Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for generating and applying vehicle maintenance models to vehicle telematics data. A vehicle telematics analytics (VTA) computing device is configured to receive vehicle telematics data associated with operation of a subject vehicle, and apply the received vehicle telematics data to a vehicle maintenance model to determine whether the operation of the subject vehicle is better or worse than standard operation of like vehicles. The VTA computing device may adjust a maintenance cost and/or determine if a user of the vehicle is eligible for a reward based upon this determination. The VTA computing device is configured to transmit an itemized report to the user including the adjusted maintenance cost and/or the reward as well as one or more other vehicle costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a process for producing polymer fibers, typically polyacrylonitrile-based fibers, the properties of which are controlled by certain parameters of the process, such as the amount of jet stretch, the amount of wet stretch, and the amount of hot stretch employed. The present disclosure also relates to a process for producing carbon fiber from such polymer fibers.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, there is disclosed a method of controlling at least one illumination apparatus comprising a plurality of light sources operable to emit a plurality of different spectral distributions of light, each light source of the plurality of light sources operable to emit a respective one of the plurality of different spectral distributions of light, the method comprising compensating for a degradation of at least one of the plurality of light sources emitting one of the plurality of different spectral distributions of light, wherein compensating for the degradation of the at least one of the plurality of light sources comprises: increasing an electric power supplied to the at least one of the plurality of light sources; and reducing a difference between an overall spectral distribution of light emitted by the plurality of light sources and a desired overall spectral distribution of light.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing water content in a liquid mixture is described. The method includes using an direct column contact evaporator to reduce the water content in the liquid mixture. The liquid mixture is provided in the open column direct contact evaporator with relatively dry air. The dry air evaporates excess water from the liquid mixture to concentrate the liquid mixture while at the same time reducing the energy required for water evaporation elsewhere in the plant.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing water content in a liquid mixture is described. The method includes using an direct column contact evaporator to reduce the water content in the liquid mixture. The liquid mixture is provided in the open column direct contact evaporator with relatively dry air. The dry air evaporates excess water from the liquid mixture to concentrate the liquid mixture while at the same time reducing the energy required for water evaporation elsewhere in the plant.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling a first at least one illumination apparatus releasably connected to a first at least one of a plurality of connection regions of a first support body. The method involves controlling at least one characteristic of light emitted from the first at least one illumination apparatus in response to at least one measurement from a sensor apparatus. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling a first at least one illumination apparatus releasably connected to a first at least one of a plurality of connection regions of a first support body. The method involves controlling at least one characteristic of light emitted from the first at least one illumination apparatus in response to at least one measurement from a sensor apparatus. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thrust reverser drive arrangement is described for use in driving a thrust reverser cowl for movement relative to first and second guide tracks, the drive arrangement comprising a first actuator located, in use, close to the first guide track, and a second actuator located, in use, close to the second guide track, the actuators being arranged to be driven in synchronism and at the same speed by a drive motor to drive the cowl for movement, wherein at least one of the first and second actuators is provided with a load limiter to limit the transmission of loads through that actuator in the event that that actuator is subject to a compressive loading greater than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A thrust reverser drive arrangement is described for use in driving a thrust reverser cowl for movement relative to first and second guide tracks, the drive arrangement comprising a first actuator located, in use, close to the first guide track, and a second actuator located, in use, close to the second guide track, the actuators being arranged to be driven in synchronism and at the same speed by a drive motor to drive the cowl for movement, wherein at least one of the first and second actuators is provided with a load limiter to limit the transmission of loads through that actuator in the event that that actuator is subject to a compressive loading greater than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A new set of branched nanowire or nanotree structures and their fabrication process. Some structures have one or more of the following distinctions from other branched nanowires: (1) the trunk and branch diameter and branching number density can be changed along the trunk's length; (2) the branch's azimuthal direction can be controlled along the trunk's length; (3) the branch's diameter can be modulated along its length; (4) the crystal orientation and branches of the ensemble of nanowires can be aligned on a non-epitaxially matched substrate. The structures are made by a geometrically controlled kinetic growth method.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus, connectable to objects of different sizes, comprises: a first connection body comprising a first plurality of spaced-apart connectors and a second plurality of spaced-apart connectors; and a second connection body comprising a first connector and a second connector, the first connector connectable to and disconnectable from a first one of the first plurality of spaced-apart connectors, and the second connector connectable to and disconnectable from a first one of the second plurality of spaced-apart connectors. When the first connector is connected to the first one of the first plurality of spaced-apart connectors and when the second connector is connected to the first one of the second plurality of spaced-apart connectors, the first connection body and the second connection body define a region having a first size between the first connection body and the second connection body. