Abstract: A method of controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle, the method including providing an internal combustion engine, providing a motor generator operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine, providing an automatic transmission operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine, and actuating the motor generator to a certain speed to restart the vehicle.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission comprises a manual selector valve for operator direction of line pressure fluid to a drive passage when drive is selected or to a reverse passage when reverse is selected. A drive/reverse passage connects the drive passage and the reverse passage. A first check ball is disposed between the drive passage and the drive/reverse passage and a second check ball is disposed between the reverse passage and the drive/reverse passage wherein the check balls operate to pressurize the drive/reverse passage when either drive or reverse is selected.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining crystallization conditions for a protein, the method comprising: performing in a same fermentation apparatus 2 or more separate fermentations where each fermentation comprises cells expressing a protein to be purified and has a fermentation volume of less than 500 mL; purifying the expressed protein from the separate fermentations; and determining crystallization conditions for the purified protein by submicroliter crystallization experiments.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel. Because the fermentation volume for each individual sample vessel is smaller than a bulk fermentation apparatus, the fermentation product yields are predictable and cell growth rates can be effectively optimized.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing and dispensing fluid mixtures is provided. Fluid wells are positioned below a plurality of fluid dispensing devices, such as syringes configured to dispense fluid into the individual fluid wells. The fluid dispensing devices are configured to be positionable relative the fluid wells to enable different fluid dispensers to be sequentially positionable over a particular fluid well. A controller controls the relative movement between fluid wells and the fluid dispensing devices. In a preferred embodiment, the controller selectively moves multi-well vessels in one direction and moves the fluid dispensing devices in a second direction so that when directed by the controller, a selected fluid dispensing device is enabled to deposit a determined quantity of a fluid into a selected individual well of the multi-well vessels.

Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft motion in a hybrid electric drive system having an internal combustion engine and a motor-generator operatively connected to a crankshaft of the engine is disclosed. The steps include monitoring the crankshaft position, forecasting a crankshaft stall position; comparing the forecast stall position with a target range; and if the forecast crankshaft stall position is outside the target range, operating the motor-generator to modify the forecast stall position to be within the target range. These steps properly position the crankshaft for re-initiating engine start-up. The method further includes the steps of calculating an effective lube interval time once the crankshaft speed is zero; comparing the effective lube interval time to a critical time; and if the effective lube interval time is greater than the critical time, pulsing the motor-generator to rock the crankshaft for a pulse time to redistribute a lubricant film.

Abstract: A method is provided which comprises: performing a plurality of fermentations, each fermentation in a different sample vessel; and performing a further processing step on the plurality of fermented samples where the sample is retained in the same sample vessel as the fermentation during the processing step.

Abstract: A first clutch circuit for an automatic transmission in a hybrid drive vehicle comprises an apply line extending from a manual valve to a clutch, with a check ball disposed in the apply line operable to move out of the apply line upon upstream fluid pressure, and an exhaust line extending from the apply line, downstream of the check ball, to an exhaust valve. A driver-triggered valve actuating means operates to close the exhaust valve when the driver selects drive with a driver shift lever and to open the exhaust valve when the driver shifts out of drive thereby releasing the clutch.

Abstract: A gripper apparatus for grasping an object such as a specimen holder. The gripper apparatus comprises two arms. In one embodiment the arms are pivotable, and in a second embodiment, each arm includes a pivotable member. The arms are moveably coupled to each other and are structured to grasp the object therebetween.

Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft motion in a hybrid electric drive system having an internal combustion engine and a motor-generator operatively connected to a crankshaft of the engine is disclosed. The steps include monitoring the crankshaft position, forecasting a crankshaft stall position; comparing the forecast stall position with a target range; and if the forecast crankshaft stall position is outside the target range, operating the motor-generator to modify the forecast stall position to be within the target range. These steps properly position the crankshaft for re-initiating engine start-up. The method further includes the steps of calculating an effective lube interval time once the crankshaft speed is zero; comparing the effective lube interval time to a critical time; and if the effective lube interval time is greater than the critical time, pulsing the motor-generator to rock the crankshaft for a pulse time to redistribute a lubricant film.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method for high throughput processing using sample holders. The system has a plurality of work perimeters, with a rotational robot preferably associated with each work perimeter. At least one transfer station area is provided between adjacent work perimeters to facilitate robotic transfer of sample holders from one work perimeter to another area. Each work perimeter typically includes a plurality of defined station locations, with each station location positioned to be accessible by the robot associated with that area. In addition, each station location is typically configured to receive a device, such as an automated instrument or a holding nest. Device components are arranged at selected station locations according to specific application requirements to provide a flexible, robust, reliable, and accurate high throughput processing system.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission comprises a manual selector valve for operator direction of line pressure fluid to a drive passage when drive is selected or to a reverse passage when reverse is selected. A drive/reverse passage connects the drive passage and the reverse passage. A first check ball is disposed between the drive passage and the drive/reverse passage and a second check ball is disposed between the reverse passage and the drive/reverse passage wherein the check balls operate to pressurize the drive/reverse passage when either drive or reverse is selected.

Abstract: A fuel management control method for a hybrid electric vehicle drive having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor arranged in parallel such that both can propel the vehicle; the system including an electric motor driven fuel pump and a programmable microprocessor; and wherein the method further includes monitoring vehicle speed and sensing braking pressure and directing signals of both vehicle speed and braking to the microprocessor and processing such inputs in accordance with an aggressive fuel management program including shut-off of fuel flow to the gas engine in response to vehicle braking at vehicle speeds above a predetermined maximum hysteresis speed and maintaining the fuel shut off during vehicle coasting above a predetermined speed while controlling the electric motor to provide regenerative braking or vehicle start during such fuel shut off modes of operation.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a crankshaft having a helical spur gear mounted for rotation therewith and a balancer. The balancer includes a balancer housing and first and second balance shafts rotatably carried in the balancer housing about laterally spaced parallel axes. A first gear is mounted on the first balance shaft and driven by the helical spur gear at a speed determined by the crankshaft. A second gear is mounted on the second balance shaft for meshing engagement with the first gear for rotation in a direction opposite to the first gear. The helical spur gear and the first and second gears have teeth yielding an involute contact ratio of approximately 3 and a total contact ratio of approximately 5 to thereby reduce gear rattle. One of the balancer gears is aluminum and the other balancer gear is grey cast iron.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter of the type having a lock-up clutch plate that is operated in response to drive line conditions to connect the torque converter turbine and the torque converter impeller so as to provide a direct drive from an engine to a drive line transmission is modified to include a one way clutch that is connected between the impeller and the turbine and operative to free wheel during torque transfer from an engine to a transmission connected to the output from the torque converter and operative to lock up in the coast or back direction of drive to prevent engine stall during vehicle coasting maneuvers.