Abstract: Disclosed is a two-piece shaft assembly for a driven turbocharger with a traction drive. The turbo shaft is attached to a turbine and compressor, and is inserted into a traction barrel that has traction surfaces to mate to the traction drive. In this way, the traction drive can be assembled with only the traction barrel, and the turbo shaft can be inserted through the barrel at the end to simplify assembly.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) gantry system is described herein. The CT gantry system includes a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to the frame, and a gantry resting upon the plurality of support wheels. In some embodiments, the gantry includes two gantry rings, and a cross member extending between the two gantry rings. In other embodiments, the gantry includes a first gantry ring, and a second gantry ring spaced apart from the first gantry ring in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the gantry. In some embodiments, the plurality of support wheels includes a plurality of front support wheels and a plurality of back support wheels. In some embodiments, the gantry includes a front gantry ring resting upon the front support wheels, a back gantry ring resting upon the back support wheels, and a cross member coupled between the front and back gantry rings.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of thrust absorbing planetary traction drives that utilize roller-shaft traction interfaces that are slanted to absorb thrust created on a turbo shaft by a turbine or compressor. Slanted traction surfaces on the sun portion of the turbo shaft are slanted inwardly so that the turbo shaft remains centered in the planetary traction drive. Either double roller planets or single roller planets can be used to absorb thrust in the axial direction of the turbo shaft. Various curved and slanted surfaces can be utilized to create traction interfaces that hold and stabilize the turbo shaft both axially and radially.

Abstract: A gantry rail for a gantry computed tomography (CT) system includes a secondary side of a rotary transformer and an annular body having an annular rolling surface and an annular slip ring surface. The annular body is aligned orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the gantry CT system. The annular rolling surface has a normal vector that extends radially outward and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The annular slip ring surface defines a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and includes a slot disposed in the slip ring surface. The slot is configured to engage the secondary side of the rotary transformer.

Abstract: A system for implementing an electrical rotary joint in a large-diameter system using relatively small-diameter capsule slip rings is described herein. The system includes a system rotor that rotates about a system axis of rotation, and a system stator that is stationary with respect to the system rotor. The system also includes at least one conductive contact channel disposed on one of the system rotor and the system stator. The system further includes at least one capsule slip ring (CSR) coupled to the other of the system rotor and the system stator. The at least one CSR has a conductive annular element coupled thereto, the conductive annular element in mechanical contact with the at least one conductive contact channel such that the at least one CSR forms an electrical rotary joint between the system rotor and the system stator.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of thrust absorbing planetary traction drives that utilize roller-shaft traction interfaces that are slanted to absorb thrust created on a turbo shaft by a turbine or compressor. Slanted traction surfaces on the sun portion of the turbo shaft are slanted inwardly so that the turbo shaft remains centered in the planetary traction drive. Either double roller planets or single roller planets can be used to absorb thrust in the axial direction of the turbo shaft. Various curved and slanted surfaces can be utilized to create traction interfaces that hold and stabilize the turbo shaft both axially and radially.

Abstract: A system and method for construction estimation using aerial images is provided. The system receives at least one aerial image of a building. An estimation engine processes the aerial image at a plurality of angles to automatically identify a plurality (e.g., perimeter and interior) lines in the image corresponding to a plurality of features of a roof the building. The estimation engine allows users to generate two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of the roof by automatically delineating various roof features, and generates a report including information about the roof of the building.

Abstract: An engine system and method utilizing a compressor map to control compressor speed of a driven turbocharger in the engine system is provided. A desired compressor speed is determined that corresponds to a boost pressure and to a mass flow rate of intake from the compressor map. The transmission of the driven turbocharger is shifted to a ratio that drives the compressor to a desired speed to provide the desired boost pressure and air flow to the engine system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a turbocharged internal combustion piston engine system that includes a waste-heat recovery system. The waste-heat recovery system involves injecting heated water into the cylinders during combustion to increase engine power and efficiency and to reduce emissions. The engine can be a spark or compression ignition type of engine, and can utilize fuels including but not limited to diesel, natural gas, gasoline, and ethanol. The engine also includes a turbocharger that utilizes a turbine in the exhaust gas flow to provide power to a compressor in the intake air flow to pressurize the intake air and provide additional charge flow to the engine to increase engine output.

