Abstract: A system is provided for use with, a wheeled vehicle. The system includes a media reservoir capable of holding a tractive material that includes particulates; a nozzle in fluid communication with the media reservoir; and a media valve in fluid communication with the media reservoir and the nozzle. The media valve is controllable between a first state in which the tractive material flows through the media valve and to the nozzle, and a second state in which the tractive material is prevented from flowing to the nozzle. In the first state, the nozzle receives the tractive material from the media reservoir and directs the tractive material to a contact surface such that the tractive material impacts the contact surface that is spaced from a wheel/surface interface. The system can modify the adhesion or the traction capability of the contact surface with regard to a subsequently contacting wheel.

Abstract: An appliance for washing objects is disclosed that effectively and energy-efficiently filters oil-based residue from a fluid such as washing fluid that drains from a basin in the appliance. In one illustrative embodiment, an appliance includes a novel filter assembly for filtering oil-based residue out of the washing fluid. The filter assembly includes a filter layer composed of a material that is both oleophilic and hydrophobic. The filter assembly forms part of a fluid distribution system that has different configurations. A first configuration allows for recirculating filtered wash fluid from an outlet of the filter assembly back into the basin of the appliance. A second configuration allows for draining both the washing fluid from the outlet of the filter assembly and the oil-based residue from a bypass zone of the filter assembly to an appliance outlet.

Abstract: A self-adhering sensor for non-invasively attaching to a portion of a skin is provided. The sensor comprises a biocompatible substrate, and an array of solid nanoelectrodes coupled to the biocompatible substrate and configured to self-adhere to the skin. Also provided is a sensor for attaching to a portion of a skin, where the sensor comprises an array of solid electrodes configured to self-adhere to the skin, where each of the solid structures comprises a stem and one or more projections extending out from the stem, where both the stem and the projections are solid. The stem comprises a mechanical stopper to control the extent of penetration of the solid electrodes into the skin. The sensor further comprises an electrolyte coating disposed on one or more of the solid structures.

Abstract: A dishwashing apparatus and a methodology are provided for washing dishware using electrolyzed water to provide alkaline and acidic water for wash and rinse cycles. The water used at the beginning of a pre-wash stage is repeatedly used in plural pre-wash cycles and filtered through sediment and oil filtration between pre-wash cycles. Water from a final rinse cycle is saved for use for future pre-wash cycles. The sediment and oil filtration filter are reversely flushed to regenerate the filtration systems.

Abstract: Embodiments, presented herein are directed to a filtration system including an outer pipe, an inner pipe and a stirrer. The outer pipe is configured to receive a working fluid from a filter inlet. The outer pipe includes a venturi neck and an outer channel. The venturi neck is located downstream of the filter inlet. The outlet channel is located downstream of the venturi neck, wherein the outlet channel is configured to provide an outlet for a first type of impurity. The inner pipe is co-axially positioned with the outer pipe, wherein the inner pipe is configured to receive a second type of impurity. The stirrer is positioned inside the outer pipe, wherein the stirrer rotates with the inner pipe to substantially separate at least the first and the second types of impurities from the working fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide variable spring stiffness for weight management in a vehicle. One system includes a plurality of springs and a plurality of spring retainers configured to adjust a number of inactive coils of the plurality of springs. Additionally, a motor is provided that is connected to the plurality of spring retainers and configured to actuate the spring retainers to adjust the number of inactive coils of the plurality of springs. Further, a controller is provided that is coupled to motor to control the motor to actuate the spring retainers to adjust the number of inactive coils of the plurality of springs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weight transfer in a vehicle are provided. One system includes a plurality of springs and a plurality of movable spring seats configured to adjust a length of the plurality of springs. Additionally, an electromechanical actuator is provide that is connected to the plurality of movable springs and configured to move the movable spring seats to adjust the length of the plurality of springs. Further, a controller is provided that is coupled to the electromechanical actuator to control the electromechanical actuator to adjust the length of the plurality of springs.

Abstract: An appliance for washing objects is disclosed that effectively and energy-efficiently filters oil-based residue from a fluid such as washing fluid that drains from a basin in the appliance. In one illustrative embodiment, an appliance includes a novel filter assembly for filtering oil-based residue out of the washing fluid. The filter assembly includes a filter layer composed of a material that is both oleophilic and hydrophobic. The filter assembly forms part of a fluid distribution system that has different configurations. A first configuration allows for recirculating filtered wash fluid from an outlet of the filter assembly back into the basin of the appliance. A second configuration allows for draining both the washing fluid from the outlet of the filter assembly and the oil-based residue from a bypass zone of the filter assembly to an appliance outlet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weight transfer in a vehicle are provided. One system includes a plurality of springs and a plurality of movable spring seats configured to adjust a length of the plurality of springs. Additionally, a pneumatic actuator is provided that is connected to the plurality of movable springs and configured to move the movable spring seats to adjust the length of the plurality of springs. Further, a controller is provided that is coupled to the pneumatic actuator to control the pneumatic actuator to adjust the length of the plurality of springs.

