Abstract: Described herein are automated capping and de-capping systems and methods of use thereof. Automated capping and de-capping systems include a rack-support unit operable to support at least two types of a rack, a head unit comprising a plurality of cap-drivers, and a drive system. Each rack is operable to support a plurality of tubes having caps, the caps being a first cap type or a second cap type. The second cap type is different than the first cap type. The cap-drivers include a first interface portion operable to engage with the first cap type and a second interface portion operable to engage with the second cap type. The drive system is for moving the rack-support unit and the head unit relative to each other to facilitate engagement between the cap-drivers and the caps of the tubes to cap or de-cap the tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for distillation column fabrication can include forming multiple distillation column packing units that are positionable in a column to define a single packing section so that multiple columns of packing can be positioned in parallel with each other within a single distillation pressure vessel. Each of these multiple columns can have a pre-selected cross-sectional shape, such as a hexagonal shape, and each packing unit can have the same cross-sectional shape (e.g. hexagonal). Each column can include a riser, or distributor, attached to its upper or top portion. A plurality of outer jigsaw seal elements can be arranged between the outer portion of the columns and the inner wall of the pressure vessel. Each packing unit can include a plurality of layered corrugated sheets that are provided in a pre-selected arrangement to facilitate gas and liquid separation via the packing.

Abstract: Pursuant to some embodiments, systems, methods and computer program code are provided for analyzing the embodiment carbon associated with the manufacture of a part.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a housing, a first contactor portion, a heat sink, and a second contactor portion. The first contactor portion can be coupled with the housing. The heat sink can be coupled with the housing. The second contactor portion can contact the first contactor portion in a first position. The second contact or portion can thermally couple with a heatsink in a second position.

Abstract: There is provided a seal assembly comprising: a first component and a second component spaced apart from the first component so as to define a passage for the transfer of fluid from an inlet of the seal assembly to an outlet of the seal assembly, wherein the first component comprises a concavity at least partially defining the passage, and wherein no part of the second component extends into the portion of the passage bounded by the concavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for distillation column fabrication can include forming multiple distillation column packing units that are positionable in a column to define a single packing section so that multiple columns of packing can be positioned in parallel with each other within a single distillation pressure vessel. Each of these multiple columns can have a pre-selected cross-sectional shape, such as a hexagonal shape, and each packing unit can have the same cross-sectional shape (e.g. hexagonal). Each column can include a riser, or distributor, attached to its upper or top portion. A plurality of outer jigsaw seal elements can be arranged between the outer portion of the columns and the inner wall of the pressure vessel. Each packing unit can include a plurality of layered corrugated sheets that are provided in a pre-selected arrangement to facilitate gas and liquid separation via the packing.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention comprise a series of method steps for the specific purpose of searching and comparing different Building Codes. The steps are highly specific to the structure of Codes and terminology and organization of terms of art, such as “occupancy groups,” “construction types,” “building stories,” “capacity factors,” and the like. Input building codes are existing published codes, identified as “backbone codes.” Multiple backbone codes are compared using Levenshtein distances of text groups and matching code section titles and occupancy groups, using optional filters and search methods. Comparisons and comparison figures are output, with explanations.

Abstract: There is provided a seal assembly comprising: a first component and a second component spaced apart from the first component so as to define a passage for the transfer of fluid from an inlet of the seal assembly to an outlet of the seal assembly, wherein the first component comprises a concavity at least partially defining the passage, and wherein no part of the second component extends into the portion of the passage bounded by the concavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods, devices and systems for insulation, e.g., of cavities associated with walls, ceilings, floors and other building structures, with foam insulation. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method for providing a cavity of a building with a predetermined amount of foam insulation. The method includes actuating a valve to begin dispensing foam insulation into the cavity, the actuation being performed by a user, the actuation by the user fixing a start time and/or a zero volume of a time and/or volume meter; then, dispensing the foam insulation from the insulation dispenser into the cavity as the time and/or volume meter counts time and/or volume dispensed; then when a predetermined time after the start time elapses or a predetermined volume of the foam insulation beyond the zero volume is dispensed as measured by the time and/or volume meter, actuating the valve to stop dispensing the foam insulation into the cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for determining the density of insulation. For example, one aspect of the disclosure is a device that includes a first unit that includes a sound generator and a second unit that includes a sound sensor and a probe. The probe is configured to be inserted into insulation such that the sound sensor is outside of the insulation and is configured to detect sound that is generated by the sound generator outside of the insulation and transmitted through the insulation and the probe to the sound sensor. The device also includes a control system configured to cause the sound generator to generate the sound and to use the sound detected by the sound sensor to generate output that represents the density of the insulation.

