Abstract: A concealed sprinkler includes a body, a seal, an activation element, a deflector, and a nosecone. The body includes a passageway having an inlet and an outlet, and defines a longitudinal axis through the inlet and the outlet. The seal couples with the outlet. The activation element couples with the seal. The activation element changes from a first state to a second state responsive to a fire condition to allow the seal to be displaced from the outlet. The deflector is coupled with the body and positioned along the longitudinal axis. The nosecone is coupled with the deflector and includes a first portion positioned along the longitudinal axis, a second portion spaced from the first portion and extending further outward than the first portion, and a wall forming a step between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A method of repitching workpieces in an automated mass production system includes: (a) unloading a set of workpieces from a plurality of first retainers arranged at a first pitch, the unloading step including gripping of the workpieces by corresponding grippers of a repitch robot; (b) adjusting the workpieces from the first pitch to a second pitch different from the first pitch, the adjusting step including translating the grippers relative to each other from a first spacing corresponding to the first pitch to a second spacing corresponding to the second pitch; and (c) loading the workpieces into a plurality of corresponding second retainers arranged at the second pitch, the loading step including positioning and releasing the workpieces in the second retainers via the grippers.

Abstract: Processing O-rings in an automated mass production system includes advancing an O-ring retainer toward a loading position in alignment with an output end of a feed device, discharging a leading O-ring from the output end in electronic synchronization with advancement of the O-ring retainer to the loading position to initiate loading of the O-ring into the retainer prior to the retainer arriving at the loading position, after loading the O-ring into the retainer, advancing the retainer away from the loading position toward an unloading position, and moving an end effector in electronic synchronization with advancement of the retainer to the unloading position to synchronize arrival of the retainer at the unloading position with arrival of the end effector at a pick-up position in alignment with the O-ring at the unloading position for pick up of the O-ring by the end effector.

Abstract: A sprinkler includes a body, a button, an activation element, and a support bridge. The body defines an outlet. The button seals the outlet. The activation element is coupled with the button. The support bridge is coupled with the activation element, and includes a center, a first arm extending from the center, a second arm extending from the center, opposite the first arm, and an arch extending from the first arm to the second arm, the arch having a flat shape.

Abstract: A system and method for a subterranean energy storage and retrieval system, having constructed a subterranean battery from a repurposed wellbore with ganged cells with an electrical connection attached to the battery at the surface of the wellbore. A cooling system cools the battery cells downhole. A pressure activated switch is normally open until the battery cells are resting on the bottom hole retainer.

Abstract: A polymer melt candle filter having a support which comprises a hollow cylindrical body defined by a first end, a second end, and a cylinder wall having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion includes a screw thread on its outside surface and optionally a hex fitting on its inside surface for receiving a hex wrench. The second end portion includes a plurality of holes in the cylinder wall. The area of the openings of the holes on the outside surface of the cylinder wall may be larger than the area of the openings of the corresponding holes on the inside surface of the cylinder wall. The shape of the openings of the holes on the outside surface may be non-circular.

Abstract: A fire protection system is provided for a space having a pitched roof constructed of structural members extending from a ridgeline to an eave, with respective channels therebetween. A first row of sprinklers is mounted to a first branch line extending generally parallel to the ridgeline. Each sprinkler is positioned within a respective channel, with consecutive sprinklers spaced apart having no less than one, and no more than five, channels therebetween. A second row of sprinklers, downslope from the first row, is mounted to a second branch line extending generally parallel to the first branch line. Each sprinkler thereof is positioned within a respective channel, with consecutive second row sprinklers spaced apart as in the first row. Each second row sprinkler is also placed within a different channel from each first row sprinkler. A farthest number of channels between a first row sprinkler and a second row sprinkler is three.

Abstract: An automated mass production process including: (a) advancing a supply carrier toward a stop position adjacent a syringe insertion station, the supply carrier holding a pre-filled syringe and the syringe insertion station including an arm, a receiving port and a driver; (b) aligning a vertical axis of the driver of the syringe insertion station with a vertical axis of the receiving port of the syringe insertion station; (c) advancing an injector body toward the receiving port in synchronization with the supply carrier to the stop position; (d) moving, by the arm, the pre-filled syringe from the supply carrier to the vertical axis of the receiving port of the syringe insertion station; (e) applying a downward force by the driver along the vertical axis to direct the pre-filled syringe into the injector body; (f) retracting the arm and the driver from the pre-filled syringe.

Abstract: The invention is relates to a marketplace and management system related thereto. The disclosed system acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers of shipping containers and provides the related support services. The marketplace generally operates over a network using a user interface with various levels of integration. The related services provided by the marketplace allow buyers and sellers to enroll in the marketplace, maintain their accounts, and track their operations within the marketplace. Sellers can also manage the rates they charge for providing freight transportation.

