Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for heating a catalyst during engine cold-start conditions. One example embodiment uses positive valve overlap to drive a boosted blow-through airflow through the cylinders of an engine. Fuel is injected with the blow-through airflow during the valve overlap, and also injected into engine cylinders outside the valve overlap. The catalyst is heated by the resulting exothermic reaction of the blow-through airflow with the combustion products and the injected fuel in the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: The formation of a barrier layer within individual channels or cavities of a microfluidic device is described. The barrier layer is effected through a gas phase deposition process, desirably implemented in a plasma environment using a gas plasma reactor. Judicious selection of a precursor compound used within the gas plasma reactor can provide for generation of a layer on the individual surfaces. Desirably the surface or barrier layer is generated through the chemical adsorption of a metalloid oxide such as a silicon oxide layer on the surface of the individual channels or cavities.

Abstract: A handheld device and system, in which such device and system include at least one mapping module, at least one tracking module interoperative with said at least one mapping module, at least one communications module interoperative with each of said at least one tracking module and said at least one mapping module, at least two antennae communicatively connected via said at least one communications module to at least one central processing unit, wherein at least one of said at least two antenna is suitable for communications using at least two distinct to communication modes.

Abstract: A control system (12) for controlling velocity and attitude of a dynamic system (20) includes a velocity controller configured to receive a desired velocity command and output a velocity error in the form of Euler angle commands to an attitude controller system. The attitude controller system includes a converter (14) configured to receive the Euler angle commands and output a desired quaternion based on the Euler angle commands. The attitude controller system further includes an attitude error generator (16) configured to receive the desired quaternion and an estimated quaternion indicative of an estimated velocity and attitude of the dynamic system (20) and to output attitude errors associated with the dynamic system (20). The attitude controller system also includes an attitude controller (18) configured to receive the attitude errors and to output error commands to the dynamic system (20) based on the attitude errors.

Abstract: A tissue resection guide for use with a datum includes a base releasably engagable with the datum. The tissue resection guide has a first frame fixed relative to the base and the first frame has at least one integral first guide path that is sized and configured to at least partially capture and guide a first tissue resection tool relative to the first frame.

Abstract: An exhaust gas heat exchanger that includes a stack at least partially surrounded by a housing. The stack includes a first tube, a second tube, and a coolant duct between the first tube and the second tube. A fin is located within the coolant duct. The fin includes a first portion and a second portion and the first tube includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the fin is fixed to the first portion of the first tube such that the first portion of the fin is coupled to the first portion of the first tube for movement with respect to the housing, and the second portion of the fin is supported in the housing for movement relative to the second portion of the first tube to permit movement of the second portion of the first tube with respect to the second portion of the fin.

Abstract: A system for monitoring wear on a brake pad of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may include a brake assembly having a brake pad and a moveable component. The brake pad may be configured to engage a friction surface of the wind turbine. The movable component may be configured to move relative to the friction surface as the brake pad wears. Additionally, the system may include a sensor at least partially mounted within the brake assembly. The sensor may be configured to detect a position of the movable component relative to the sensor or a position of the friction surface relative to the sensor.

Abstract: A handheld device and system, in which such device and system include at least one mapping module, at least one tracking module interoperative with said at least one mapping module, at least one communications module interoperative with each of said at least one tracking module and said at least one mapping module, at least two antennae communicatively connected via said at least one communications module to at least one central processing unit, wherein at least one of said at least two antenna is suitable for communications using at least two distinct communication modes.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a structural health of a wind turbine. The method includes transmitting, from a sensor to a controller, at least one monitoring signal indicative of a structural discontinuity, the sensor operatively coupled to a structural component of the wind turbine. A first notification signal is transmitted from the controller to a user computing device upon receiving the monitoring signal.

Abstract: A handheld device and system, in which such device and system include at least one mapping module, at least one tracking module interoperative with said at least one mapping module, at least one communications module interoperative with each of said at least one tracking module and said at least one mapping module, at least two antennae communicatively connected via said at least one communications module to at least one central processing unit, wherein at least one of said at least two antenna is suitable for communications using at least two distinct communication modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger having a bundle of tubes, which can be inserted into a tubular housing. Exhaust gas can flow through the tubes. A coolant duct can be arranged between the tubes. The bundle of tubes can have at least one grid-like securing structure which supports the bundle in the housing. The behavior of the heat exchanger with respect to vibrations is improved by virtue of the fact that the grid-like metallic securing structure includes integral hook-shaped protrusions which are deformed in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the bundle into the housing. The spring force is directed against the housing in order to dampen vibrations. The heat exchanger can also include an elastic device for permitting a change in length caused by temperature changes.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a pressure measuring device used to measure the pressure being applied to a ramrod of a muzzleloading firearm during bullet seating. A pressure measuring device may include a housing, a spring, and a ramrod receiving portion. The pressure measuring device may also and/or alternatively include electrical circuitry used for converting the applied pressure to an electrical signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for heating a catalyst during engine cold-start conditions. One example embodiment uses positive valve overlap to drive a boosted blow-through airflow through the cylinders of an engine. Fuel is injected with the blow-through airflow during the valve overlap, and also injected into engine cylinders outside the valve overlap. The catalyst is heated by the resulting exothermic reaction of the blow-through airflow with the combustion products and the injected fuel in the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: A yaw bearing cleaning assembly for use with a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a yaw bearing that is coupled between a nacelle and a tower for rotating the nacelle about a yaw axis. The yaw bearing cleaning assembly includes a support bracket that is coupled to the nacelle. At least one cleaning member is coupled to the support bracket. The at least one cleaning member extends from the support bracket and positioned adjacent an outer radial surface of the yaw bearing to facilitate removing debris from at least a portion of the yaw bearing when the nacelle is rotated about the yaw axis.

Abstract: A portable carbonated liquid dispensing system, with an adjustable, internal pressure regulating system. The complexity of the dispensing system is adaptable. In its simplest form, the system accepts a single user entered pressure setting, and utilizes system feedback to maintain pressure within a predetermined range of the selected setting. In its most complete form, pressure, flow rate and temperature feedback and control systems allow fluid to be dispensed under conditions selected via user input data regarding the type of liquid being dispensed, taking into consideration optimal pressure, flow rate and temperature relationships as determined by the manufacturer of the fluid.

Abstract: Novel imidazopyrazine compounds are disclosed that have a formula represented by the following: Formula (I). The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of a viral infection, in particular a HCV, HRV, Sb and/or CVB in a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: A handheld device and system includes a mapping module, a tracking module interoperative with the mapping module, and a communications module interoperative with the tracking module and the mapping module. At least two antennae are communicatively connected, via the communications module, to at least one central processing unit. At least one of said at least two antenna is suitable for communicating using at least two distinct communication modes.

Abstract: A yaw bearing cleaning assembly for use with a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a yaw bearing that is coupled between a nacelle and a tower for rotating the nacelle about a yaw axis. The yaw bearing cleaning assembly includes a support bracket that is coupled to the nacelle. At least one cleaning member is coupled to the support bracket. The at least one cleaning member extends from the support bracket and positioned adjacent an outer radial surface of the yaw bearing to facilitate removing debris from at least a portion of the yaw bearing when the nacelle is rotated about the yaw axis.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a structural health of a wind turbine. The method includes transmitting, from a sensor to a controller, at least one monitoring signal indicative of a structural discontinuity, the sensor operatively coupled to a structural component of the wind turbine. A first notification signal is transmitted from the controller to a user computing device upon receiving the monitoring signal.