Abstract: A device or arrangement may be configured to receive a temperature limit such as an acceptable maximum temperature as well as a tolerance measure such as a number of acceptable events, the events causing the temperature to be outside of the temperature limit. An air comfort device may be operated based on the received temperature limit and the tolerance measure. A potential cost value may be provided based on a temperature limit and tolerance measure. A temperature limit and tolerance measure may be calculated based on a target cost value such that the arrangement may modify a temperature limit and/or tolerance measure to achieve the target cost value.

Abstract: A variety of methods and devices for controlling the operation of the intake and exhaust valves in an internal combustion engine during skip fire operation are described. In various embodiments, an exhaust valve monitor or other suitable mechanism is used to detect exhaust valve actuation faults. When an exhaust valve actuation fault is detected for a particular cylinder, the corresponding intake valve is deactivated (or not activated) in circumstances when it would otherwise be activated in order to prevent the intake valve from opening into a cylinder that contains high pressure combustion gases. The described approach is particularly beneficial when skip fire operation is combined with cylinder deactivation so that air is not pumped through the cylinders during the skipped working cycles.

Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for controlling the exhaust gas temperature of a lean burn, skip fire controlled internal combustion engine are described. In one aspect, an engine controller includes an aftertreatment system monitor and a firing timing determination unit. The aftertreatment monitor obtains data relating to a temperature of one or more aftertreatment elements, such as a catalytic converter. Based at least partly on this data, the firing timing determination unit generates a firing sequence for operating the engine in a skip fire manner such that the temperature of the aftertreatment element is controlled within its effective operating range.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for detecting valve actuation faults in internal combustion engines operating in a skip fire operational mode. In one aspect, for each skip fire working cycle, an expected exhaust pressure is determined for a time period corresponding to a potential exhaust event. One or more exhaust gas pressure sensors are then used to measure an actual exhaust pressure during the potential exhaust period. The actual exhaust pressure is compared to the expected exhaust pressure to determine whether a valve actuation fault has occurred. A variety of valve actuation faults can be identified using the described approach. In some embodiments pressure sensors are deployed in the runners of the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: A formulation for oral administration comprises an expectorant, an analgesic, and at least one additional active ingredient having a modified release providing a therapeutic effect for each of the active ingredients for up to 12 hours.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing engine diagnostics during skip fire operation of an engine while a vehicle is being driven. Knowledge of the firing sequence is used to determine appropriate times to conduct selected diagnostics and/or to help better interpret sensor inputs or diagnostic results. In one aspect, selected diagnostics are executed when a single cylinder is fired a plurality of times in isolation relative to a sensor used in the diagnosis. In another aspect, selected diagnostics are conducted while the engine is operated using a firing sequence that insures that no cylinders in a first cylinder bank are fired for a plurality of engine cycles while cylinders in a second bank are at least sometimes fired. The described tests can be conducted opportunistically, when conditions are appropriate, or specific firing sequences can be commanded to achieve the desired isolation or skipping of one or more selected cylinders.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for detecting valve actuation faults in internal combustion engines operating in a skip fire operational mode. In one aspect, a torque model is used to estimate an expected net torque during a selected operating window. The torque model considers an expected torque contribution from each of the cylinders and accounts for the effects of specific skip fire firing decisions that affect the expected torque contribution from each cylinder. A parameter indicative of the actual engine torque is also measured. Valve actuation faults can then be identified based at least in part on a comparison of the measured parameter to an expected parameter value that is based at least in part on the expected net torque. With the described approaches, the occurrence of the valve actuation fault can be made within one engine cycle of the initial occurrence of the fault.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea. A unitary valve assembly removably located inside the exterior profile of a nasal pillow mask uses positive airway pressure from a low-flow hose to automatically create an on-demand therapeutic air splint in the pharynx. During inspiration the mask's valving system allows room air to be inspired. During exhalation another valve governs therapeutic backpressure equal to the prescribed pressure setting of the CPAP blower machine. The mask may be worn when the CPAP blower machine is off, and systems are provided for turning the CPAP blower machine on only when needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cross-linked PEG polymer coating that is hydrophilic, lubricious, and resistant to adsorption of biological matters including proteins and cells. The coating is created using plasma glow discharge polymerization of organic compounds with a formula R(OCH2CH2)nOH, where R is an alkane group with 1-4 carbon atoms and n=1-6.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for an engine system with an exhaust gas treatment system including a particulate filter. In one example method, accumulated hydrocarbons are removed from the exhaust gas treatment system by increasing an exhaust gas temperature to a first temperature responsive to a particulate filter regeneration request during extended cold idle operation. After a predetermined duration, the exhaust gas temperature is increased to a second, higher temperature to regenerate the particulate filter.

Abstract: A high voltage semiconductor device includes: a source having a first conductivity type and a drain having the first conductivity type disposed in a substrate; a first dielectric component disposed on a surface of the substrate between the source and the drain; a drift region disposed in the substrate, wherein the drift region has the first conductivity type; a first doped region having a second conductivity type and disposed within the drift region under the dielectric component, the second conductivity type being opposite the first conductivity type; a second doped region having the second conductivity type and disposed within the drift region, wherein the second doped region at least partially surrounds one of the source and the drain; a resistor disposed directly on the dielectric component; and a gate disposed directly on the dielectric component, wherein the gate is electrically coupled to the resistor.

