Abstract: A continuous wave Light Detection and Ranging (CW LiDAR) system utilizes two or more laser frequencies and time or range shifted pseudorandom noise (PN) codes to discriminate between the laser frequencies. The performance of these codes can be improved by subtracting out the bias before processing. The CW LiDAR system may be mounted to an artificial satellite orbiting the earth, and the relative strength of the return signal for each frequency can be utilized to determine the concentration of selected gases or other substances in the atmosphere.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an analytical system for generating and accessing arguments is disclosed. Each argument is associated with a conclusion indicating whether a particular situation will likely have a negative or positive result. One embodiment of the analytical system includes a database for storing a plurality of templates, each template including a plurality of questions which may be answered to generate a particular argument having an associated conclusion that is based on those answers. The analytical system also includes an argument server that includes means for a user to select a template that is most relevant to a particular situation, means for receiving answers to one or more of the selected template's questions such that a new argument is generated having a conclusion based on those answers, and means for associating supporting evidence provided by the user with each answer.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle is provided that includes a structural enclosure configured to attach to both first and second spaced battery module housings while spanning the gap between the spaced battery module housings. The structural enclosure is configured to support power electronics and is configured to allow connection of the power electronics to the battery modules through the structural enclosure. A method of servicing vehicles and a method of manufacturing vehicles is also provided.

Abstract: A system for generating a model for tracking a changing dimension feature of data in a business model includes a memory for storing the business model and a computer readable code for modeling the changes in the changing dimension feature and a processor for executing the computer readable code to perform method steps including capturing the changing dimension feature of the business model, transforming the changing dimension feature into a data warehouse model corresponding the business model, identifying changing dimensions and attributes in the changing dimension feature according to the data warehouse model, and generating a run-time deployable component for tracking the changing dimension feature based on the identified changing dimensions and attributes.

Abstract: A method for producing acoustical panels with a three-dimensional surface bonds stacks of design pieces to a flat panel. A layer of adhesive is applied over the assembly, and then a fabric layer is applied over the assembly to bond the fabric over the panel and design pieces.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a battery management system that has a plurality of loads connected in electrical series with one another, and a controller operatively connected to the plurality of loads. A first battery pack has battery cells connected in electrical series with respect to one another to establish a system voltage. The first battery pack is connected in electrical parallel to the plurality of loads. The controller is operable to balance charges of the battery cells by activating selected ones of the loads. The battery management system and the first battery pack are configured such that an additional battery pack with additional battery cells connected in electrical series with respect to one another or an additional load pack with additional loads connected in electrical series with respect to one another is connectable to the battery management system. A method of managing battery capacity is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for a gate valve between chambers includes a valve housing defining a flow path. A male valve portion is rotatable on a fixed axis in the housing. The male valve portion including a first male mating surface positioned at a first angle less than perpendicular to the axis. A female valve portion is fixed in the valve housing for receiving the male portion. The female valve portion including a first female mating surface positioned at a second angle matching the first angle. An o-ring seals the male valve portion to the female valve portion when the male valve portion is rotated into the female valve portion. A polished surface contacts the o-ring when the male valve portion is rotated. When the male valve portion is rotated into the female valve portion the o-ring is compressed thereby sealing the gate valve and closing the flow path.

Abstract: A continuous wave Light Detection and Ranging (CW LiDAR) system utilizes two or more laser frequencies and time or range shifted pseudorandom noise (PN) codes to discriminate between the laser frequencies. The performance of these codes can be improved by subtracting out the bias before processing. The CW LiDAR system may be mounted to an artificial satellite orbiting the earth, and the relative strength of the return signal for each frequency can be utilized to determine the concentration of selected gases or other substances in the atmosphere.

Abstract: An accessory drive system for a vehicle comprises an electric motor adapted for receiving power from a battery and a least one accessory component for the vehicle. A serpentine belt is connected the motor and to the at least one accessory component such that the motor drives the at least one accessory component. A frame supports the electric motor and the at least one accessory component.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a drive sub-system having an engine and a first motor and a generator sub-system having a transmission and a second motor. The transmission for the vehicle is driven with the first motor, the second motor and the engine individually and in combination such that the vehicle may selectively operate in a serial hybrid mode and a parallel hybrid mode.

Abstract: A battery module for a vehicle comprises a first portion adapted to be mounted to a vehicle and a second portion mounted to a battery box. A first pair of high voltage electrical connectors is mounted to the first portion and a second pair of high voltage electrical connectors are mounted to the second portion. The first pair of high voltage electrical connectors are configured to mate with the second pair of high voltage electrical connectors. Additionally, a first general electrical connector is mounted to the first portion of the battery box and a second general electrical connector is mounted to the second portion of the battery box. The first general electrical connector is configured to mate with the second general electrical connector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to brass-wind mouthpieces (20), and in particular brass-wind mouthpieces (20) configured for improved performance and endurance. One aspect of the invention provides that the lateral shoulders (38) of the mouthpiece (20) rim (24), which respectively would face the corners of the musician's lips when the mouthpiece (20) is in use, slope outwardly away from the proximate end of the mouthpiece (20) cup (22).

