: A bag dispenser includes a frame with a roller portion for receiving a bag roll defined by a plurality of bags attached to a leading bag to be dispensed, the roller defining a longitudinal axis. A brake plate is configured to capture the leading bag against the frame for providing frictional force on the leading bag to limit sliding thereof, the brake plate pivotally attached to the frame via a pivot arm, the brake plate pivotable with respect to the frame between a non-pivoted friction-application position and a pivoted bag roll-installment position, the pivot arm configured to pivot with respect to the frame along a pivot plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A filter element is provided that is preferably a side entry air filter having an air filter media pack, a housing seal and a frame that has a clamping projection, a pivot projection and/or guide members. The clamping projection can define a non-linear bearing surface that may be chevron shaped to provide for interface and potential alignment benefits. The housing seal may be a wave seal that undulates.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a continuously variable transmission including an input shaft coupled to the engine, an output shaft, an electric machine, and a gearing arrangement. The electric machine is configured to actuate the gearing arrangement to change a speed ratio between the input and output shafts. A controller is programmed to, responsive to a request to manually shift the transmission to one of a predetermined number of virtual discrete speed ratios and the engine being OFF, command starting of the engine regardless of a driver-demand torque and operate the electric machine to shift the transmission to the one of the speed ratios.

Abstract: Multi-ply structures are provided that include a barrier film, which has a first polyester layer and a silicon oxide layer, a first adhesive layer, and a sealant film, where the first adhesive layer is located between the barrier film and the sealant film, and where the multi-ply structure has been microwaved in a pressurized vessel. Packages that are formed from the multi-ply structures are also provided in which these packages are microwaved in a pressurized vessel. Methods for sterilization are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a continuously variable transmission including an input shaft coupled to the engine, an output shaft, an electric machine, and a gearing arrangement. The electric machine is configured to actuate the gearing arrangement to change a speed ratio between the input and output shafts. A controller is programmed to, responsive to a request to manually shift the transmission to one of a predetermined number of virtual discrete speed ratios and the engine being OFF, command starting of the engine regardless of a driver-demand torque and operate the electric machine to shift the transmission to the one of the speed ratios.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for modifying a curvature of a thin plate optic using controlled heat and densification of portions of the optic. In one embodiment the system has a support structure for supporting the optic about a perimeter thereof, a laser configured to generate a beam having a predetermined energy, and the beam being directed at one surface of the optic. The beam heats and densifies portions of the optic to create a force on the optic. The force induces a stress produces a controlled deformation of the optic. The controlled deformation at least one of modifies a curvature of, or corrects a defect in, the optic.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for creating an optical component having a spatially controlled refractive index and uniform anti-reflective layer. The method may involve alternately depositing and dewetting two or more thin metal material layers on the substrate to form a mask having a spatially varying nano-particle distribution, and with an increased thickness beyond what could be achieved using a single, thick layer of the same material. The substrate may then be etched, using the mask, to imprint a spatially patterned nanostructure pattern on a surface the substrate in accordance with the mask.

Abstract: A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a continuously variable transmission, and a controller. The controller, responsive to a request to manually shift the continuously variable transmission and the engine being on, operates the continuously variable transmission atone of a predetermined number of discrete ratios such that a speed of the engine changes by at least a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for creating an optical component having a spatially controlled refractive index and uniform anti-reflective layer. The method may involve alternately depositing and dewetting two or more thin metal material layers on the substrate to form a mask having a spatially varying nano-particle distribution, and with an increased thickness beyond what could be achieved using a single, thick layer of the same material. The substrate may then be etched, using the mask, to imprint a spatially patterned nanostructure pattern on a surface the substrate in accordance with the mask.

Abstract: Multi-ply structures are provided that include a barrier film, which has a first polyester layer and a silicon oxide layer, a first adhesive layer, and a sealant film, where the first adhesive layer is located between the barrier film and the sealant film, and where the multi-ply structure has been microwaved in a pressurized vessel. Packages that are formed from the multi-ply structures are also provided in which these packages are microwaved in a pressurized vessel. Methods for sterilization are also provided.

Abstract: A system of fluid sterilization of fluid of vessel is provided, such as sterilization of ballast water for a water vessel. The system incorporates a heating section to heat pressurized fluid above prescribed thresholds for temperature, pressure, and duration (e.g., dwell time) to achieve desired levels of sterilization, including a heat exchanger to both (a) preheat fluid prior to entering the heating section and (b) cool outflow of the heating apparatus, in which fluid travels through the apparatus by operating valves forward and aft of the heating section in a controlled sequence to facilitate flow through the system while maintaining prescribed pressure and temperature profiles. The system operates within prescribed ranges of pressure and temperature to achieve the desired level of sterilization without need of maintaining a fixed temperature or a fixed pressure within any portion of the system, including the heating section.