Abstract: A method for unloading a load on a test article in a testing system includes determining a load differential in at least one of a calculated load at a valve for an actuator of the testing system and a calculated load on a load cell coupled to the actuator. A controlled unload of the load on the test article is initiated via a system controller when the determined load differential a reaches a first level. An interlock unload of the load on the test article is performed via the valve when the determined load differential reaches a second level higher than the first level.

Abstract: A power and signal distribution hub for providing power and operating signals to a plurality of channels of a testing system for operating one or more hydraulic actuators to apply loads to a test article is provided. The power and signal distribution hub includes a first power supply and a second power supply, connected to load share power to the testing system, the first power supply and the second power supply configured to distribute electrical power to the plurality of channels of the testing system. A monitoring circuit for each power supply configured to monitor operation of its respective power supply, and to provide a signal indicative of operation of its power supply outside of normal operation parameters of the power supply.

Abstract: A dynamic testing system includes a test station and at least one controller. The test station includes a hydraulic actuator configured to drive an actuation of a test subject using a hydraulic fluid flow, and a control valve that includes a housing, a valve body contained within the housing having a position that controls a flow rate and direction of the hydraulic fluid flow, a valve body driver configured to adjust the position of the valve body based on a reference signal, and a valve position sensor configured to output a position signal that is indicative of the position of the valve body. The at least one controller is configured to obtain a current position of the valve body using the position signal, obtain a diagnostic reference, detect a diagnostic condition based on a difference between the current position and the diagnostic reference, and generate a diagnostic signal.

Abstract: A system for platform-independent visualization of audio content, in particular audio tracks utilizing a central computer system in communication with user devices via a computer network. The central system utilizes various algorithms to identify spoken content from audio tracks and identifies “great moments” and/or selects visual assets associated with the identified content. Audio tracks, for example Podcasts, may be segmented into topical audio segments based upon themes or topics, with segments from disparate podcasts combined into a single listening experience, based upon certain criteria, e.g., topics, themes, keywords, and the like.

Abstract: A system for platform-independent visualization of audio content, in particular audio tracks utilizing a central computer system in communication with user devices via a computer network. The central system utilizes various algorithms to identify spoken content from audio tracks and identifies “great moments” and/or selects visual assets associated with the identified content. Audio tracks, for example Podcasts, may be segmented into topical audio segments based upon themes or topics, with segments from disparate podcasts combined into a single listening experience, based upon certain criteria, e.g., topics, themes, keywords, and the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a reverse osmosis system including a feed water inlet, a reverse osmosis module coupled to the feed water inlet, and at least one blend valve. The blend valve can be coupled to a permeate outlet and the feed water inlet can be capable of blending the feed water and the permeate water to produce mixed water. The blend valve can be adjusted to achieve a desired TDS level in the mixed water.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.

Abstract: A brake actuator having a plurality of actuator housing portions includes a diaphragm seal partially delimiting a parking brake de-actuation chamber and retained between adjacent portions of the housing. To produce brake actuation upon depressurization of the parking brake de-actuation chamber, a push rod extends into and out of a service brake actuation chamber upon release of fluid pressure from and supply of fluid pressure to the chamber. A clip or similar element receivable over the end section of the push rod is securable on the end section to compress the diaphragm seal axially relative to the push rod against a seat carried by the push rod while permitting a radial inner edge of the diaphragm seal to remain spaced from an outer surface of the end section.

Abstract: A mixed beverage dispense system and method for pumping a first liquid and a second liquid using a controlled gas source. The dispense system can include a first pump that pumps the first liquid and a second pump that pumps the second liquid. The first pump and the second pump can each include a gas inlet, an inlet gas connection, and an outlet gas connection. The dispense system can also include connector tubing connecting the controlled gas source to the first pump and the second pump in series. The dispense system can include a bag-in-box package with chambers that hold the liquid bags and a fitment with fitment openings open to each one of the chambers for receiving the liquids from the liquid bags. The dispense system can also include an outlet connector coupled to the fitment for receiving the liquids from the fitment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a carbonation system or gas delivery system including a liquid inlet, a gas inlet, a mixture outlet, and a mixing cartridge or membrane module. The mixing cartridge or membrane module can enhance the simultaneous absorption of gas and the transfer of heat out of the liquid.

Abstract: A brake actuator having a plurality of actuator housing portions includes a diaphragm seal partially delimiting a parking brake de-actuation chamber and retained between adjacent portions of the housing. To produce brake actuation upon depressurization of the parking brake de-actuation chamber, a push rod extends into and out of a service brake actuation chamber upon release of fluid pressure from and supply of fluid pressure to the chamber. A clip or similar element receivable over the end section of the push rod is securable on the end section to compress the diaphragm seal axially relative to the push rod against a seat carried by the push rod while permitting a radial inner edge of the diaphragm seal to remain spaced from an outer surface of the end section.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a reverse osmosis system including a feed water inlet, a reverse osmosis module coupled to the feed water inlet, and at least one blend valve. The blend valve can be coupled to a permeate outlet and the, feed water inlet and can be capable of blending the feed water and the permeate water to produce mixed water. The blend valve can be adjusted to achieve a desired TDS level in the mixed water.

Abstract: A mixed beverage dispense system and method for pumping a first liquid and a second liquid using a controlled gas source. The dispense system can include a first pump that pumps the first liquid and a second pump that pumps the second liquid. The first pump and the second pump can each include a gas inlet, an inlet gas connection, and an outlet gas connection. The dispense system can also include connector tubing connecting the controlled gas source to the first pump and the second pump in series. The dispense system can include a bag-in-box package with chambers that hold the liquid bags and a fitment with fitment openings open to each one of the chambers for receiving the liquids from the liquid bags. The dispense system can also include an outlet connector coupled to the fitment for receiving the liquids from the fitment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a stand-alone controller and a method for controlling a pump motor driven by an alternating current source. The stand-alone controller includes a power terminal for connection with the alternating current source and a load terminal for connection with the pump motor. The stand-alone controller further includes an enable switch to form a power line carrying power from the alternating current source to the pump motor. The stand-alone controller can store a first current being drawn through the power line by the pump motor when a control switch is actuated. A state of the enable switch is based on a comparison of the first current to a second current being drawn through the power line by the pump motor.

Abstract: A non-uniform thickness lens has a portion of a peripheral edge trimmed for secure engagement within a groove of blade style frame. Frame parameters are determined, such as by tracing the frame. The frame parameters include the plan layout as well as the contour and width of the engagement groove in the frame. The lens is edged to match the plan shape of the frame. The edged lens is then milled to reduce the thickness of the edge of each lens to a determined thickness along the contour corresponding to the non visual portion of the edge of the lens that will be engaged within the frame. The milled lens will fit securely in place in a blade style frame and without impairing the wearer's vision.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a reverse osmosis system including a feed water inlet, a reverse osmosis module coupled to the feed water inlet, and at least one blend valve. The blend valve can be coupled to a permeate outlet and the feed water inlet and can be capable of blending the feed water and the permeate water to produce mixed water. The blend valve can be adjusted to achieve a desired TDS level in the mixed water.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus including a nozzle defining an interior space and having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the interior space and a dispensing outlet through which fluid exits the interior space and a substantially conical valve movable relative to the nozzle between different positions with respect to the nozzle and shaped to reduce turbulence and/or provide improved dispensing control.