Abstract: A super-turbocharger utilizing a high speed, fixed ratio traction drive that is coupled to a continuously variable transmission to allow for high speed operation is provided. A high speed traction drive is utilized to provide speed reduction from the high speed turbine shaft. A second traction drive provides infinitely variable speed ratios through a continuously variable transmission. Gas recirculation in a super-turbocharger is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for construction estimation using aerial images is provided. The system receives at least one aerial image of a building. An estimation engine processes the aerial image at a plurality of angles to automatically identify a plurality (e.g., perimeter and interior) lines in the image corresponding to a plurality of features of a roof the building. The estimation engine allows users to generate two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of the roof by automatically delineating various roof features, and generates a report including information about the roof of the building.

Abstract: A controlled transfer biological sample material collection device is disclosed which comprises: a body; and a sample collection member for collecting the biological sample material (not shown), the body housing a sample storage medium for generally dry storage of the biological material, the collection member being moveable from an exposed position (shown in FIG. 8) where collection of a biological sample is possible, to a transfer position (shown in FIG. 9) which effects transfer of at least a portion of the collected sample to said medium. The device is characterised in that the body slideably supports the sample collection member, and in that the body or collection member include a ramp-like projection portion (116 FIG. 10) operable to force the collection member into the transfer position against the medium and to effect said transfer as the collection member slides within the body.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of eccentric planetary traction drives for use in a driven turbocharger. The eccentric planetary provides torque-based loading of the traction interfaces in the traction drive. A loading planet has a larger outer diameter and has translative movement when torque is applied to the traction drive so that it is forced into a wedge gap between the turbo shaft and outer ring of the planetary drive. The torque capacity of the traction drive increases with an increase of torque demand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a speed reduced driven turbocharger that utilizes a step-down roller that is coupled to a turbo shaft with a traction interface. Either a flat or a shaped traction interface can be used. The step-down roller mechanically actuates either a mechanical or hydraulic transmission, or can be mechanically coupled to an electric motor/generator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a turbocharged internal combustion piston engine system that includes a waste-heat recovery system. The waste-heat recovery system involves injecting heated water into the cylinders during combustion to increase engine power and efficiency and to reduce emissions. The engine can be a spark or compression ignition type of engine, and can utilize fuels including but not limited to diesel, natural gas, gasoline, and ethanol. The engine also includes a turbocharger that utilizes a turbine in the exhaust gas flow to provide power to a compressor in the intake air flow to pressurize the intake air and provide additional charge flow to the engine to increase engine output.

Abstract: Disclosed is a turbocharged internal combustion piston engine system that includes a waste-heat recovery system. The waste-heat recovery system involves injecting heated water into the cylinders during combustion to increase engine power and efficiency and to reduce emissions. The engine can be a spark or compression ignition type of engine, and can utilize fuels including but not limited to diesel, natural gas, gasoline, and ethanol. The engine also includes a turbocharger that utilizes a turbine in the exhaust gas flow to provide power to a compressor in the intake air flow to pressurize the intake air and provide additional charge flow to the engine to increase engine output.

Abstract: Forward-looking sales activities are poorly served by existing Customer Relationship Managements systems, as the customer information those systems maintain by definition does not include the speculatively interested “leads” pursued in initial sales contacts. An Enrichment database, asynchronously loaded with corporate and optionally individual contact information in anticipation of use, provides real-time access to information in support of such first customer contacts. The Enrichment information may also be used to expedite creation and revision of CRM records.

Abstract: Disclosed is a turbocharged internal combustion piston engine system that includes a waste-heat recovery system. The waste-heat recovery system involves injecting heated water into the cylinders during combustion to increase engine power and efficiency and to reduce emissions. The engine can be a spark or compression ignition type of engine, and can utilize fuels including but not limited to diesel, natural gas, gasoline, and ethanol. The engine also includes a turbocharger that utilizes a turbine in the exhaust gas flow to provide power to a compressor in the intake air flow to pressurize the intake air and provide additional charge flow to the engine to increase engine output.

Abstract: A super-turbocharger utilizing a high speed, fixed ratio traction drive that is coupled to a continuously variable transmission to allow for high speed operation is provided. A high speed traction drive is utilized to provide speed reduction from the high speed turbine shaft. A second traction drive provides infinitely variable speed ratios through a continuously variable transmission. Gas recirculation in a super-turbocharger is also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a robot that may be used to facilitate education and/or therapy. The robot can include a head section configured to interface with a mobile device to control the robot. The robot can also include a tail section having a movement device controlled by the mobile device and a battery to power the movement device. The robot can have a furry exterior to emulate an intelligent pet. A remote controller can communicate with the mobile device to communicate or activate lesson or therapy commands. The remote controller can provide a design interface to configure the lesson or therapy commands.