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus, connectable to objects of different sizes, comprises: a first connection body comprising a first plurality of spaced-apart connectors and a second plurality of spaced-apart connectors; and a second connection body comprising a first connector and a second connector, the first connector connectable to and disconnectable from a first one of the first plurality of spaced-apart connectors, and the second connector connectable to and disconnectable from a first one of the second plurality of spaced-apart connectors. When the first connector is connected to the first one of the first plurality of spaced-apart connectors and when the second connector is connected to the first one of the second plurality of spaced-apart connectors, the first connection body and the second connection body define a region having a first size between the first connection body and the second connection body. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thrust reverser drive arrangement is described for use in driving a thrust reverser cowl for movement relative to first and second guide tracks, the drive arrangement comprising a first actuator located, in use, close to the first guide track, and a second actuator located, in use, close to the second guide track, the actuators being arranged to be driven in synchronism and at the same speed by a drive motor to drive the cowl for movement, wherein at least one of the first and second actuators is provided with a load limiter to limit the transmission of loads through that actuator in the event that that actuator is subject to a compressive loading greater than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A new set of branched nanowire or nanotree structures and their fabrication process. Some structures have one or more of the following distinctions from other branched nanowires: (1) the trunk and branch diameter and branching number density can be changed along the trunk's length; (2) the branch's azimuthal direction can be controlled along the trunk's length; (3) the branch's diameter can be modulated along its length; (4) the crystal orientation and branches of the ensemble of nanowires can be aligned on a non-epitaxially matched substrate. The structures are made by a geometrically controlled kinetic growth method.

Abstract: A thrust reverser drive arrangement for driving a thrust reverser cowl for movement relative to first and second guide tracks is described which comprises a first actuator located, in use, close to the first guide track, a second actuator located, in use, close to the second guide track, and a third actuator, the actuators being arranged to be driven in synchronism and at the same speed by a drive motor to drive the cowl for movement, the third actuator being of smaller size and/or weight than the first and second actuators, and wherein the third actuator is provided with a load limiter to limit the transmission of loads through the third actuator in the event that the third actuator is subject to a compressive loading greater than a predetermined level. The invention further relates to a load limiter device suitable for use in such an arrangement.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a first actuator arrangement operable to allow relative axial movement to occur between a first component and a second component, a second actuator arrangement operable to allow relative axial movement to occur between a third component and a fourth component, brake means operable to prevent extension of the first and/or second actuator arrangement, and damping means operable to control the rate of extension of at least one of the first and second actuator arrangements.

Abstract: A thrust reverser drive arrangement for driving a thrust reverser cowl for movement relative to first and second guide tracks is described which comprises a first actuator located, in use, close to the first guide track, a second actuator located, in use, close to the second guide track, and a third actuator, the actuators being arranged to be driven in synchronism and at the same speed by a drive motor to drive the cowl for movement, the third actuator being of smaller size and/or weight than the first and second actuators, and wherein the third actuator is provided with a load limiter to limit the transmission of loads through the third actuator in the event that the third actuator is subject to a compressive loading greater than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A thrust reverser drive arrangement is described for use in driving a thrust reverser cowl for movement relative to first and second guide tracks, the drive arrangement comprising a first actuator located, in use, close to the first guide track, and a second actuator located, in use, close to the second guide track, the actuators being arranged to be driven in synchronism and at the same speed by a drive motor to drive the cowl for movement, wherein at least one of the first and second actuators is provided with a load limiter to limit the transmission of loads through that actuator in the event that that actuator is subject to a compressive loading greater than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method for a responsive learning program in which a skills and knowledge base of an employee to successfully perform at his/her employment are utilized to determine various criteria of steps by which to manage, and improve the quality and efficiency of the employee's skill set and knowledge is presented. Utilizing commonalities of the skill and knowledge set and reusable components of the criteria steps throughout the methodology allows for linkages as between the criteria steps to be identified and utilized. Course programs containing varying modules, each having an independent number of lessons therein, are based upon the skill and knowledge set and the criteria steps, can be created for any business. Identification of the common elements and linkages between the employee skill sets and employment criteria allows for creation of a responsive learning program to be implemented in any business.