Abstract: An initiator for opening a pressurized gas cylinder is disclosed herein. The initiator includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a lance disposed within the housing, the lance configured to slide from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and out through the second end of the housing, a spring disposed within the housing between the first end of the housing and the lance, and a wire coupled to the first end of the housing and to the lance, the wire configured to hold the spring in a compressed state, the wire further configured to break in response to an electric current.

Abstract: A tread design for a tire is described herein that has excellent wear properties, hydroplaning resistance, and snow grip. The combination of features also makes it suitable for use in high torque high load conditions found in modern day light truck applications. The tread (18) includes a plurality of tread features lateral sipes (30), lateral grooves (28), longitudinal sipes (31) and longitudinal grooves (24), the longitudinal grooves arranged to form a plurality of ribs (32), each rib extending annularly around the tread and where adjacent ribs are separated by one of the longitudinal grooves, the plurality of ribs including a pair of shoulder ribs and a plurality of central ribs. At least one of the plurality of central ribs is continuous in the longitudinal direction and the elastomeric material forming the tread possesses high compression set allowing the material to plastically deform creating a more rigid tread structure.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention relates to rubber mix having improved wear resistance comprised of carbonate functionalized elastomer and a reduced graphene oxide filler. The resulting rubber has comparable wear resistance and better rigidity versus energy dissipation compromise as compared to rubber mixes having non-functionalized elastomer and reduced graphene oxide reinforcement.

Abstract: A system for improving an appearance of light from an excimer lamp includes the excimer lamp configured to output excimer light that includes ultraviolet light having an ultraviolet wavelength and visible light having a first visible wavelength or spectra. The system further includes at least one additional light source configured to be packaged with the excimer lamp and to output additional light having a second visible wavelength or spectra. The system further includes a cover that is at least one of transparent or translucent to the ultraviolet wavelength and having a surface pattern that causes the excimer light to blend with the additional light.

Abstract: Methods for producing a cross-linkable rubber composition that comprises a masterbatch are disclosed. The masterbatch comprising a base masterbatch and the method includes forming the base masterbatch by adding a diene rubber to an internal mixer; adding a total quantity of a solid agglomerated material that includes carbon nanotubes into the mixing chamber; and mixing the diene elastomer and the solid agglomerated material. To ensure adequate distribution and dispersion of the material, the base masterbatch has a minimum Mooney viscosity ML(1+4)100 of at least 85 MU.

Abstract: Dual roll sheet product dispensers of a compact design are provided herein. A sheet product dispenser comprises a first roll holder for a first product roll and a second roll holder for a second product roll. A housing includes a base portion and a cover that is movable relative to the base portion to define an open position and a closed position. A chassis is mounted between the first roll holder and the second roll holder and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The chassis is movable to the extended position when the cover is in the open position. The chassis includes a first dispensing mechanism and a second dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A recreational pack configured to hold a pair of skis or similar elongate recreational device on the back of a user. The pack includes a pouch configured to secure a portion of a pair of skis within the pouch. In this regard, the pouch includes an upper edge comprising a cinching mechanism that is configured to be opened and closed to permit access to an interior volume of the pouch, and a slit operatively disposed through a lower edge of the pouch and configured to receive a pair of skis or similar equipment within and through the slit. The pack secures the skis in a useful and efficient manner and advantageously may be folded and placed in a user’s pocket when not in use.

Abstract: A computer server system comprises a communications module; a processor coupled with the communications module; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing processor-executable instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to obtain trigger data identifying two or more resource types and criteria for triggering one or more actions associated with each of the two or more resource types; monitor resource consumption data to identify another resource type being provided to a resource requester; responsive to identifying the another resource type being provided to the resource requester, determine, based on the trigger data, one or more actions to be triggered; and trigger the one or more actions.

Abstract: A touchless light system may comprise a light assembly, a light controller operably coupled to the light, and a touchless control panel configured to detect and interpret a user input and send an object detection signals to the light controller based on the user input. The light controller may be configured to send to a light command to the light assembly based on the object detection signal.

