Abstract: A defect detection and ranking system for a vehicle assembly line is provided. The system includes an image capture device that captures a plurality of images of a vehicle on the vehicle assembly line. The system also includes a defect detector that analyzes the plurality of captured images and, based on the analysis, detects a plurality of defects on the surface of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of defects has an associated x-y-z coordinate location, a defect type, and a defect severity. The system also includes a datastore containing a vehicle specification, for the vehicle on the vehicle assembly line, and a defect priority based on the vehicle specification. The system also includes a defect prioritization generator configured to: receive the plurality of defects from the defect detector, retrieve the vehicle specification and the defect priority, and apply the defect priority to the plurality of defects, and output a prioritized list of defects, wherein the prioritized list of defects.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods of using a tape applicator mounted on a robot arm to apply a tape onto an object surface are provided. The tape applicator, which is instructed by a controller, can automatically follow a real-time-updated tape coverage path on the object surface to optimize the tape application while the tape applicator moves along the object surface. The tape applicator can also create tabs in real time.

Abstract: A defect detection and ranking system for a vehicle assembly line is provided. The system includes an image capture device that captures a plurality of images of a vehicle on the vehicle assembly line. The system also includes a defect detector that analyzes the plurality of captured images and, based on the analysis, detects a plurality of defects on the surface of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of defects has an associated x-y-z coordinate location, a defect type, and a defect severity. The system also includes a datastore containing a vehicle specification, for the vehicle on the vehicle assembly line, and a defect priority based on the vehicle specification. The system also includes a defect prioritization generator configured to: receive the plurality of defects from the defect detector, retrieve the vehicle specification and the defect priority, and apply the defect priority to the plurality of defects, and output a prioritized list of defects, wherein the prioritized list of defects.

Abstract: An article is provided. The article comprises a nonwoven substrate having a copolymer grafted thereto, and a dried coating adhered to the substrate. The copolymer comprises interpolymerized monomer units of a quaternary ammonium-containing ligand monomer, an amide monomer, and an oxy monomer. The coating comprises a plurality of test microorganisms. Optionally, the coating further comprises a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymeric binding agent. A process challenge device comprising a body having a hollow channel with said article fixed disposed therein is also provided. Methods of using the article or the process challenge device for determining the efficacy of a disinfection process are also provided.

Abstract: A defect detection and ranking system for a vehicle assembly line is provided. The system includes an image capture device that captures a plurality of images of a vehicle on the vehicle assembly line. The system also includes a defect detector that analyzes the plurality of captured images and, based on the analysis, detects a plurality of defects on the surface of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of defects has an associated x-y-z coordinate location, a defect type, and a defect severity. The system also includes a datastore containing a vehicle specification, for the vehicle on the vehicle assembly line, and a defect priority based on the vehicle specification. The system also includes a defect prioritization generator configured to: receive the plurality of defects from the defect detector, retrieve the vehicle specification and the defect priority, and apply the defect priority to the plurality of defects, and output a prioritized list of defects, wherein the prioritized list of defects.

Abstract: A system for robotic paint repair that can include a consumable abrasive product configured to abrade a substrate, a tool configured to drive the consumable abrasive product to abrade, a backup pad configured to couple with the consumable abrasive product, a robotic device configured to manipulate the tool, a pressure regulating apparatus mountable to the robotic device and configured to apply a desired pressure to the consumable abrasive product, a sensor configured to measure at least one of a rotational velocity of the backup pad or a debris pattern from the substrate that results from abrading, and a pressure controller configured to control the pressure regulating apparatus to apply the desired pressure based upon the at least one of the measured rotational velocity of the backup pad or the measured debris pattern.

Abstract: An isoporous membrane includes a multiblock copolymer film. The multiblock copolymer is crosslinked, and the film has a toughness of at least 50 kJ/m3 as a free-standing film when wet, as measured by integrating the area under a stress-strain curve for the film. Methods of forming isoporous membranes are also included.

Abstract: A coalescing element for aggregating droplets of an emulsion. The coalescing element includes a nonwoven web substrate. A coalescer that includes the coalescing element can also include a housing and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet each in fluid communication with the coalescing element. The coalescing element and coalescer may be useful for emulsions that form in solvent extraction/electrowinning copper processing and for other emulsions.

Abstract: A method of purifying a biological composition includes: disposing loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers and a biological composition within a mixing volume of a vessel; agitating the biological composition and the loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers while they are in intimate contact with each other within the mixing volume to provide modified fibers and a purified biological composition; and separating at least a portion of the purified biological composition from the modified fibers and any loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers with which it is in contact. The loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers have a modified surface layer comprising a grafted acrylic polymer comprising 10 to 100 percent by weight of a cationically-ionizable monomer unit. An article for purifying a biological composition includes: a vessel having a mixing volume disposed therein; and the loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers disposed within the mixing volume.

Abstract: An article is provided. The article comprises a nonwoven substrate having a copolymer grafted thereto, and a dried coating adhered to the substrate. The copolymer comprises interpolymerized monomer units of a quaternary ammonium-containing ligand monomer, an amide monomer, and an oxy monomer. The coating comprises a plurality of test microorganisms. Optionally, the coating further comprises a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymeric binding agent. A process challenge device comprising a body having a hollow channel with said article fixed disposed therein is also provided. Methods of using the article or the process challenge device for determining the efficacy of a disinfection process are also provided.

Abstract: A coalescing element for aggregating droplets of an emulsion. The coalescing element includes a nonwoven web substrate. A coalescer that includes the coalescing element can also include a housing and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet each in fluid communication with the coalescing element. The coalescing element and coalescer may be useful for emulsions that form in solvent extraction/electrowinning copper processing and for other emulsions.

Abstract: A method of purifying a biological composition includes: disposing loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers and a biological composition within a mixing volume of a vessel; agitating the biological composition and the loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers while they are in intimate contact with each other within the mixing volume to provide modified fibers and a purified biological composition; and separating at least a portion of the purified biological composition from the modified fibers and any loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers with which it is in contact. The loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers have a modified surface layer comprising a grafted acrylic polymer comprising 10 to 100 percent by weight of a cationically-ionizable monomer unit. An article for purifying a biological composition includes: a vessel having a mixing volume disposed therein; and the loose cationic ligand-functionalized staple fibers disposed within the mixing volume.