Abstract: A method includes forming a mixed vapor supply stream (MVSS) including measured amounts of water vapor, hydrocarbon vapor, and a carrier gas. For multiple target temperatures, the method includes (i) cooling the MVSS to form a first liquid stream and a mixed vapor outlet stream (MVOS), (ii) cooling the MVOS to condense vapor and form a second liquid stream, (iii) measuring an amount of a selected component in the second liquid stream, and (iv) calculating an amount of the selected component in the first liquid stream as the difference between the measured amounts of the selected component in the MVSS and the second liquid stream. The amount of the selected component as a function of the target temperature is analyzed to identify a lowest temperature at which the first liquid stream is expected to contain none of the selected component other than an amount soluble in the first liquid stream.

Abstract: A method includes forming a mixed vapor supply stream (MVSS) including measured amounts of water vapor, hydrocarbon vapor, and a carrier gas. For multiple target temperatures, the method includes (i) cooling the MVSS to form a first liquid stream and a mixed vapor outlet stream (MVOS), (ii) cooling the MVOS to condense vapor and form a second liquid stream, (iii) measuring an amount of a selected component in the second liquid stream, and (iv) calculating an amount of the selected component in the first liquid stream as the difference between the measured amounts of the selected component in the MVSS and the second liquid stream. The amount of the selected component as a function of the target temperature is analyzed to identify a lowest temperature at which the first liquid stream is expected to contain none of the selected component other than an amount soluble in the first liquid stream.

Abstract: An effective stress corrosion cracking (SCC) inhibiting amount of a corrosion inhibitor is added into a blend of fuel and ethanol that contacts a metal, wherein the corrosion inhibitor is an organic acid selected from citric acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, pyruvic acid, maleic acid, oxaloacetic acid, oxalosuccinic acid, ketoglutaric acid, isocitric acid, malic acid, aconitic acid, fumaric acid, isomers of these organic acids, and a combination thereof. For example, the corrosion inhibitors inhibit stress corrosion cracking of pipeline grade metal pipe at ethanol concentrations greater than fifteen percent. In one embodiment, the corrosion inhibitor is added into a blend of fuel and ethanol flowing through a pipeline at a plurality of injection points spaced apart along the length of the pipeline. In one option, the corrosion inhibitor is ammoniated to form the ammonium salt of the organic acid.

Abstract: A mobile gunner station is disclosed herein. The mobile gunner station includes an automotive vehicle, a pivot, and a pod. The automotive vehicle has a fore-aft axis and a seat on board for accommodating a driver. The pivot is mounted on board the automotive vehicle. The pod is rotatably mounted on the pivot for accommodating a gunner.

Abstract: A portable remote controller is disclosed herein. The remote controller is useful with a vehicle or other controlled device so that an operator can run all primary functions therewith from one hand while doing something else with the other hand. In some embodiments, the remote controller is readily dockable for storage, working with other applications, positioning and operation in a fixed remote location, or able to be passed to someone else for like usage.

Abstract: A suspension system for a track chassis on a vehicle with a rotatable drive axle is disclosed herein. The suspension system includes a track frame, a rotatable drive wheel, a plural number of support bars, a plural number of bogie wheels, and a closed-loop track. The track frame is mounted to the vehicle, and the drive wheel is in rotary communication with the drive axle of the vehicle. The support bars are pivotally attached in independent fashion to the frame, and multiple bogie wheels are rotatably mounted to each of the support bars. The track is looped about the drive wheel and the bogie wheels so as to engage the outer peripheries of the drive wheel and the bogie wheels.

Abstract: A ground vehicle is disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a body, a frame, at least one vehicle-stabilizing element, an adjustable axle assembly, two drive wheels, an actuation system, at least one attitude sensor, and an electronic controller. The body is mounted to the frame, and the frame has front and rear ends with a fore-aft axis extending therebetween. Each vehicle-stabilizing element is mounted at the front end of the frame, and the axle assembly is mounted at the rear end of the frame substantially orthogonal to the fore-aft axis. The drive wheels are rotatably mounted opposite each other at the ends of the axle assembly. The actuation system is capable of mechanically moving the axle assembly to thereby adjust the fore-aft positions of the drive wheels relative to the frame. The electronic controller is mounted to the body and electrically connected to the actuation system and each attitude sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle capable of traveling over uneven ground is disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a body, a frame, a pair of front wheels, an adjustable axle assembly, two pairs of rear wheels, and an actuation system. The body is mounted to the frame, and the frame has front and rear ends with a fore-aft axis extending therebetween. The front wheels are rotatably mounted opposite each other at the front end of the frame, and the adjustable axle assembly is mounted at the rear end of the frame substantially orthogonal to the fore-aft axis. The wheels in each of the two pairs of rear wheels are rotatably mounted opposite each other at the ends of the adjustable axle assembly. The actuation system is capable of mechanically moving the adjustable axle assembly to thereby adjust the fore-aft positions of the rear wheels relative to the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (14) for a frontal ingress and egress vehicle (10) includes one or more vehicle hand control modules (12). Each hand control module (12) includes a housing (20) that is multi-dimensionally position adjustable and has a stowed position and a deployed position. The housing (20) is clear of an entering area (56) of a vehicle control seat (30) or seats when in the stowed position for frontal ingress and egress by a vehicle operator. The housing (20) is in a fixed position forward of the vehicle operator or operators when in the deployed position, the vehicle operator being in a seated position. Multiple adjustment devices (146) are coupled to the housing (20) for mobility control of the vehicle (10).

Abstract: A vehicle with an actively adjustable axle system suitable for traveling over even or uneven terrain with a load is herein proposed.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for a chair device, such as a wheelchair, that is intended to engaged the frame of the wheelchair and lift and lower the wheelchair between a ground engaging position and an elevated position. The lift mechanism includes a lift arm having one end secured within and moveable with respect to a vehicle. The lift arm has another end which can extend outwardly of the vehicle to engage the chair device. The lift arm has a lift plate disposed adjacent the other end of the lift arm, which is intended to mate with or couple the frame of the wheelchair. The lift arm is in communication with an actuator which controls the movement of the lift arm between the ground engaging position and the elevated position. The lift mechanism utilizes a universal coupling system to effectuate elevation in vehicular transportation or architectural setting.

Abstract: A coupling device for a chair device, such as a wheelchair includes a bracket that is intended to be integrally incorporated in the chair device frame or secured to the frame of the wheelchair. The bracket has an attachment system formed by various elements thereof, which is intended for mating with a corresponding engagement device associated with a lift mechanism or a securing position. The attachment system is intended to mate with the corresponding engagement device to allow the wheelchair to be secured in position and then lifted to or lowered from an elevated position within a transportation vehicle or architectural setting while the wheelchair is occupied. The attachment system is additionally intended to universally mate to a corresponding engagement device for securing of a wheelchair in position.

Abstract: A knowledge management system and methods for crude oil refining are provided. The knowledge management system and methods enable information, such as crude oil characterizations, the experiences of processing crude oils in the refinery, problems encountered during the processing of crude oil in the refinery, and the treatments applied by personnel of the refinery to counteract those problems, to be captured, organized, and disseminated. The knowledge management system and methods for crude oil refining further provide a basis for running analytical models and other decision support applications to assess risks and financial impacts; thus, allowing users to make informed decisions for crude selection and treatment planning.