Abstract: A self-locking plug assembly is provided that includes a plug, a lower clutch disposed around the plug and defining engagement features, an upper clutch disposed around the plug and defining mating engagement features, a resilient member and a cap surrounding the resilient member and disposed around a proximal end portion of the plug. The mating engagement features are configured to apply higher torque to the engagement features in one direction than in an opposite direction. In one form, the engagement features of the lower clutch and upper clutch comprise a plurality of teeth arranged around a central aperture.

Abstract: A method of installing an insert in an aperture of a panel includes inserting a sleeve central portion into the aperture so that a sleeve flange opposes a first side of the panel. The sleeve central portion extends from the sleeve flange. The method further includes inserting a plug central portion into the aperture so that a plug flange opposes a second side of the panel. The plug central portion extends from the plug flange. The method also includes pressing at least one of the plug and sleeve into sliding engagement with the other until the plug and sleeve are installed. When installed, a distal end of the plug is received into a sleeve cavity and resilient beams defined by an extension of the sleeve central portion are elastically deflected by a wall of the plug central portion. The plug flange defines an aperture extending into a plug cavity.

Abstract: A ferrule for connecting two adjacent components is provided, wherein the ferrule defines an exterior wall portion having a plurality of asymmetrical dimples. Each asymmetrical dimple has at least two sidewalls, and one sidewall defines a first ramp angle, and the other sidewall defines a second ramp angle that is steeper than the first ramp angle. At least one feature of one of the adjacent components engages the plurality of asymmetrical dimples such that the sidewall with the first ramp angle provides less force in an engaging direction and the sidewall with the second ramp angle provides more force in a disengaging direction.

Abstract: An insert for use in a panel and method of installation is provided by the present disclosure. The insert includes a plug having an outer flange, a central portion having a wall extending from the outer flange, and a distal end portion having a rollover. A cavity extends through the central portion, and an aperture extends through the outer flange and into the cavity. A sleeve is configured for sliding engagement with the plug, the sleeve having an outer flange, a central portion defining an extension having a plurality of resilient beams, and a cavity extending through the central portion, the cavity adapted for receiving the distal end portion of the plug. A retaining plate is secured to the plug by the rollover, and a threaded insert is disposed within the cavity of the plug and adapted to float therein.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving an indication of a destination from a user; determining a route from a current position of a vehicle to the destination; projecting an image of the determined route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination onto ground nearby the vehicle using a projection device equipped in the vehicle; and rotating the projected image such that the projected image is oriented in accordance with the determined route.

Abstract: A self-locking plug assembly is provided that includes a plug, a lower clutch disposed around the plug and defining engagement features, an upper clutch disposed around the plug and defining mating engagement features, a resilient member and a cap surrounding the resilient member and disposed around a proximal end portion of the plug. The mating engagement features are configured to apply higher torque to the engagement features in one direction than in an opposite direction. In one form, the engagement features of the lower clutch and upper clutch comprise a plurality of teeth arranged around a central aperture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for scheduling a service appointment. A method can include analyzing attributes of a customer service request with respect to a problem area. A multi-factor scheduling analysis is performed by analyzing skill level and resource data associated with the problem area attributes for servicing the customer service request. The analysis is used for scheduling a service appointment to handle the customer service request.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving an indication of a destination from a user; determining a route from a current position of a vehicle to the destination; projecting an image of the determined route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination onto ground nearby the vehicle using a projection device equipped in the vehicle; and rotating the projected image such that the projected image is oriented in accordance with the determined route.

Abstract: An apparatus for an LED lamp includes an optic device. At least one light engine wire is connected to the optic device and mounted at least partially external to the optic device. A base is engaged with the optic device. A driver is contained within the base. At least one contact is mounted on the driver in electrical communication with the driver, wherein the at least one contact is in non-engaged contact with the at least one light engine wire.

Abstract: A method includes: projecting, using a projection device equipped on a vehicle, an image onto ground nearby the vehicle; detecting a position or a point of view of a user; and rotating the projected image or at least one object within the projected image based on the detected position or point of view of the user. The projected image or the at least one object within the projected image is rotated such that the projected image or the at least one object within the projected image is oriented to face the user.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving an indication of a destination from a user; determining a route from a current position of a vehicle to the destination; detecting whether the user has exited the vehicle; and projecting an image of the route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination onto ground nearby the vehicle using a projection device equipped in the vehicle, such that the projected image is viewable by the user upon exiting the vehicle, in response to detecting that the user has exited the vehicle.

Abstract: An insert for use in a sandwich-type structure, such as a honeycomb panel, is provided that includes a plug and a sleeve. The sleeve includes a plurality of resilient beams, and when the plug is inserted into the sleeve, the resilient beams are elastically deflected by an exterior surface of a wall of the plug such that the insert is adjustable in height and can be positioned properly in an axial/insertion direction to accommodate sandwich-type structures of varying thickness. The result is an insert that maintains a flush profile with both opposing face sheets of the sandwich-type structure, thus reducing discontinuities in surface profile of the overall assembly.

