Abstract: A system for determining properties of fuel supplied to an internal combustion (IC) engine and for adjusting operations of the IC engine based on the determined properties. The system includes an air-flow throttle configured to control the air supplied to the IC engine; a fuel-flow throttle configured to control the fuel supplied to the IC engine; and an engine control module (ECM) configured to receive readings from and control operation of the throttles. The ECM is configured to perform a fuel-air determination program where the ECM determines a percent-error air-to-fuel ratio (AF) based on a true AF ratio compared to an ideal AF ratio. The ECM is configured to perform a fuel property determination and adjustment program in which the ECM is configured to adjust operations of the IC engine based on a fuel property value determined using the percent-error AF ratio.

Abstract: A rechargeable lithium-ion battery assembly configured to provide power to a forklift vehicle, the battery assembly including a plurality of battery modules integrated into the assembly, where each integrated battery module includes a plurality of battery cells within a module casing, with the cells being grouped and interconnected in both series and parallel to provide in combination an overall predetermined electrical potential between a positive terminal and a negative terminal for each module, and where each module uses two conductors within a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) as busbars, with the PCBA being disposed adjacent to a first end of each battery cell in the module and being electrically coupled by wire bonds with each battery cell, and the PCBA also having a processor (a battery management system, or BMS) for management control of the integrated module.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accurate and precise fuel supply control for continuous-flow of gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine over a large dynamic power range, including a dual-stage valve that allows optimal control—a first stage in the form of a voice-coil driven electronic pressure regulator, and a second stage in the form of a voice-coil-driven choked-flow valve; monitoring the pressure of the fuel intermediate the two stages and making appropriate adjustments to the first stage via a pressure actuator loop; feeding the gaseous fuel mixture through a unitary block assembly into the second stage; monitoring the pressure of the air/fuel mixture and making appropriate adjustments to the second stage via a valve actuator control loop.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic calibration of large industrial engines in applications where the quality of the fuel supply is unknown and/or variable over time, particularly engines that drive compressors on a natural gas well site. A combination of throttles and an oxygen sensor including a mass-flow-air throttle and a mass-flow-gas throttle to determine the mass flow of air and mass flow of gas. As a response to exhaust gas oxygen level readings, the mass flow measurements are used to determine real time air-fuel ratios. An algorithm uses the air-fuel ratios as input data, wherein a microcontroller adjusts the throttles to meet engine performance demands. Additionally, using the air-fuel ratio data and suggested engine OEM calibration specifications as block multiplier inputs, particular fuel properties, such as British Thermal Unit (BTU) content, can be accurately interpolated, thereby enabling automatic calibration of the engine.

Abstract: An Internet of Things (IoT) gateway integrated into a real-time monitoring system for skid-mounted natural gas compression systems. The IoT gateway enables remote monitoring, troubleshooting, and diagnosing of natural gas compression systems by providing access to cellular and satellite communication networks for communicating operational data to one or more remote servers. The IoT gateway can be configured to select a communication network based on an order of priority and other various criteria. The order of priority and the selection criteria may be updated over the air. The IoT gateway can be further configured to receive and relay software and other updates to one or more components of the natural gas compression system. The IoT gateway is configured to meet various regulatory compliance standards and is explosion proof.

Abstract: A mass-flow throttle for highly accurate control of the gaseous supplies (fuel and/or air) to the combustion chambers for a large engine in response to instantaneous demand signals from the engine's ECM, especially for large (i.e., 30 liters or greater in size) spark-ignited internal combustion engines fueled by natural gas. With a unitary block assembly and a throttle blade driven by a non-articulated rotary actuator shaft, in combination with tight control circuitry including multiple pressure sensors as well as sensors for temperature and throttle position, the same basic throttle concepts are innovatively suited to be used for both MFG and MFA throttles in industrial applications, to achieve highly accurate mass-flow control even despite pressure fluctuations while operating in non-choked flow.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accurate and precise fuel supply control for continuous-flow of gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine over a large dynamic power range, including a dual-stage valve that allows optimal control—a first stage in the form of a voice-coil driven electronic pressure regulator, and a second stage in the form of a voice-coil-driven choked-flow valve; monitoring the pressure of the fuel intermediate the two stages and making appropriate adjustments to the first stage via a pressure actuator loop; feeding the gaseous fuel mixture through a unitary block assembly into the second stage; monitoring the pressure of the air/fuel mixture and making appropriate adjustments to the second stage via a valve actuator control loop.

