Abstract: Hybrid power systems include an internal combustion engine and a motor/generator connectable with the engine. A reefer unit is configured to receive power from the motor/generator via a reefer power system that includes an export power inverter and an energy storage device.

Abstract: you and a Systems and methods for implementing a start-stop feature on a vehicle powered at least in party by an internal combustion engine are described. The method includes receiving, at an electronic control unit (“ECU”) of the vehicle, an indication that the vehicle is in line at a drive-thru. The method further includes determining, by the ECU, a number of start-stop events anticipated during the drive-thru. The method includes determining, by the ECU, an approximate stop time for each of the number of start-stop events. The method further includes determining, by the ECU, that a battery of the vehicle has enough remaining charge to power a plurality of vehicle components during implementation of the start-stop feature. The method includes implementing, by the ECU, the start-stop feature in which the internal combustion engine is turned off for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is stopped.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle (10,100,150A,150B150C,160,1000,1000A,1000B,1000C) includes a chassis (20,106,152,162) having front and rear ends (20A,152A,20B,152B) and supported on right and left driven tracks (34,44,108,165). Right and left elongated flippers (50,60,102,154,164) are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage (70,156,166) connects a payload deck assembly (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806), configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end (70A) rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot (71), and a second end (70B) rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot (73). Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers (72,74) operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots (71,73) to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806) with respect to the chassis (20,106,152,162).

Abstract: A gearbox includes a first shaft operatively coupled to an output of an engine, with the first shaft having a first longitudinal axis. A second shaft is operatively coupled to a driveshaft of an electric machine, the second shaft having a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis is non-coaxial with the first longitudinal axis. A geartrain operatively couples the first and second shafts. The geartrain is structured to passively switch between a first gear ratio and a different second gear ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic start/stop operations for an engine. While the engine is shutdown, operation of the engine may be automatically started upon expiration of a threshold time limit or in response to one or more adverse or deteriorated conditions of a power storage device, such as, for example, a state of health, state of function, or state of charge of the power storage device. After the engine has been automatically started, the ability of the controller to subsequently automatically stop the operation of the engine may be disabled until at least one secondary condition is satisfied. Upon satisfaction of the at least one secondary condition, the controller may again be enabled to at least automatically stop the operation of the engine.

Abstract: Electric machine assemblies and methods of manufacturing and operating electric machine assemblies for internal combustion engines are provided. The electric machine assembly includes an electric machine configured to generate electric current by induction via a prime mover causing rotation of one of a rotor and a stator with respect to the other one of the rotor and the stator. The electric machine assembly also includes a torque transmitter including a rotating output driver coupled to the prime mover of the electric machine. The torque transmitter includes a rotating input driver configured to receive a rotary input transmitted from a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The rotating input driver is coupled to the rotating output driver to actuate the rotating output driver at a plurality of gear ratios.

Abstract: Solutions formed by combining poly(?(1?3) glucan) with CS2 in aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution have been shown to produce the xanthated form of the poly(?(1?3) glucan). The solutions so formed have been shown to be useful for solution spinning into fiber of poly(?(1?3) glucan) when the spun fiber is coagulated in an acidic coagulation bath. The fibers so produced exhibit desirable physical properties. The poly(?(1?3) glucan) employed was synthesized by fermentation.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems for conditionally re-starting an internal combustion engine are disclosed. Certain exemplary embodiments evaluate information associated with a temperature of an accessory of an internal combustion engine and conditionally re-start the internal combustion engine after an engine shutdown based at least in part upon said information and a determination that a post-engine-shutdown temperature of the engine accessory would exceed a predetermined criterion. In certain embodiments the accessory includes a component of a turbocharger. In certain embodiments the accessory includes a component of an exhaust aftertreatment system.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel processing for preparing fibers from poly(?(1?3)glucan). The fibers prepared according to the invention, have “cotton-like” properties, are useful in textile applications, and can be produced as continuous filaments on a year-round basis. The process comprises solution spinning a 5-20% solids concentration of poly(?(1?3)glucan) in an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide, in particular NaOH at concentration of 2 to 10 weight-%, and coagulating the spun fiber in an acid coagulation liquid.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed herein provide for receiving pressure data for an accumulator system, the pressure data providing an indication of a pressure in an accumulator tank of the accumulator system; receiving energy data, the energy data indicating an availability of free energy for use to charge the accumulator tank; and activating a charging source of the accumulator tank to charge the accumulator tank based on at least one of the pressure data and the energy data.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems for conditionally re-starting an internal combustion engine are disclosed. Certain exemplary embodiments evaluate information associated with a temperature of an accessory of an internal combustion engine and conditionally re-start the internal combustion engine after an engine shutdown based at least in part upon said information and a determination that a post-engine-shutdown temperature of the engine accessory would exceed a predetermined criterion. In certain embodiments the accessory includes a component of a turbocharger. In certain embodiments the accessory includes a component of an exhaust aftertreatment system.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel solution composition useful for preparing fibers from poly(?(1?3) glucan). The fibers prepared according to the invention, have “cotton-like” properties, are useful in textile applications, and can be produced as continuous filaments on a year-round basis. The solution comprises a 5-20% solids concentration of poly(?(1?3) glucan) in an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide, in particular NaOH at concentration of 2 to 10 weight-%.

