Abstract: In various embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicle apparatuses are provided.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicle apparatuses are provided.

Abstract: A method for operating an exhaust gas recirculation system using rationality diagnostics for an automobile vehicle includes: estimating an oxygen storage content (OSC) of a catalytic converter of a vehicle; comparing an amount of oxygen stored in the catalytic converter to an OSC threshold; initiating a closed oxygen storage control (COSC) event for a predetermined one of multiple cylinders of an engine of a vehicle if the OSC threshold is met or exceeded, the COSC event targeting a rich air-fuel equivalence ratio (EQR) for the predetermined one of the multiple cylinders; and directing a fuel injector communicating with the predetermined one of the multiple cylinders to operate the predetermined one of the multiple cylinders at the rich EQR.

Abstract: A driver circuit drives a heater associated with a sensor in an exhaust system of a vehicle at a duty cycle. A feedback circuit generates a feedback signal indicating a temperature of the sensor. A ramp circuit outputs a first ramping set point indicating a first rate at which the temperature of the sensor is to be changed over a first time period after an engine of the vehicle is turned on, and a second ramping set point indicating a second rate at which the temperature of the sensor is to be changed after the first time period until the temperature of the sensor reaches a predetermined temperature. An error circuit generates first and second error signals based on the feedback signal and the first and second ramping set points. A controller controls the duty cycle of the driver circuit to drive the heater based on one or more gains.

Abstract: A method for operating an exhaust gas recirculation system using rationality diagnostics for an automobile vehicle includes: estimating an oxygen storage content (OSC) of a catalytic converter of a vehicle; comparing an amount of oxygen stored in the catalytic converter to an OSC threshold; initiating a closed oxygen storage control (COSC) event for a predetermined one of multiple cylinders of an engine of a vehicle if the OSC threshold is met or exceeded, the COSC event targeting a rich air-fuel equivalence ratio (EQR) for the predetermined one of the multiple cylinders; and directing a fuel injector communicating with the predetermined one of the multiple cylinders to operate the predetermined one of the multiple cylinders at the rich EQR.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting a vehicle stop event and/or operating a purge pump for a vehicle are disclosed. An example method includes providing a fuel vapor canister in fluid communication with a fuel tank of the vehicle, the fuel vapor canister configured to absorb fuel vapors from the fuel tank, and placing a purge pump in fluid communication with the fuel vapor canister, with the purge pump being configured to pump an external airflow into the canister. Some methods and systems may be directed to predicting a vehicle stop while the vehicle is moving based upon at least a model of vehicle speed, and initiating a vehicle response based upon the prediction. In some examples, a vehicle response includes reducing ambient noise emitted by the purge pump.

Abstract: An engine includes a plurality of combustion cylinders configured to burn a fuel to power the engine, and a plurality of fuel injectors. Each of the fuel injectors is arranged to distribute fuel delivered from a fuel tank to one of the plurality of combustion cylinders. The engine also includes a controller programmed to adjust a fuel trim signal gain based on sensing exhaust flow downstream of the combustion cylinders. The controller is also programmed to monitor a cumulative misfire count for each of the plurality of combustion cylinders. The controller is further programmed to issue a prognosis message identifying a state of health of at least one of the plurality of fuel injectors in response to a fuel trim signal gain exceeding an adjustment threshold and a cumulative misfire count greater than a misfire threshold.

Abstract: An engine includes a plurality of combustion cylinders configured to burn a fuel to power the engine, and a plurality of fuel injectors. Each of the fuel injectors is arranged to distribute fuel delivered from a fuel tank to one of the plurality of combustion cylinders. The engine also includes a controller programmed to adjust a fuel trim signal gain based on sensing exhaust flow downstream of the combustion cylinders. The controller is also programmed to monitor a cumulative misfire count for each of the plurality of combustion cylinders. The controller is further programmed to issue a prognosis message identifying a state of health of at least one of the plurality of fuel injectors in response to a fuel trim signal gain exceeding an adjustment threshold and a cumulative misfire count greater than a misfire threshold.

Abstract: An integrated filtration and detection device for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen includes a container defining a chamber therein. The container has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A filter is mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor is mounted in the chamber. The sensor is operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth.

Abstract: An integrated filtration and detection device for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen includes a container defining a chamber therein. The container has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A filter is mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor is mounted in the chamber. The sensor is operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth.

Abstract: An integrated filtration and detection device for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen includes a container defining a chamber therein. The container has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A filter is mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor is mounted in the chamber. The sensor is operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for isolating and culturing microorganisms from a bulk fluid sample. The device comprises a container having therein a polymeric immobilization layer having interstitial spaces between polymer chains such as a gel matrix. The interstitial spaces are of an average size less than an average size of microorganisms to be separated from the sample and cultured. A bulk fluid sample is applied to the immobilization layer where fluid is absorbed by the layer and microorganisms remain on the surface of the layer. After culturing, microorganism colonies are readily accessible on the surface of the layer for harvest and testing. The immobilization layer may contain one or more of nutrients for microorganisms growth, lytic agents, lytic enzymes, antibiotics, antibiotic neutralizers, indicators, detergents and selective agents. An adjacent support layer may be above and/or below the immobilization layer.