Abstract: The invention is a dual spreading link mechanism for application with gate valves. The invention also extends to gate valves employing the inventive dual spreading link. In one application to pendulum gate valves, a valve carriage assembly moves in a pendular manner within a gate valve housing and operates to seal off the flow channel of the housing. The valve carriage assembly is comprised of a valve plate having a valve seat face for engaging with the housing in a sealing manner, a tensioning member which along with a plurality of clip springs provides a contracting force to the valve carriage assembly, and an actuating member which moves laterally within the carriage assembly to alternately spread and contract the assembly. The actuating member is stacked between the valve plate and tensioning member and the actuating member is coupled to the valve plate and tensioning member by a plurality of oblong rotatable links which comprise the dual spreading link.

Abstract: A tuyere assembly for directing air and one or more fluid hydrocarbons into a cavity in a blast furnace. The tuyere assembly includes a blowpipe portion with a conduit defining a bore through which the air is directed. The tuyere assembly also includes a tuyere with a chamber defined by one or more walls thereof, the chamber being in fluid communication with the cavity of the blast furnace, and the chamber of the tuyere and the bore of the blowpipe portion form an internal cavity of the tuyere assembly. Also, the tuyere assembly includes one or more injector subassemblies having one or more outlet ends, each outlet end being adapted for directing the hydrocarbon into the internal cavity for combustion thereof to provide a flame substantially having a preselected flame configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to brass-wind mouthpieces (20), and in particular brass-wind mouthpieces (20) configured for improved performance and endurance. One aspect of the invention provides that the lateral shoulders (38) of the mouthpiece (20) rim (24), which respectively would face the corners of the musician's lips when the mouthpiece (20) is in use, slope outwardly away from the proximate end of the mouthpiece (20) cup (22).

Abstract: The present invention may be used for anchoring a watercraft. A mooring device may have a ground penetrating device attached at a first end of an elongated rod and a slide hammer attached at a second end of the elongated rod. A mooring line may be attached at a first end of the ground penetrating device and may be attachable at a second end to a boat and fixed in length by a rope lock.

Abstract: An article carrying device is provided for balancing upon a single shoulder of a person. The device includes front and back extended end members having a plurality of clips provided along middle and distal portions of the ends members. The clips secure packages to the article carrying device such that when packages of equal weights are attached to both ends of the carrying device, the device balances upon the shoulder of the person and does not require human hand intervention to maintain its position. The article carrying device is interchangeable and can be employed on either shoulder of the person. A hinge mechanism can be provided at an apex of the device for permitting the collapse of said device for transport or storage when not is use.

Abstract: Methods to produce polymeric microparticles containing nanoparticles such, as pigments, dyes and other chromophores for cosmetic use, plastic surgery therapeutic use, and tattoos have been developed. The microparticles contain within the polymer a very uniform dispersion of dye particles. The methods by which the particles are made ensure a homogeneous mixture and high loading. The microparticles are made using air, one of a number of known methods such as phase inversion, solvent evaporation, and melt processing. The improvement is in the use of a method that makes, a stable dispersion of the nanoparticles in the liquid polymer before formation of the microparticles.

Abstract: An apparatus for a gate valve between chambers includes a valve housing defining a flow path. A male valve portion is rotatable on a fixed axis in the housing. The male valve portion including a first male mating surface positioned at a first angle less than perpendicular to the axis. A female valve portion is fixed in the valve housing for receiving the male portion. The female valve portion including a first female mating surface positioned at a second angle matching the first angle. An o-ring seals the male valve portion to the female valve portion when the male valve portion is rotated into the female valve portion. A polished surface contacts the o-ring when the male valve portion is rotated. When the male valve portion is rotated into the female valve portion the o-ring is compressed thereby sealing the gate valve and closing the flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide in a hydrogen-rich fluid. The apparatus utilizes one or more reactors that are dimensioned to optimize the exothermic oxidation reaction and the transfer of heat to and from the catalyst bed. A reactor of the apparatus has an elongated cylindrical catalyst bed and heat transfer means adjacent the catalyst bed. The heat transfer means is suitable for pre-heating the catalyst bed during start-up operations and for removing the heat from the catalyst bed during the oxidation reaction. One or more reactors of different dimensions may be utilized depending upon the pressure of the hydrogen-rich fluid to be directed into the apparatus and the pressure requirements for the carbon monoxide-depleted fluid exiting the apparatus. For instance, in low pressure operations where it may be desirable to minimize the pressure drop across the apparatus, two or more reactors having relatively smaller dimensions can be utilized.