Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are disclosed that use decimate image data to create smaller image frame size from the image size acquired from an imaging array. An imaging system includes an array of photodetectors configured to produce an array of intensity values corresponding to light intensity at the photodetectors. The imaging system can be configured to acquire a frame of intensity values, or an image frame, and reduce the size of the image frame for subsequent processing and display. The decimation process includes replacing a subframe or kernel of image date with few pixels than contained in the kernel, including replacing the pixels of the kernel with one decimated pixel. The decimated pixel values are derived from the pixels of the kernel and may also include replacement of bad pixels in the original image frame.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods, systems, and computer program products for coordinating musculoskeletal and cardiovascular hemodynamics, and more directly to stationary and non-stationary exercise equipment that include adjustable behaviors and are used with repetitive activities. The equipment is adjusted automatically in real-time to alter the work output, cadence, and/or timing of the user's physical activity in response to their monitored cardiovascular and musculoskeletal signals to achieve and maintain a targeted coordination of their heart and musculoskeletal pump cycle timing.

Abstract: Manufacturing a thermoplastic composite tubular structure embedded with a first load fitting comprising the steps of braiding a first plurality of inner layers of thermoplastic composite material around a soluble, expandable mandrel. A first load fitting is positioned on the first plurality of inner layers of thermoplastic composite material. A second plurality of outer layers of thermoplastic composite material is braided around the first load fitting and the mandrel so as to form an overbraided mandrel embedded with the first load fitting. The overbraided mandrel is installed into a matched tooling assembly and heated at a specified heating profile in order to consolidate the first plurality of inner layers of thermoplastic composite material and the second plurality of outer layers of thermoplastic composite material with the first load fitting so as to form a thermoplastic composite tubular structure embedded with the first load fitting.

Abstract: Manufacturing a thermoplastic composite tubular structure embedded with a first load fitting comprising the steps of braiding a first plurality of inner layers of thermoplastic composite material around a soluble, expandable mandrel. A first load fitting is positioned on the first plurality of inner layers of thermoplastic composite material. A second plurality of outer layers of thermoplastic composite material is braided around the first load fitting and the mandrel so as to form an overbraided mandrel embedded with the first load fitting. The overbraided mandrel is installed into a matched tooling assembly and heated at a specified heating profile in order to consolidate the first plurality of inner layers of thermoplastic composite material and the second plurality of outer layers of thermoplastic composite material with the first load fitting so as to form a thermoplastic composite tubular structure embedded with the first load fitting.

Abstract: A tow hook seal assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. That tow hook seal assembly includes a housing and a tow hook seal held in the housing. Further the tow hook seal assembly includes a first bumper bolt opening and a second bumper bolt opening. In addition, the tow hook seal assembly includes a cover carried on the housing and enclosing the first and second bumper bolt openings when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented. A method may comprise positioning a metallic bladder within a tool, the tool having a number of die liners that generate heat when exposed to a magnetic field; applying the magnetic field to the number of die liners to heat the metallic bladder; and pressurizing the metallic bladder.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a first vehicle module to a second vehicle module includes a head having a substantially vertical capturing surface configured for releasably engaging a portion of the second vehicle module, a body having a base configured for attachment to a back of the first vehicle module and a neck extending between the base and the head. The neck includes at least one reinforcing rib structure. The head defines a hook portion including the capturing surface configured for releasably engaging a cooperating flange disposed on the second vehicle module. The hook portion further includes a cam surface configured for slidingly translating over the cooperating flange, the capturing surface and the cam surface meeting at an acute angle. In embodiments, the fastener is used to variably secure a vehicle grille assembly to a vehicle front end module bolster.

Abstract: A grille carrier for at least partially supporting a vehicle grille during installation is provided. The grille carrier includes a base, first and second walls extending from the base, and a top having an upper surface. The top is supported by a U-shaped support forming part of a stem attached to and extending from the base. The upper surface of the top includes a pair of projections for at least partially supporting the grille during installation. The projections are positioned at different distances away from a centerline each include a base and a head. The base is formed of four walls which are perpendicular to one another in one embodiment, and the head covers the base and forms a lip around its periphery. The lip prevents the partially supported grille from coming off during installation.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods or systems may be provided for an imaging system including an imaging sensor, wherein frames or sub-frames of intensity data may be acquired from some or all pixels of the frame, and a moving kernel, smaller than the frame or sub-frame, is moved over the frame for analysis. The values of the center column of the kernel may be compared to the outer column values of the kernel and a column offset for the center column may be determined. Only one offset value may be stored at any one time for each pixel in the frame or sub-frame.