Abstract: A ferrule for connecting two adjacent components is provided, wherein the ferrule defines an exterior wall portion having a plurality of asymmetrical dimples. Each asymmetrical dimple has at least two sidewalls, and one sidewall defines a first ramp angle, and the other sidewall defines a second ramp angle that is steeper than the first ramp angle. At least one feature of one of the adjacent components engages the plurality of asymmetrical dimples such that the sidewall with the first ramp angle provides less force in an engaging direction and the sidewall with the second ramp angle provides more force in a disengaging direction.

Abstract: An insert for use in a sandwich-type structure is provided that includes a housing defining an internal bore, a proximal flange, opposed distal flanges, and an exterior wall portion extending between the proximal flange and the opposed distal flanges. The opposed distal flanges define lateral walls arranged tangentially with a wall of the internal bore. A nut is disposed within the internal bore of the housing and configured to float therein, the nut defines a truncated flange and a hollow shaft extending from the truncated flange. The hollow shaft of the nut defines internal threads and an exterior wall, the exterior wall having a diameter at least equal to a thread lock diameter. A cap is configured for engagement with the opposed distal flanges such that the nut is floatingly captured within the internal bore of the housing.

Abstract: A volume expansion feature for a fluid reservoir is provided, the volume expansion feature comprising a central recess, a plurality of channels extending from the central recess, where the central recess and the channels are positioned at least in part in a recessed surface profile. The recessed surface profile is reversibly moveable from a first inwardly directed configuration, to a second outwardly directed configuration. The central recess and the channels are configured to impart an inward bias to maintain the recessed surface profile in the first inwardly directed configuration under standard loading of the fluid reservoir. Upon increased pressure within the fluid reservoir, the recessed surface profile extends to the second outwardly directed configuration, thereby increasing the volume of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An insert for use in a panel and method of installation is provided by the present disclosure. The insert includes a plug having an outer flange, a central portion having a wall extending from the outer flange, and a distal end portion having a rollover. A cavity extends through the central portion, and an aperture extends through the outer flange and into the cavity. A sleeve is configured for sliding engagement with the plug, the sleeve having an outer flange, a central portion defining an extension having a plurality of resilient beams, and a cavity extending through the central portion, the cavity adapted for receiving the distal end portion of the plug. A retaining plate is secured to the plug by the rollover, and a threaded insert is disposed within the cavity of the plug and adapted to float therein.

Abstract: An insert for use in a sandwich-type structure, such as a honeycomb panel, is provided that includes a plug and a sleeve. The sleeve includes a plurality of resilient beams, and when the plug is inserted into the sleeve, the resilient beams are elastically deflected by an exterior surface of a wall of the plug such that the insert is adjustable in height and can be positioned properly in an axial/insertion direction to accommodate sandwich-type structures of varying thickness. The result is an insert that maintains a flush profile with both opposing face sheets of the sandwich-type structure, thus reducing discontinuities in surface profile of the overall assembly.

Abstract: A method for improving fuel efficiency and reducing frictional properties, while maintaining or improving deposit control, in an engine lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil has a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and a combination of (i) a friction modifier mixture and (ii) a detergent, as a minor component. Fuel efficiency and friction reduction properties are improved and deposit control is maintained or improved as compared to friction reduction properties and deposit control achieved using a lubricating engine oil containing a minor component other than the combination of the friction modifier mixture and detergent. A lubricating engine oil having a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and a combination of (i) a friction modifier mixture and (ii) a detergent, as a minor component.

Abstract: The invention provides for a novel dynamically configurable point-of-care device for clinical diagnostics and research for analysis of activity associated with pluripotent stem cells, tumor cells, drug metabolites, immunological response, glucose monitoring, cardiovascular diseases, liver cell therapy, cell-cell signaling, epidemic outbreaks, hospital based infectious diseases, pathogens, germ cells, pharmacological compounds, oxidation reduction, microscopy, tomography, flow cytometry, clinical lab testing, and for providing immunoassays, ELISA, electrophoresis, PCR, chromatography, and other laboratory functions. The device comprises a biochemical processing module further comprising a processor and at least one controller, receiving microfluidic elements, sensors, software scripts, an electrically operated interface, flow ports, a user interface, memory, and a communications link, configurable based on analysis of patient data.

Abstract: A coupling for joining fluid conduits includes a nut portion having a circumferential groove that extends at least partially along an interior surface thereof. The nut portion further includes a tab opening extending therethrough. A cylindrical shaft portion extends from the nut portion. A retaining clip is disposed within the circumferential groove of the nut portion and includes a tab disposed within the tab opening. A first arc of the retaining clip extends from the tab in a first circumferential direction, and a second arc of the retaining clip extends from the tab in a second, opposing circumferential direction. The first arc includes a first knob and terminates in a second knob, and the second arc includes a third knob and terminates in a fourth knob. The second and fourth knobs are larger than the first and third knobs, respectively.