Abstract: Described herein is a multilayer microporous film or membrane that may exhibit improved properties, including improved dielectric break down and strength, compared to prior monolayer or tri-layer microporous membranes of the same thickness. The preferred multilayer microporous membrane comprises microlayers and one or more lamination interfaces or barriers. Also disclosed is a battery separator or battery comprising one or more of the multilayer microporous films or membranes. The inventive battery and battery separator is preferably safer and more robust than batteries and battery separators using prior monolayer and tri-layer microporous membranes. Also, described herein is a method for making the multilayer microporous separators, membranes or films described herein.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a component coated with a pollutant reduction catalyst configured to remove pollutants from a flow of air over the component, a catalyst temperature sensor coupled to the component, a general temperature sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and an active grille shutter (AGS) system having a plurality of movable grille shutters. A controller is configured to determine an efficiency of the pollutant reduction catalyst based on signals from the catalyst temperature sensor, the general temperature sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, and the AGS system.

Abstract: Work machines, drive assemblies for work machines, and methods of measuring torque of a driven component of a work machine are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a frame structure, a rotational power source supported by the frame structure, and a driven component supported by the frame structure that is coupled to the rotational power source to receive rotational power therefrom in use of the work machine. The driven component extends between a first end and a second end arranged opposite the first end. Additionally, the work machine includes a first encoder system coupled to the first end of the driven component, a second encoder system coupled to the second end of the driven component, and a control system supported by the frame structure that includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first encoder system and the second encoder system.

Abstract: Work machines, drive assemblies for work machines, and methods of measuring torque of a driven component of a work machine are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a frame structure, a rotational power source supported by the frame structure, and a driven component supported by the frame structure that is coupled to the rotational power source to receive rotational power therefrom in use of the work machine. The driven component extends between a first end and a second end arranged opposite the first end. Additionally, the work machine includes a first encoder system coupled to the first end of the driven component, a second encoder system coupled to the second end of the driven component, and a control system supported by the frame structure that includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first encoder system and the second encoder system.

Abstract: The system and method determines the torque applied to a rotating shaft by a load. A first sensor detects rotation of a first wheel and a second sensor detects rotation of a second wheel. A third sensor is proximate to the first sensor. A processor determines: 1) a magnitude of a phase angle (?A) based on the first and second sensors and having an unknown sign; 2) a magnitude of a phase angle (?B) based on the second and third sensors and having an unknown sign; and 3) a magnitude of a phase angle (?C) based on the first and third sensors and having a known sign. The processor determines a sign of the phase angle (?A) based on the values of the phase angles (?B) and (?C) and determines a torque value from the load applied to the shaft at least in part based on the magnitude and sign of the phase angle (?A).

Abstract: The system and method determines the torque applied to a rotating shaft by a load. A first sensor detects rotation of a first wheel and a second sensor detects rotation of a second wheel. A third sensor is proximate to the first sensor. A processor determines: 1) a magnitude of a phase angle (?A) based on the first and second sensors and having an unknown sign; 2) a magnitude of a phase angle (?B) based on the second and third sensors and having an unknown sign; and 3) a magnitude of a phase angle (?C) based on the first and third sensors and having a known sign. The processor determines a sign of the phase angle (?A) based on the values of the phase angles (?C) and (?C) and determines a torque value from the load applied to the shaft at least in part based on the magnitude and sign of the phase angle (?A).

Abstract: A method for designing a gear train having first and second enmeshed gears includes performing a first analysis with the first and second gears in a first configuration. The first analysis includes determining a first transmission error (TE) characteristic of the first configuration, and providing a first geometric representation of the first TE characteristic. The method also includes performing a second analysis with the first and second gears in a second configuration. The second analysis includes determining a second TE characteristic of the second configuration and providing a second geometric representation of the second TE characteristic. Moreover, the method includes providing a comparison of the first and second TE characteristics by providing a comparison of the first and second geometric representations.

Abstract: A system and method determines torque applied to a rotating shaft by a load. Two sensors determine the rotation of the shaft at two spaced-apart axial positions. Controller(s) analyze two pulse trains associated with signals received from the sensors corresponding to rotation of the shaft at the respective axial positions under the load. The controller(s) determine a delta phase value for each pulse of one pulse train with respect to a corresponding pulse of another pulse train, and aggregate each delta phase value for a prescribed period of pulses to determine an aggregate delta phase value. The controller(s) determine a load phase value as a ratio of the aggregate delta phase value to the prescribed period, a total delta phase value as a difference between the load phase value and a reference phase value, and a torque value from the load based on the total delta phase value and physical parameters of the shaft.

Abstract: A method for designing a gear train having first and second enmeshed gears includes performing a first analysis with the first and second gears in a first configuration. The first analysis includes determining a first transmission error (TE) characteristic of the first configuration, and providing a first geometric representation of the first TE characteristic. The method also includes performing a second analysis with the first and second gears in a second configuration. The second analysis includes determining a second TE characteristic of the second configuration and providing a second geometric representation of the second TE characteristic. Moreover, the method includes providing a comparison of the first and second TE characteristics by providing a comparison of the first and second geometric representations.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method determines torque applied to a rotating shaft by a load. Two sensors determine the rotation of the shaft at two spaced-apart axial positions. Controller(s) analyze two pulse trains associated with signals received from the sensors corresponding to rotation of the shaft at the respective axial positions under the load. The controller(s) determine a delta phase value for each pulse of one pulse train with respect to a corresponding pulse of another pulse train, and aggregate each delta phase value for a prescribed period of pulses to determine an aggregate delta phase value. The controller(s) determine a load phase value as a ratio of the aggregate delta phase value to the prescribed period, a total delta phase value as a difference between the load phase value and a reference phase value, and a torque value from the load based on the total delta phase value and physical parameters of the shaft.

