Abstract: A method and apparatus for a data analysis system for analyzing data object collections that include geo-temporal data is provided. One or more temporal granularities are specified for the purpose of generating a geo-temporal data index. The time granularities correspond to temporal ranges expected to correspond to temporal ranges specified in user queries against the data. One or more temporal index bucket groups are generated based on to the specified time granularities. Geo-temporal input data is indexed based on the generated temporal index bucket groups. The system allows a data analyst to specify geo-temporal queries that include both geospatial component and a temporal component. The system transforms geo-temporal queries into one or more second queries that retrieve data items based on the temporal index bucket groups.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a method that may include laser shock peening a friction work surface of a working part and applying a ferritic nitrocarburizing process to the friction work surface such that diffusion of carbon and nitrogen atoms into the friction work surface is accelerated.

Abstract: Described are methods for identifying antibiotic resistant bacteria, quantifying bacteria growth, and applying an antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) in one or more biological samples containing a bacteria and chips used in these methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid methylation and methylation profiles to detect risk of developing neoplasia and in particular, lung cancer. The invention relates to methods for identifying a methylation profile of the CDO1, SOOX17, HOXA7, HOXA9, TAC1, and ZFP42 genes from plasma and sputum samples.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a cushion including an outer cover defining an interior cavity, and inner filler material disposed within the interior cavity. The inner filler material may comprise at least one molded block of polyurethane foam. The outer cover and/or the inner filler material may be porous to at least water. The cushion further includes a waterproof coating to the outer surface the inner filler material and forming waterproof seal extending entirely thereabout after curing. The waterproof coating comprises butyl acrylate within the range of 17-32 wt %, styrene within the range of 13-26 wt %, and deionized water within the range of 42-70 wt % prior to curing. The waterproof coating may further include auxiliary components within the range of 0.5-8 wt % prior to curing. The auxiliary components may include acrylic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, an emulsifier component, ammonium peroxydisulfate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate, tertiary and tributyl phosphate.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for detecting a neoplasia (e.g., pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer) in a subject sample (e.g., serum, blood, plasma, tissue). In particular embodiments, the invention provides methods for detecting BNC1 and ADAMTS1 promoter methylation in circulating DNA in serum.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a method that may include laser shock peening a friction work surface of a working part and applying a ferritic nitrocarburizing process to the friction work surface such that diffusion of carbon and nitrogen atoms into the friction work surface is accelerated.

Abstract: A method of laser welding a workpiece stack-up includes directing a laser beam at a top surface of a first metal workpiece to form a key-hole that entirely penetrates the workpiece stack-up, including an underlying second metal workpiece, so that the keyhole reaches a bottom surface of the second metal workpiece. A zone of negative pressure established under the bottom surface of the second metal workpiece extracts vapors that are produced by the laser beam. The vapors, in particular, are extracted from the bottom surface of the second metal workpiece through the keyhole. A bottom workpiece holder that supports the bottom metal workpiece during laser welding may be constructed to establish the zone of negative pressure.

Abstract: An energy absorber according to various embodiments can include a structure having a predetermined cross-sectional profile. A hollow profile is formed within the structure. The pre-determined cross-sectional profile of the structure is configured based on a deceleration-time profile that includes a first period and a second period. The first period is defined by a substantially sharp and linear increase in magnitude of the deceleration of an impact until a maximum deceleration value is achieved. The second period is defined by a rapid decrease in the magnitude of the deceleration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a data analysis system for analyzing data object collections that include geo-temporal data is provided. One or more temporal granularities are specified for the purpose of generating a geo-temporal data index. The time granularities correspond to temporal ranges expected to correspond to temporal ranges specified in user queries against the data. One or more temporal index bucket groups are generated based on to the specified time granularities. Geo-temporal input data is indexed based on the generated temporal index bucket groups. The system allows a data analyst to specify geo-temporal queries that include both geospatial component and a temporal component. The system transforms geo-temporal queries into one or more second queries that retrieve data items based on the temporal index bucket groups.

