Abstract: A sterile environment system can include an enclosure and a support system. The enclosure can include a barrier separating a sterile environment inside of the enclosure from a non-sterile environment outside of the enclosure. The barrier can include an expandable portion configured to expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state for working within the sterile environment, and a patient-interfacing portion including a fenestration configured for placement directly over an area of interest of a patient, the fenestration having a sealed state and an unsealed state for access to the area of interest from within the sterile environment. The support system can be coupled to the patient-interfacing portion of the barrier such that it is positioned on at least opposite sides of the fenestration.

Abstract: Grade control systems and methods for an earthmoving machine and control architecture to generate a continuous differential surface associated with a rear curved surface of an earthmoving implement, project the continuous differential surface onto a two-dimensional (2D) plane associated with the earthmoving implement, determine a piecewise-derivative continuous curve based on the continuous differential surface projected on to the 2D plane, determine a derivative of the piecewise-derivative continuous curve, project a design plane normal n* of a ground surface for smoothing onto the 2D plane associated with the earthmoving implement, determine a point of perpendicular intersection between the derivative of the piecewise-derivative continuous curve and the design plane normal n* of the ground surface projected onto the 2D plane, and operate the earthmoving machine using one or more linkage assembly actuators and the point of perpendicular intersection to smooth the ground surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for forming a combined polyester and fiberglass mat, in which separate polyester and fiberglass layers can be formed or polyester filaments and fiberglass threads can be mixed together by a disperser to form a polyester and fiberglass web. The polyester filaments and the fiberglass threads can be dispersed by separate dispersers on a web forming belt to form separate layers of polyester filaments and fiberglass threads, or can be dispersed by a single disperser to at least, somewhat evenly disperse, the fiberglass threads and polyester filaments.

Abstract: A system comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate and a housing. The PCB substrate has a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), a first plurality of electrical conductor portions and a second plurality of electrical conductor portions. The housing has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The housing has on the first side a first wire terminal and a second wire terminal. The housing has on the second side a first conductor contact and a second conductor contact. The housing is configured to be attachable to the PCB substrate so that first conductor contact is electrically coupled to an electrical conductor portion from the first plurality of electrical conductor portions and the second conductor contact is electrically coupled to an electrical conductor portion from the second plurality of electrical conductor portions.

Abstract: Grade control systems and methods for an earthmoving machine and control architecture to generate a continuous differential surface associated with a rear curved surface of an earthmoving implement, project the continuous differential surface onto a two-dimensional (2D) plane associated with the earthmoving implement, determine a piecewise-derivative continuous curve based on the continuous differential surface projected on to the 2D plane, determine a derivative of the piecewise-derivative continuous curve, project a design plane normal n* of a ground surface for smoothing onto the 2D plane associated with the earthmoving implement, determine a point of perpendicular intersection between the derivative of the piecewise-derivative continuous curve and the design plane normal n* of the ground surface projected onto the 2D plane, and operate the earthmoving machine using one or more linkage assembly actuators and the point of perpendicular intersection to smooth the ground surface.

Abstract: A downhole torque limiter. The downhole torque limiter may include a tubular housing; a pipe positioned within the tubular housing, the pipe transitioning from a larger inside diameter (IDL) to a smaller inside diameter (IDS), thereby forming a venturi profile having a first pressure zone (Z1) and a second pressure zone (Z2); a tubular valve plate radially positioned between the tubular housing and the pipe and rotationally fixed with the pipe; a lower sub rotationally fixed relative to the tubular housing and rotationally coupled to the tubular valve plate via a clutch mechanism; and a valve assembly positioned within a longitudinal opening extending along at least a portion of a sidewall of the tubular valve plate, the valve assembly configured to be activated by a pressure drop created by fluid flowing through the venturi profile.

Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a downhole torque limiter, comprising a tubular housing; a pipe positioned within the tubular housing, the pipe transitioning from a larger inside diameter (IDL) to a smaller inside diameter (IDS), thereby forming a venturi profile having a first pressure zone (Z1) and a second pressure zone (Z2); a tubular valve plate radially positioned between the tubular housing and the pipe and rotationally fixed with the pipe; a lower sub rotationally fixed relative to the tubular housing and rotationally coupled to the tubular valve plate via a clutch mechanism; and a valve assembly positioned within a longitudinal opening extending along at least a portion of a sidewall of the tubular valve plate, the valve assembly configured to be activated by a pressure drop created by fluid flowing through the venturi profile.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a material moving machine comprises a pilot hydraulic switching system. The pilot hydraulic switching system comprises a control unit, a first directional valve, and a second directional valve. The control unit is configured to operate the first and second directional valves to shift a variable position actuator valve between a static state, a retract state, and an extend state. The actuator valve comprises a first and second control element. In the retract and extend states, the first and second directional valves control fluid flow to the variable position actuator valve with a positive net pressure on either the first or second control elements and a negative net pressure on the other control element to move the material moving implement. In the static state, the first and second directional valves control fluid flow equally on the first and second control elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a release material that can be applied as a liquid, gel, emulsion, foam, etc. in a shingle manufacturing line. The release material can also be used in the manufacturing of roll roofing. The release material primarily constitutes an emulsion of polymers that can be cured with heat, IR light or other methods. Silicone may also be included in the emulsion which assists in releasability. The release material can be sprayed or extruded on to the surface of the shingle in an automated fashion, eliminating the necessity for operator interaction.

