Abstract: Synergistic combinations of extended chain surfactants and co-surfactants, emulsions or microemulsions and cleaning compositions incorporating the same are provided. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended nonionic surfactants, and a linker surfactant. This system forms stable emulsions or microemulsions with oils, including non-trans fats and fatty acids and these emulsions or microemulsions are stable, irreversible and can be created at low temperature. The cleaning compositions may include the surfactant system alone, a stable emulsion or microemulsion with oil and the surfactant system, a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or soft surface and hard surface cleaning compositions comprising the surfactant combination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials such as a coating, comprising a lipolytic enzyme or organophosphrous compound degrading enzyme. Also disclosed herein are methods of visually detecting enzyme activity in a coating by contacting the coating with a substrate of an enzyme and a visual indicator that changes appearance upon production of a product of enzyme activity on a tack-free coating surface.

Abstract: A system for easily transferring an intraocular lens (IOL) from an inserter into a patient's eye. The system includes an inserter handpiece with a holding station for receiving or storing an IOL. The IOL may be pre-loaded within the holding station during manufacture, and the inserter handpiece coupled to a delivery tube so that the entire system is ready for use by a surgeon to implant an IOL. The IOL may have an optic and leading and trailing haptics coupled to the optic, and the holding station may be capable of manipulating the haptics as desired to facilitate transfer of the IOL through the delivery tube into the eye. For instance, the holding station may fold one or both of the haptics over the optic. Preferably, the holding station maintains the haptics in their folded positions during transfer of the IOL into the delivery tube. The holding station desirably maintains the IOL in a relaxed configuration during storage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.

Abstract: An energy recovery apparatus for use in a refrigeration system, comprises an intake port, a nozzle, a turbine and a discharge port. The intake port is adapted to be in fluid communication with a condenser of a refrigeration system. The nozzle is configured to expand refrigerant discharged from the condenser and increase velocity of the refrigerant as it passes through the nozzle. The turbine is positioned relative to the nozzle and configured to be driven by refrigerant discharged from the nozzle. The discharge port is downstream of the turbine and is configured to be in fluid communication with an evaporator of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: Tracking use of a destination location is disclosed. A unique identifier of a first vehicle based on a sensor located within the first vehicle is received. Next, based on a first location of the first vehicle received based on a sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle is occupying the destination location at a second time. Next, based on a second location of the first vehicle received based on the sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle has left the destination location at a third time. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle began use of the destination location at the second time and that the first vehicle completed use of the destination location at the third time.

Abstract: A gravity feed solution distribution system for use with surface maintenance and conditioning machines includes front and rear counter-rotating brush rollers within a shroud, a manifold having delivery ports and disposed within the shroud above the counter-rotating brush rollers, an agitating blade extending from an inner surface of the shroud and underneath the manifold to contact the front counter-rotating brush roller, and a baffle extending downward from an inner surface of the shroud above the front counter-rotating brush roller to contact the front counter-rotating brush roller.

Abstract: A laser apparatus comprises a pump laser device, and a polarizing optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, with the polarizing optical fiber coupled to the pump laser device at the proximal end. At least one output reflector is written on the polarizing optical fiber toward the distal end. Only one polarization mode is supported when a laser beam is transmitted through the polarizing optical fiber from the pump laser device.

Abstract: A low-profile retractable cord system in which a line is attached to a pair of retractor mechanisms located in the sides of an article to be carried (such as a briefcase, a purse, a handbag, suitcase, tote, bag, knapsack, sports bag, gym bag, etc.). The line is high-tensile braided line threaded out through eyelets which are offset inwardly and downwardly from the upper corners of the article to be carried. This way, the line and shoulder pad attached thereto lie flat along the carried article. Various retractor mechanisms are shown, including an opposed pair of coil-spring-biased reels, opposed independent pulley mechanisms, or a common pulley mechanism. An alternate embodiment employs a single retractor mechanism and line for a single loop-handle is also shown.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and fabrication relating to adaptive performance optimization of a plurality of components in view of power consumption and demand, component activity, and thermal events. A method may comprise allocating a first power budget to a first component of an apparatus, wherein the first power budget is less than a maximum power required by the first component; applying at least a portion of a borrowable power budget, wherein the borrowable power budget equals the maximum power required by the first component minus the first power budget, to a second component of the apparatus; and increasing the first power budget of the first component, in response to a first number or more of thermal events occurring in a first time period.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for providing an advertisement in correspondence with a radio broadcast are provided. A radio broadcast receiver receives the radio broadcast. An audio output outputs the radio broadcast as an audio signal. A display controller determines an advertisement for display in correspondence with the audio signal. A display is configured to display the advertisement, and a processor controls a movement within the advertisement during the display of the advertisement on the display. The movement is controlled in accordance with a speed of motion determined by the processor.

