Abstract: Multi-depot vehicle scheduling in a transportation system may include retrieving vehicle data associated with a set of vehicles and trip data associated with a set of trips, constructing an initial network graph that includes: a respective node for each of the set of trips and each of the set of garages, and a respective edge between each pair of nodes that satisfies schedule constraints related to trip parameters indicated in the trip data, partitioning the initial network graph into a plurality of partitions, that each include respective portions of the initial network graph corresponding to a subsets of the set of vehicles the set of trips, processing each partition of the plurality of partitions separately from other partitions, where processing each partition may comprise, for a given vehicle of the partition, generating a transportation plan that includes a sequence of trips satisfying plan constraints and optimizing an objective function.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to fault detection and diagnosis. Signals received from sensors are first filtered to remove noise and are then analyzed using wavelet packet transform (WPT) based PCA. The results of the PCA analysis are then automatically classified to thereby quickly and easily determine what issues there may be in a finished product or in a machine being monitored.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to fault detection and diagnosis. Signals received from sensors are first filtered to remove noise and are then analyzed using wavelet packet transform (WPT) based PCA. The results of the PCA analysis are then automatically classified to thereby quickly and easily determine what issues there may be in a finished product or in a machine being monitored.

Abstract: A method includes analyzing historical surface check data to train classifiers indicative of data separation between healthy and unhealthy downhole tools. The method also includes developing, based on the classifiers, prognostics health and management algorithms to predict failures in the downhole tools.

Abstract: A multi-zone portable heater is provided having an oscillating heater and a plurality of remote sensors. The plurality of remote sensors are radially positionable about the oscillating heater in a spaced apart configuration, each defining a heating region. The remote sensors read a region temperature in their corresponding heating region and can transmits the corresponding region temperature to the heater signal transmitter/receiver. Alternatively, the oscillating heater can transmit a set temperature to each of the plurality of remote sensors, where the remote sensors calculates a region temperature difference between the read region temperature and the set temperature. The region temperature difference being transmitted to the oscillating heater. In this manner, the operational parameters of the oscillating heater can be selectively controlled for each of the regions.

Abstract: A dynamic and static seal is formed by a close clearance fit between a rotary coupling and a static upstanding wall on a motor housing such as a base for an electric blender. The seal centrifugally ejects spilt liquid during operation towards a network of drainage holes which direct the liquid away to prevent it from leaking into the blender's base. A down-turned U-shaped lip rotates around both sides and the top edge of the upstanding wall so as to form a rotary labyrinth seal. The wall forms a static barrier to liquid when the blender is not rotating.

Abstract: System and method for controlling an appliance for drying clothing articles is provided. The appliance has a container for receiving the clothing articles. A motor is provided for rotating the container about an axis. A heater is provided for supplying heated air to the container during a dry cycle. A sensor is provided for providing a signal indicative of moisture content of the articles. Memory is provided memory for storing historical stop time data of respective dry cycles. A noise-reduction filter is coupled to receive the signal from the moisture sensor to provide selectable filtering to that signal. A timer provides a signal indicative of elapsed time upon start of the dry cycle. A module is responsive to the historical data in the memory for determining an initial estimate of the stop time of the dry cycle to be executed. A processor allows for estimating the stop time of the dry cycle as the cycle is being executed.

Abstract: A drip coffee maker having a horizontal spray of heated water into a brew basket. Much of the effect of gravity is removed and the spread of heated water may be increased. The horizontal spray shower head may be used to expose the top layer of coffee grinds in the brew basket to an equal amount of hot water within a few seconds of brewing start time. By immersing the coffee grinds in hot water at the same level, the coffee grinds are all subjected to the same water pressure. The water then filters down evenly over the coffee grinds in the brew basket. Thus, the coffee grinds within the brew basket are given maximum exposure to the heated water. This exposure allows more coffee to be extracted from fewer grinds, thus conserving coffee and avoiding overcooking of the grinds.

Abstract: A drip coffee maker having a horizontal spray of heated water into a brew basket. Much of the effect of gravity is removed and the spread of heated water may be increased. The horizontal spray shower head may be used to expose the top layer of coffee grinds in the brew basket to an equal amount of hot water within a few seconds of brewing start time. By immersing the coffee grinds in hot water at the same level, the coffee grinds are all subjected to the same water pressure. The water then filters down evenly over the coffee grinds in the brew basket. Thus, the coffee grinds within the brew basket are given maximum exposure to the heated water. This exposure allows more coffee to be extracted from fewer grinds, thus conserving coffee and avoiding overcooking of the grinds.