Abstract: A game scoring camera system is disclosed for capturing images of game animals for the purpose of scoring the antlers using an accepted scoring method. One or more cameras are used in a multiscopic arrangement for capturing two-dimensional (2-D) images which are then converted to three-dimensional (3-D) data models, the resulting 3-D data models being used for determining measurements of various antler structures for calculating a score for the set of antlers captured in the images, the score being based on existing antler scoring systems. Some embodiments include one or more cameras, each being mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone, for capturing images during an aerial survey of game animals located within a particular area. Other embodiments include at least two cameras mounted in a stationary configuration for capturing images of game animals located within a particular area.

Abstract: Virtually-integrated wire harness design and automated production systems and methods that achieve completely integrated data management by automatically producing scripts to dynamically propagate production commands and data to various subsystems for handling assembling necessary circuits and wire harness layout boards to produce corresponding batches of wire harnesses while script-based methods control configuring, testing, and using wire harness layout boards, and assembling, testing, reworking, and delivering wire harnesses. Augmented reality is used to assist in the assembly of layout boards and wire harnesses.

Abstract: A game scoring camera system is disclosed for capturing images of game animals for the purpose of scoring the antlers using an accepted scoring method. One or more cameras are used in a multiscopic arrangement for capturing two-dimensional (2-D) images which are then converted to three-dimensional (3-D) data models, the resulting 3-D data models being used for determining measurements of various antler structures for calculating a score for the set of antlers captured in the images, the score being based on existing antler scoring systems. Some embodiments include one or more cameras, each being mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone, for capturing images during an aerial survey of game animals located within a particular area. Other embodiments include at least two cameras mounted in a stationary configuration for capturing images of game animals located within a particular area.

Abstract: A mass-flow throttle for highly accurate control of gaseous supplies of fuel and/or air to the combustion chambers for a large engine in response to instantaneous demand signals from the engine's engine control module (ECM), especially for large spark-ignited internal combustion engines. With a unitary block assembly and a throttle blade driven by a non-articulated rotary actuator shaft, in combination with control circuitry including multiple pressure sensors as well as sensors for temperature and throttle position, the same basic throttle concepts are suited to be used for both mass-flow gas (MFG) and mass-flow air (MFA) throttles in industrial applications, to achieve highly accurate mass-flow control despite pressure fluctuations while operating in non-choked flow. The throttle, in combination with the sensors and ECM, enable detection of backfire events, with the throttle system further being enabled to take operative measures to prevent damage to the throttle components resulting from a backfire event.

Abstract: A mass-flow throttle for highly accurate control of the gaseous supplies (fuel and/or air) to the combustion chambers for a large engine in response to instantaneous demand signals from the engine's ECM, especially for large (i.e., 30 liters or greater in size) spark-ignited internal combustion engines fueled by natural gas. With a unitary block assembly and a throttle blade driven by a non-articulated rotary actuator shaft, in combination with tight control circuitry including multiple pressure sensors as well as sensors for temperature and throttle position, the same basic throttle concepts are innovatively suited to be used for both MFG and MFA throttles in industrial applications, to achieve highly accurate mass-flow control even despite pressure fluctuations while operating in non-choked flow.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments involve a rechargeable lithium-ion battery module assembly for use as an auxiliary power unit (APU), particularly in commercial trucks. Battery module assembly is recharged through the semi-trailer truck's alternator during engine operation. Battery module assembly has active voltage control capabilities to reduce charge time. Each battery array has two collector plate printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) and two banks of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells. Individual battery cells are wire bonded to the collector plate PCBs, one of such PCBs incorporates a battery management system to monitor the electrical parameters and state of charge of the battery cells in the system. Battery cells are thermally coupled to an aluminum enclosure with a thermal gap filling material. Using different chemistries for the APU and the starting battery of the commercial truck, and methods of sequential charge and discharge cycles of each, without any other discrete device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic calibration of large industrial engines in applications where the quality of the fuel supply is unknown and/or variable over time, particularly engines that drive compressors on a natural gas well site. A combination of throttles and an oxygen sensor including a mass-flow-air throttle and a mass-flow-gas throttle to determine the mass flow of air and mass flow of gas. As a response to exhaust gas oxygen level readings, the mass flow measurements are used to determine real time air-fuel ratios. An algorithm uses the air-fuel ratios as input data, wherein a microcontroller adjusts the throttles to meet engine performance demands. Additionally, using the air-fuel ratio data and suggested engine OEM calibration specifications as block multiplier inputs, particular fuel properties, such as British Thermal Unit (BTU) content, can be accurately interpolated, thereby enabling automatic calibration of the engine .

