Abstract: A computer system and method is provided for financial management and estate planning. The system provides data aggregation for both financial and non-financial assets to create a “virtual vault” from which the owner can view all information about his/her portfolio. In some embodiments, the system provides a tree visualization of the portfolio, which allows a structured organization that provides both a high level view and the ability to drill down to an in-depth analysis. In some cases, the system provides segmented permissions in which restricted access could be granted based on module and/or asset in the tree visualization.

Abstract: A temporary retaining device for use in a vehicle hinge to temporarily lock a vehicle door in an open position relative to a door frame includes a flat portion in which an opening is arranged. A fold protrudes from an edge of the flat portion. A load arm extends from the flat portion. The load arm comprises a projection formed as a retaining lug on an end facing away from the flat portion.

Abstract: The invention refers to a biosensor system for quick and multiplexed detection of biomarkers present in biological fluids. The biosensor system comprises a reusable array of at least two individual electrochemical cells (1a,1b,1c,1d,1e) coupled to a disposable fluidic component. Each cell can be addressed individually. The array includes a set of working electrodes (2a,2b,2c,2d) and at least one shared counter/reference electrode (5) in common for all the electrochemical cells, such that each electrochemical cell includes one working electrode and the shared counter/reference electrode. Preferably, the system includes a disposable paper component (8) having a reactive microfluidic component distributed in fluidic channels (9), isolated by hydrophobic barriers (10). The paper component (8) is operatively aligned with the array of electrochemical cells for the electrochemical detection by means of a polymeric cartridge.

Abstract: An integrated magnetic shield and bearing holder useable with electric motors includes a shaft portion and a cover portion extending radially outward from the shaft portion. The shaft portion includes an inner wall defining a channel and a ledge extending radially inward from the inner wall. The cover portion includes a first layer, a second layer extending substantially parallel to the first layer, a magnetic shield extending between the first layer and the second layer, and an outer wall extending from the first layer and/or the second layer such that a space is defined between the outer wall and the shaft portion. The cover portion includes one or more retainers coupled to the magnetic shield to restrict movement of the magnetic shield relative to the first layer and/or the second layer.

Abstract: Methods for resolving emulsions in a hydrocarbon stream by contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a demulsifying composition are disclosed. Demulsifying compositions for treating a hydrocarbon stream are also disclosed, wherein the demulsifying composition comprises at least one C4-C12 alkyl phenol-formaldehyde resin alkoxylate.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a vehicle having independent fluid reservoirs for a fluid-activated brake system and at least one auxiliary fluid consumer. In an illustrative example, a first reservoir may be mounted above a chassis and outboard of a vehicle such that longitudinal axes of the reservoir and the vehicle are substantially aligned. The first reservoir may, for example, be fluidly coupled to a fluidly activated brake configured to brake at least one wheel on at least one axle of the vehicle and fluidly coupled to the first reservoir. At least one second reservoir may be fluidly coupled to at least one auxiliary fluid consumer of the vehicle such that the first reservoir is fluidly independent from the at least one second reservoir and the at least one auxiliary fluid consumer. Various embodiments may advantageously provide stable air supply for critical braking functions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A temporary retaining device for use in a vehicle hinge to temporarily lock a vehicle door in an open position relative to a door frame includes a flat portion in which an opening is arranged. A fold protrudes from an edge of the flat portion. A load arm extends from the flat portion. The load arm comprises a projection formed as a retaining lug on an end facing away from the flat portion.

Abstract: An integrated magnetic shield and bearing holder useable with electric motors includes a shaft portion and a cover portion extending radially outward from the shaft portion. The shaft portion includes an inner wall defining a channel and a ledge extending radially inward from the inner wall. The cover portion includes a first layer, a second layer extending substantially parallel to the first layer, a magnetic shield extending between the first layer and the second layer, and an outer wall extending from the first layer and/or the second layer such that a space is defined between the outer wall and the shaft portion. The cover portion includes one or more retainers coupled to the magnetic shield to restrict movement of the magnetic shield relative to the first layer and/or the second layer.

Abstract: A brake device for a drivable part, in particular for use for a vehicle flap, in particular in an automobile, includes a drivable load device (11) which can be radially brought into contact with a disc (90) of the drivable part, with a first holding position and a second release position. At least one brake element rests against the periphery (92) of the disc (90) in a frictional manner in the holding position and secures the disc (90) from rotating using a specifiable force. In the release position, the at least one brake element is arranged at a distance from the periphery of the disc (90) and allows a free run of the disc (90), and the load device (11) can be adjusted between the holding position and the release position, preferably by a motor (12).

Abstract: A system includes a fill station, a vehicle, and a controller. The fill station has a first conduit. The vehicle has a subsystem that includes a second conduit configured to couple with the first conduit to establish a fluid connection between the subsystem and the fill station. The controller is programmed to, in response to a predetermined condition of the subsystem while the first and second conduits are coupled, automatically pump fluid from the fill station into the subsystem via the fluid connection.