Abstract: Provided are a heat exchanger apparatus and a heat source unit that are for use in a chiller unit. The heat exchanger apparatus comprises at least one heat exchanger module (100). The heat exchanger module (100) comprises two heat exchanger units (10 and 20) that are oppositely fitted with each other. At least one between the two heat exchanger units (10 and 20) is bent so that an angle between adjacent two edges (c and d) on at least one extremity of the two heat exchanger units (10 and 20) is less than an angle between main parts (12 and 22) of the two heat ex-changer units (10 and 20), thus increasing the area for heat exchange.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a composite tubular structure. The system includes an outer tube configured to remain rigid up to at least a first threshold pressure. The system includes an inner tube internal to the outer tube and substantially coaxial with the outer tube. The inner tube has a first outer surface and a first inner surface. The inner tube is configured to remain rigid up to a second threshold pressure that is less than the threshold first pressure. The system includes a composite tubular layup laid on the first outer surface of the inner tube. The system includes an assembly of a plurality of separate segments disposed inside the inner tube, each segment adjacent to two other segments, to form a segmented inner cylinder having a second outer surface of a cylindrical shape and an inner channel of a first conical shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing closed hydraulic systems such as a blowout preventer for leaks maintain a constant pressure in the portion of the hydraulic system to be tested. A variable displacement pump is connected to the system for maintaining a constant pressure within the system. Any amount of fluid introduced into or removed from the blowout preventer in order to maintain constant pressure is measured and is an indication of the leak rate in the closed hydraulic system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods or systems may be provided for an imaging system including an imaging sensor, wherein frames or sub-frames of intensity data may be acquired from some or all pixels of the frame, and a moving kernel, smaller than the frame or sub-frame, is moved over the frame for analysis. The values of the center column of the kernel may be compared to the outer column values of the kernel and a column offset for the center column may be determined. Only one offset value may be stored at any one time for each pixel in the frame or sub-frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a sandwich structure is presented. A sandwich structure comprises a metallic core layer and a thermoplastic layer on a first side of the metallic core layer. The thermoplastic layer is consolidated against the first side of the metallic core layer.

Abstract: A luer lock connector is disclosed. The luer lock connector includes a connector body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a gripping portion between the distal end and the proximal end. A substantially flexible material is disposed on at least the outer surface of the gripping portion of the connector body. An intravenous line is coupled to the distal end of the connector body. A luer connector fitting is disposed on the proximal end of the body, the luer connector having an outer diameter less than a maximum exterior thickness of the gripping portion of the connector body.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a first vehicle module to a second vehicle module includes a head having a substantially vertical capturing surface configured for releasably engaging a portion of the second vehicle module, a body having a base configured for attachment to a back of the first vehicle module and a neck extending between the base and the head. The neck includes at least one reinforcing rib structure. The head defines a hook portion including the capturing surface configured for releasably engaging a cooperating flange disposed on the second vehicle module. The hook portion further includes a cam surface configured for slidingly translating over the cooperating flange, the capturing surface and the cam surface meeting at an acute angle. In embodiments, the fastener is used to variably secure a vehicle grille assembly to a vehicle front end module bolster.

Abstract: A dispenser arrangement including an elongated strip of packaged safety protection devices disposed at an interior of the dispenser, a drive arrangement configured to advance and rupture the strip of packaged safety protection devices and to release the safety protection devices therefrom at the demand of a user, a waste arrangement configured to receive and retain the strip of packaging after release of the safety protection devices.

Abstract: A method and an imaging system for adaptive shutter control wherein an imaging system can be configured to actuate a calibration element at various times and develop an offset correction or Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC). The system control processing units may acquire information derived from calibration data, regular imaging data or external data, which may be correlated with how fast the NUC is changing over time. How often calibration element is actuated may be adaptively determined from the correlating information and the actuation times may be adaptively controlled to optimally actuate as needed. In some embodiments the calibration element may be a shutter and calibration activation may include closing the shutter and providing a flat field image for calibration purposes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermoplastic composite tubular structure for use as a wind turbine blade is presented using a combination of induction heating with smart susceptors to consolidate a wrapped mandrel.

Abstract: A luer lock connector is disclosed. The luer lock connector includes a connector body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a gripping portion between the distal end and the proximal end. A substantially flexible material is disposed on at least the outer surface of the gripping portion of the connector body. An intravenous line is coupled to the distal end of the connector body. A luer connector fitting is disposed on the proximal end of the body, the luer connector having an outer diameter less than a maximum exterior thickness of the gripping portion of the connector body.