Abstract: Drivetrains and constant velocity joints for recreational vehicles are disclosed. These joints comprise a housing, an aperture for connecting with an axle, and interior components for rotatably connecting the axle to the housing. Various retention mechanisms improve the retention of constant velocity joints, including hydraulic-based, disc-based, pin-based, spline-based, and spring ring-based mechanisms. Hydraulic-based systems utilize adjustable hydraulic pressure for maintaining engagement. Disc-based mechanisms employ a conical disc that provides additional frictional force to resist pull-out forces. Pin-based retention involves drive pads or pins and corresponding tracks or grooves in the shaft interfacing gear. Spline-based mechanisms include a toolless locking half shaft retention system with rotating, interrupted splines. Spring ring-based retention features multiple flexible retaining rings placed axially along the spline, providing improved shaft retention.

Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments concern aerial imaging platforms, systems and methods for image analysis, flight redirection, and order placement. In some embodiments, orders for aerial imaging and analysis may be placed by an online, browser-based system. A user may define a region, for example, a polygon, on a map reflecting the area to be analyzed. A series of overflights may be performed of the region and consolidated results of an imaging analysis provided to the customer.

Abstract: The vehicular temperature control device includes an external housing, a pair of internal compartments and a mechanism in each compartment that allows the device to either cool off or warm up an interior area within a vehicle. One of the internal compartments includes a belt, a rotating fan attached to the belt, and a volume of water for evaporative cooling. This chamber will help cool down surrounding air. The other internal compartment also includes a belt and a rotating fan attached to the belt and, furthermore, a heating coil. This second compartment is designed to assist an individual in heating up the surrounding air.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing fire shield protection to an aircraft auxiliary power unit, or portion thereof, or to other aircraft systems.

Abstract: A modular chemical delivery system is designed to be readily convertible from use with a warewashing system to use with a laundry system, or vice-versa, merely by the replacement of one chip in the controller of the system. The dispensing system is also readily expandable by adding additional satellite pumps in order to inject additional chemicals into a single washing unit, and/or to supply chemicals to additional washing units. Plug and play technology is used so that control intelligence can be distributed from the main system controller to satellite controllers, and so that additional satellite units may be readily added, identified, and properly integrated into the dispensing system.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a synthetic magnesium silicate having a crystal structure similar to natural hectorite, includes the steps of a) forming a precursor slurry, b) subjecting the precursor slurry to a continuous hydrothermal reaction in a pipe reactor at a temperature of from 210° C. to 400° C. and under a pressure of at least 20 10 bar for 10 seconds to 4 hours, and e) washing and filtering to remove water soluble salts formed in the preparation of the precursor slurry. The precursor slurry is not washed and filtered before it is subjected to the continuous hydrothermal reaction.

Abstract: A forced air cooling system for an APU comprising at least an oil cooler, a plenum in fluid communication with the oil cooler, and a compressor rotated by a rotating shaft of the APU such that the compressor and rotating shaft rotate at a same speed, the rotating compressor inducing a cooling air flow through the oil cooler. A method for cooling an auxiliary power unit is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for providing fire shield protection to an aircraft auxiliary power unit, or portion thereof, or to other aircraft systems.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission or clutch device (10) includes at least one pulley (18) rotatable on a pivot (28) and having a pair of adjustable sheaves (30, 34) including a movable sheave (30) movable along the pivot. An ortho-planar compliant mechanism (14) is capable of elastic deformation and operatively coupled to the movable sheave to bias the movable sheave towards or away from the other sheave. The ortho-planar compliant mechanism includes a substantially flat configuration and is deflectable therefrom as the movable sheave moves. The ortho-planar compliant mechanism can include a center platform (38) disposed on the pivot and a plurality of arms (42) extending from the platform to distal ends (46) coupled to the movable sheave.