Abstract: A method for detecting exhaust backflow in an air intake plenum of an internal combustion engine (ICE) is disclosed. The method includes: a) determining a maximum gas pressure in the air intake plenum after an opening of an intake valve of the ICE while the intake valve is open; b) determining a reference pressure; c) comparing, by a control unit, the maximum gas pressure to the reference pressure; and d) concluding, by the control unit, a presence of exhaust backflow in the air intake plenum in response to the maximum gas pressure being greater than the reference pressure. A vehicle having a control unit is also disclosed. The control unit has a processor and a memory. The memory stores computer-readable instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pan cleaner system. The pan cleaner system comprises a main frame adapted to house a supply system, an inverting system and a cleaning system. The supply system, the inverting system and the cleaning system are configured to form a synchronized continuous functional line beginning by the supply system receiving a pan to be cleaned and ending by the cleaning system releasing a clean pan. The supply system comprises a first conveyor adapted to guide the pans towards the inverting and the cleaning systems. In one embodiment, the inverting system comprises a second conveyor adapted to magnetically hold the pans during the transport and the cleaning process. The pan cleaner system further comprises a releasing system adapted to release the pans from the magnetic conveyor once the cleaning process has been completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pan cleaner system. The pan cleaner system comprises a main frame adapted to house a supply system, an inverting system and a cleaning system. The supply system, the inverting system and the cleaning system are configured to form a synchronized continuous functional line beginning by the supply system receiving a pan to be cleaned and ending by the cleaning system releasing a clean pan. The supply system comprises a first conveyor adapted to guide the pans towards the inverting and the cleaning systems. In one embodiment, the inverting system comprises a second conveyor adapted to magnetically hold the pans during the transport and the cleaning process. The pan cleaner system further comprises a releasing system adapted to release the pans from the magnetic conveyor once the cleaning process has been completed.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing and/or reconditioning side frames and bolsters for railway cars includes at least one robot adapted to access positions along the length of the part. A map of the part dimensions, which may be obtained by a probe or scanner on the robot(s), allows a processor to determine where welding and machining are required to meet certain dimensional tolerances, leveraging novel reference surfaces on the part which cannot be leveraged using conventional gauges. The robot(s) may locate and mount welding and material removal tools to carry out the welding and material removal operations determined by the processor.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing and/or reconditioning side frames and bolsters for railway cars includes at least one robot adapted to access positions along the length of the part. A map of the part dimensions, which may be obtained by a probe or scanner on the robot(s), allows a processor to determine where welding and machining are required to meet certain dimensional tolerances, leveraging novel reference surfaces on the part which cannot be leveraged using conventional gauges. The robot(s) may locate and mount welding and material removal tools to carry out the welding and material removal operations determined by the processor.

Abstract: AKR1B1 (EC 1.1.1.21) is an aldose reductase that has mainly been associated with the polyol pathway, and more recently with lipid deperoxidation. We have discovered that the primary activity of this enzyme is rather a PGFS activity, catalyzing the transformation of PGH2 into PGF2?. AKR1B1 as a therapeutic target, and method for modulating its expression and activity are provided. Methods for regulating the expression and activity of PGF2? are also provided.