Abstract: A golf hall dimple having a plurality of arms wherein each arm includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, side walls, and a sloped floor. The dimples of the invention may be included in a dimple pattern that may also include other types of dimples.

Abstract: A process for upgrading brown coal having a first water content including subjecting the brown coal to a conditioning step which includes heating the brown coal to a first temperature to produce a conditioned brown coal having a second water content which is lower than the first water content; attritioning the conditioned brown coal to enable water to be released from the microstructure of the brown coal and thereby producing an admixture of the brown coal and released water; forming aggregates of the admixture; drying the aggregates to produce upgraded brown coal having a third water content which is lower than the second water content.

Abstract: Bituminous paving mixtures containing lubricating agents or additives may be prepared at hot mix temperatures and cooled, paved and compacted at temperatures 10-55° C. lower than the hot mix temperatures. The increased temperature range between the hot mix temperatures and the paving and compacting temperatures is facilitated by the improved compacting properties of the paving mixture when it includes the lubricating agents or additives.

Abstract: A method and system for temporarily disabling vehicle wireless services to prevent a third-party such as a bailee from using one or more vehicle wireless services without authorization. The wireless services may accrue cellular data charges to the vehicle user's account. The method includes configuring a telematics unit to identify a valet event, determining the occurrence of the valet event at the telematics unit, and initiating a valet mode in the vehicle based on the determination. In the valet mode, the vehicle wireless services may be temporarily disabled.

Abstract: A personalization device is adapted to be placed on a surface of a personal item. The device includes a medallion having markings thereon, a holding member having a front surface configured to receive and hold the medallion; and attachment means for attaching the medallion to the holding member. The attachment means is formed on the front surface of the holding member.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a premises based system is provided. The control apparatus has an improved memory and processor configuration for separate operation of the life safety and life style code so that the operation of the life style code may be changed without changing the operation of the life safety code, such as through the use of a virtual machine or code running at a single operating system layer. The memory may store life safety code in a first partition and life style code in a second partition. The life style code may be updated while life safety code continues to run.

Abstract: A protective cap having finger grips, a window, and port. The protective cap may also have one or more clips (or snaps), one or more relief slots, and/or one or more guides. Protective cap 200 may also have a fill indicator and/or a material relief. An insertion system having a handpiece, a pushrod assembly, a cartridge, and a cap with a window and a port. The cap is configured and dimensioned to couple with the distal end of the cartridge. The insertion system may also have a pushrod with a plunger having a marker configured and dimensioned to indicate axially translation of the pushrod assembly within the handpiece.

Abstract: A solar cell configuration that is comprised of two individual solar cells mounted on a common, rigid, electrical insulator and such that the photoactive sides of the two solar cells are opposite each other and where these elements are integrated into one combined unit and wired together in series or parallel or wired to separate devices and where the electrical insulator may further provide structural integrity to the whole device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for safely powering an appliance user interface without external power are provided. One exemplary method includes receiving power generated by rotation of a rotor. The method further includes monitoring for the presence of a safety condition and disabling passive braking of the rotor when the safety condition is present such that the user interface of an appliance is powered. An exemplary washing machine can include a basket and a motor which includes a rotor, the motor being configured to rotate the basket by rotating the rotor. The washing machine can further include a user interface and a motor control circuit configured to drive the motor. The motor control circuit can be further configured to receive power generated by rotation of the rotor, monitor for the presence of a safety condition, and disable passive braking of the rotor when the safety condition is present.