Abstract: A device and method allow for detecting the presence of microorganisms in clinical and non-clinical specimens. The device, a sensor, provides an environment to culture microbial organism colonies from a fluid sample, and a means to facilitate microbial detection and quantification, either manually or with an instrument. The sensor has a microorganism immobilization matrix layer and a sensor layer. Detected microbial colonies are immediately available for further testing. The sensor provides an area for accepting a fluid sample, a mechanism to immobilize the fluid sample on an interior surface of the plate, nutrients to facilitate growth of microorganisms in the sample, and a sensor for allowing the detection and/or enumeration of microorganism colonies within the sample.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for isolating and culturing microorganisms from a bulk fluid sample. The device comprises a container having therein a polymeric immobilization layer having interstitial spaces between polymer chains such as a gel matrix. The interstitial spaces are of an average size less than an average size of microorganisms to be separated from the sample and cultured. A bulk fluid sample is applied to the immobilization layer where fluid is absorbed by the layer and microorganisms remain on the surface of the layer. After culturing, microorganism colonies are readily accessible on the surface of the layer for harvest and testing. The immobilization layer may contain one or more of nutrients for microorganisms growth, lytic agents, lytic enzymes, antibiotics, antibiotic neutralizers, indicators, detergents and selective agents. An adjacent support layer may be above and/or below the immobilization layer.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for isolating and culturing microorganisms from a bulk fluid sample. The device comprises a container having therein a polymeric immobilization layer having interstitial spaces between polymer chains such as a gel matrix. The interstitial spaces are of an average size less than an average size of microorganisms to be separated from the sample and cultured. A bulk fluid sample is applied to the immobilization layer where fluid is absorbed by the layer and microorganisms remain on the surface of the layer. After culturing, microorganism colonies are readily accessible on the surface of the layer for harvest and testing. The immobilization layer may contain one or more of nutrients for microorganism growth, lytic agents, lytic enzymes, antibiotics, antibiotic neutralizers, indicators, detergents and selective agents. An adjacent support layer may be above and/or below the immobilization layer.

Abstract: A device and method allow for detecting the presence of microorganisms in clinical and non-clinical specimens. The device, a sensor, provides an environment to culture microbial organism colonies from a fluid sample, and a means to facilitate microbial detection and quantification, either manually or with an instrument. The sensor has a microorganism immobilization matrix layer and a sensor layer. Detected microbial colonies are immediately available for further testing. The sensor provides an area for accepting a fluid sample, a mechanism to immobilize the fluid sample on an interior surface of the plate, nutrients to facilitate growth of microorganisms in the sample, and a sensor for allowing the detection and/or enumeration of microorganism colonies within the sample.

Abstract: Disposable plates for performing microbial antibiotic susceptibility testing with multiple channels can be inoculated with a microorganism and antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may be presented as a gradient of concentrations in the plate. The susceptibility testing plates are configured to allow viewing of microbial growth, and/or to be received in an automated instrument which analyzes same.

Abstract: A method for storing, organizing and providing remote electronic access to documents. A cover sheet including a standard set of identification data characterizing each document is developed and stored. A digital version of each document is created and stored by scanning each contract. Each digital version includes a scanned image and a searchable text file, wherein the text is overlaid with the image. An index of bookmarks identifying sections of the digital version of each document is generated. Selected fields of information are captured from the digital version of the document. The documents are organized and cross-referenced in a database that includes the captured information and additional information related to each document. Designated parties are alerted of critical dates associated with each document. Remote electronic access to the documents is provided over the internet.

Abstract: Disposable plates for performing microbial antibiotic susceptibility testing with multiple channels can be inoculated with a microorganism and antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may be presented as a gradient of concentrations in the plate. The susceptibility testing plates are configured to allow viewing of microbial growth, and/or to be received in an automated instrument which analyzes same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing microbial antibiotic susceptibility testing include disposable, multi-chambered susceptibility plates and an automated plate handler and image acquisition and processing instrument is described. The susceptibility plates are inoculated with a suitable microorganism such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae or viruses and anti-microbial agent(s) are applied that the microorganism is exposed to at a variety of concentrations or a gradient of each anti-microbial agent. The plates are then placed in the instrument, which monitors and measures the growth or lack thereof of the microorganisms. This data is used to determine the susceptibility of the microorganism to the antibiotics. Such a system automates anti-microbial susceptibility testing using solid media and Carbo-Bauer standardized result reporting. The system provides a level of automation previously associated only with broth micro dilution testing, while retaining the advantages of the manual disk diffusion test.