Abstract: An oral apparatus comprising a sensor or a plurality of sensors is provided for accurately measuring mechanical forces associated with concussive and sub-concussive impacts to the head, especially as in sports.

Abstract: An electric auger including an auger assembly with a coupling assembly at a proximal end, a cutting assembly having at least one cutting blade located at a distal end, and a helical flight located between the proximal end and the distal end. The electric power head includes an A/C motor with a drive shaft configured to mechanically couple with the proximal end of the auger assembly. An on-board 36-volt DC battery pack powers the A/C motor. A controller includes an inverter that converts DC power to A/C power for the A/C motor. The ratio of cubic inches of ice cut per battery ampere-hour per weight in pounds of the electric auger is at least about 900 (inches3/ampere-hour/pounds).

Abstract: An electric auger including an auger assembly with a coupling assembly at a proximal end, a cutting assembly having at least one cutting blade located at a distal end, and a helical flight located between the proximal end and the distal end. The electric power head includes an A/C motor with a drive shaft configured to mechanically couple with the proximal end of the auger assembly. An on-board 36-volt DC battery pack powers the A/C motor. A controller includes an inverter that converts DC power to A/C power for the A/C motor. The ratio of cubic inches of ice cut per battery ampere-hour per weight in pounds of the electric auger is at least about 900 (inches3/ampere-hour/pounds).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for operating an electric vehicle using switch controlled battery charging and powering systems are provided. The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein include a first and second battery pack that are alternatively recharged multiple times and alternatively power the electric motor using a first and second switch. In some implementations, the battery packs are charged using a generator operatively connected to a wheel axle or the shaft of the vehicle's motor.

Abstract: Engine conversion systems for converting an internal combustion engine from a single to a multiple-fuel engine are described. After engine conversion, an electronic control unit (ECU), can control amounts of a first fuel (for example, diesel) and amounts of a second fuel (for example, propane) that are provided to combustion chambers within the engine while operating in a multiple-fuel mode. The conversion system can include a diesel oxidation catalyst to reduce undesired exhaust emissions of the engine, and backpressure sensors for maintaining engine exhaust backpressure within a pre-conversion range of exhaust backpressures. The conversion systems can be configured for converting engines with mechanically-controlled or electronically-controlled fuel systems. The ECU can be configured to transition from operating in a multiple-fuel mode to a single-fuel mode if the ECU detects conditions that prevent the supply of predetermined amounts of the first and second fuels for detected operating conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for braking an auger to limit rotation of the auger bit and/or auger blade relative to a power head. An auger with a braking device includes a drive shaft, one or more boring blades, a spiral auger blade, a power head, a transmission assembly, and a braking device. The transmission assembly couple to the proximal end of the drive shaft and to the power head. The transmission assembly may include a clutch to provide releasable engagement to mechanically couple the power head and the drive shaft to transfer force of the power head to rotate the drive shaft. The braking device has an activated configuration and a deactivated configuration. The braking device in the activated configuration is configured to engage a component of the transmission assembly, such as a clutch drum of the clutch, to restrict rotation of the drive shaft relative to the power head. The braking device can include an elongate band configured in a loop around the clutch drum of the transmission assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling a hole. A hybrid powered and manual auger is disclosed. The auger may include one or more cutting blades coupled to a drive shaft driven by a motor. The auger may further include a manual crank configured to rotate the motor and the drive shaft about a drive axis. The manual crank comprises a U-shaped offset formed by an upper crank arm and a lower crank arm joined by a crank handle portion. The drive shaft can be rotated by the motor alone, by rotation of the manual crank alone, and by a combination of the motor and rotation of the manual crank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for operating an electric vehicle using switch controlled battery charging and powering systems are provided. The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein include a first and second battery pack that are alternatively recharged multiple times and alternatively power the electric motor using a first and second switch. In some implementations, the battery packs are charged using a generator operatively connected to a wheel axle or the shaft of the vehicle's motor.

Abstract: A ground level closure (GLC) that can address deficiencies found with traditional pedestal installations is disclosed. The GLC can combine benefits of a sealed (e.g., hermetically sealed) system with functionality of a pedestal style enclosure. Additionally, the GLC can provide an ability to store slack cable in an internal cavity of the base assembly. Further, the GLC can provide simplified access to and isolation of grounding elements without disrupting the sealed portion (e.g., internal organizer assembly) of the enclosure during inspection and troubleshooting. Moreover, spacers can be employed to adjust height and/or angle of installation.

Abstract: A biomass stove includes a housing enclosing a firebox that defines a ceiling portion opposite a bottom, a firepot disposed within the firebox, an air intake assembly coupled to the firebox, and at least one duct disposed entirely inside the firebox and extending between the ceiling portion of the firebox and the air intake assembly. The duct(s) provide a heat exchanging flow path for ambient air entering the air intake assembly, where the ambient air is heated within the duct(s) prior to exiting through the ceiling portion of the biomass stove.

