Abstract: An article includes a polishing layer that includes a plurality of raised cells separated by a plurality of channels. Each of the plurality of raised cells includes a microstructured working surface, a substantially vertical channel surface, and an offset surface between an edge of the working surface and an upper edge of the channel surface. The microstructured working surface includes a plurality of microstructures. Tops of the plurality of microstructures define a top plane and bases of the plurality of microstructures define a base plane. The substantially vertical channel surface defines a wall of a channel of the plurality of channels and the channel surface defines a channel plane. The offset surface includes a nonplanar portion of displaced material. The displaced material defines a displacement plane that is below the base plane or within a tolerance of the top plane.

Abstract: A method of performing a selected task in a tank at least partially filled with an energetic substance includes, in part, configuring a mobile platform to be inherently safe by positioning spark-generating components in either or both of: (i) an inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure, and (ii) a spark-neutralizing body formed of at least one non-flammable substance and positioned inside an enclosure, the spark-neutralizing body blocking direct contact between a spark from the enclosed spark-generating component and an energetic substance from occurring inside the at least one enclosure. The method also includes positioning at least one spark-generating component not inside any inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. The sparks are capable of igniting the energetic substances.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a mobile platform from a tank at least partially filled with a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least a retrieval system including a buoyant body, an electrically conductive member, and a tether. The tether electrically isolates the buoyant body from the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for controlling charge accumulation on a mobile platform in a tank containing a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least an electrical power supply and a charge accumulation control system. The power supplied from the electrical power supply to one or more electrical power consumers associated with the mobile platform adds an electrical charge to the mobile platform. The charge accumulation control system controls an accumulation of the electrical charge on the mobile platform by one of: (i) reducing the supplied power and preventing an increase in the supplied power later while the mobile platform is inside the tank, and (ii) disengaging the electrical power consumer(s) from the supplied power and preventing a reengagement of the supplied power with the electrical power consumer(s) later while the mobile platform is inside the tank.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a mobile platform from a tank having a hatch and at least partially filled with a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least a retrieval system disposed at least partially on an enclosure. The retrieval system includes at least: a primary tether connected to a buoyant body and to the enclosure, and a secondary tether connected to the buoyant body and to the enclosure. The method further includes: predetermining a buoyant body retrieval zone within the tank, and positioning a released buoyant body within the buoyant body retrieval zone by using the primary tether. The method also includes retrieving the primary tether by using the buoyant body; using the primary tether to release the secondary tether; and inserting a retrieval member through the hatch to retrieve the buoyant body, the primary tether, and/or the secondary tether.

Abstract: A method of performing a selected task in a tank at least partially filled with an energetic substance includes, in part, configuring a mobile platform to be inherently safe by positioning spark-generating components in either or both of: (i) an inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure, and (ii) a spark-neutralizing body formed of at least one non-flammable substance and positioned inside an enclosure, the spark-neutralizing body blocking direct contact between a spark from the enclosed spark-generating component and an energetic substance from occurring inside the at least one enclosure. The method also includes positioning at least one spark-generating component not inside any inherently safe enclosure that prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. The sparks are capable of igniting the energetic substances.

Abstract: A method of performing a selected task in a tank containing an energetic substance uses an inherently safe mobile platform that includes a marker detector, a control unit, a power supply, a propulsion system, and an inherently safe enclosure. The inherently safe enclosure prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. All spark-generating components of the mobile platform are positioned inside the inherently safe enclosure. The method includes lowering the mobile platform into the tank, at least partially submerging the mobile platform in the energetic substance, and detecting a marker using the marker detector. No active physical carrier connects the mobile platform to an object exterior of the tank while the mobile platform is in the tank.

Abstract: A mobile platform uses a charge accumulation control system to control a charge accumulation while the mobile platform is in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile platform includes a retrieval system having a buoyant body, a primary tether, and a secondary tether. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical cable is used to reduce a voltage difference between the mobile platform and the tank or other structure by electrically connecting to an electrically conductive member on the mobile platform.

Abstract: A mobile platform uses a charge accumulation control system to control a charge accumulation while the mobile platform is in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile platform includes a retrieval system having a buoyant body, a primary tether, and a secondary tether. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical cable is used to reduce a voltage difference between the mobile platform and the tank or other structure by electrically connecting to an electrically conductive member on the mobile platform.

Abstract: A method of performing a selected task in a tank containing an energetic substance uses an inherently safe mobile platform that includes a marker detector, a control unit, a power supply, a propulsion system, and an inherently safe enclosure. The inherently safe enclosure prevents a spark occurring inside the inherently safe enclosure from passing to an exterior of the inherently safe enclosure. All spark-generating components of the mobile platform are positioned inside the inherently safe enclosure. The method includes lowering the mobile platform into the tank, at least partially submerging the mobile platform in the energetic substance, and detecting a marker using the marker detector. No active physical carrier connects the mobile platform to an object exterior of the tank while the mobile platform is in the tank.