Abstract: High-power light absorbers (HPLAs) can exhibit low back-scattered light, mitigate stray light, and withstand high optical power. The absorbers can be used with or without baffling as beam dumps for high-power lasers. An HPLA may include a substrate made of high thermally conductive material with an anti-reflection (AR) coating formed on the substrate. A thin layer of highly absorbing material may be located between the AR coating and substrate. The substrate can be cooled with a fluid, such as water or air.

Abstract: Pursuant to some embodiments, systems, methods and computer program code are provided for analyzing the embodiment carbon associated with the manufacture of a part.

Abstract: A trip energy estimation system includes a memory and a control module. The memory stores average traffic speed, average traffic acceleration, driver speed, and driver acceleration data. The control module executes an algorithm to estimate an amount of energy for an electric vehicle to travel between two locations. The algorithm includes: determining, based on the average traffic speed data and the average traffic acceleration data, a baseline amount of energy for the electric vehicle to travel between the two locations; determining, based on the driver speed data and the driver acceleration data, a dynamic amount of energy corresponding to at least one of stop and go events, over speeding, or under speeding; and determining a total amount of energy based on the baseline amount of energy and the dynamic amount of energy. The control module, based on the total amount of energy, performs an operation including indicating a trip estimate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for determining the density of insulation. For example, one aspect of the disclosure is a device that includes a first unit that includes a sound generator and a second unit that includes a sound sensor and a probe. The probe is configured to be inserted into insulation such that the sound sensor is outside of the insulation and is configured to detect sound that is generated by the sound generator outside of the insulation and transmitted through the insulation and the probe to the sound sensor. The device also includes a control system configured to cause the sound generator to generate the sound and to use the sound detected by the sound sensor to generate output that represents the density of the insulation.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a housing, a first contactor portion, a heat sink, and a second contactor portion. The first contactor portion can be coupled with the housing. The heat sink can be coupled with the housing. The second contactor portion can contact the first contactor portion in a first position. The second contact or portion can thermally couple with a heatsink in a second position.

Abstract: An aircraft with a variety of control surfaces including but not limited to multiple winglet rudders. Each winglet can have multiple independently controlled rudders to improve the flight stability and maneuverability of the aircraft. Additionally, improved power supply systems can be implemented to allow for sustained flight.

Abstract: A trip energy estimation system includes a memory and a control module. The memory stores average traffic speed, average traffic acceleration, driver speed, and driver acceleration data. The control module executes an algorithm to estimate an amount of energy for an electric vehicle to travel between two locations. The algorithm includes: determining, based on the average traffic speed data and the average traffic acceleration data, a baseline amount of energy for the electric vehicle to travel between the two locations; determining, based on the driver speed data and the driver acceleration data, a dynamic amount of energy corresponding to at least one of stop and go events, over speeding, or under speeding; and determining a total amount of energy based on the baseline amount of energy and the dynamic amount of energy. The control module, based on the total amount of energy, performs an operation including indicating a trip estimate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to insulated building structures. In one aspect of the disclosure, an insulated building structure includes a longitudinally-extending cavity bound by a first lateral surface, a second lateral surface, a back surface and a front surface, the cavity having a cross-sectional area in a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the cavity; one or more shelves extending into the cavity, each having an occluded area in the plane that is less than the cross-sectional area of the cavity; and loose-fill insulation disposed in the cavity, loose-fill insulation being positioned above and below each of the shelves.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for determining the density of insulation. For example, one aspect of the disclosure is a device that includes a first unit that includes a sound generator and a second unit that includes a sound sensor and a probe. The probe is configured to be inserted into insulation such that the sound sensor is outside of the insulation and is configured to detect sound that is generated by the sound generator outside of the insulation and transmitted through the insulation and the probe to the sound sensor. The device also includes a control system configured to cause the sound generator to generate the sound and to use the sound detected by the sound sensor to generate output that represents the density of the insulation.