Abstract: A biomass stove includes a housing enclosing a firebox that defines a ceiling portion opposite a bottom, a firepot disposed within the firebox, an air intake assembly coupled to the firebox, and at least one duct disposed entirely inside the firebox and extending between the ceiling portion of the firebox and the air intake assembly. The duct(s) provide a heat exchanging flow path for ambient air entering the air intake assembly, where the ambient air is heated within the duct(s) prior to exiting through the ceiling portion of the biomass stove.

Abstract: A portable securement system for docking eyewear to a user's garment for temporary safekeeping. Hidden in use, the system docking device is a pendant construction to be mounted on button threads behind a garment placard. There it is anchored while a magnet secured at the device's lower portion secures eyewear for easy retrieval. The docking device includes an opening at its central portion to be placed over the button, with a narrowed portion engaging the threads and serving as an anchoring trap to hold the device in place. As an alternative, a wire-like segment defines the device's central opening and terminates at opposed ends at an upper portion of the device to form a releasable clip employed to anchor the device to the garment inner seam. Eyewear is provided an appliance in the form of a flexible tube including a magnetic element to be fitted over a temple bar.

Abstract: A portable securement system for securing implements such as eyewear and pens to a user's garment for safekeeping. The system includes a device usually hidden in use, and formed as a pendant construction to be mounted on button threads behind a garment placard. There it is anchored while a magnet secured at the device's lower part secures implements for easy retrieval. The device includes an opening which may be placed over the button, with a narrowed portion of the opening engaging the threads and serving as an anchoring trap to hold the device in place. In an alternative arrangement, wire-like segments define the device's central opening and terminate at opposed wire ends at an upper part of the device to form a releasable clip. This clip may be utilized to anchor the device to an inner seam or other garment parts where it can be utilized without being outwardly visible.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling engine temperature by derating torque output of the engine. The method and system operate in cooperation with an electronic control module which is programmable for controlling temperature in the engine by derating maximum engine torque output based on an engine temperature rate of change. This permits the derating to be finely tuned to maximize available torque.

Abstract: A hanging system comprised of a flexible spine made of a hook and loop material and substantially one dimensional hangers suspended from the flexible spine with complementary hook and loop material. Flexible clothing, such as shirts, pants, and skirts can be suspended from the hangers and attached to the spine for easy viewing and efficient organization and use of space. The spine, with clothing attached, can be rolled or draped to facilitate wrinkle-free and secure transport.

Abstract: A method for controlling condensation in an engine. A set of signals indicative of an intake manifold temperature, intake manifold pressure, intake air temperature, intake air humidity, engine speed, and exhaust gas mask flow rate is provided. A critical value that indicates that condensation could occur is calculated. The critical value is compared to a predetermined threshold value or range. An exhaust gas recirculation valve is closed if the critical value exceeds the predetermined threshold value or range. The exhaust gas recirculation valve is opened if the predetermined threshold value or range is not exceeded.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one engine cooling fan for a compression ignition internal combustion engine, the method includes turning on the at least one cooling fan when an intake manifold air temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined turn-on threshold temperature for a predetermined turn-on time, and turning off the at least one cooling fan when the intake manifold air temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined turn-off threshold temperature for a predetermined turn-off time, wherein the predetermined turn-on threshold temperature is greater than the predetermined turn-off threshold temperature.

Abstract: An engine control system for a compression ignition engine employs a microprocessor-based controller that detects engine operation in a speed range previously determined to be undesirable, and responding to the detection by changing operation of the engine. In the preferred embodiment, the controller commands a parameter for adjusting engine operation to reach a different speed outside of first and second thresholds defining the undesirable range in a time period subsequent to the detection.

Abstract: An engine control system for a compression ignition engine employs a microprocessor-based controller that detects engine operation in a speed range previously determined to be undesirable, and responding to the detection by changing operation of the engine. In the preferred embodiment, the controller commands a parameter for adjusting engine operation to reach a different speed outside of first and second thresholds defining the undesirable range in a time period subsequent to the detection.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine monitor exhaust back pressure and take remedial action when the exhaust back pressure exceeds a corresponding threshold. The system and method respond to increased exhaust back pressures attributable to various causes to alert the vehicle operator and/or engage engine protection mechanisms depending on the back pressure severity level in an effort to avoid engine/component damage. Fault timers are provided for tracking time fault conditions are present and time that faults are active, with active faults being latched for the current ignition cycle. Available engine torque may be reduced in response to excessive exhaust back pressure. Anti-tampering logic is provided to detect attempts to defeat the protection feature.