Abstract: Adjustable package flow stop wall systems and associated methods may operate as part of package processing stations, in order to facilitate accumulation and transfer of packages from inbound collection areas to outbound conveyances. For example, an adjustable package flow stop wall may include a wall assembly, a frame assembly, a pedal assembly, and/or a handle assembly. The wall assembly may selectively extend above the upper surface of a station between a plurality of positions, e.g., a closeout position, an active position, and a flush position, and the pedal and/or handle assemblies may be actuated to cause movement of the wall assembly. Further, the adjustable package flow stop wall may include one or more sensors, actuators, and/or input elements to enable movement of the wall assembly at least partially or fully automatically, which movements may be based on detected agents and/or packages and associated characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method of employee/resource allocation across an enterprise. The method includes receiving, by a data processing system, a workload matrix, the workload matrix including job types and a level of demand for each job type; receiving, by the data processing system, an employee matrix, wherein the employee matrix comprises a plurality of employees and a plurality of characteristics associated with each of the plurality of employees; generating, by the data processing system, a skills matrix for the enterprise based on the plurality of characteristics associated with each of the plurality of employees; cognitively generating, by the data processing system, an optimization model; responsive to performing an iteration of the optimization model, assigning, by the data processing system, the plurality of employees to the plurality of job types based on the iteration, resulting in a report; and implementing the report in the enterprise.

Abstract: An automated system for managing temperature and reducing crankcase oil dilution in an internal combustion engine. The system includes a rotatable shutter plate having an open portion, a closed portion and a peripheral rim, the peripheral rim having a frictional surface thereon; a motor having a rotatable shaft having a pinion affixed at one end thereof for engagement with the frictional surface of the peripheral rim of the rotatable shutter plate; and a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature indicative of engine warm-up and sending a signal to a controller; wherein the rotatable shutter plate is structured and arranged to at least partially occlude an air inlet to or outlet from the internal combustion engine when rotated in response to a signal received from the controller.

Abstract: An automated system for managing temperature and reducing crankcase oil dilution in an internal combustion engine. The system includes a rotatable shutter plate having an open portion, a closed portion and a peripheral rim, the peripheral rim having a frictional surface thereon; a motor having a rotatable shaft having a pinion affixed at one end thereof for engagement with the frictional surface of the peripheral rim of the rotatable shutter plate; and a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature indicative of engine warm-up and sending a signal to a controller; wherein the rotatable shutter plate is structured and arranged to at least partially occlude an air inlet to or outlet from the internal combustion engine when rotated in response to a signal received from the controller.

Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear and switched-mode battery chargers.

Abstract: A blade for an isolator, in particular for a diverter or flap isolator, which comprises a plurality of plate arms (21) to be attached to an isolator shaft (31), and a pair of plates (22), preferably comprising an array of panels, attached to the plate arms (21) and separated by a gas space (23). The plates (22) are suitably provided with insulation (27) retained by cladding (28). The blade plates (22) will usually be provided with convolutions (24) to give them improved stiffness, and the blade plates will furthermore be welded or otherwise secured together by fastening means such as a series of short tubes (25) extending therebetween.