Abstract: A mass-flow throttle for highly accurate control of the gaseous supplies (fuel and/or air) to the combustion chambers for a large engine in response to instantaneous demand signals from the engine's ECM, especially for large (i.e., 30 liters or greater in size) spark-ignited internal combustion engines fueled by natural gas. With a unitary block assembly and a throttle blade driven by a non-articulated rotary actuator shaft, in combination with tight control circuitry including multiple pressure sensors as well as sensors for temperature and throttle position, the same basic throttle concepts are innovatively suited to be used for both MFG and MFA throttles in industrial applications, to achieve highly accurate mass-flow control even despite pressure fluctuations while operating in non-choked flow.

Abstract: Many embodiments involve rechargeable battery assemblies that are forklift-battery-sized but that comprise multiple built in battery modules. A housing typically contains battery modules installed within the assembly as the assembly is typically symmetrical in configuration. Each battery module has an integrated battery supervisor system (BSS). A Battery Operating System Supervisor (BOSS) module processor serves as a battery management system for all the battery modules. The BOSS module grants permissions to battery modules to enable them to connect and disconnect from busbars at the appropriate times to prevent electrical issues.

Abstract: An Internet of Things (IoT) gateway integrated into a real-time monitoring system for skid-mounted natural gas compression systems. The IoT gateway enables remote monitoring, troubleshooting, and diagnosing of natural gas compression systems by providing access to cellular and satellite communication networks for communicating operational data to one or more remote servers. The IoT gateway can be configured to select a communication network based on an order of priority and other various criteria. The order of priority and the selection criteria may be updated over the air. The IoT gateway can be further configured to receive and relay software and other updates to one or more components of the natural gas compression system. The IoT gateway is configured to meet various regulatory compliance standards and is explosion proof.

Abstract: A real-time monitoring system for skid-mounted reciprocating natural gas compressors. The system not only monitors performance and makes analytical diagnostic predictions of potentially problematic valves and such, but also has alert system for real-time monitoring, troubleshooting and diagnosing of such natural gas compressors—both locally and remotely. Operators can more efficiently and effectively manage maintenance and operation of the skid-mounted compressors with the implementation of LED equipped sensors that allow operators to locally quickly identify valves and other components requiring maintenance. Additionally, operators can remotely identify and understand deviations from optimal performance with the implementation of color-coded soft gauges.

Abstract: An Internet of Things (IoT) gateway integrated into a real-time monitoring system for skid-mounted natural gas compression systems. The IoT gateway enables remote monitoring, troubleshooting, and diagnosing of natural gas compression systems by providing access to cellular and satellite communication networks for communicating operational data to one or more remote servers. The IoT gateway can be configured to select a communication network based on an order of priority and other various criteria. The order of priority and the selection criteria may be updated over the air. The IoT gateway can be further configured to receive and relay software and other updates to one or more components of the natural gas compression system. The IoT gateway is configured to meet various regulatory compliance standards and is explosion proof.

Abstract: A mass-flow throttle for highly accurate control of gaseous supplies of fuel and/or air to the combustion chambers for a large engine in response to instantaneous demand signals from the engine's engine control module (ECM), especially for large spark-ignited internal combustion engines. With a unitary block assembly and a throttle blade driven by a non-articulated rotary actuator shaft, in combination with control circuitry including multiple pressure sensors as well as sensors for temperature and throttle position, the same basic throttle concepts are suited to be used for both mass-flow gas (MFG) and mass-flow air (MFA) throttles in industrial applications, to achieve highly accurate mass-flow control despite pressure fluctuations while operating in non-choked flow. The throttle, in combination with the sensors and ECM, enable detection of backfire events, with the throttle system further being enabled to take operative measures to prevent damage to the throttle components resulting from a backfire event.