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 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.

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: An automatic insertion device and method of using the same is provided. A vibrator and an extender are connected to a penetrating member and are both in electrical communication with a controller. A detector identifies a subcutaneous target for insertion and the insertion angle, distance and trajectory for the penetrating member are calculated. The vibrator provides vibrations to the penetrating member and the extender advances the penetrating member for insertion. The vibrator and extender are in electrical communication with one another during the insertion process and adjustments to the insertion speed are made based on feedback of vibrational load encountered by the vibrator during insertion, and adjustments to the vibrations are made based on feedback of insertion load encountered by the extender during insertion. Iterative samples are taken to constantly adjust the operation of one motor based on the operations and feedback from the other motor.

Abstract: A method of inverting workpieces in a mass production process includes: advancing an end effector in electronic synchronization with advancement of a carrier to synchronize arrival of the carrier at a stop position with arrival of the end effector at an unloading position, in which the end effector is in alignment with a workpiece held by the carrier for engaging the workpiece; while the end effector is in engagement with the workpiece, retracting the end effector away from the carrier to unload the workpiece from the carrier and advancing the end effector back toward the carrier to load the workpiece back into the carrier; and rotating the end effector relative to the carrier to invert the workpiece in electronic synchronization with the retracting and advancing of the end effector for loading the workpiece back into the carrier when inverted.

Abstract: An exemplary method and system are disclosed comprising retroreflective metastructures formed with a plurality of metasurface arrays configured to destructively cancel or interfere, in part, with one another to reduce specular mode associated scattering or reflection. In some embodiments, the retroreflective metastructures are formed by a combination of metasurfaces with different lattice spacings that can exhibit enhanced bandwidth and angular range at near-grazing angles to provide enhanced retroreflective electromagnetic responses.

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: A heating system includes a power supply that applies a first voltage to a sense resistor in series with a resistive heating material during a first time period; and a controller that determines a temperature of the resistive heating material based on a current through the sense resistor and a second voltage across the resistive heating material during the first time period. Additionally, the controller commands the power supply to provide a third voltage to the resistive heating material during a second time period, and the third voltage is based on the temperature of the resistive heating material.

Abstract: A system for adjusting torque value settings on click type torque wrenches. The system is configured to limit repetitive motions by an operator including limiting repetitive wrist movements to rotate a wrench handle, while also providing a very portable and easy to use system with built-in safety features. The system includes an electric motor or driver that is operable, e.g., by manual movement of a lever on a controller or control signals from a digital controller, to rotate the head of the wrench while the operator holds the wrench handle in an unlocked configuration. The operator inserts the head of the wrench into an adaptive, self-centering chuck provided at the output of the electric motor. A tool rest extends from a base of the system at an end opposite the mounting chuck, and this rest is configured to support the body of the wrench parallel to the motor shaft.

Abstract: The exemplary system and method for the characterization procedures for complex permittivity of a dielectric material at radio frequencies, including microwave and millimeter-wave wavelengths. The exemplary system and method employ a highly resonant periodic array affixed or placed in proximity thereto to provide a frequency response that varies based on the constituent electromagnetic properties of a sample of dielectric material.

Abstract: A railroad freight car may have external fittings, such as trackside-accessible ladder fittings that permit personnel to climb onto the decks and walkways of the car. Several embodiments of movable ladder assemblies are described that provide an extended or deployed or raised position of a handhold, and a retracted or lowered, or stored position. In other embodiments, the assembly is provided with a compliant member that allows the handhold resiliently to flex when encountered by solid objects such as shipping containers.

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 space transportation system for providing high volume, high mass access to space that includes tethers that extend between the earth and one or more space stations or platforms. One or more counterweights may be utilized at the terminal end of the tethers in space. The tethers utilize may be made of carbon nanotubes or other advanced materials and woven into cables with electromagnets embedding therein. The tethers include tapering profiles along their lengths to facilitate operation of the system. Transport vehicles for passengers and cargo travel up the tethers using electromagnetic levitation and impulsion. Energy from solar panels or movement of the vehicles along the tethers may be generated for use in the system or for supplemental uses.

Abstract: There is provided a device, system, and method for flexible feeding capable of being integrated into an assembly system. The device includes a disperser, a part retainer, a vibrator, an excess part removal device, a pick-and-placer, carriers, a transporter, a carrier inspection disc, a part remover, a gate, a transfer station, and re-entry tracks. The method includes dispersing parts, agitating parts, removing excess parts, picking captured parts, placing the captured parts into carriers, inspecting the carriers, positioning the carriers at a transfer station, and transferring the parts to a downstream processor. The system includes a flexible feeding device configured to perform flexible feeding operations, a data processor, and a medium having machine-readable instructions executable by the data processor and configured to cause the data processor to generate signals useful in the synchronization of two or more flexible feeding operations.

Abstract: A method of inverting workpieces in a mass production process includes: advancing an end effector in electronic synchronization with advancement of a carrier to synchronize arrival of the carrier at a stop position with arrival of the end effector at an unloading position, in which the end effector is in alignment with a workpiece held by the carrier for engaging the workpiece; while the end effector is in engagement with the workpiece, retracting the end effector away from the carrier to unload the workpiece from the carrier and advancing the end effector back toward the carrier to load the workpiece back into the carrier; and rotating the end effector relative to the carrier to invert the workpiece in electronic synchronization with the retracting and advancing of the end effector for loading the workpiece back into the carrier when inverted.