Abstract: A method of forming a trim panel is provided. The method includes the steps of: heating a non-woven material to a predetermined temperature; applying a decorative film having perforations to a first surface of the heated material to create a bilaminate; placing the bilaminate layer into a cavity of a tool such that the decorative film is facing the cavity; heating the cavity; and injecting a thermoplastic resin into the tool such that the thermoplastic resin is adhered to a second surface of the material, the second surface being opposite to the first surface.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.

Abstract: An electric machine includes an electric machine having a housing defining a cavity in the housing. The housing has an internal wall of the housing defining an aperture extending from an exterior of the housing to the cavity. The machine also includes a stator secured to the housing and a rotor. The rotor is rotatably secured to the housing. The machine also includes a component positionable in the aperture and a sealing member. The sealing member is operably associated with the component. At least a portion of the sealing member is made of a conformable material and adapted for engagement with the housing. The internal wall of the housing is adapted to radially engage the conformable portion of the sealing member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a melt-processable material comprises: processing a cross-linked polymeric foam to form a processed cross-linked polymeric foam material wherein the processed cross-linked polymeric foam material has an average particle size suitable for feeding to a melt processor, feeding the processed cross-linked polymeric foam material to the melt processor, and melt mixing a composition comprising the processed cross-linked polymeric foam material and a thermoplastic material wherein the processed cross-linked foam material has a domain size, under melt mixing conditions, less than or equal to the processing spaces of the melt processor.

Abstract: An electric machine is provided. The electric machine includes a stator having an electromagnetic coil and a rotor. The rotor is configured to rotate relative to the stator. The electric machine further includes a controller. The controller is adapted to control the electromagnetic coil. The controller includes a plurality of electrical components and an isolation member. The isolation member includes a first portion positioned in a first direction between two adjacent electrical components of the plurality of electrical components and a second portion positioned in a second direction normal to the first direction.

Abstract: An electric machine is provided. The electric machine includes a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a plurality of teeth and a plurality of windings. Each of the plurality of windings is positioned around at least one of the plurality of teeth. The electric machine further includes a leakage current shielding system. The leakage current shielding system includes a plurality of leakage current shields. Each of the current shields includes a body portion thereof which is positioned between the plurality of teeth and the plurality of windings. Each of the leakage current shields also includes a connecting portion that extends from the body portion. The leakage current shielding system also includes a plurality of connectors. Each of the plurality of connectors is adapted for receiving the connection portion of the leakage current shield. The leakage current shielding system also includes a connecting ring for securing the plurality of connectors.

Abstract: A member for cooperation with the stator of an electric machine and for mounting electrical connectors to the stator is provided. The member includes a body, a mounting feature and a receptacle. The mounting feature is operably associated with the body and is adapted for mounting the body onto the stator. The receptacle is operably associated with the body and is adapted for receiving at least a portion of one of the electrical connectors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an electric motor using a motor controller including a processor are provided. The method includes transmitting, by the processor, a no-spin signal commanding the electric motor not to spin, receiving temperature information associated with a temperature of the electric motor, comparing the temperature information to a predetermined threshold temperature to determine whether the temperature is at a sufficient level to prevent icing, and adjusting current applied to the electric motor when the temperature measurement is below the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A blower includes an impeller housing, an impeller rotatably secured to the housing and an electric motor. The motor has a motor housing with a central portion and a radially extending portion extending from the central portion, a venturi chamber adjacent the motor housing and opposed to the impeller housing, a stator secured to the central portion of the motor housing, a rotor rotatably secured to the central portion of the housing, and at least one heat generating electrical component secured to the radially extending portion of the motor housing. The impeller housing has a first air pressure therein and the motor housing has a second air pressure therein different that the first air pressure. The venturi housing and the motor housing define a passageway therebetween whereby the difference in air pressure generates air flow within the motor housing to cool the at least one heat generating electrical component.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an electric machine for use in an environment having moisture is provided. The machine includes a housing that has an inner surface defining a cavity in the housing. The housing defines a leak path exit adapted to remove moisture accumulating within the housing away from the housing. The electric machine further includes a stator secured to the housing and a rotor that is rotatably secured to the housing. The electric machine further includes a moisture guide positioned at least partially within the cavity and adapted to guide at least some of the moisture toward the leak path exit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a melt-processable material comprises: processing a cross-linked polymeric foam to form a processed cross-linked polymeric foam material wherein the processed cross-linked polymeric foam material has an average particle size suitable for feeding to a melt processor, feeding the processed cross-linked polymeric foam material to the melt processor, and melt mixing a composition comprising the processed cross-linked polymeric foam material and a thermoplastic material wherein the processed cross-linked foam material has a domain size, under melt mixing conditions, less than or equal to the processing spaces of the melt processor.

