Abstract: A claim-based capitation model is proposed for handling vehicle repair insurance claims. Rather than determining a detailed estimate of the expected actual cost of repair, the estimate may be determined using a simpler model. For example, the insurance company and a repair facility may agree to following a predictive payment model in which the insurance company pays a fixed predicted capitated amount of money for each repair claim, regardless of the amount of repair work that will be needed. Alternatively, the insurance company may pre-pay a fixed capitated amount for a predicted number of future insurance claims.

Abstract: A vehicular slider window assembly includes at least one fixed window panel having an opening, and upper and lower rails fixedly disposed at the at least one fixed window panel. A movable window panel is movable along the rails between a closed position and an opened position. A perimeter seal is disposed at a surface of the fixed window panel, with the perimeter seal providing a continuous sealing element that circumscribes the opening and that is configured to seal against a surface of the movable window panel when the movable window panel is closed. The perimeter seal includes elongated sealing portions having respective elongated sealing lips disposed along respective base portions. The perimeter seal is formed via a multi-shot injection molding process, with the base portions formed via a first shot injection molding process and the sealing lips formed along the base portions via a second shot injection molding process.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop and a burner mounted on the cooktop. At least one coupling member is coupled to the cooktop. A grate, a griddle, or a reversible griddle is selectively coupled to the at least one coupling member and is operable between a raised position and a lowered position when the grate, the griddle, or the reversible griddle, is engaged with the coupling member.

Abstract: A track tension system including a hydraulic cylinder coupled between a drive frame and idler of a track system, an accumulator and a hydraulic valve that controls flow between the cylinder and accumulator. The cylinder extends and retracts to change the distance between the drive frame and idler which increases and decreases, respectively, tension on the track system. The hydraulic valve can be opened to allow flow between the cylinder and accumulator, and closed to block flow between the cylinder and accumulator. Control factors can be monitored to control valve position. An overload pressure relief can allow flow between the cylinder and accumulator when the hydraulic valve is closed and pressure in the cylinder reaches overload pressure. An orifice can allow constricted flow between the cylinder and accumulator when the hydraulic valve is closed. A check valve can connect the track tension system to a vehicle hydraulic system.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing fault protection on direct current (DC) feeds to various engine or generator set components are provided. In some embodiments, generator set includes a ground fault device arranged between a DC power distribution circuit and a subsystem of the generator set. The ground fault device is configured to detect a fault condition based on a comparison of a first current in a first wire with a second current in a second wire between the DC power distribution circuit and the subsystem. In response to detecting the fault condition, the ground fault device is configured to disconnect the subsystem.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing fault protection on direct current (DC) feeds to various engine or generator set components are provided. In some embodiments, generator set includes a ground fault device arranged between a DC power distribution circuit and a subsystem of the generator set. The ground fault device is configured to detect a fault condition based on a comparison of a first current in a first wire with a second current in a second wire between the DC power distribution circuit and the subsystem. In response to detecting the fault condition, the ground fault device is configured to disconnect the subsystem.

Abstract: An engine friction monitor uses commanded torque and measured torque to provide a prognostic feature to identify failure modes of an engine that causes the engine from delivering the commanded torque.

Abstract: A method of operating an emission abatement assembly includes separating the exhaust gas flow entering through the gas inlet port of the fuel-fired burner into a combustion flow which is advanced through the combustion chamber, and a bypass flow which bypasses the combustion chamber. An emission abatement assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of starting up a fuel-fired burner of an emission abatement assembly includes lowering the fuel rate being supplied to the burner once flame ignition is detected. The fuel rate is maintained at this lower level as the assembly preheats. Once preheated, the fuel level is ramped up to a predetermined operational fuel level. An emission abatement assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a control unit of an emission abatement assembly includes communicating with an engine control unit of an internal combustion engine. An emission abatement assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An emission abatement assembly includes a first particulate filter having a first fuel-fired burner associated therewith and a second particulate filter having a second fuel-fired burner associated therewith. A control unit controls operation of both the first fuel-fired burner and the second fuel-fired burner. A method of operating an emission abatement assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring ash buildup in a particulate filter includes determining particulate accumulation in the filters subsequent to filter regeneration to determine when the filter is in need of servicing to remove ash there from. An emission abatement assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a diesel particulate filter, at least one sensor for sensing information associated with operation of an engine, an engine brake configured to brake the engine, and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one sensor and the engine brake, to determine if the engine is operating in a manner that does not generate enough engine heat to activate the diesel particulate filter, and if the engine is so operating, operate the engine brake so as to brake the engine to cause the engine to generate enough engine heat to activate the diesel particulate filter. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A particulate filter assembly includes an electrode assembly, a particulate filter positioned in an electrode gap defined between two electrodes of the electrode assembly, a power supply electrically coupled to the electrode assembly, and a controller for controlling operation of the power supply to apply a regenerate-filter signal to the electrode assembly to oxidize particulates collected by the particulate filter. An associated method of regenerating the particulate filter is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a feed-forward arrangement and a closed-loop controller. The feed-forward arrangement is configured to determine a change of a system, the system change being independent of an output of a component of the system. The feed-forward arrangement is further configured to generate a feed-forward signal representative of the system change. The controller is configured to modify a state of the controller in response to the feed-forward signal and to perform closed-loop control of the component based on its modified state.

Abstract: A method of monitoring engine performance as a function of soot accumulation in a particulate filter includes determining characteristics of soot accumulation in the filter, analyzing the characteristics, and generating an error signal if the characteristics are indicative of predetermined engine performance conditions. An electronic controller configured to monitor soot accumulation in such a manner is also herein disclosed.

Abstract: A control unit for controlling operation of a fuel-fired burner includes a housing having an air inlet which is open to an interior chamber of the housing. An air pump is positioned in the interior chamber of the housing and has an air inlet which is open to the interior chamber of the housing. The air pump generates reduced air pressure in the interior chamber which draws air into the housing and into the pump's inlet. This flow of air cools an electronic controller along with other components position in the housing. The air pump may be operated to draw air from the interior chamber of the housing and supplies the air to a combustion chamber of the fuel-fired burner to facilitate operation of the burner. An associated method of advancing air to a fuel-fired burner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel-fired burner of an emission abatement assembly includes supplying a reduced amount of fuel to the fuel-fired burner in response to detection of a burner shutdown request. Such a reduced fuel supply continues for a predetermined time period after which fuel is no longer supplied to the burner. The supply of both combustion air and atomization air, along with spark generation, continues for a period of time after the fuel is shutoff. An emission abatement assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel-fired burner for use with an emission abatement device comprises a pair of electrodes. Each electrode comprises an arc-contact rod to generate an electrical arc therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for removing particulate matter from exhaust gas stream prior to emission. The apparatus comprises a chargeable device having at least a pair of chargeable surfaces. The chargeable surfaces are positioned relative to one another to form a gap. The apparatus further comprises a charger for supplying opposite electrical charges to the chargeable surfaces. When chargeable surfaces are charged, an electrical field is created within the gap. Exhaust particles passing through the electrical field will locally reduce the dielectric constant of the exhaust gas causing an electrical arc to pass through the particles. The heat generated by the electrical arc will cause the particles to combust, resulting in emissions of carbon dioxide.