Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering a work part to an assembly line worker using a dolly assembly in a first configuration and retrieving the work part from the dolly assembly by the assembly line work while the dolly assembly is in a second configuration. According to some embodiments, a dolly assembly is provided comprising a base assembly having a support member and a mobility mechanism, the support member positioned obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane. The dolly assembly also includes a part-carrying member rotationally connected to the support member and having a part-holding structure for receiving a work part. The part-carrying member extends downward at an angle below the horizontal plane when in a first configuration, and extends upward from at an angle above the horizontal plane when in a second configuration.

Abstract: A method of testing a part includes placing a first member on a part to be tested. A second member is placed on an opposed surface of the part. One of the members has an ultrasonic transmitter and the other has an ultrasonic receiver. At least one of the members has at least one magnetic element and the other has at least one of a magnetic element or a ferromagnetic metallic element which is attracted to magnets. One of the members moves along the surface of the part such that magnetic attraction causes the other to move along the opposed surface of the part with the one of the members. A controller causes an ultrasonic signal to be sent from the transmitter through the part to be tested which is received by the receiver and then analyzed by an ultrasonic testing machine.

Abstract: A testing device includes a first member to be positioned on one surface of a part to be tested. A second member to be positioned on an opposed surface of the part to be tested. One of the first and second members have an ultrasonic transmitter and the other has an ultrasonic receiver. At least one of the first and second members have at least one magnetic element and the other of the first and second member have at least one magnetic or at least one ferromagnetic metallic element such that when one of the first and second members moves along the surface of the tested part the other of the first and second members will move along an opposed surface with the one of the members.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer system applies a time of day setting to a virtual environment. In some embodiments, the time of day setting is updated based on an event. In some embodiments, a computer system displays content in an expanded display mode. In some embodiments, computer systems join a communication session while maintaining display of respective environments. In some embodiments, a computer system moves a portal based on user movement. In some embodiments, computer systems share a virtual environment. Computer systems can display media with simulated lighting. Computer systems can share an environment. In some embodiments, a computer system selects a position relative to content. A computer system can present representations of communication session participants based on content. A computer system can present user interfaces to control visual appearances of an environment including media. Computer systems can change an appearance of an environment based on environmental modes.

Abstract: A tuned mass damper (TMD) system in combination with a floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) platform includes a barge type FOWT platform having a hull configured to have a wind turbine tower mounted thereon. A TMD system is mounted in the hull and has a first TMD configured to operate at a first frequency, and a second TMD configured to operate at a second frequency different than the first frequency.

Abstract: A conduit for the formation of pervious pavement includes a first portion and a second portion joinable to the first portion. The first portion includes a pair of first receiving notches and a pair of third receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. The second portion includes a pair of second receiving notches and a pair of fourth receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. When the first and second portions are joined to one another, the pair of first receiving notches cooperates with the pair of second receiving notches to define a pair of first attachment openings for receiving a first structural member of a reinforcing mesh, and the pair of third receiving notches cooperates with the pair of fourth receiving notches to define a pair of second attachment openings for receiving a second structural member of the reinforcing mesh.

Abstract: A conduit for the formation of pervious pavement includes a first connector and a second connector joinable to the first connector. The first connector includes a pair of first receiving notches. The second connector includes a pair of second receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. When the first and second connector are joined to one another, the pair of first receiving notches cooperates with the second connector to define a pair of first attachment openings for receiving a first structural member of a reinforcing mesh, and the pair of second receiving notches cooperates with the first connector to define a pair of second attachment openings for receiving a second structural member of the reinforcing mesh. First and second tubes are inserted into the first and second connectors to complete the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A conduit for the formation of pervious pavement includes a first portion and a second portion joinable to the first portion. The first portion includes a pair of first receiving notches and a pair of third receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. The second portion includes a pair of second receiving notches and a pair of fourth receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. When the first and second portions are joined to one another, the pair of first receiving notches cooperates with the pair of second receiving notches to define a pair of first attachment openings for receiving a first structural member of a reinforcing mesh, and the pair of third receiving notches cooperates with the pair of fourth receiving notches to define a pair of second attachment openings for receiving a second structural member of the reinforcing mesh.