Abstract: A remote patient monitoring system having a main patient monitor and a remote patient monitor. The main patient monitor is configured to receive and collect one or more patient physiological parameters and to provide an alarm in response to an alarm trigger. The alarm trigger includes a determination that at least one of the collected patient physiological parameters has reached a predetermined value. The remote patient monitor has an alarm reset and is configured to be carried by a caregiver. It is also configured to receive a signal from the main patient monitor in response to the alarm and to transmit an indication about the alarm trigger. The indication includes one or more of a notification that the patient is being attended to, a request by the caregiver for additional help, or a message about resolution of the alarm trigger.

Abstract: A single-axle tractor for moving trailers and wheeled cargo. The single-axle tractor of the present disclosure provides a compact, efficient, reliable, cost-effective means of moving cargo from one place to another using torque generated by an on-board motor. The tractor includes a structure to provide rigidity to a tractor-trailer combination while providing reasonable roll compliance.

Abstract: A remote patient monitoring system provides patient physiological data and alerts/alarms from a main patient monitor to a remote patient monitor worn by a medical professional. The medical professional is alerted as to physiological data of the monitored patient, and provided alerts or alarms when predetermined levels are reached. The medical professional is able to reset the alert or alarms at the remote patient monitor.

Abstract: A fluid circulating assembly includes a fan impeller having an inlet ring and a rear plate that define a central chamber. The fluid circulating assembly includes an electrical machine having a rotor assembly, a stator assembly, and a housing. The electrical machine is coupled to the rear plate of the impeller such that the electrical machine is positioned entirely outside the central chamber. The housing includes a plurality of fins on a side of the housing opposite the rear plate. The fins extend axially away from the stator assembly. The assembly includes a duct attached to the housing. The duct covers a portion of the fins and extends radially outward from the housing towards an outer edge of the rear plate. The duct is configured to channel air over the portion of the fins to facilitate cooling the electrical machine.

Abstract: A fluid circulating assembly includes an electrical machine having a rotor assembly, a stator assembly, and a housing. The housing includes an annular center section and at least two extension portions extending radially outward from the annular center section of the housing. The fluid circulating assembly also includes a controller assembly coupled to the housing. The said controller assembly is positioned radially outward from the stator assembly and located in at least one of the at least two extension portions.

Abstract: An electric machine is provided. The electric machine includes a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a plurality of teeth and a plurality of windings. Each of the plurality of windings is positioned around at least one of the plurality of teeth. The electric machine further includes a leakage current shielding system. The leakage current shielding system includes a plurality of leakage current shields. Each of the current shields includes a body portion thereof which is positioned between the plurality of teeth and the plurality of windings. Each of the leakage current shields also includes a connecting portion that extends from the body portion. The leakage current shielding system also includes a plurality of connectors. Each of the plurality of connectors is adapted for receiving the connection portion of the leakage current shield. The leakage current shielding system also includes a connecting ring for securing the plurality of connectors.

Abstract: A hearing aid circuit includes a plurality of sub-circuits implemented as a plurality of flexible circuit boards. In various embodiments, the plurality of flexible circuit boards includes a motherboard that can be used with multiple hearing aid models and different peripheral boards that can provide different hearing aid models with their unique styles and/or functional features. In various embodiments, the hearing aid circuit is assembled in an automated process that connects the motherboard to one or more peripheral circuit boards using surface mount technology (SMT).

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an electric machine for use in an environment having moisture is provided. The machine includes a housing that has an inner surface defining a cavity in the housing. The housing defines a leak path exit adapted to remove moisture accumulating within the housing away from the housing. The electric machine further includes a stator secured to the housing and a rotor that is rotatably secured to the housing, The electric machine further includes a moisture guide positioned at least partially within the cavity and adapted to guide at least some of the moisture toward the leak path exit.

Abstract: An electric machine is provided. The electric machine includes stator having an electromagnetic coil and a rotor. The rotor is configured to rotate relative to the stator. The electric machine thriller includes a controller. The controller is adapted to control the electromagnetic oil. The controller includes a plurality of electrical components and an isolation member. The isolation member includes a first portion positioned in a first direction between two adjacent electrical components of the plurality of electrical components and a second portion positioned in a second direction normal to the first direction.