Abstract: A self-adhering sensor for non-invasively attaching to a portion of a skin is provided. The sensor comprises a biocompatible substrate, and an array of solid nanoelectrodes coupled to the biocompatible substrate and configured to self-adhere to the skin. Also provided is a sensor for attaching to a portion of a skin, where the sensor comprises an array of solid electrodes configured to self-adhere to the skin, where each of the solid structures comprises a stem and one or more projections extending out from the stem, where both the stem and the projections are solid. The stem comprises a mechanical stopper to control the extent of penetration of the solid electrodes into the skin. The sensor further comprises an electrolyte coating disposed on one or more of the solid structures.

Abstract: A self-adhering sensor for non-invasively attaching to a portion of a skin is provided. The sensor comprises a biocompatible substrate, and an array of solid nanoelectrodes coupled to the biocompatible substrate and configured to self-adhere to the skin. Also provided is a sensor for attaching to a portion of a skin, where the sensor comprises an array of solid electrodes configured to self-adhere to the skin, where each of the solid structures comprises a stem and one or more projections extending out from the stem, where both the stem and the projections are solid. The stem comprises a mechanical stopper to control the extent of penetration of the solid electrodes into the skin. The sensor further comprises an electrolyte coating disposed on one or more of the solid structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide variable spring stiffness for weight management in a vehicle. One system includes a plurality of springs and a plurality of spring retainers configured to adjust a number of inactive coils of the plurality of springs. Additionally, a motor is provided that is connected to the plurality of spring retainers and configured to actuate the spring retainers to adjust the number of inactive coils of the plurality of springs. Further, a controller is provided that is coupled to motor to control the motor to actuate the spring retainers to adjust the number of inactive coils of the plurality of springs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weight transfer in a vehicle are provided. One system includes a plurality of springs and a plurality of movable spring seats configured to adjust a length of the plurality of springs. Additionally, a pneumatic actuator is provided that is connected to the plurality of movable springs and configured to move the movable spring seats to adjust the length of the plurality of springs. Further, a controller is provided that is coupled to the pneumatic actuator to control the pneumatic actuator to adjust the length of the plurality of springs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weight transfer in a vehicle are provided. One system includes a plurality of springs and a plurality of movable spring seats configured to adjust a length of the plurality of springs. Additionally, an electromechanical actuator is provide that is connected to the plurality of movable springs and configured to move the movable spring seats to adjust the length of the plurality of springs. Further, a controller is provided that is coupled to the electromechanical actuator to control the electromechanical actuator to adjust the length of the plurality of springs.

Abstract: A surface textured roller and a surface textured rolling element bearing comprising a plurality of micropores in a surface thereof is presented. The plurality of micropores may have a geometry selected from a hemisphere, a diamond shape, an ellipsoid, and a cone. The surface textured rollers may be used, for example, in a gear box and/or a wind turbine drivetrain.

Abstract: Embodiments, presented herein are directed to a filtration system including an outer pipe, an inner pipe and a stirrer. The outer pipe is configured to receive a working fluid from a filter inlet. The outer pipe includes a venturi neck and an outer channel. The venturi neck is located downstream of the filter inlet. The outlet channel is located downstream of the venturi neck, wherein the outlet channel is configured to provide an outlet for a first type of impurity. The inner pipe is co-axially positioned with the outer pipe, wherein the inner pipe is configured to receive a second type of impurity. The stirrer is positioned inside the outer pipe, wherein the stirrer rotates with the inner pipe to substantially separate at least the first and the second types of impurities from the working fluid.

Abstract: A surface textured roller and a surface textured rolling element bearing comprising a plurality of micropores in a surface thereof is presented. The plurality of micropores may have a geometry selected from a hemisphere, a diamond shape, an ellipsoid, and a cone. The surface textured rollers may be used, for example, in a gear box and/or a wind turbine drivetrain.

Abstract: A gearbox includes a plurality of gear sets disposed within a gearbox housing. Each gear set includes at least two gears meshing with one another. Each gear includes one or more dimpled surfaces configured to hold lubricant for providing lubrication between the gears meshing with one another. A plurality of bearings is provided to support the plurality of gear sets.

Abstract: A self-adhering sensor for non-invasively attaching to a portion of a skin is provided. The sensor comprises a biocompatible substrate, and an array of solid nanoelectrodes coupled to the biocompatible substrate and configured to self-adhere to the skin. Also provided is a sensor for attaching to a portion of a skin, where the sensor comprises an array of solid electrodes configured to self-adhere to the skin, where each of the solid structures comprises a stem and one or more projections extending out from the stem, where both the stem and the projections are solid. The stem comprises a mechanical stopper to control the extent of penetration of the solid electrodes into the skin. The sensor further comprises an electrolyte coating disposed on one or more of the solid structures.