Abstract: A system, method and device for classifying mobile devices based on frame characteristics and frame content provides a network administrator the ability to better understand actual network use by BYOD (bring your own device) type users, which are becoming more common, giving the ability to better understand actual use beyond the planned for stations factored into a wireless network design.

Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting misfire in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a window is assigned to a target firing opportunity for a target working chamber. A change in an engine parameter is measured during the window. A determination is made as to whether a firing opportunity before the target firing opportunity is a skip or a fire and/or whether a firing opportunity after the target firing opportunity is a skip or a fire. Based at least in part on this skip/fire determination, a determination is made as to whether the target working chamber has misfired. In various embodiments, if the target working chamber is identified as persistently misfiring, the firing sequence is modified so that the target working chamber is deactivated and excluded from the firing sequence. In still other embodiments, a torque model is used to detect engine-related problems.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compounds of formula 0 and various embodiments thereof, and compositions comprising compounds of formula 0 and various embodiments thereof. In compounds of formula 0, the groups R1A, R1B, R1C, R1D, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 have the meaning as described herein. The present invention also provides for methods of using compounds of formula 0 and compositions comprising compounds of formula 0 as DLK inhibitors and for treating neurodegeneration diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of modifying the chemical structure of a surface by covalently attaching molecules containing desired functional groups on the surface using plasma energy. In these methods, chemical compounds containing the desired functional groups and having a vapor pressure lower than 0.001 bar are exposed in the plasma chamber together with the substrate. Surface area of the chemical compound is optimized to generate adequate evaporation rate. The modification of the substrate surface is achieved in a plasma state generated from the vapor of the chemical compounds; while the evaporation of the chemical compounds is accelerated by the plasma energy. Methods for producing non-fouling surface by covalently attaching ethylene glycol oligomers on the surface are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for transitioning an engine between a deceleration cylinder cutoff (DCCO) state and an operational state are described. In one aspect, transitions from DCCO begin with reactivating cylinders to pump air to reduce the pressure in the intake manifold prior to firing any cylinders. In another aspect, transitions from DCCO, involve the use of an air pumping skip fire operational mode. After the manifold pressure has been reduced, the engine may transition to either a cylinder deactivation skip fire operational mode or other appropriate operational mode. In yet another aspect a method of transitioning into DCCO using a skip fire approach is described. In this aspect, the fraction of the working cycles that are fired is gradually reduced to a threshold firing fraction. All of the working chambers are then deactivated after reaching the threshold firing fraction.

Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting failure of the commanded air induction in an internal combustion engine are described. In some embodiments, the intake manifold pressure is monitored. An air induction event generates a fluctuation in the intake manifold pressure, which is recorded. The signal is processed through a diagnostic filter to help determine whether the actual induction matched the commanded induction. In other embodiments, measured crankshaft acceleration is compared with estimated crankshaft acceleration. If the two quantities differ by a threshold amount an induction fault is detected. The two detection methods may also be combined. The describe approaches are particularly well suited for use in engines operating in a skip fire mode with cylinder deactivation and/or a dynamic firing level modulation mode.

Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting misfire and other engine-related errors are described. In one aspect, a window is assigned to a target firing opportunity for a target working chamber. There is an attempt to fire a target working chamber during the target firing opportunity. A change in an engine parameter (e.g., crankshaft angular acceleration) is measured during the window. A model (e.g., a pressure model) is used to help determine an expected change in the engine parameter during the target firing opportunity. Based on a comparison of the expected change and the measured change in the engine parameter, a determination is made as to whether an engine error (e.g., misfire) has occurred.

Abstract: A method generates a useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in an engine. Initially, a quantity of use of an engine and a time of use of the engine are measured. A useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in the engine is generated based upon a first relationship between the quantity of use of an engine and the time of use of the engine when an operating characteristic is at or below a predetermined amount, such as the average speed of a vehicle containing the engine. The useful life indication of the lubricating fluid in the engine is generated based upon a second relationship between the quantity of use of an engine and the time of use of the engine when the operating characteristic is above the predetermined amount.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing engine diagnostics during skip fire operation of an engine while a vehicle is being driven. Knowledge of the firing sequence is used to determine appropriate times to conduct selected diagnostics and/or to help better interpret sensor inputs or diagnostic results. In one aspect, selected diagnostics are executed when a single cylinder is fired a plurality of times in isolation relative to a sensor used in the diagnosis. In another aspect, selected diagnostics are conducted while the engine is operated using a firing sequence that insures that no cylinders in a first cylinder bank are fired for a plurality of engine cycles while cylinders in a second bank are at least sometimes fired. The described tests can be conducted opportunistically, when conditions are appropriate, or specific firing sequences can be commanded to achieve the desired isolation or skipping of one or more selected cylinders.