Abstract: One embodiment provides for a media playback device comprising a memory device to store instructions; one or more processors to execute the instructions stored on the memory device, the instructions to cause the one or more processors to provide a playback queue manager to manage one or more media playback queues including a set of media items associated with a scheduled event and a playback routing manager to determine an output destination for the set of media items based on context associated with the scheduled event, the playback routing manager to route output of playback of the set of media items to one or more of multiple different connected media playback devices based on the context associated with the scheduled event.

Abstract: A modular rail system for positioning a six axis robot about an auxiliary axis includes a plurality of rail sections which are selectively interconnected in order to provide a reconfigurable length about the auxiliary axis, and the six axis robot for movement with respect to the rail sections about the auxiliary axis. The rail sections may include a first end section positioned toward a first end of the auxiliary axis, a second end section positioned toward a second end of the auxiliary axis, and one or more intermediate sections positioned between the first and second end sections. The first end section, the intermediate sections and the second end section are interconnected along the auxiliary axis.

Abstract: A paint gun cleaner includes a spray unit mounted in an enclosure in spaced relation to an opening in the enclosure through which the paint gun to be cleaned is inserted. A ring shaped spray unit combines a solvent dispenser, which may be either a solvent knife generating a curtain of solvent in the central opening of the spray unit or a plurality of nozzles directing solvent onto the paint gun, with an air knife positioned between the solvent dispenser and the enclosure opening. The air knife directs air flow radially and axially inward to prevent escape of solvent, and to recirculate air mixed with solvent around the sides of the spray unit and through the space between the spray unit and enclosure opening to reduce the amount of ambient air which is drawn into and which must be separated from the solvent and dissolved paint before discharge.

Abstract: A vehicle door opener apparatus positioned in a work station such as a paint booth includes a rotary arm with its pivot axis substantially aligned with the door hinge axis in open and closed positions of the door. Harmonic control linkage provides smooth acceleration and deceleration of the door. A fixture pin is mounted on the lower surface of each door of the vehicle body for engagement by a gripper mechanism comprising a pair of elongated rail members supported on the free end of the arm. The rail members receive the fixture pin upon movement of the vehicle body into the work station. A system utilizing the apparatus includes a hydraulic power supply and a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly includes a solenoid valve which controls a rotary actuator of the apparatus in an on-off manner. The rotary actuator powers a drive link of the control linkage. Magnetic proximity switches provide status signals to a programmable controller which controls the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening a vehicle closure such as a deck lid or hood is positioned at a work station such as a paint booth and includes interconnected gripper and floating arms mounted for rotary movement between a parked position, a pick-up position and a full-open position corresponding to an open position of the closure. The closure is utilized as a member of a four-bar linkage. Arm control linkage provides a two-stage harmonic motion including smooth acceleration and deceleration of the closure after a gripper mechanism mounted on the free end of the gripper arm has received the closure at the pick-up position. A fixture is mounted on the closure for engagement by a pair of opposing fingers of the gripper mechanism. Gripper control linkage is connected to the arm control linkage to open and close the fingers of the gripper mechanism in synchronism with the motion of the gripper arm. A system utilizing the opener mechanism includes a hydraulic power supply and a manifold assembly.

Abstract: A supplementary fuel system adds gasoline to the induction passage of an ethanol fueled engine to start and sustain operation of the engine at low temperatures. The gasoline is added during cranking of the engine and in response to a rapid increase in induction passage pressure.

Abstract: To start an ethanol fueled engine at low temperatures, a pump sprays liquid ethanol into a PTC thermistor grid disposed in a vaporizer. The electric grid evaporates the liquid ethanol to provide sufficient ethanol vapor to start the engine.

Abstract: To restart an alcohol fueled engine at low temperatures, a quantity of liquid ethanol is supplied to a vaporizing chamber before the engine is stopped. When restarting the engine, some of the alcohol in the vaporizing chamber is delivered to an igniter, and the hot gases resulting from the burning alcohol are conducted past the vaporizing chamber to evaporate the liquid alcohol remaining in the vaporizing chamber. The alcohol vapor thus generated is conducted to the engine induction system to start the engine.

Abstract: A passive three-point lap and shoulder belt system has the outboard ends of the lap and shoulder belts mounted on the vehicle body door respectively adjacent the hip and shoulder of the occupant. A retractor mounted on the body generally adjacent the inboard hip of the occupant winds a control belt which is connected with the lap and shoulder belts at the juncture of their inboard ends to establish the lap and shoulder belts in their occupant restraining positions when the door is closed. A door mounted belt stiffener is encased within the lap belt and includes a plurality of stacked abutting elements normally hingedly movable relative one another to allow the lap belt to fall limp across the occupant lap.