Abstract: Controls for improved drivability of a vehicle equipped with start/stop logic are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment is a method comprising stopping an internal combustion engine of the vehicle to achieve a target speed profile during slowing of the engine to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, and/or to achieve a target engine stop position. Another embodiment is a method for selecting between a nominal re-start mode and a delayed re-start mode where launching of the vehicle after a stop is delayed relative to the nominal start mode in response to a vehicle input.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel process for preparing fibers from poly(?(1?3) glucan). The fibers prepared according to the invention, have “cotton-like” properties, are useful in textile applications, and can be produced as continuous filaments on a year-round basis. The process comprises solution spinning from a novel solution of poly(?(1?3) glucan) in a mixture of water and N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide followed by coagulation in a liquid coagulant that comprises a liquid that is not water.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle (10,100,150A,150B150C,160,1000,1000A,1000B,1000C) includes a chassis (20,106,152,162) having front and rear ends (20A,152A,20B,152B) and supported on right and left driven tracks (34,44,108,165). Right and left elongated flippers (50,60,102,154,164) are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage (70,156,166) connects a payload deck assembly (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806), configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end (70A) rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot (71), and a second end (70B) rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot (73). Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers (72,74) operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots (71,73) to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806) with respect to the chassis (20,106,152,162).

Abstract: Solutions formed by combining poly(?(1?3) glucan) with CS2 in aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution have been shown to produce the xanthated form of the poly(?(1?3) glucan). The solutions so formed have been shown to be useful for solution spinning into fiber of poly(?(1?3) glucan) when the spun fiber is coagulated in an acidic coagulation bath. The fibers so produced exhibit desirable physical properties. The poly(?(1?3) glucan) employed was synthesized by fermentation.

Abstract: A process for enzymatic preparation of poly (?1, 3 glucan) from sucrose is disclosed. The glucosyltransferase enzyme (gtfJ) from Streptococcus salivarius is used to convert sucrose to fructose and poly (?1, 3 glucan). Application of semi-permeable membranes to continuously remove fructose, a by-product of the gtf enzyme, thus increasing the poly (?1, 3 glucan) liter, is disclosed.

Abstract: Solutions formed by combining poly(?(1?3) glucan) with CS2 in aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution have been shown to produce the xanthated form of the poly(+(1?3) glucan). The solutions so formed have been shown to be useful for solution spinning into fiber of poly(?(1?3) glucan) when the spun fiber is coagulated in an acidic coagulation bath. The fibers so produced exhibit desirable physical properties. The poly(?(1?3) glucan) employed was synthesized by fermentation.

Abstract: Solutions formed by combining poly(?(1?3) glucan) with concentrated aqueous formic acid solution, optionally containing methylene chloride, have been shown to produce the formylated form of the poly(?(1?3) glucan). The solutions so formed have been shown to be useful for solution spinning into fiber of poly(?(1?3) glucan) when the spun fiber is coagulated into a coagulation bath. The fibers so produced exhibit desirable physical properties. The poly(?(1?3) glucan) employed was synthesized by the action of a recombinant enzyme prepared via fermentation.

Abstract: An inertia assisted engine starting apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes an internal combustion engine and an accessory drive system including an accessory. The accessory includes a rotatable member. An electric motor is selectively rotationally coupled to the accessory drive system. A mechanical coupling device selectively transfers rotational kinetic energy from the accessory drive system to start the internal combustion engine.