Abstract: An image-guided robotic system for advancing a penetrating member into a body lumen located beneath a skin surface of a patient, the image-guided robotic system comprising: a detector for obtaining data representative of a location of the body lumen beneath the skin surface of the patient; a robotic arm comprising: a penetrating member; a linear actuator for linearly advancing the penetrating member into the body lumen; a vibrational actuator for vibrating the penetrating member at a selected frequency; a processor in communication with the detector, the linear actuator and the vibrational actuator, the processor being configured to: (i) receive the data representative of the location of the body lumen from the detector; (ii) calculate the distance to a preselected target point within the body lumen; (iii) transmit linear advancement instructions to the linear actuator to linearly advance the penetrating member through the skin surface, through tissue between the skin surface and the body lumen and into the p

Abstract: A fire protection system is provided for a space having a pitched roof constructed of structural members extending from a ridgeline to an eave, with respective channels therebetween. A first row of sprinklers is mounted to a first branch line extending generally parallel to the ridgeline. Each sprinkler is positioned within a respective channel, with consecutive sprinklers spaced apart having no less than one, and no more than five, channels therebetween. A second row of sprinklers, downslope from the first row, is mounted to a second branch line extending generally parallel to the first branch line. Each sprinkler thereof is positioned within a respective channel, with consecutive second row sprinklers spaced apart as in the first row. Each second row sprinkler is also placed within a different channel from each first row sprinkler. A farthest number of channels between a first row sprinkler and a second row sprinkler is three.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for preparing carboxylic acids from organic esters, the processes comprising contacting an ester with water in the presence of an acid catalyst and a homogenizing solvent at conditions effective to form a carboxylic acid. The homogenizing solvent is present in an amount sufficient to form a single-phase reaction mixture comprising the ester, water, and homogenizing solvent. The homogenizing solvent may be selected from acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, and 1,4-dioxane.

Abstract: The pallet train is a series of platforms, that are mounted on wheels and casters and can be linked to other platforms to form a train to haul freight inside a freight trailer includes: a platform, multiple perimeter stops on the outside of the platform, net hooks mounted on two sides of the platform that connect to nets, a pair of nets that wrap over the top of the freight to hold freight down, four casters on the bottom surface, a metal carriage assembly that features pop pins that engage with the tow bar, a tow bar slidably mounted inside the carriage assembly to connect the platforms to each other, metal strips on the corners to protect from damage, an optional tray slidably mounted on the platform using four metal posts that is adjustable for height, and a pop pin puller to disengage the pop pins.

Abstract: A gondola car has a door and an associated door frame the end. The door hangs hingedly from the header of the frame. The header runs across the top of the door opening and is connected to the top chords at either side. The door posts are positioned inside the side sheets and tie into the header at each upper corner. The side sheets lap onto the door posts to allow longitudinal adjustment of the side assemblies and the door frame relative to each other, at assembly. The side posts are connected to the header with a tie plate that is bolted to both members. The car may also have a tarp dome at each end. The tarp dome has non-welded connections that have play to permit the tarp dome to accommodate movement of the top chords.

Abstract: A frequency selective structure (FSS), e.g., metamaterial, is disclosed that can be used for structural and electromagnetic (EM) purposes in a radome or antenna structure. The FSS may be used as the core dielectric to provide both mechanical rigidity and to provide an electromagnetic (EM) response that is sculpted for transmission, reflection, and/or absorption of an impinging EM wave. To this end, the FSS can facilitate dual-purpose use (or multi-purpose use).

Abstract: Various systems and methods for maintaining a record for a workpiece processed by a CNC electronically synchronized cell of a manufacturing assembly line are disclosed herein. Example embodiments involve a cell controller and a part-processing control system. The cell controller can be configured to: initialize a cell controller record; initiate a part assembly task involving at least one electronically synchronized part-processing operation and upon completion of each operation, update an inspection identifier of the cell controller.

Abstract: A railroad box car has a combined underframe and floor structure that includes a floor sheet having an upper surface upon which to carry lading, and an underside to which a center sill, cross-members, and floor stringers are welded. The floor sheet defines the upper flange of the center sill, the cross-members, and the stringers, such that the center sill, cross-members, and stringers are mutually flush. For assembly, the floor sheet is upside-down, and the center sill webs, stringers, and tie-down mounting rails to it with longitudinal welds. The cross-members and center sill web separators are positioned cross-wise and welded in place. The floor sheet is a non-nailable surface that caps the underframe structure. The stringers are channels welded toes-in to the underside of the floor sheet with the spacing between the center sill web, stringer toes, and edge channel rails being roughly equal.

Abstract: Article packaging includes a retention panel and a retention structure formed, at least in part, by the retention panel and configured to engage the article. The retention structure includes a retention surface configured to contact the article. The article packaging also includes a friction coating disposed on at least a portion of the retention surface of the retention structure. The friction coating impedes movement of the article relative to the retention panel.

Abstract: A meter cap is disclosed which is configured for use with a monitoring unit that is electrically coupled to a panel assembly associated with a structure such as a house or building connected at the edge of an electric power utility network. The meter cap comprises a cable connection configured for electrical coupling to the cable connection in the monitoring unit and one or more blades for engaging one or more jaws of the monitoring unit. The meter cap also includes one or more modular components configured for replacement in the field. The modular components include a display module, an optical interface module, a user interface module, and a relay configured to remotely disconnect the electrical service at the structure. The meter cap receives data from and transmits data to the monitoring unit over the electrically coupled cable connections.

Abstract: A monitoring unit is disclosed which is configured to be electrically disposed between a panel assembly of a structure and an electric service meter for the structure. The monitoring unit comprises first means for electrical coupling to the panel assembly and second means for electronically coupling to the electric service meter. The first means may comprise blades configured for insertion into jaws of the panel assembly to electrically couple the monitoring unit to the panel assembly and the second means may comprise a meter socket having a plurality of jaws configured to receive a plurality of blades in the electric service meter. The monitoring unit may also comprise a neutral blade configured for insertion into a neutral jaw of the panel assembly or a leader line having a connector configured to couple to a lead wire for attachment to a portion of the panel assembly corresponding to the neutral jaw.