Abstract: An earthmoving machine comprises an implement. The implement defines a variable implement angle ?Bucket(t) indicative of a current position of the implement relative to horizontal as a function of time t. The implement comprises teeth extending a tooth height h and defining an active raking ratio r. Controllers are programmed to execute an implement teeth grading offset determination process that comprises determining a variable implement offset angle ?Delta(t) at least partially based on a difference between an original target design angle ?Tgt(t) and the variable implement angle ?Bucket(t), determining an implement offset IO based on h, r, and ?Delta(t), and determining a new target design elevation ElvTgt,New(t) based on IO and an original target design elevation ElvTgt,Orig(t).

Abstract: A system for forming composite flake. An apparatus includes a first shearing assembly that meshes with a second shearing assembly to shear a length of composite material into a plurality of strips wherein reinforcing fibers of the composite material extend along the length of the composite strips. A chopping station receives the plurality of strips from the first and second shearing assemblies and shears the plurality strips across the axis of the reinforcing fibers to chop each strip into a plurality of pieces.

Abstract: An asphalt shingle manufacturing machine that includes a curtain die for applying a liquid release layer on an asphalt coated substrate. The moisture of the liquid release layer evaporates leaving a dispersed solid particulate release layer. The curtain die includes a first body section and a second body section with a shim disposed between the body sections to define a distribution channel. The second body section may include chamber manifold defined therein to store a volume of liquid release agent. The distribution channel places the chamber manifold in fluid communication with a discharge outlet of the curtain die in order to disperse a volume of liquid release agent from a chamber manifold out of the discharge outlet. The shim may be configured to define a width of the distribution channel to determine the flow rate and discharge pattern of the liquid release agent.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a material moving machine comprises a pilot hydraulic switching system. The pilot hydraulic switching system comprises a control unit, a first directional valve, and a second directional valve. The control unit is configured to operate the first and second directional valves to shift a variable position actuator valve between a static state, a retract state, and an extend state. The actuator valve comprises a first and second control element. In the retract and extend states, the first and second directional valves control fluid flow to the variable position actuator valve with a positive net pressure on either the first or second control elements and a negative net pressure on the other control element to move the material moving implement. In the static state, the first and second directional valves control fluid flow equally on the first and second control elements.

Abstract: A pump down ring is utilized in a downhole tool for use in a subterranean well. The pump down ring is positioned around the outer surface of a sleeve and is slidably disposed thereon. The pump down ring slidably engages the sleeve so as to have a radially-relaxed position and an expanded position where the pump down ring is expanded radially outward from the radially-relaxed position. Accordingly, the pump down ring can be placed in its expanded position to facilitate placement of the downhole tool in a wellbore by use of fluid pressure and can be placed in its radially-relaxed position to facilitate removal of the downhole tool from the wellbore.

Abstract: An excavator comprises a control architecture having one or more actuators and one or more controllers. The one or more controllers are programmed to execute instructions. The instructions determine if there is a request to operate the excavator boom and the excavating implement in automatics mode. The instructions also receive target design surface data representing a target design surface of an excavating operation. The instructions still further receive an implement angle representing an operating angle of the excavating implement relative to the target design surface. The instructions also determine whether the implement angle is within an activation angle, determine whether the implement angle is outside of a deactivation angle, activate the excavating implement in the automatics mode when the implement angle is within the activation angle and the deactivation angle, and deactivate when the implement angle is outside of the deactivation angle subsequent to the automatics mode activation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for forming a combined polyester and fiberglass mat, in which separate polyester and fiberglass layers can be formed or polyester filaments and fiberglass threads can be mixed together by a disperser to form a polyester and fiberglass web. The polyester filaments and the fiberglass threads can be dispersed by separate dispersers on a web forming belt to form separate layers of polyester filaments and fiberglass threads, or can be dispersed by a single disperser to at least, somewhat evenly disperse, the fiberglass threads and polyester filaments.

Abstract: An earthmoving machine comprises an implement. The implement defines a variable implement angle ?Bucket(t) indicative of a current position of the implement relative to horizontal as a function of time t. The implement comprises teeth extending a tooth height h and defining an active raking ratio r. Controllers are programmed to execute an implement teeth grading offset determination process that comprises determining a variable implement offset angle ?Delta(t) at least partially based on a difference between an original target design angle ?Tgt(t) and the variable implement angle ?Bucket(t), determining an implement offset IO based on h, r, and ?Delta(t), and determining a new target design elevation ElvTgt,New(t) based on IO and an original target design elevation ElvTgt,Orig(t).

Abstract: An excavator comprises a machine chassis, boom, stick, and implement. The boom, stick, and implement collectively define a variable implement angle ?Bucket(t) indicative of a current position of the implement relative to horizontal as a function of time t. The implement comprises teeth extending a tooth height h from an internal leading edge JI to an external leading edge JE. The teeth are spaced along JI and define an active raking ratio r. Controllers are programmed to execute an implement teeth grading offset determination process that comprises determining a variable implement offset angle ?Delta(t) at least partially based on a difference between an original target design angle ?Tgt(t) and the variable implement angle ?Bucket(t), determining an implement offset IO based on h, r, and ?Delta(t), and determining a new target design elevation ElvTgt,New(t) based on IO and an original target design elevation ElvTgt,Orig(t).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for measuring and controlling the thickness of asphalt roofing materials during manufacturing. Light beams are used to generate a time of flight signal that is used to determine the thickness of the asphalt roofing layer. A controller generates a thickness control signal that controls a coater to modify parameters of the coater to produce the asphalt roofing layer with a desired thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a release material that can be applied as a liquid, gel, emulsion, foam, etc. in a shingle manufacturing line. The release material can also be used in the manufacturing of roll roofing. The release material primarily constitutes an emulsion of polymers that can be cured with heat, IR light or other methods. Silicone may also be included in the emulsion which assists in releasability. The release material can be sprayed or extruded on to the surface of the shingle in an automated fashion, eliminating the necessity for operator interaction.