Abstract: A rigid stand holds bag-in-box containers of liquid to be dispensed from an outlet near the bottom of the container. A platform suspends the containers above a support surface high enough so that the outlet is at least 12 centimeters above the support surface for a cup or glass to fit under the outlet. The stand includes a base panel for sitting on the support surface. Upstanding from first and second sides of the base panel are two wall panels. The platform affixed to each wall panel holds the platform at an angle of at least eight degrees from the base panel. Upstanding from the lower edge of the platform is a ridge that extends upwardly enough to hold the box from sliding forward but low enough to not interfere with dispensing.

Abstract: A liner of a cooler has sides extending upward to an inner shoulder. A platform assembly fits onto the inner shoulder of the cooler. The assembly provides a sanitary platform for ready access to ice cubes and/or cooled items below, a scoop for the ice, a lid(s) for closing the aperture(s) so that the larger cooler cover need not be opened and closed while dispensing cubes during drink or meal preparation. An aperture receives a container held by its rim for an ice scoop. The lid is provided with a tongue adapted to fit into a slot in the platform so as to enable the lid to stand upright out of the way when the aperture is open to receive or dispense cubes. A second aperture and lid may be provided for food/drink items with a partition to separate the items from the ice.

Abstract: A portable wine box bar has an insulated chamber with an open top, an insulated cover for the open top, and a horizontal shoulder on the inside wall near the top. A rigid panel fits on the shoulder. A support affixed to the panel supports bag-in box containers of wine with outlets supported above the panel high enough to allow containers to be supported on the panel while filling from the outlet. Perforations in the panel and a drip tray below the tap outlet capture spills. A panel aperture permits access to items such as soft drinks stored in the chamber. When not in use, the panel may be inverted and returned to the shoulder. With the cover in place it is insulated, secure, and transportable.

Abstract: A liner of a cooler has sides extending upward to an inner shoulder. A platform assembly fits onto the inner shoulder of the cooler. The assembly provides a sanitary platform for ready access to ice cubes and/or cooled items below, a scoop for the ice, a lid(s) for closing the aperture(s) so that the larger cooler cover need not be opened and closed while dispensing cubes during drink or meal preparation. An aperture receives a container held by its rim for an ice scoop. The lid is provided with a tongue adapted to fit into a slot in the platform so as to enable the lid to stand upright out of the way when the aperture is open to receive or dispense cubes. A second aperture and lid may be provided for food/drink items with a partition to separate the items from the ice.

Abstract: A torque measurement device associated with a power driven ground engaging device having a power supplying device and a load. The torque measurement device includes a rotatable shaft, a first detectable feature, a second detectable feature, a plurality of sensors and an electrical controller. The rotatable shaft has a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the power supplying device and the second end is connected to the load. The first and second detectable features are respectively associated with a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position on the shaft. The plurality of sensors include a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is proximate to the first detectable feature and the second sensor is proximate to the second detectable feature. The first sensor produces a first signal and the second sensor produces a second signal as the rotatable shaft rotates about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A portable insulated cooler has a bottom space adapted to hold ice cubes. A removable perforated panel suspended over the bottom space separates the bottom space from a central cooled storage area. A removable frame suspended above the central cooled areas holds ice cube containing flasks. Each flask has a large closable opening in its upper broad flat face to easily receive ice cubes. The lower broad face of the flask forms a cooling upper margin of the central cooled area so that the contents of the area are cooled from both top and bottom. The flasks have a flange around the upper face to rest upon the frame, while most of the flask is below the frame. This enables the insulated cooler top to close. By cooling from both top and bottom, the central area is more uniformly cooled. Opening the cooler top to access the central area creates less heat gain than with prior art devices.

Abstract: A portable draft bar has an insulated chamber with an open top, an insulated cover for the open top, and a horizontal shoulder on the inside wall near the top. A rigid panel fits on the shoulder. At least one beverage tap mounted on the panel extends above the open top, with a drip tray below the tap outlet. A cooling coil within the chamber connects the tap inlet to a pressurized beverage container, with chamber ice cooling the coil. When not in use, the panel may be inverted and returned to the shoulder. With the cover in place and the container disconnected, the device is secure and transportable.

Abstract: A two-layer secondary carpet backing including a woven scrim layer and a fibrous layer is described. The woven scrim layer is characterized as having a low open area and a flat weave. The two-layer secondary backing is capable of having a non-abrasive, textile back surface. The secondary carpet backing is also capable of having a construction that permits high carpet manufacturing speeds due to high air permeability and is capable of providing high dimensional stability, seam strength, and delamination strength to tufted carpets made therefrom.

Abstract: A torque measurement device associated with a power driven ground engaging device having a power supplying device and a load. The torque measurement device includes a rotatable shaft, a first detectable feature, a second detectable feature, a plurality of sensors and an electrical controller. The rotatable shaft has a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the power supplying device and the second end is connected to the load. The first and second detectable features are respectively associated with a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position on the shaft. The plurality of sensors include a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is proximate to the first detectable feature and the second sensor is proximate to the second detectable feature. The first sensor produces a first signal and the second sensor produces a second signal as the rotatable shaft rotates about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A stand for coolers or insulated ice chests can be readily assembled and disassembled for transport and storage without tools. Front and rear frame members of bent tubing are joined to side members of bent tubing by threaded fasteners and wing nuts. The stand may be provided with wheels. It may be provided with a first bottle rack that is suspended from its front member. A second bottle rack may be suspended from a side frame member.