Abstract: A thermal accumulator assembly (TAA) for a vehicle waste heat recovery system (WHRS) utilizing a two-phase coolant includes a hermetically sealed housing having a separator plate dividing an interior of the housing into a higher pressure first chamber and a lower pressure second chamber. A pressure control valve is disposed between the first and second chambers. A first inlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to receive a first flow of coolant. A first outlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to a second flow of liquid coolant to a heat generating component in the WHRS. A second inlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to receive a third flow of heated coolant from the heat generating component. A second outlet port is connected to the second chamber and configured to supply a fourth flow of vapor coolant to the WHRS.

Abstract: A thermal accumulator assembly (TAA) for a vehicle waste heat recovery system (WHRS) utilizing a two-phase coolant includes a hermetically sealed housing having a separator plate dividing an interior of the housing into a higher pressure first chamber and a lower pressure second chamber, and an expander generator disposed between the first and second chambers and including an expander operably coupled to a motor generator. The first chamber is configured as a reservoir for the two-phase coolant, and the expander is configured to receive a flow of vapor coolant from the first chamber to generate power via the motor generator.

Abstract: A thermal accumulator assembly (TAA) for a vehicle waste heat recovery system (WHRS) utilizing a two-phase coolant includes a hermetically sealed housing having a separator plate dividing an interior of the housing into a higher pressure first chamber and a lower pressure second chamber. A pressure control valve is disposed between the first and second chambers. A first inlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to receive a first flow of coolant. A first outlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to a second flow of liquid coolant to a heat generating component in the WHRS. A second inlet port is connected to the first chamber and configured to receive a third flow of heated coolant from the heat generating component. A second outlet port is connected to the second chamber and configured to supply a fourth flow of vapor coolant to the WHRS.

Abstract: A thermal accumulator assembly (TAA) for a vehicle waste heat recovery system (WHRS) utilizing a two-phase coolant includes a hermetically sealed housing having a separator plate dividing an interior of the housing into a higher pressure first chamber and a lower pressure second chamber, and an expander generator disposed between the first and second chambers and including an expander operably coupled to a motor generator. The first chamber is configured as a reservoir for the two-phase coolant, and the expander is configured to receive a flow of vapor coolant from the first chamber to generate power via the motor generator.

Abstract: An assembly includes an airbag, a trim panel, and an airbag container having a sidewall defining a cavity receiving the airbag. The airbag container has an opening through which the airbag is deployable. A flexible membrane cover extends over the opening. A spacer portion is coupled to the membrane cover. The spacer portion is configured to extend proud of the sidewall. The spacer portion resides within a gap between the trim panel and the airbag container and touches the trim panel to resist deflection of the trim panel.

Abstract: A torsion shaft for a seat belt retractor assembly, the torsion shaft being connectable at a first location to a spool for receiving a seat belt and connectable at a second location to a locking mechanism, the first and second locations being spaced apart along a length of the torsion shaft, wherein the torsion shaft is configured to deform when a torsion force is applied between the first and second locations during an impact event, wherein the torsion shaft comprises a cavity and a fluid is provided in said cavity so as to support the torsion shaft as the torsion shaft deforms during the impact event.

Abstract: A torsion shaft for a seat belt retractor assembly, the torsion shaft being connectable at a first location to a spool for receiving a seat belt and connectable at a second location to a locking mechanism, the first and second locations being spaced apart along a length of the torsion shaft, wherein the torsion shaft is configured to deform when a torsion force is applied between the first and second locations during an impact event, wherein the torsion shaft comprises a cavity and a fluid is provided in said cavity so as to support the torsion shaft as the torsion shaft deforms during the impact event.

Abstract: An assembly includes an airbag, a trim panel, and an airbag container having a sidewall defining a cavity receiving the airbag. The airbag container has an opening through which the airbag is deployable. A flexible membrane cover extends over the opening. A spacer portion is coupled to the membrane cover. The spacer portion is configured to extend proud of the sidewall. The spacer portion resides within a gap between the trim panel and the airbag container and touches the trim panel to resist deflection of the trim panel.

Abstract: A magnetically attached mattress and foundation system comprising a foundation containing a magnetic portion and a mattress containing a magnetic portion. The magnetic portions each contain magnetizable or magnetically responsive materials.