Abstract: A computer system and method for financial management and estate planning. The system provides data aggregation for both financial and non-financial assets to create a “virtual vault” from which the owner can view all information about his/her portfolio. In some embodiments, the system provides a tree visualization of the portfolio, which allows a structured organization that provides both a high level view and the ability to drill down to an in-depth analysis. In some cases, the system provides segmented permissions in which restricted access could be granted based on module and/or asset in the tree visualization.

Abstract: A computer system and method is provided for financial management and estate planning. The system provides data aggregation for both financial and non-financial assets to create a “virtual vault” from which the owner can view all information about his/her portfolio. In some embodiments, the system provides a tree visualization of the portfolio, which allows a structured organization that provides both a high level view and the ability to drill down to an in- depth analysis. In some cases, the system provides segmented permissions in which restricted access could be granted based on module and/or asset in the tree visualization.

Abstract: An energy harvester for use to provide power to metrology hardware like gas meters and flow measuring devices. The energy harvester may include a body with ends connectable to a pipe, a fluid circuit disposed in the body and coupled to the ends, the fluid circuit comprising, a flow unit configured to convert a single stream of fuel gas into a pair of streams at different temperatures, and a power unit responsive to a temperature differential between the two streams to generate an electrical signal. The electrical signal can be directed to the flow device to operate the flow device or, when necessary, replace, supplement, or recharge a power source on the flow device that powers electronics necessary to expand functions on the flow device.

Abstract: A system includes a fill station, a vehicle, and a controller. The fill station has a first conduit. The vehicle has a subsystem that includes a second conduit configured to couple with the first conduit to establish a fluid connection between the subsystem and the fill station. The controller is programmed to, in response to a predetermined condition of the subsystem while the first and second conduits are coupled, automatically pump fluid from the fill station into the subsystem via the fluid connection.

Abstract: An energy harvester for use in-line with a pipe to harness potential and kinetic energy of fluids flowing therein. Structure for the energy harvester may include a shaft and a blade extending radially therefrom. The shaft can penetrate a housing that operates as a pipe section to install the device in-line with pipe. The shaft can couple with an electrical generator. A load may connect with voltage terminals on the generator so that fluid impinging on the blades will rotate the generator to power the load, effectively harvesting power from the flowing fluid. In one implementation, a load control device that couples with the generator voltage terminals controls a pressure characteristic of the fluid, such as pressure drop, by applying an electrical load on the generator and controllably impeding rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a meter device with a rotating component configured to rotate in response to a flowing fluid, an indexing unit coupled with the meter device and configured to process signals from the meter device resulting in values for measured parameters of a flowing fluid, and an energy harvester coupled to the pair of impellers, the energy harvester comprising a first harvesting unit and a second harvesting unit that co-operate to generate an electrical signal, the first harvesting unit configured to co-rotate with the pair of impellers, the second harvesting unit comprising a hollow, magnetic core disposed proximate the first harvesting unit.

Abstract: An encoder device that is configured for use on a gas utility meter. These configurations may generate power and data concomitantly with movement of mechanics in response to flow of material through the meter. In one implementation, the meter may include a meter body with flanged ends, the meter body forming an interior cavity. Impellers may reside in the interior cavity to meter precise volume of fuel gas through the device. The encoder device may couple with the impellers, for example, using non-contact modalities, like magnetics. The encoder device may include a processor and memory, a sensor unit, and a power unit, where the sensor unit and the power unit are responsive to rotation of the impellers to generate a data signal and a power signal, respectively, without contact with the impellers.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic time tracking, more specifically, for controlling and optimizing the workflow, repair, maintenance and location of vehicles at a repair shop and/or authorized dealer, operates by calculating the proximity of the operator to the vehicle, thus optimizing the process affected by bottlenecks, fulfillment of repair processes, workload of the shop, efficiency, need for spare parts and communication with the owner of the vehicle for authorization.

Abstract: A functional board that is configured to accommodate different data protocols for “off-board” communication. These configurations may find use in metrology hardware, for example, utility meters that measures volumetric flow of fluids like gas or water. In one implementation, the functional board may include a circuit board and a pair of circuit cards coupled to the circuit board to communicate with one another using a first communication protocol. The pair of circuit cards may include at least one that is removable from the circuit board and comprises an interface unit that transmits and receives incoming signals in a second communication protocol that is different from the first communication protocol.

Abstract: An energy harvester for use to provide power to metrology hardware like gas meters and flow measuring devices. The energy harvester may include a body with ends connectable to a pipe, a fluid circuit disposed in the body and coupled to the ends, the fluid circuit comprising, a flow unit configured to convert a single stream of fuel gas into a pair of streams at different temperatures, and a power unit responsive to a temperature differential between the two streams to generate an electrical signal. The electrical signal can be directed to the flow device to operate the flow device or, when necessary, replace, supplement, or recharge a power source on the flow device that powers electronics necessary to expand functions on the flow device.