Abstract: A mobile platform uses a charge accumulation control system to control a charge accumulation while the mobile platform is in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile platform includes a retrieval system having a buoyant body, a primary tether, and a secondary tether. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical cable is used to reduce a voltage difference between the mobile platform and the tank or other structure by electrically connecting to an electrically conductive member on the mobile platform.

Abstract: The present invention includes an open-top sheath case for receiving a chainsaw blade and a planar sheath cover detachably secured to the sheath case to cover the open-top of the sheath case. The sheath cover includes an inwardly extending “L” shaped lip along the longitudinal edges of the sheath cover. An open-top tool kit box includes a floor, a pair of side walls and a front and rear end walls extending upwardly from the floor. The tool kit box further includes an outwardly extending lip provided on the upper edges of the sidewalls and the front end wall. The outwardly extending lip of the tool box kit is sized to be slidably received by the inwardly extending lip of the sheath cover.

Abstract: A power converter includes positive and negative input lines and an input capacitor coupled across the input lines. The power converter also includes a switch coupled across the input lines that includes a control contact and an additional contact. The power converter also includes switch controller coupled to the control contact and that includes positive and negative input connections. The power converter also includes a contactor diagnostic supply interface coupled between the positive input connection and the additional contact.

Abstract: The present invention includes an open-top sheath case for receiving a chainsaw blade and a planar sheath cover detachably secured to the sheath case to cover the open-top of the sheath case. The sheath cover includes an inwardly extending “L” shaped lip along the longitudinal edges of the sheath cover. An open-top tool kit box includes a floor, a pair of side walls and a front and rear end walls extending upwardly from the floor. The tool kit box further includes an outwardly extending lip provided on the upper edges of the sidewalls and the front end wall. The outwardly extending lip of the tool box kit is sized to be slidably received by the inwardly extending lip of the sheath cover.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), an electric traction motor, a traction power inverter module (TPIM), a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) bus that electrically connects the RESS to the TPIM, a passive discharge circuit connected across the positive and negative rails of the bus, and a microprocessor. The circuit includes a semiconductor switch. The microprocessor provides an output signal at a first voltage level that opens the switch and prevents discharge of the HVDC bus when the microprocessor is operating normally, and at a default second voltage level that closes the switch in the presence of a predetermined vehicle condition to thereby discharge the HVDC bus. An optocoupler may receive the output signal, and a zener diode may be in electrical parallel with an output side of the optocoupler. The switch may be an insulated gate bipolar transistor or a thyristor in different embodiments.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), an electric traction motor, a traction power inverter module (TPIM), a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) bus that electrically connects the RESS to the TPIM, a passive discharge circuit connected across the positive and negative rails of the bus, and a microprocessor. The circuit includes a semiconductor switch. The microprocessor provides an output signal at a first voltage level that opens the switch and prevents discharge of the HVDC bus when the microprocessor is operating normally, and at a default second voltage level that closes the switch in the presence of a predetermined vehicle condition to thereby discharge the HVDC bus. An optocoupler may receive the output signal, and a zener diode may be in electrical parallel with an output side of the optocoupler. The switch may be an insulated gate bipolar transistor or a thyristor in different embodiments.

Abstract: Waste receptacle covers may be used to cover the waste receptacle to limit the unsightliness of the receptacle, to identify the receptacle, and/or to protect the receptacles. A waste receptacle cover may be formed from a variety of materials. For example, the cover may be formed from weather (e.g., UV, moisture, temperature) and/or abrasion (e.g., cut, tear) resistant materials. The cover may be made of a material that is mold and/or mildew resistant or inhibitive. The cover may be made of a material that is odor absorbing or odor blocking. The cover may be polyester, a polyester-blend, nylon, other synthetic materials, or some combination thereof and may include recycled material (e.g., plastic), renewable/sustainable material (e.g., bamboo) and/or spandex fabric or spandex blend.

Abstract: A shoring beam extension and reinforcement assembly allows a user to removably connect a plurality of shoring beams together so as to customize a support assembly to a particular excavation site. In use, main shoring beams extending around the periphery of an excavation site are connected at the corners by corner connections and are connected along the longitudinal sides of the excavation site by the extension of reinforcement assembly. Additionally, the first and second connectors support a center shoring beam laterally across the excavation site. The assembly is provided with additional support by tabs extending from each of the first and second connectors. Reinforcing beams include tabs having apertures adapted to align with apertures in the tabs of the first and second connectors such that connecting pins may be inserted there through to connect the reinforcing beams with the connectors. Eyelets located on the first and second connectors provide a means by which the assembly may be supported.