Abstract: A magnetically attached building composite containing at least a first building component and a second building component. The first building component has an upper surface and a lower surface, where the lower surface of the first building component comprises magnetizable or magnetically responsive materials. The second building component has an upper surface and a lower surface, where the upper surface of the second building component is adjacent the lower surface of the first building component, and wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the second building component comprise magnetizable or magnetically responsive materials. At least one of the lower surface of the first building component and the upper surface of the second building component comprise magnetizable materials.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

Abstract: A sensing and injury mitigation system for a vehicle to identify an object in an impact event is disclosed. The system includes an impact sensing unit comprising an impact sensor and a pressure sensing unit. The impact sensor has fluid-filled first and second tube portions. The pressure sensing unit has a housing and first and second pressure sensors located within the housing. The first tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the first pressure sensor and the second tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing unit senses changes in fluid pressure within the tubes. In one embodiment, the tube portions of the impact sensor define a loop. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a portion of the second tube portion share a common axis.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

Abstract: An industrial process control field device includes a process variable transducer configured to sense or control a process variable. Field device circuitry is configured to couple to the process variable transducer and communicate information related to the process variable to another location. The field device circuitry includes an optical isolator having transmit circuitry on a first side of a galvanic isolation configured to transmit an optical signal which is pulsed on and off across the isolation. Receive circuitry is located on a second side of galvanic isolation and configured to receive the optical signal with an optical sensor. The optical sensor enters an “on” state when it receives a pulse and is otherwise in an “off” state. The receive circuitry provides a secondary side output based upon the received optical signal. The receive circuitry enters in a low power state when the optical sensor is in the “off” state.

Abstract: A sensing and injury mitigation system for a vehicle to identify an object in an impact event is disclosed. The system includes an impact sensing unit comprising an impact sensor and a pressure sensing unit. The impact sensor has fluid-filled first and second tube portions. The pressure sensing unit has a housing and first and second pressure sensors located within the housing. The first tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the first pressure sensor and the second tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing unit senses changes in fluid pressure within the tubes. In one embodiment the tube portions of the impact sensor define a loop. In another embodiment at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a portion of the second tube portion share a common axis.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a user to schedule a recording of a program by a digital video recorder (“DVR”) using a notice such as an advertisement, or other program notification, whether provided in print or served electronically, by engaging a user-engagable link in the notice is disclosed. The user-engagable link accesses a scheduler interface for presenting users with a process for scheduling a DVR recording. The scheduler interface is further used to determine user attributes, DVR provider information and set up account and access information and may be implemented using either a universal user interface that is common to all DVRs, customized for the user, customized for the DVR provider, or any other configuration desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the counting of cans and bottles as they are deposited into a receptacle. The device comprises an adjustable means for attaching onto a trash receptacle and hold the same above the receptacle in order to deposit cans and bottles through the device and thereafter within the receptacle. Further, a counter is provided for numerically representing each can or bottle deposited within the receptacle. When the trashcan or bin is full or ready to be emptied, an individual can view the counter in order to know how many cans or bottles are contained within the receptacle prior to recycling. The device, therefore, offers a convenient way to count deposited bottles, eliminates the need to manually count bottles, and offers a practical way to encourage people to recycle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprises a vehicle seat comprising a rigid frame, one or more resilient portions and a covering material, wherein an openable deployment seam is provided at a portion of the covering material, and wherein the vehicle seat defines a recess. An airbag module is provided within the recess and comprises a housing, an airbag and an inflator system. Also provided is gripping means which is movable between a first position and a second position in which the portion of the covering material is restrained to assist deployment of the airbag through the deployment seam.

Abstract: An industrial process control field device includes a process variable transducer configured to sense or control a process variable. Field device circuitry is configured to couple to the process variable transducer and communicate information related to the process variable to another location. The field device circuitry includes an optical isolator having transmit circuitry on a first side of a galvanic isolation configured to transmit an optical signal which is pulsed on and off across the isolation. Receive circuitry is located on a second side of galvanic isolation and configured to receive the optical signal with an optical sensor. The optical sensor enters an “on” state when it receives a pulse and is otherwise in an “off” state. The receive circuitry provides a secondary side output based upon the received optical signal. The receive circuitry enters in a low power state when the optical sensor is in the “off” state.