Abstract: A ball roller assembly may include an inner sphere that is constructed from a thermal-sensitive material. The ball roller assembly may also include an outer sphere that is constructed from a thermal-conductive material. The inner sphere may be disposed within the outer sphere and thermal transfer may occur between the inner sphere, the outer sphere, and a user of the ball roller assembly. The ball roller assembly may further include a housing constructed from a thermal-insulative material, and the outer sphere and the inner sphere may be disposed within the housing. The inner sphere may be selectively removable from the outer sphere and the outer sphere may be selectively removable from the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle module system is disclosed. The system includes a track assembly operably coupled with a body of a vehicle. One or more modules may be removably and slidably coupled with the track assembly. The modules include base structure defining an attachment point. A rail feature is disposed along a bottom portion of the base structure. An attachment feature having a retainer for removably coupling to the attachment point to the base structure.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and/or methods for mitigating audible noise generated by a welding-type power supply are disclosed. In some examples, the switching frequency of the welding-type power supply may be changed to a frequency that is outside the audible range for humans. This strategy takes advantage of the fact that the observed audible noise is generated by vibrating components within the welding-type power supply that vibrate at a frequency related to the switching frequency. Other noise mitigation strategies include dithering and deactivation of portions of the welding-type power supply that vibrate to generate the audible noise.

Abstract: A remote hot tub control system for a hot tub includes a controller and an input device. The controller is configured to execute a draining and filling cycle of the hot tub. Upon receiving a user command at the input device to initiate the cycle, the controller commands an output valve to open and a water pump to pump used water out of the hot tub via the output valve. Upon receiving a first signal indicating that the hot tub has been drained of the used water, the controller commands the output valve to close, the water pump to stop pumping, and an input valve to open to permit fresh water to enter the hot tub. Upon receiving a second signal indicating that the hot tub has been filled, the controller commands the input valve to close.

Abstract: A system for improving an appearance of light from an excimer lamp includes the excimer lamp configured to output excimer light that includes ultraviolet light having an ultraviolet wavelength and visible light having a first visible wavelength or spectra. The system further includes at least one additional light source configured to be packaged with the excimer lamp and to output additional light having a second visible wavelength or spectra. The system further includes a cover that is at least one of transparent or translucent to the ultraviolet wavelength and having a surface pattern that causes the excimer light to blend with the additional light.

Abstract: Disclosed example welding power systems and methods monitor supply power inputs from a primary power source. The supply power is compared to current and/or power threshold values corresponding to limits associated with the primary power source. If the supply power exceeds a threshold value associated with the limits, the welding power system controls welding parameters or devices to adjust a supply power demand, thereby ensuring the draw on supply power does not exceed the capabilities of the power source. In some examples, the disclosed welding power system presents a subset of welding parameters identified as available for operation based on the capabilities of the power source. The user interface displays only the subset of available welding parameters to an operator for selection, thereby ensuring the draw on supply power does not exceed the capabilities of the power source.

Abstract: Present embodiments include systems and methods for stick welding applications. In certain embodiments, simulation stick welding electrode holders may include stick electrode retraction assemblies configured to mechanically retract a simulation stick electrode toward the stick electrode retraction assembly to simulate consumption of the simulation stick electrode during a simulated stick welding process. In addition, in certain embodiments, stick welding electrode holders may include various input and output elements that enable, for example, control inputs to be input via the stick welding electrode holders, and operational statuses to be output via the stick welding electrode holders. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a welding training system interface may be used to facilitate communication and cooperation of various stick welding electrode holders with a welding training system.

Abstract: A vehicle module system is disclosed. The system includes a track assembly operably coupled with a body of a vehicle. One or more modules may be removably and slidably coupled with the track assembly. The modules include base structure defining an attachment point. A rail feature is disposed along a bottom portion of the base structure. An attachment feature having a retainer for removably coupling to the attachment point to the base structure.