Abstract: A method of separating, detecting and determining a size of each of a plurality of particles in a fluid includes compelling the fluid to flow through a fluid channel such that larger particles of the plurality of particles travel through the fluid channel faster than smaller particles of the plurality of particles; illuminating a detection zone of the fluid channel substantially uniformly across an entire cross section of the fluid channel such that each of the plurality of particles passes through illumination light upon passing through the detection zone; detecting each of the plurality of particles based on corresponding responses to the illuminating to determine a time that each of the plurality of particles passes through the detection zone; and determining a size of each of the plurality of particles based on the time that each of the plurality of particles passes through the detection zone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for roller hemming are disclosed herein. An example of a sheet metal roller hemming apparatus includes a first electrode to electrically connect to an electrical power supply and a sheet metal workpiece. The apparatus further includes a second electrode to electrically connect to the electrical power supply and the sheet metal workpiece to cause pulsed electric current to flow through a portion of the workpiece to locally increase formability in the portion of the workpiece. The apparatus still further includes a roller assembly to contact the workpiece to cause the workpiece to bend in the portion of the workpiece when the pulsed electric current is flowing through the portion of the workpiece, and to form a hem.

Abstract: An energy absorber according to various embodiments can include a structure having a predetermined cross-sectional profile. A hollow profile is formed within the structure. The pre-determined cross-sectional profile of the structure is configured based on a deceleration-time profile that includes a first period and a second period. The first period is defined by a substantially sharp and linear increase in magnitude of the deceleration of an impact until a maximum deceleration value is achieved. The second period is defined by a rapid decrease in the magnitude of the deceleration.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inner door panel for a vehicle side door that employs a die casting process. The method includes providing a die cast mold having opposing mold halves that combine to define a die cavity configured to provide the inner door panel having an integrated impact beam. The mold cavity also includes channels that form a runner and gating system that causes the molten material to form an outer frame defining a central opening that allows the mold halves to be separated when the door panel has hardened within the mold.

Abstract: A method for communicating parking space availability for a parking facility. A vehicle-based communication link is established between a remote infrastructure and a user interface device. A parking facility is selected utilizing the user interface device. The selected parking facility is communicated to the remote infrastructure from the user interface device via the vehicle-based communication link. Parking space availability within the selected parking facility is determined by the remote infrastructure. The parking space availability of the selected parking facility is communicated from the remote infrastructure to the user interface device.

Abstract: A method for treating a cast iron workpiece to increase a useful life thereof includes machining the workpiece to provide a finish surface thereon and deforming the finish surface of the workpiece by rubbing the finish surface against a blunt tool (80,80?), thereby forming a nanocrystallized surface layer (70). The workpiece is nitrocarburized, the nanocrystallized surface layer accelerating diffusion of nitrogen atoms and carbon atoms therethrough. The nitrocarburizing taking place: i) if the workpiece is stress relived prior to machining, for about 1 hour to about 2 hours at a temperature ranging from about 550° C. to about 570° C., or ii) if the workpiece is not stress relieved prior to machining, for about 5 hours to about 10 hours at a temperature ranging from about 370° C. to about 450° C. The nitrocarburizing renders the nanocrystallized surface layer into i) a friction surface, or ii) a corrosion-resistant surface.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing the molten pool in a laser welding operation by suppressing a laser-induced plume which occurs when zinc coated steels are laser welded. The plume is a result of vaporization of zinc, and the zinc vapor in the plume disturbs the molten pool and causes blowholes, spattering and porosity. The stabilization is achieved by applying a gas such as air through a nozzle to the weld area, where the gas has sufficient velocity and flow rate to blow the zinc vapor away from the molten pool. Dramatically improved weld quality results have been demonstrated. Configuration parameters which yield optimum results—including gas flow rate and velocity, and nozzle position and orientation relative to the laser impingement location on the steel—are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inner door panel for a vehicle side door that employs a die casting process. The method includes providing a die cast mold having opposing mold halves that combine to define a die cavity configured to provide the inner door panel having an integrated impact beam. The mold cavity also includes channels that form a runner and gating system that causes the molten material to form an outer frame defining a central opening that allows the mold halves to be separated when the door panel has hardened within the mold.

Abstract: A method for communicating parking space availability for a parking facility. A vehicle-based communication link is established between a remote infrastructure and a user interface device. A parking facility is selected utilizing the user interface device. The selected parking facility is communicated to the remote infrastructure from the user interface device via the vehicle-based communication link. Parking space availability within the selected parking facility is determined by the remote infrastructure. The parking space availability of the selected parking facility is communicated from the remote infrastructure to the user interface device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for roller hemming are disclosed herein. An example of a sheet metal roller hemming apparatus includes a first electrode to electrically connect to an electrical power supply and a sheet metal workpiece. The apparatus further includes a second electrode to electrically connect to the electrical power supply and the sheet metal workpiece to cause pulsed electric current to flow through a portion of the workpiece to locally increase formability in the portion of the workpiece. The apparatus still further includes a roller assembly to contact the workpiece to cause the workpiece to bend in the portion of the workpiece when the pulsed electric current is flowing through the portion of the workpiece, and to form a hem.