Abstract: A conduit for the formation of pervious pavement includes a first connector and a second connector joinable to the first connector. The first connector includes a pair of first receiving notches. The second connector includes a pair of second receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. When the first and second connector are joined to one another, the pair of first receiving notches cooperates with the second connector to define a pair of first attachment openings for receiving a first structural member of a reinforcing mesh, and the pair of second receiving notches cooperates with the first connector to define a pair of second attachment openings for receiving a second structural member of the reinforcing mesh. First and second tubes are inserted into the first and second connectors to complete the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A mesh assembly for the formation of pervious pavement is disclosed. The mesh is defined by a plurality of elongated structural members. The mesh has a first side and a second side. A plurality of conduits are coupled to and extend through the mesh. Each conduit has a first end defining a first opening, a second end defining a second opening, and a passageway extending between the first opening and the second opening. The plurality of conduits each have at least one of the elongated structural members extending through a sidewall of the conduit such that the first opening is positioned on the first side of the mesh and the second opening is positioned on the second side of the mesh.

Abstract: A fillable hourglass having a glass component with opening permitting access to the inside of the glass component, a base with a least one opening in communication with the opening of the glass component, and a stopper for selectively opening and closing access to the glass component. The base is preferably formed from two planar members supported in spaced relation by decorative pillars. The stoppers may include decorative enhancements, such as being shaped in the design of a nautical steering wheel. The hourglass may be used as part of wedding sand ceremonies or to hold particular matter related to the wedding ceremony, or as an urn for storing crematory remains of a human or animal.

Abstract: A method of controlling noise/vibration in a vehicle having a powertrain includes sensing noise/vibration in the vehicle. An operating point of the powertrain is adjusted and a constant transmission output power is maintained to reduce the noise/vibration.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a fuel injector of an engine system as contaminated is provided. The method comprises: recording a first fuel injection quantity; commanding a fuel rail pressure high; recording a second fuel injection quantity while the fuel rail pressure is high; and diagnosing the fuel injector as contaminated if the first fuel injection quantity is greater than the second fuel injection quantity.

Abstract: A method of reducing exhaust emission from a catalytic converter apparatus of a vehicle, the apparatus including at least one catalytic converter, each of the at least one catalytic converter having a catalyst brick positioned within a predefined length of the vehicle. The method includes directing exhaust to pass more than once through the predefined length through at least one of the at least one catalyst brick. The converter apparatus can accelerate catalyst conversion reactions and thus accelerate converter system light-off.

Abstract: A throttling and intake control system transitions between activated and deactivated modes in a displacement on demand engine. The throttling and intake control system includes an intake manifold pressure sensor that generates an intake manifold pressure signal and a controller that calculates a pressure window based on the manifold pressure and an engine speed signal. The controller transitions the engine from the activated mode to the deactivated mode when the measured intake manifold pressure is greater than the maximum limit of the pressure window. The controller transitions the engine from the deactivated mode to the activated mode when the intake manifold pressure is less than the lower limit of the pressure window.

Abstract: An engine control system transitions between activated and deactivated modes in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. The engine control system includes a clutch plate position sensor and a shifter shaft position sensor in communication with a controller. The controller determines if conditions to increase or reduce the number of active cylinders based on data collected from the position sensors, engine speed, and manifold absolute pressure. Prediction of the driver's next movements is the basis of the control. The sensors provide the history, averages, acceleration data, and velocity data, which lead to the driver's intent.

Abstract: An engine with cylinder deactivation (Displacement on Demand or DOD™) includes standard (STD) cylinders which are not deactivated and DOD cylinders which can be deactivated by closing their intake and exhaust valves and shutting off their fuel supply. To provide smooth transitions, the STD and DOD cylinders form separate groups each supplied with charge air through one or more separate throttles. When switching to DOD operation, the throttles are oppositely actuated to cut out the DOD cylinders and maintain torque in the active cylinders prior to deactivation of the cylinder valves. When returning to STD operation, the valves are reactivated before oppositely actuating the throttles to enable full cylinder operation. In DOD operation, a small supercharger may be operated to boost torque of the operating STD cylinders and thus increase the DOD operating range.